Woman critically injured in Grand Haven Township driveway crash
A 66-year-old woman was hospitalized in critical condition after an SUV backed into her and a man standing in a driveway Tuesday afternoon.
Ottawa County sheriff’s deputies responded about 4:45 p.m. Sept. 15 near Forest Park Drive and Ferris Street in Grand Haven Township.
Investigators said a 58-year-old township woman driving a Buick Enclave backed into the driveway to turn around. She did not see the two people standing there and hit both of them.
The injured woman was taken to an area hospital. The man, also 66, did not report any injuries. Both are Grand Haven Township residents.
The Grand Haven Township Fire Department and Life EMS assisted at the scene. The sheriff’s office is investigating the crash.
Michigan injury claims after a pedestrian is hit in a driveway
A pedestrian injured by a moving vehicle in a Michigan driveway may qualify for no-fault benefits. The crash does not have to occur on a public road. Eligibility depends on whether the injury arose from the use of a motor vehicle as a motor vehicle and whether the person meets the applicable coverage requirements.
Personal injury protection can pay covered medical and rehabilitation expenses regardless of who caused the crash, subject to eligibility, coverage limits and exclusions. Under MCL 500.3115, a person injured outside a motor vehicle who lacks applicable household coverage must seek benefits through the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan, subject to its eligibility rules. Michigan Legal Center’s explanation of who pays medical bills after a Michigan crash discusses how these coverage rules affect pedestrians.
A separate claim against an at-fault driver can seek compensation for pain and suffering when the injury meets Michigan’s legal threshold. Under MCL 500.3135, that requires death, permanent serious disfigurement or a serious impairment of body function. Someone more than 50% at fault cannot recover pain-and-suffering damages.
Get help from Michigan Legal Center
Michigan Legal Center: the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates handles pedestrian injury, motor vehicle accident and no-fault claims.
If you were injured by a vehicle while walking or standing in a driveway, Contact Michigan Legal Center to ask about help with medical benefits and a possible injury claim.
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 how Michigan Legal Center handles Michigan car accident claims, including insurance disputes and serious injuries.