Woman seriously injured in Fairbanks Township crash
A 47-year-old Garden woman was seriously injured when she was ejected from her car in a crash Friday, Oct. 9.
Michigan State Police Gladstone Post troopers responded around 8:15 a.m. to II Road near II Lane in Delta County. Their preliminary investigation found that she lost control and crashed.
She wasn't wearing a seat belt. Police said excessive speed appears to have contributed to the crash.
She received first aid at the scene, was transported by emergency medical personnel and was later airlifted by Guardian Flight to a hospital.
The investigation is ongoing.
How does seat belt use affect Michigan injury compensation?
Not wearing a seat belt doesn't by itself prevent an otherwise eligible person from receiving Michigan no-fault benefits. Under MCL 500.3105, personal injury protection benefits are payable regardless of fault, subject to the law's eligibility requirements. These benefits can help pay medical expenses and lost wages within applicable limits.
Michigan Legal Center explains who pays medical bills after a Michigan crash, including how available coverage and exclusions affect payment.
A negligence claim against another responsible party follows a different rule. Under MCL 257.710e(8), a seat belt violation may count as evidence of negligence, but the reduction in damages for that violation cannot exceed 5%. That cap applies only to seat belt nonuse. Other conduct that contributed to the crash is evaluated separately, and the person must still establish a valid claim against someone else.
Get help from Michigan Legal Center
Michigan Legal Center: the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates handles car accident injury claims and disputes over no-fault benefits.
If you were injured in a crash and have questions about insurance benefits or compensation, Contact Michigan Legal Center to discuss whether legal help is available.
There is no attorney fee unless money is recovered for you. Case costs and fee terms are governed by the written fee agreement.
Legal help with Michigan car accident claims can include pursuing unpaid insurance benefits and evaluating another driver's responsibility.