Man dies in Silver Creek Township crash
A 50-year-old Dowagiac man died Wednesday after hitting a tree.
The Cass County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded at 4:35 p.m. Sept. 9 near the intersection of Garrett Road and M-152 in Silver Creek Township.
Investigators identified him as Brett Daniel Underwood. He was driving west on Garrett Road from M-152 when he lost control, hit a tree and was thrown from the vehicle. He died at the scene.
Alcohol and speed were factors in the crash and the driver was not wearing a seat belt, according to the sheriff’s office.
The crash remains under investigation.
Michigan no-fault benefits after a fatal single-vehicle crash
Michigan no-fault benefits may be available after a fatal single vehicle crash even when the driver was at fault. Eligibility still depends on insurance coverage and statutory exclusions.
For eligible dependents, MCL 500.3108 provides survivor’s loss benefits for financial support the deceased would have contributed and certain expenses for replacement household services. Payments are subject to statutory limits and do not cover losses beyond the first three years after the crash.
A wrongful death lawsuit is separate. It requires another party’s wrongful conduct to have caused the death under circumstances that would have allowed the deceased to recover damages had they survived. As Michigan Legal Center explains in its discussion of who can file a wrongful death lawsuit, that lawsuit must be brought by the deceased person’s estate through its personal representative.
Get help from Michigan Legal Center
Michigan Legal Center: the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates handles no-fault insurance disputes and wrongful death claims arising from motor vehicle crashes.
If a family member died in a crash, contact Michigan Legal Center to discuss potential insurance benefits and whether the circumstances support a legal claim.
There is no attorney fee unless money is recovered for you. Case costs and fee terms are governed by the written fee agreement.
Learn more about Michigan Legal Center’s representation in Michigan car accident claims.