193 Vehicles Involved in Deadly Pileup on I-94—What To Do in Michigan Multi-Vehicle Accidents

What do you do if you are involved in a multi-car crash? Not only can the injuries be worse than accidents involving only one or two cars, but the legal issues get tougher to deal with. 

First thing's first: if you find yourself in a multi-vehicle accident, you should get yourself out of the way of any further danger that may be triggered. If you are injured, you should seek medical help immediately. These types of accidents can be complicated, and you should contact a responsible attorney right away to help you through every step. Make sure to document meticulously and keep track of everything from the damage done to your car, the injuries you've suffered, and any action taken in relation to the accident. If you have been involved in a multiple-vehicle accident, our Sachs Waldman vehicle-accident attorneys will look at your case thoroughly and guide you through this difficult time. We'll help you with timely filing insurance claims, handling potential court claims, and determining the best plan going forward so that you can rest easy.

Accidents Across Michigan Cause Injuries, Wreak Havoc for Commuters

There's no getting around it—we're in the thick of a harsh Michigan winter. In severe weather conditions, the risk for deadly pileups becomes exponentially higher, and vehicles driving at high speeds on major highways can quickly lose control.

On January 9, an estimated 193 vehicles, including dozens of semis, collided in a massive pileup on I-94, between Kalamazoo and Battle Creek. The dangerous frigid weather caused icy roads, and drivers reported whiteout conditions. Drivers saw semis jackknifing and hitting other semis, smaller vehicles heading into the pileup, and others going into the ditch. One semi that had been hauling fireworks caught on fire, setting off fireworks, and prompting immediate evacuations. One person was killed, and as many as 22 others were injured. 

To make matters worse, there was another crash on US 23, south of Ann Arbor. This smaller multi-vehicle accident, involving 12 semitrailers and 15 cars, killed one person and injured another.

While these events are tragic, they don't come as a surprise to locals—I-94 has a reputation for danger. It is the site of hundreds of accidents every year, and there are a number of reasons why. Certain stretches and curves along the highway are known to be treacherous. Reduced visibility, insufficient numbers of lanes, narrow lanes, sudden whiteout conditions, distracted driving, and aggressive driving are some of the reasons drivers and officials give for the growing number of accidents. 

What Compensation Can I Receive for My Injuries?

Michigan has a no-fault insurance system. Drivers are required to carry basic no-fault insurance, and each registered car must be insured. Typically an injured party will seek compensation from their own no-fault insurance company—while there are exceptions to this, they are infrequent. In a multi-vehicle accident, how any injured party should file will vary depending on their individual facts, and those details are best sorted out with a knowledgeable attorney.

Multi-vehicle accidents are terrifying, but there is good news: you can be compensated for injuries, and a good attorney can help make the process as painless as possible. A no-fault policy covers economic losses, including wage loss benefits, expenses for household services, and lifetime medical care and rehabilitation. These are part of your personal insurance protection (PIP) benefits. Individuals may also be entitled to compensation for non-economic losses such as pain and suffering when injuries are serious.

Driving the Smart Solutions—We're on Your Side

Our attorneys are here to navigate your case successfully through the administrative and legal system. Even in a multi-vehicle accident, every client is unique, and the facts differ in every situation. We understand this and advise each client by carefully considering all the options in light of varying circumstances. 

If you or a loved one is involved in a multiple-vehicle accident, it is absolutely essential to contact an experienced attorney right away. Our attorneys at Sachs Waldman have handled countless vehicle accident cases, and we’ve built a reputation in the community on integrity and diligence. We are here to make sure your case is handled carefully, skillfully, and efficiently. Contact our Detroit personal injury law offices at (800) 638-6722 to schedule a free consultation.