Three men injured in Coldwater Township Amish buggy crash
Three men were injured Monday when a pickup truck struck a horse drawn buggy from behind in Coldwater Township.
Branch County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched at 4:22 p.m. July 27 to North Fiske Road near Jonesville Road. The preliminary investigation found that a 45-year-old Quincy man was driving south in a Ford F-150 and struck the buggy.
The buggy had three passengers ages 18, 20 and 23. LifeCare Ambulance took the 18-year-old to a Coldwater hospital with injuries that were not life threatening.
Emergency responders evaluated the other two men for minor injuries at the scene. Both declined additional medical treatment.
The sheriff’s office said inclement weather is believed to have contributed to the crash, which remains under investigation. The office urged drivers to reduce speed, leave more following distance and watch for slow-moving vehicles during adverse weather.
Michigan State Police, Coldwater police, Coldwater firefighters and Branch County Central Dispatch assisted at the scene.
How does Michigan no-fault law apply to people in horse-drawn buggies?
Michigan personal protection insurance (PIP) benefits can apply when someone is injured in a crash involving a motor vehicle even if the injured person was not riding in that motor vehicle. Covered benefits are payable without regard to fault.
The responsible insurer depends on the available policies and household relationships. Subject to statutory and policy limits, PIP benefits may cover reasonable expenses for necessary care, work loss and limited replacement services under MCL 500.3107. Michigan Legal Center explains who may pay medical bills and how PIP priority works after a Michigan motor vehicle crash.
A fault-based injury claim is separate from PIP benefits. MCL 500.3135 permits noneconomic damages when an injured person suffers death, serious impairment of body function or permanent serious disfigurement. Whether benefits or a separate claim are available depends on the evidence, insurance policies and individual circumstances.
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, no-fault and personal injury matters across Michigan.
If you were injured in a crash involving a motor vehicle and a horse-drawn buggy, contact Michigan Legal Center to ask whether the matter is within Michigan Legal Center’s practice.
There is no attorney fee unless money is recovered for you. Case costs and fee terms are governed by the written fee agreement.