Two killed after vehicle hits utility pole in Saginaw
Two people died and a third person was hospitalized late Sunday night in Saginaw after a car hit a utility pole.
The crash happened around 11:46 p.m. Sunday, June 28, near South Washington Avenue and Gallagher Avenue, according to the Saginaw Police Department.
Police said the vehicle hit a utility pole and the engine compartment caught fire. When authorities arrived, the vehicle was on fire.
The Saginaw Fire Department arrived and extinguished the flames. Afterwards they removed three people from the vehicle.
The driver, a 24-year-old Saginaw woman, was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Police did not release additional information about her condition.
A 24-year-old Saginaw woman who was riding in the front seat was also taken to the hospital, where she later died from her injuries. A 29-year-old Saginaw man who was riding in the back seat was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Saginaw County Crash Team responded to assist with the investigation, which remains ongoing. Police did not say what caused the crash.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Officer Peter Miller with the Saginaw Police Department at 989-759-1439.
Legal Options After a Fatal Michigan Car Crash
Michigan is a no-fault state, which means people injured in a crash may qualify for Personal Injury Protection benefits without first proving who caused the crash.
These benefits can help cover economic losses from the crash such as allowable medical expenses, wage loss, replacement services or attendant care. Michigan’s no-fault statute applies to some fatal crashes as well when it comes to survivor’s loss benefits.
Recovering noneconomic losses usually requires a separate claim against an at-fault driver. Under MCL 500.3135, that type of claim generally requires death, serious impairment of body function or permanent serious disfigurement.
In a single-vehicle crash, liability will depend on what investigators find. Relevant issues could include speed, distraction, impairment, road conditions, vehicle condition, whether crash data can be preserved and whether any outside factor contributed to the crash.
Wrongful Death Issues After a Michigan Car Crash
When a person dies because of another person’s neglect, fault or another wrongful act, a claim may be filed against them by the representative of their estate. Michigan’s wrongful death statute, MCL 600.2922, generally requires the claim to be brought by the personal representative of the person’s estate.
Wrongful death cases after a car crash can involve insurance benefits, medical bills before death, funeral expenses, lost financial support and loss of companionship.
Families should act quickly to preserve evidence such as the vehicle, crash data, photos, witness information, nearby surveillance video, phone records, medical records and insurance documents. For more background, read Michigan Legal Center guides on Michigan car accident medical bills and PIP priority and Michigan wrongful death deadlines.
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 Michigan Legal Center 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.