Teen arrested after Monroe police chase and crash
A 17-year-old Monroe-area boy was arrested after a police pursuit and crash that left an 18-year-old passenger with minor injuries.
The Monroe Public Safety Department said an officer tried to stop a vehicle near East Third and Jerome streets at about 12:52 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30.
The driver initially slowed, then accelerated away and failed to stop at East First Street, police said. The officer pursued him but lost sight of the vehicle as it approached East Front Street. Moments later, he crashed into a tree in Soldiers and Sailors Park and fled on foot.
His passenger, a woman from the Southgate area, was treated at the scene by Monroe Fire Department and Monroe Community Ambulance.
Officers found him near a gas station on North Dixie Highway about 45 minutes later, the Monroe Police Department said.
Officers reported signs that he had been drinking. He was taken for a medical evaluation before being held at the Monroe County Youth Center.
The case was sent to the Monroe County Prosecutor’s Office for review.
Michigan passenger claims after a crash involving suspected drunk driving
An injured passenger may qualify for personal injury protection (PIP) benefits to pay crash related medical expenses and part of lost income, subject to eligibility, coverage limits and exclusions. These benefits do not depend on proving another driver caused the crash.
An eligible passenger without coverage may need to apply through the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan. Opt-outs, exclusions and special vehicle rules can change which benefits are available.
A separate claim against an at-fault driver may seek pain and suffering damages, including from the driver of the car the passenger was riding in. Under MCL 500.3135, those damages generally require death, permanent serious disfigurement or a serious impairment of body function. A serious impairment must be observable by someone other than the injured person, involve an important body function and affect the person’s general ability to lead their normal life.
A criminal charge alone does not determine civil liability or insurance coverage, a distinction Michigan Legal Center explains in its discussion of drunk-driving charges and civil injury claims.
Get help from Michigan Legal Center
Michigan Legal Center: the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates handles car accident injury claims and no-fault insurance disputes.
Contact Michigan Legal Center to ask about medical benefits and possible injury claims if you were hurt as a passenger in a car crash.
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’s car accident services include help with no-fault benefits and claims against at-fault drivers.