Man seriously injured in M-43 crash in Almena
A 31-year-old man was hospitalized with serious injuries after colliding with a delivery truck early Friday morning.
The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded around 5 a.m. on Oct. 2 to M-43 near Walden Way in Almena Township.
A preliminary investigation found that the Kalamazoo man was driving east when his car crossed the center line and struck the side of a delivery truck.
Paw Paw firefighters freed him from the car, and Van Buren Emergency Medical Services took him to Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. The delivery truck driver was not injured.
Both vehicles were disabled, and M-43 was temporarily closed in both directions.
The sheriff’s office said alcohol was not believed to have contributed to the crash. The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the sheriff’s office.
Can an at-fault driver receive Michigan no-fault medical benefits?
Yes, if the driver qualifies for benefits under Michigan’s no-fault law. Causing a crash does not, by itself, prevent an injured driver from receiving personal injury protection benefits for accidental injuries arising from the use of a motor vehicle.
Medical benefits can pay reasonable charges for reasonably necessary care, recovery and rehabilitation, subject to applicable coverage limits and statutory requirements. Michigan Legal Center’s explanation of Michigan PIP medical bills and priority describes how insurance coverage and the rules identifying which insurer pays affect medical bills.
Fault and insurance eligibility are separate questions. Under MCL 500.3113, an owner or registrant of a vehicle involved in the crash is barred from these benefits if the insurance required for that vehicle was not in effect. Reviewing vehicle ownership and insurance coverage is therefore necessary before assuming benefits are available.
Get help from Michigan Legal Center
Michigan Legal Center: the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates handles car accident injuries, no-fault benefits and disputes over crash-related medical bills.
If you were injured in a motor vehicle crash, Contact Michigan Legal Center to ask about your insurance benefits and possible legal options.
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 how Michigan Legal Center handles Michigan car accident claims.