Passenger dies after I-96 crash in Wright Township
A motorist died and another was seriously injured after a three-vehicle crash and car fire on I-96 early Sunday.
The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office said the crash happened about 12:15 a.m. Sept. 27 near mile marker 24 in Wright Township.
Deputies’ preliminary investigation found that a semi-truck on I-96 was coming from Ironwood Drive as another driver tried to pass it on the right shoulder. They hit an unoccupied car parked there, then collided with the semi and came to rest in the median. A fire started in the engine compartment.
Deputies and bystanders pulled the driver, a 23-year-old man from Custer, from the burning car. The passenger remained trapped and died at the scene. The driver was taken to a hospital in serious but stable condition. The semi driver was not hurt.
Westbound I-96 was closed for several hours. The sheriff’s office said Sunday that the crash was under investigation and asked anyone with information to contact deputies or Silent Observer.
Michigan law on passing on the right shoulder
Under MCL 257.637, drivers may pass on the right only in specified circumstances and when they can do so safely. The law prohibits passing on the right by leaving the pavement or main traveled part of the roadway. A paved shoulder does not automatically become a passing lane.
When several vehicles collide, the sequence of impacts and each driver’s conduct still matter in determining responsibility. Michigan Legal Center’s guide to multi-vehicle crashes explains why contact between vehicles alone does not establish fault.
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Michigan Legal Center: the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates handles Michigan car accident, truck accident and wrongful death claims.
If you were injured or lost a family member in a motor vehicle crash, contact Michigan Legal Center to ask whether your matter fits its practice areas.
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Michigan Legal Center’s car accident practice page describes the crash-related matters it handles.