Man dies in Hall Road rollover crash in Sterling Heights
A 41-year-old man died and a 27-year-old woman was injured in a rollover crash early Friday, Oct. 16.
Sterling Heights Police Department officers and paramedics responded about 4:20 a.m. to Hall Road near Delco Boulevard.
Investigators said a 2018 Nissan Rogue entered the grassy median, hit a tree and rolled several times. Police believe the man was driving.
Both occupants, who lived in Sterling Heights, got out before the man lost consciousness, police said. They were taken to a hospital, where he died. The woman remained hospitalized Friday afternoon with non-life-threatening injuries.
Police suspect alcohol was a factor and don't believe another vehicle was involved. Police said the investigation was ongoing. Eastbound Hall Road closed for the investigation but later reopened.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information is asked to call Officer Archer with the department's Traffic Safety Bureau at 586-446-2920.
Can a passenger seek compensation if the driver dies?
Yes, if the driver was legally responsible for the crash and the passenger can establish an injury claim. Under MCL 600.2921, claims survive death, so a driver's death doesn't automatically end a passenger's right to seek compensation. A claim can proceed against the driver's estate through its personal representative, the person authorized to handle the estate.
A surviving passenger seeking pain-and-suffering damages must meet Michigan's injury threshold of a serious impairment of body function or permanent serious disfigurement. Recovery also depends on proof of fault and the insurance coverage or estate assets available.
A separate no-fault claim may pay reasonably necessary medical expenses and part of lost wages, subject to eligibility, coverage limits and other statutory requirements, regardless of who caused the crash. Michigan Legal Center's explanation of passenger injury claims after a Michigan car accident distinguishes these benefits from a claim against an at-fault driver.
Get help from Michigan Legal Center
Michigan Legal Center: the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates handles car accident injury claims and no-fault benefit disputes.
If you were injured as a passenger in a single-vehicle crash, Contact Michigan Legal Center to ask about your potential injury claim and insurance benefits.
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 provides help with Michigan car accident claims, including questions about fault and available insurance coverage.