Motorist killed helping after Lodge Freeway crash
A motorist who stopped to help after a crash was hit and killed by another vehicle Saturday night.
Michigan State Police troopers responded to a two-vehicle crash at about 11:39 p.m. Oct. 3 on southbound M-10 near 9 Mile Road in Southfield.
One vehicle was disabled and blocking the two left lanes. A few minutes later, a passing motorist stopped on the right shoulder, got out and crossed the freeway to help those involved.
While the motorist was assisting, an approaching driver swerved to avoid the disabled vehicle and hit the pedestrian, police said.
Troopers, Southfield police and Southfield Fire/EMS attempted lifesaving measures, including CPR. The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver who hit the pedestrian stayed and cooperated with investigators. Police said there were no immediate indications that alcohol or drugs were factors.
The freeway closed during the investigation and reopened at about 4:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 4. The investigation remains ongoing.
Michigan’s rescue doctrine and injuries while helping others
Michigan’s rescue doctrine does not treat a person as careless just for taking a risk to save someone else. Someone whose negligence puts another person in danger owes a duty of reasonable care to a rescuer.
The doctrine asks whether it was reasonable to attempt the rescue and whether the person carried it out reasonably. That judgment accounts for what the rescuer reasonably believed was happening, even if the person being helped was not actually in danger.
A claim still requires proof of negligence and a connection between that conduct and the rescuer’s injury. Michigan Legal Center’s overview of Michigan personal injury claims explains how evidence, fault and the type of claim can affect recovery.
Get help from Michigan Legal Center
Michigan Legal Center: the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates handles pedestrian accident, serious injury and wrongful death claims.
If you have questions after a pedestrian crash or an injury while helping someone else, contact Michigan Legal Center to ask whether the matter is within Michigan Legal Center’s practice areas.
There is no attorney fee unless money is recovered for you. Case costs and fee terms are governed by the written fee agreement.