Three vehicle crash from running stop sign, 6-month-old dies at the scene
Three cars involved in Kochville Township crash which killed infant Sunday.
Saginaw County Sheriff's Office responded to an accident on Pierce and Lawndale roads at 7:33 p.m. on Sunday, June 14. According to police, a 24-year-old Midland woman driving a Buick Encore was struck by a Chevrolet pickup after failing to stop at a stop sign.
The Encore was hit on the passenger side, the impact pushed both vehicles into a Ford pickup that had been stopped at the intersection.
Four people were in the Buick. The driver and a 40-year-old Sanford woman were in the front of the Buick, a 26-year-old Blanchard passenger was in the back seat and was ejected and infant that was also in the back seat and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Deputies said the infant was in a car seat, but investigators believe it may not have been installed correctly.
The Chevrolet was driven by a 21-year-old Midland man, and the Ford was driven by a 64-year-old Freeland man. Both reported minor pain and declined further medical treatment.
Legal issues after a crash in Michigan
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 (PIP) 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.
Legal Issues That Can Affect Fault
Driving through a stop sign can increase a persons comparative fault in car crash cases. This would require physical evidence, witness statements, vehicle damage and crash reconstruction.
If a death was a result of a crash, then a wrongful death claim may be applicable depending on the facts of the case. A wrongful death claim is handled through the estate and depends on proof of a wrongful act, neglect or fault.
If an infant dies in a crash after not being properly secured into a car seat, that may affect a wrongful death claim. Legal responsibility can determined with many factors including a crash report, scene photos, available vehicle data, death records and other facts.
Get Help From Michigan Legal Center
Michigan Legal Center is the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates. Our attorneys help families across Michigan with fatal crash investigations, wrongful death claims, No-Fault benefit disputes, and insurance issues after serious vehicle collisions.
If your family lost a loved one in a Michigan crash, call Michigan Legal Center at (248) 886-8650 or contact us for a free consultation.
There is no attorney fee unless money is recovered for you. Case costs and fee terms are governed by the written fee agreement.