55-year-old Warren woman killed in Farmington Hills pedestrian crash
A 55-year-old Warren woman died Wednesday night after she was struck by a vehicle in Farmington Hills.
The crash happened around 10 p.m. Wednesday, July 8, on Middlebelt Road north of Northwestern Highway, according to the Farmington Hills Police Department.
Investigators determined that the vehicle was traveling north on Middlebelt Road when it struck the woman, who was walking in the roadway.
Responding officers performed lifesaving measures until Farmington Hills Fire Department paramedics arrived and took over her care. The woman was taken to Corewell Health Farmington Hills Hospital, where she died from her injuries.
The driver, who was the vehicle’s only occupant, remained at the scene and has fully cooperated with investigators. Police have not released the woman’s name.
The crash remains under investigation by the police department’s Traffic Safety Section.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information about it is asked to call the Farmington Hills Police Department at 248-871-2610.
Legal options after a fatal Michigan pedestrian crash
Michigan is a no-fault state, which means that without having to determine whose fault an accident is, people injured in the crash may qualify for Personal Injury Protection benefits.
Depending on the available coverage, a pedestrian’s PIP claim may be made under a policy covering the pedestrian, the pedestrian’s spouse or a resident relative under MCL 500.3114. When no applicable policy is available, MCL 500.3115 generally directs a nonoccupant claim to the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan.
Michigan’s wrongful death statute, MCL 600.2922, allows a personal representative of the estate to collect potential damages can include medical, hospital, funeral and burial expenses, conscious pain and suffering, loss of financial support and loss of society and companionship.
Can a family bring a claim if a pedestrian was walking in the roadway?
Yes. The estate may still have a claim, but the pedestrian’s location and conduct could affect how fault and damages are determined.
Under MCL 257.655, pedestrians generally must use a sidewalk when one is provided. When a sidewalk is not provided, pedestrians must walk on the left side of the highway facing the nearest traffic when practicable.
The driver’s conduct is still relevant. Michigan’s basic speed law, MCL 257.627, requires drivers to travel at a careful and prudent speed for existing traffic, roadway and visibility conditions and to be able to stop within the assured clear distance ahead.
Get help from Michigan Legal Center
Michigan Legal Center is the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates. Our attorneys help injured people and families across Michigan with personal injury, car crashes, no-fault claims, insurance disputes, serious injury claims and wrongful death cases.
If you or a loved one was injured in a Michigan car crash, call Michigan Legal Center at (248) 886-8650 or contact us for a consultation.
There is no attorney fee unless money is recovered for you. Case costs and fee terms are governed by the written fee agreement.
Michigan Legal Center can help you navigate the issues involved in claims such as this with Michigan car accident medical bills and PIP priority and Michigan wrongful death deadlines.