Losing a loved one in a preventable accident is never easy, but when the victim is a small child, the horror and grief surviving family feel are often too much to bear. Sadly, one young boy lost his life recently in Michigan after being struck by a vehicle while he was riding his bicycle. Now, his grieving family is likely considering their options for legal recourse.
Accident details
The accident happened at an unspecified time on Friday night, Oct. 14. The crash occurred in Dearborn Heights near Pardee Avenue and Annapolis Street. Members of the Dearborn Heights Police Department responded to the scene after getting 911 calls about the crash.
Upon arrival, authorities found a 12-year-old boy with severe injuries. He was riding his bike home from a football game when he was struck by a Jeep. The driver of the Jeep was not identified, but reports state the driver remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities. Police do not initially suspect alcohol or drug impairment on the part of the driver, but they ordered a blood sample for testing.
Right to compensation
Hopefully, the final police report will determine whether the driver was driving under the influence or driving carelessly, leading to the crash. Regardless of any criminal charges that may result, the surviving family of the deceased boy may be entitled to pursue wrongful death claims against the driver along with anyone else who has ownership of the Jeep. To fully understand their options, the victim’s family will need to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney in Michigan for assistance.