Brian Nowicki charged in M-46 crash that killed two teens
Brian Nowicki has been charged after a four-vehicle crash on M-46 in Montcalm County killed two 17-year-olds and injured another driver.
Michigan State Police troopers from the Lakeview Post responded to the crash at around 11:11 p.m. on Thursday, June 18. The crash, which took place on M-46 near Derby Road, occurred when a westbound vehicle rear ended a Chevy Cruze occupied by the two teens.
The collision caused the Cruze to spin into the eastbound lanes where it was hit by two other cars traveling eastbound. Both of the eastbound vehicles were being driven by a husband and wife returning home from a trip.
The two 17-year-old occupants of the Cruze were pronounced dead at the scene. FOX 17 reported that court records identified them as Latrese McFerrin and Mark Pettengill. The driver of one of the eastbound cars was sent to a local hospital for treatment.
Nowicki, 49, of Grandville, was arraigned Monday morning on ten charges, according to FOX 17. The charges include two counts of operating while intoxicated causing death, two counts of operating with a suspended license causing death, one count of operating while intoxicated causing serious injury, one count of operating with a suspended license causing serious injury, three counts of resisting police, and one misdemeanor open-container count.
The charges are allegations. Nowicki is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. FOX 17 reported that he is being held on a $2 million bond and is scheduled to return to court in July.
Legal options after a fatal impaired-driving crash
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 benefits.
These benefits can help cover economic losses from the crash such as allowable medical expenses, wage loss, replacement services or attendant care. If the at-fault driver was impaired by alcohol, injured victims and surviving families may also have the right to pursue separate civil claims for noneconomic damages such as pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and wrongful death damages. These civil claims are separate from the criminal case and do not require a conviction.
In an alcohol-related fatal crash, investigators and attorneys may review toxicology evidence, crash reconstruction, insurance coverage, prior driving status, and where the driver obtained alcohol before the collision. In some cases, additional claims may be available against other responsible parties, such as establishments that unlawfully served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person under Michigan's dram shop laws.
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 us 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.
Michigan Legal Center can help you navigate the issues involved in claims such as this with Michigan car accident medical bills and PIP priority and Michigan wrongful death deadlines.