Woman killed in crash involving Ottawa County deputy
A Zeeland woman died Thursday in a three-vehicle crash that injured an Ottawa County sheriff’s deputy responding to another collision.
The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office said the crash happened about 3 p.m. Oct. 8 on 96th Avenue near Tyler Street.
According to the initial investigation, a northbound Honda pickup hit a Chevrolet Equinox heading in the same direction. The pickup then crossed the center line and collided with the southbound patrol vehicle. The deputy had emergency lights and sirens on while responding to a separate crash.
The woman driving the pickup died at the scene despite medical assistance from first responders. The deputy was taken to a hospital in stable condition with injuries that weren’t considered life-threatening. The Equinox driver wasn’t injured.
Michigan State Police are investigating the crash.
What rules apply to emergency driving in Michigan?
Drivers of authorized emergency vehicles can use limited traffic exceptions while responding to an emergency call. Under MCL 257.603, they may pass a red light or stop sign only after slowing as necessary for safe operation. They may exceed speed limits only if doing so doesn’t endanger life or property.
Drivers generally must use the required emergency lights and sound an audible warning as reasonably necessary while moving. Police may forgo the audible warning during an emergency run that requires silence.
These privileges don’t eliminate the duty to drive with regard for others’ safety, as the Michigan courts’ emergency-vehicle guidance explains.
When can a Michigan government agency be liable for a vehicle crash?
Governmental immunity generally protects Michigan agencies from negligence lawsuits when they perform governmental functions. But under MCL 691.1405, an agency can be liable for bodily injury or property damage caused by its officer’s, agent’s or employee’s negligent operation of a motor vehicle the agency owns.
An individual officer’s immunity is a separate issue from the agency’s liability. Michigan Legal Center’s explanation of government vehicle accident claims describes how vehicle ownership and the driver’s relationship to the agency affect a claim.
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Michigan Legal Center: the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates handles car accident and wrongful death claims, including cases involving government vehicles.
Contact Michigan Legal Center to discuss whether a claim is available if you were injured or lost a family member in a crash involving a government vehicle.
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Learn more about how Michigan Legal Center handles Michigan car accident claims.