Semi crash in Oxford Township critically injures driver
A semi crash on North Lapeer Road in Oxford Township has left a 30-year-old Attica man in critical condition.
According to the Oakland County Sheriff's Office, the crash occurred around 5:23 a.m. on Wednesday, June 17.
A semi traveling northbound was attempting to use a median crossover north of West Oakwood Road.
Deputies from the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office believe the semi-trailer turned into the path of a southbound 2014 Buick Regal, resulting in a collision.
The Buick driver had to be extricated from his vehicle by first responders. He was taken to McLaren Oakland Hospital and listed in critical condition.
The crash is under investigation by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Unit. Preliminary investigations show that alcohol or drugs are not believed to be factors in the crash, but speed may have contributed to the collision.
Legal options after an accident
Michigan is a no-fault state, which means that without having to determine whose fault an accident is, people injured in the crash may qualify for Personal Injury Protection benefits.
These benefits can help cover economic losses from the crash such as allowable medical expenses, wage loss, replacement services or attendant care.
Recovering noneconomic losses usually requires a separate claim against an at-fault driver. This would only be an option if the injuries meet the state’s threshold of serious impairment of body function, permanent serious disfigurement or death.
Semi crashes legal issues
Semi-truck crash injuries in Michigan, like other motor-vehicle crashes, are also affected by no-fault/PIP rules when it comes to determining possible benefits after a crash. This means that people injured in auto accidents may qualify for PIP benefits.
Semi-trucks are usually considered commercial vehicles so crashes involving them can be more complicated. They are also subject to federal motor carrier safety regulations which can change the way liability or negligence is determined.
Liability could also possibly land on the motor carrier itself in cases where there were:
- vicarious liability for the driver’s negligence while working
- negligent hiring, retention, training, or supervision
- pressuring the driver to violate hours-of-service rules
- poor maintenance practices
- failure to inspect or repair known defects
- unsafe scheduling or dispatch
- or failure to preserve safety records after the crash
Related background includes Michigan car accident medical bills and PIP priority, Michigan wrongful death deadlines, and Michigan Legal Center's truck accident claims page.
Get help from Michigan Legal Center
Michigan Legal Center is the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates. Our attorneys help injured people and families across Michigan with personal injury, car crashes, no-fault claims, insurance disputes, serious injury claims and wrongful death cases.
If you or a loved one was injured in a Michigan car crash, call Michigan Legal Center at (248) 886-8650 or contact us for a consultation.
There is no attorney fee unless money is recovered for you. Case costs and fee terms are governed by the written fee agreement.
Michigan Legal Center can help you navigate the issues involved in claims such as this with Michigan car accident medical bills and PIP priority and Michigan wrongful death deadlines.