Flint pedestrian killed in crash on North Saginaw Street
A pedestrian was struck and killed Saturday night in Flint.
Officers were called around 10:22 p.m. Saturday, July 11, after a report of a pedestrian being hit at the intersection of North Saginaw Street and East Paterson Street, according to the Flint Police Department.
Police said an adult man was attempting to cross North Saginaw Street when he was struck by a black Cadillac traveling north. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
A person of interest was taken into custody at the scene. Investigators believe speed and possible impairment by alcohol or drugs may have contributed to the crash. The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Lt. Randy Matteson at 810-237-6816. Tips can be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-422-5245 or at CrimeStoppersofFlint.com.
Legal options after a fatal pedestrian crash
Michigan is a no-fault state, which means an injured person may qualify for Personal Injury Protection benefits without first having to determine who was at fault for a crash.
These benefits can help cover economic losses from injuries caused by the crash, including allowable medical expenses, wage loss, replacement services or attendant care.
Recovering noneconomic losses usually requires a separate claim against an at-fault driver. This may be an option if the injuries meet the state's threshold of serious impairment of body function, permanent serious disfigurement or death.
In fatal crash cases, Michigan's wrongful death statute, MCL 600.2922, generally requires the personal representative of the estate to bring the claim. Potential damages may include medical, hospital, funeral and burial expenses, conscious pain and suffering, loss of financial support and loss of society and companionship.
Speed, impairment and pedestrian crossing rules
A crash involving suspected impaired driving can involve both criminal charges and civil claims depending on the facts of the case.
Operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs is illegal in Michigan. For alcohol, Michigan law includes a .08 threshold for drivers 21 or older and a .02 threshold for drivers under 21, along with other rules that may apply depending on the circumstances. These rules are addressed in MCL 257.625.
Civil liability still depends on fault, causation, insurance coverage, injuries, damages and the evidence available.
Fault may also depend on the pedestrian's actions and facts such as whether the pedestrian was in a marked or unmarked crosswalk, traffic-signal timing, lighting, visibility, vehicle speed, the point of impact and the driver's actions.
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 Michigan car accident medical bills and PIP priority and Michigan wrongful death deadlines.