Two killed, one seriously injured in I-94 rollover crash near Battle Creek
Two people died and a third was seriously injured in a rollover crash Wednesday evening on I-94.
Battle Creek police and firefighters were dispatched at about 6:42 p.m. Wednesday to I-94 near M-66, according to the Emmett Township Department of Public Safety. Responders determined the crash occurred in Emmett Charter Township.
The vehicle had three occupants. A 41-year-old Battle Creek-area man who was driving was pronounced dead at the scene.
A 50-year-old man and an 11-year-old boy who were passengers were taken to an area hospital in serious condition. The boy later died from his injuries, the department said.
The Battle Creek Police Department and Emmett Township Department of Public Safety are investigating. Investigators said preliminary information pointed to speed and suspected alcohol consumption as contributing factors.
Michigan benefits and claims for passengers after a crash
Michigan law treats no-fault benefits and a fault-based injury claim as separate paths. Under MCL 500.3105, personal protection insurance benefits may be payable for accidental bodily injury arising from the use of a motor vehicle without regard to fault. Subject to policy terms and statutory limits, MCL 500.3107 allows benefits for reasonably necessary care, work loss and replacement services.
A passenger may also have a separate claim against an at-fault driver. MCL 500.3135 permits tort liability for noneconomic loss when a motor vehicle injury causes death, serious impairment of body function or permanent serious disfigurement. Fault, coverage and injury proof still determine whether a claim is available.
Michigan Legal Center’s discussion of passenger injury claims after a Michigan car accident explains why these two paths must be evaluated separately.
Get help from Michigan Legal Center
Michigan Legal Center is the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates. Michigan Legal Center handles Michigan car accident, no-fault, personal injury and wrongful death matters.
People with questions after a serious or fatal motor vehicle crash can contact Michigan Legal Center to ask whether the matter is within Michigan Legal Center’s practice areas.
There is no attorney fee unless money is recovered for you. Case costs and fee terms are governed by the written fee agreement.
Learn more about Michigan car accident claims.