The Michigan State Police have reported a significant increase in crash-related fatalities, totaling 751 so far this year. In the same period in 2019, 687 lives were lost, 64 less than the 2020 numbers. Furthermore, almost 50% of all fatal vehicle accidents in 2019 involved single vehicles.
A 17-year old girl was arrested on a recent Tuesday after the vehicle she was driving crashed and rolled over. Reportedly, the accident occurred at approximately 9 p.m. She crossed the railroad tracks and failed to maintain control of the car. A crash report indicates that the vehicle overturned and landed on its roof after going into a ditch and striking a pole.
Another 17-year-old girl who was a passenger in the front seat died at the crash scene. A 19-year-old passenger in the back seat was ejected. Reportedly, he was not wearing a seat belt. He was transported to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries later. State police said excessive speed and impairment involving intoxicants played a role in this tragic crash.
The surviving family members of the two deceased passengers will likely have grounds to file wrongful death lawsuits against the driver and/or any separate owner of the vehicle she was operating, regardless of the outcome of any criminal charges. An attorney with extensive experience in cases involving fatal vehicle accidents can help pursue claims for financial relief. Wrongful death claims are handled through the state’s civil justice system and require proof of negligence that is found to have caused or materially contributed to the crash and deaths that resulted.