Woman rescued from burning SUV in Fruitport Township
An officer and two bystanders rescued a woman from a burning SUV Wednesday night, helping her escape through a side window.
The Fruitport Township Police Department was called to assist firefighters around 9:43 p.m. Oct. 7 in the 3200 block of East Broadway Avenue. to an SUV burning in a wooded area.
Two bystanders had stopped to help, and they and the officer found the driver still inside. A portable fire extinguisher couldn't put out the flames.
Unable to open the doors, the officer and bystanders broke windows near the back of the SUV. The driver moved into the rear passenger compartment, where they helped her through a side window. Shortly after she escaped, flames engulfed the passenger compartment, police said.
The driver, a 31-year-old Muskegon Township woman, was taken to Trinity Hospital and later transferred to Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids. She was reported in stable condition Thursday.
Police credited the three rescuers with likely preventing a death.
No other vehicles or passengers were involved. The crash remains under investigation, and police said alcohol hadn't been ruled out as a contributing factor.
Can Michigan no-fault benefits cover a single-vehicle crash?
Yes, if the injured person qualifies for benefits under Michigan law. Another vehicle doesn't have to be involved, and the driver doesn't have to prove someone else caused the crash. Under MCL 500.3105, personal injury protection (PIP) benefits are available without regard to fault for accidental injuries arising from the use of a motor vehicle as a motor vehicle.
PIP medical benefits can pay reasonable charges for reasonably necessary treatment and rehabilitation. The available coverage depends on applicable medical limits and any valid opt-out or exclusion, as Michigan Legal Center explains in its overview of who pays medical bills after a Michigan car accident.
Get help from Michigan Legal Center
Michigan Legal Center: the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates handles car accident injuries and no-fault insurance claims.
If you were injured in a Michigan vehicle crash, contact Michigan Legal Center to ask about medical benefits and help with an insurance claim.
There is no attorney fee unless money is recovered for you. Case costs and fee terms are governed by the written fee agreement.