Three-Vehicle Pileup on I-96 at Southfield Injures Preschooler
Three-Vehicle Pileup on I-96 at Southfield Injures Preschooler when a collision early Thursday morning sent a 3-year-old flying from the back seat into the front windshield of a vehicle, according to Michigan State Police. The multi-car crash occurred at approximately 9:40 a.m. in the eastbound local lanes of Interstate 96 as it merges onto the Southfield Freeway (M-39). Troopers from the Detroit Regional Communication Center arrived on the scene to find three vehicles damaged and traffic halted while investigators pieced together the sequence of events.
Preliminary reports indicate that a 32-year-old Detroit woman driving the lead vehicle abruptly braked, causing the two cars following behind to collide in rapid succession. The force of the impact propelled the preschooler, who was seated in the back, through the front windshield, inflicting serious injuries. Emergency responders promptly transported the child to a nearby hospital, where doctors provided critical care. Thankfully, no other occupants in the involved vehicles suffered life-threatening injuries, though all drivers and passengers received evaluations at the scene.
During the initial investigation, the ramp from I-96 to Southfield Freeway remained closed. The Michigan Department of Transportation later confirmed that it reopened to traffic by 11:15 a.m. Trooper First Lieutenant Mike Shaw emphasized driver responsibility, noting, “Drivers are responsible for all the passengers in their vehicle.
It is even more important to ensure that children are belted in to the proper child seat. Every trip, every time.” This reminder echoes the state’s updated child car seat regulations, effective April 2, which mandate that all children 12 and under ride in the rear seating area and use age- and size-appropriate restraints.
Victims of crashes like this may face mounting medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term rehabilitation costs. At Mihelich & Kavanaugh, PLC, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents impose on families. Our team is dedicated to securing compensation for medical expenses, ongoing therapy, and the emotional distress endured by both children and adults.
We fight to recover lost income for parents who must take time off work, and we pursue damages for diminished quality of life when injuries have lasting effects. With our experience in Michigan personal injury law, we guide clients through every step— from gathering police and medical records to negotiating with insurance companies—so they can focus on healing and recovery.
Michigan’s child passenger safety laws have grown stricter to protect young occupants. Under current statutes, children must remain rear-facing until at least age 2, transition to a forward-facing seat with a harness until age 4, and use a booster seat until they outgrow its height and weight limits.
Yet legislation can’t account for every split-second hazard on the road. Proper installation and regular inspection of car seats remain vital. Parents and caregivers should review the manufacturer’s guidelines and seek professional assistance for fitting if they are unsure.
Crashes involving children often trigger deeper investigations, both criminal and civil, to determine if negligence played a role. While law enforcement addresses any potential traffic violations, our firm focuses on holding negligent parties accountable through civil court or settlement discussions. We compile evidence, consult medical experts, and advocate vigorously for maximum recovery. Our track record includes securing six- and seven-figure settlements for families whose lives were upended by preventable accidents.
Call us for a free and confidential case evaluation. We are available by phone, text, and online chat 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Note: Our law office relies on external sources for the content of this post. Although we aim for accuracy, we have not independently verified all facts related to this incident. Please notify Mihelich & Kavanaugh, PLC for corrections if you identify any inaccuracies. Posts will be removed upon request.
Disclaimer: The content of this post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation for business. The information contained herein is not intended to offer legal or medical advice. If you or someone you care about has been injured in an accident, it is recommended to seek immediate medical assistance. The photo featured in this post was not taken at the actual scene of the accident.
