WELDONE TWP, Mich. — Authorities are investigating a deadly head-on accident involving a stolen SUV and a van on April 27.
The accident occurred at approximately 8:50 p.m. on M-115 between Lindy and Wallacker roads in Joyfield Township. A stolen 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe crossed the centerline and struck an eastbound van.
Michael Plichta, 32, of Cedar, was driving the stolen Chevrolet Tahoe when the accident happened. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The van was carrying members of the Charlevoix High School boys’ varsity golf team, including six students and an adult driver.
Emergency responders transported the van’s occupants to Munson Medical Center in Traverse City. The van’s driver was airlifted due to serious injuries.
The Michigan State Police and Benzie County Sheriff’s Office are leading the investigation.
Michael Plichta killed in Benzie County head-on accident
Incident Location
HEAD-ON CRASH INVESTIGATION
The most common cause of head-on accidents is driver error. However, they can also be caused by drunken driving, speeding, distracted driving, poor road design, inexperienced drivers, and confusion on the part of the driver.
According to AAA, from 2015 to 2018, there were more than 2,000 deaths from head on collisions while driving on divided highways.
“Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must thoroughly be examined,” said Candice Bond, a Managing Partner with Bond Legal.
“An accident reconstruction team is sometimes needed to help piece together what happened. All of these resources are necessary for helping clients receive monetary compensation for damages or a loss following a collision,” said Bond.
PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM
An injured victim may have the right to pursue a personal injury claim, pending the results of the investigation.
Bond said, “Injured victims involved in a collision often seek a personal injury claim to cover the cost of medical bills, future medical care, loss of income, emotional trauma, and pain and suffering.
“Insurance companies can be notoriously unconcerned with the mounting costs that an injured party may accrue. That’s where an attorney can help. We protect the victims of these tragedies daily, forcing the insurance companies to pay for their mistakes,” he added.
Accident Injury News' national legal analyst Candice Bond is experienced in serious injury auto accidents, and if you or a family member need help, she is available for a free consultation to guide you
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Accident Injury News can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-986-7738 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).
