One man dies in North Telegraph crash in Frenchtown Township
Aaron L. Heiss, 48, of Flat Rock died Monday in a head-on collision.
The crash was reported at 10:04 a.m. Monday, Aug. 24, northeast of Hurd Road in Frenchtown Township, according to Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
Heiss was driving a gray 2010 Ford Escape southwest on North Telegraph Road. He crossed the centerline while rounding a curve for an unknown reason and hit a red 2026 Cadillac head on.
John Taylor, 83, of Monroe, was driving the Cadillac northeast. After the collision, the Cadillac stopped partly on the shoulder while the Escape rotated and came to rest in the northeast travel lane.
Both drivers wore seat belts and both vehicles’ airbags deployed. Heiss was pronounced dead at the scene. Taylor was taken to Corewell Health Trenton Hospital, where he was listed in serious condition.
Investigators said alcohol was not a factor in the crash.
The Sheriff’s Office Traffic Services Division is continuing the investigation. Anyone with information may call 734-240-7541. Anonymous tips may be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP or through www.1800speakup.org.
Michigan no-fault benefits and injury claims after a serious crash
Michigan motor vehicle crashes can create two separate claim paths. Under MCL 500.3105, an injured person can receive personal injury protection (PIP) benefits without having to prove who was at fault in the crash. Policy terms, selected coverage and other insurance facts affect which benefits are available and which insurer is responsible.
A separate fault-based claim may address losses outside PIP. Michigan’s motor-vehicle tort law in MCL 500.3135 permits liability for noneconomic loss when an injured person suffers death, serious impairment of body function or permanent serious disfigurement. Fault, insurance coverage and the nature of the injury must still be evaluated individually.
Michigan Legal Center’s guide to who pays medical bills after a Michigan car accident explains why PIP insurer priority and fault are separate questions.
Get help from Michigan Legal Center
Michigan Legal Center: the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates handles car accident, no-fault and serious injury claims across Michigan.
People who were seriously injured or lost a family member in a Michigan motor-vehicle crash can contact Michigan Legal Center to ask whether the matter falls within its practice areas.
There is no attorney fee unless money is recovered for you. Case costs and fee terms are governed by the written fee agreement.
Additional information is available through Michigan Legal Center’s page about Michigan car accident claims.