Paw Paw Woman, 25, Dies After Sturgis Township Head-On Crash
A 25-year-old Paw Paw woman died early Thursday following a head-on crash in Sturgis Township.
Michigan State Police said troopers from the Marshall Post were dispatched at about 1 a.m. Aug. 6 to US-12 near Stubey Road in St. Joseph County. The crash involved a Ford F-250 pickup and a Toyota RAV4.
The woman, who was driving the Toyota, was pronounced dead at the scene. The male driver of the Ford sustained severe injuries and was airlifted to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Michigan State Police said the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department, Tri-Township Fire Department, St. Joseph County 911, White Pigeon police, Western Michigan MEI and LifeCare EMS assisted in the response.
The crash remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Marshall Post.
Michigan no-fault benefits and fault-based claims after a fatal crash
Michigan’s no-fault law and a fault-based injury claim are separate legal claims. Personal injury protection (PIP) benefits may cover injuries from auto accidents without regard to fault under MCL 500.3105, although policy selection, insurer priority and exclusions can affect eligibility and available benefits.
A separate claim against an at-fault driver requires proof of fault. Under MCL 500.3135, a person can be legally responsible for noneconomic loss, such as pain and suffering, only when the injured person has suffered death, a serious impairment of body function or permanent serious disfigurement. Death meets that statutory threshold, but it does not establish fault, insurance coverage or the value of any claim.
Michigan Legal Center’s Michigan PIP medical bills and priority explains why policy, household and coverage facts can change the benefits analysis.
Get help from Michigan Legal Center
Michigan Legal Center is the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates. Michigan Legal Center handles motor vehicle crash claims, no-fault benefits and personal injury matters.
People with questions after a Michigan motor vehicle crash can contact Michigan Legal Center to ask whether their circumstances are 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.