Howard City, MI - 12-Year-Old Hurt in Crash at Ensley St near Ice Cream Shop

Howard City, MI (April 14, 2025) – A crash involving multiple vehicles left five people hurt, including a 12-year-old child, after an evening accident outside the Dairy Bear ice cream shop in Howard City.

Michigan State Police responded to the scene around 7:40 p.m. Monday. Authorities say the crash began when a southbound vehicle on Ensley Street attempted a left turn in front of a northbound pickup truck. The two vehicles collided, setting off a chain reaction that led to chaos in the Dairy Bear parking lot.

After the impact, the car struck the business’s pole sign, while the pickup truck veered into the area where families were waiting for ice cream. The 12-year-old girl was among those hit. The truck continued forward, slamming into a porch column, a picnic table, and two parked cars. Two people sitting inside one of those vehicles were also injured. In total, five people were transported to local hospitals for medical treatment. While Michigan State Police did not release the conditions of the victims, the Dairy Bear owner reported the young girl sustained only bumps and bruises.

We hope those injured in this accident recover quickly.

Car Accidents in Michigan

Motor vehicle crashes in Michigan are an everyday reality, with more than 282,000 reported incidents in 2023 alone. Hundreds of these collisions involved pedestrians or took place in areas not designed for high-speed traffic, like business driveways and parking lots. These accidents highlight the importance of awareness and safe driving habits in both residential and commercial zones.

Understanding what contributes to complex multi-vehicle crashes can offer better insight:

• Chain-Reaction Collisions: When one crash sets off a series of others, it’s called a chain-reaction accident. These often occur at intersections or on busy roads when a single bad decision leads to more vehicles being affected. These crashes can involve parked cars, pedestrians, or structures, greatly increasing the risk of injury.
• Improper Left Turns: Turning left across oncoming traffic is a common source of collisions. Drivers may misjudge the speed of approaching vehicles or attempt to beat a light, leading to high-impact crashes. This type of error was a major factor in the Howard City incident.
• Pedestrian Vulnerability: People on foot or waiting in line — especially near roadside businesses — face serious danger during traffic incidents. Unlike drivers, they have no protection, making even low-speed impacts potentially severe. It is crucial for motorists to slow down in these areas.
• Accidents Involving Parked Vehicles: Vehicles that are stopped or parked are not immune from collision damage. When crashes extend into parking lots or curbs, those inside parked cars can be seriously hurt — just as seen in this case. These incidents often lead to complex legal claims.

Anyone injured in this kind of collision should speak with a Howard City car accident attorney right away. Multi-vehicle accidents can be legally complicated, involving several parties and insurance providers. Having legal guidance early ensures your rights are protected and that your medical costs and damages are properly addressed. Don’t wait to take the first step toward accountability.

At Christopher Trainor & Associates, we offer free consultations and treat every client like family. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car crash, our experienced Howard City team is ready to fight for you. We’ve spent decades winning for Michiganders and have secured over $250 million for our clients. From the first call to final resolution, we’re committed to helping you move forward with clarity and strength. We’re one of the most respected personal injury law firms near me, known for getting results and standing by our clients when it matters most. Call us today at (248) 886-8650 to get started with your free consultation.

Note: Our firm utilized outside sources when creating this post. We have not independently verified the facts regarding this accident. If you find information that is incorrect, contact Christopher Trainor & Associates immediately so that we correct the post to reflect the most accurate information available about the accident. This post can be removed upon request.  

Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. The photograph used in this post was not taken at the actual accident scene. This post is not a solicitation for business.