Woman injured in U.S. 131 crash in Algoma Township
A woman was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries after a multi-vehicle crash involving Thursday afternoon.
Michigan State Police said she lost control of her vehicle and veered off U.S. 131 near 13 Mile Road in Algoma Township.
The Michigan Department of Transportation said part of the highway closed after the crash but reopened that afternoon.
How is fault determined after a Michigan multi-vehicle crash?
More than one driver can share responsibility for a crash, but being involved does not automatically establish fault. Under MCL 600.2957, liability is allocated according to each person’s percentage of fault, subject to Michigan’s related allocation rules. The evidence must show how each person’s actions contributed to the injuries.
Michigan Legal Center’s explanation of multi-vehicle and chain-reaction crashes describes why the sequence of impacts matters when determining responsibility.
No-fault benefits are separate from a claim against a responsible driver. Eligible injured people can receive personal injury protection benefits regardless of who caused the crash. Benefits can include covered medical expenses and wage loss, subject to applicable coverage limits and eligibility rules.
A separate claim for pain and suffering requires proof of responsibility and death, permanent serious disfigurement or a serious impairment of body function. Comparative fault can reduce compensation, and someone more than 50% at fault cannot recover those damages. An owner driving their own vehicle without legally required insurance is also barred from recovering pain-and-suffering damages.
Get help from Michigan Legal Center
Michigan Legal Center: the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates handles car accident injury claims, disputed fault and no-fault insurance matters.
If you were injured in a Michigan multi-vehicle crash, contact Michigan Legal Center to ask about your insurance benefits and 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.