Child killed in Davison Freeway crash in Detroit

A child died and five other people were injured in a three-vehicle crash late Oct. 31.

Michigan State Police troopers responded around 11:45 p.m. to westbound M-8 near I-75 in Detroit. Investigators said a Chevrolet Impala rear-ended another vehicle, leading to a collision with a third vehicle.

The child was one of six people in the Impala and was ejected during the crash. Highland Park police officers took the child to a hospital, where they were pronounced dead.

“The five remaining occupants of the Impala sustained injuries ranging from minor to critical,” state police said.

The Impala's driver was arrested on suspicion of operating while intoxicated causing death and was receiving hospital treatment for crash injuries, state police said. The crash remains under investigation.

Wrongful death claims after a crash caused by driving while intoxicated

Under MCL 257.625(4), a driver who operates while intoxicated and causes another person's death can face a felony. The offense generally carries a maximum of 15 years in prison, with higher maximums in certain circumstances.

A civil wrongful-death lawsuit seeks compensation separately from a criminal prosecution. An impaired-driving arrest doesn't establish civil liability by itself, a distinction Michigan Legal Center explains in its guide to impaired-driving charges and civil crash claims.

Get help from Michigan Legal Center

Michigan Legal Center: the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates handles car accident and wrongful-death claims.

If you were injured or lost a family member in a Michigan crash, contact Michigan Legal Center to ask about your legal options.

There is no attorney fee unless money is recovered for you. Case costs and fee terms are governed by the written fee agreement.