2-year-old killed in Isabella County rollover crash
A 2-year-old Alma girl died and five other people were injured in a two-vehicle crash Wednesday evening.
Michigan State Police Mount Pleasant Post troopers responded about 5:30 p.m. Nov. 11. The crash happened near East Coe Road and South East County Line Road in Coe Township.
A 22-year-old man was driving a Hyundai Kona west on East Coe Road when it was hit by a Chrysler Voyager at the intersection and overturned, troopers said.
The girl, who was riding in the Hyundai, died at a hospital. The driver and two other passengers in that vehicle were hospitalized with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
A 38-year-old Shepherd woman driving the Chrysler and her passenger were hospitalized with minor injuries.
Investigators believe disregarding a stop sign may have contributed to the crash. They said seat belts and child safety seats were being used and alcohol and drugs did not appear to be factors.
“We urge everyone to slow down, stay alert and make safety their priority,” Michigan State Police spokesman DuWayne Robinson said.
The crash remains under investigation.
Who files a Michigan wrongful death claim for a child?
The person appointed through probate court to act for the child's estate, called the personal representative, brings the lawsuit. Under Michigan's wrongful death law, MCL 600.2922, parents and other eligible relatives may receive compensation for proven losses, but they don't each file a separate wrongful death lawsuit. The claim requires proof that another person's wrongful act, neglect or fault caused the death and would have supported a claim if the child had survived.
Recoverable losses can include reasonable medical, funeral and burial expenses for which the estate is liable, the child's conscious pain and suffering between injury and death and eligible relatives' loss of society and companionship. That last category recognizes the loss of the family relationship, rather than limiting a claim to financial support.
Filing deadlines depend on the underlying claim and applicable exceptions. Michigan Legal Center's explanation of Michigan wrongful death deadlines describes why a death or estate appointment should not be treated as an automatic new filing period.
Get help from Michigan Legal Center
Michigan Legal Center: the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates handles fatal car crash, wrongful death and serious injury claims.
Contact Michigan Legal Center if a family member died in a Michigan car crash and you have questions about the estate process or possible legal claims.
There is no attorney fee unless money is recovered for you. Case costs and fee terms are governed by the written fee agreement.