Passenger killed in Allegan County crash, driver arrested
An Allegan County man was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving after being involved in a crash that left one dead on Monday.
The Allegan County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded around 2:10 a.m. to 146th Avenue at West Shore Drive in Leighton Township. A preliminary investigation found the driver heading east lost control on the curve leading south onto West Shore Drive.
First responders found the passenger not breathing and attempted lifesaving measures, but he died at the scene. The driver was uninjured. Deputies identified alcohol, speed and seat belt use as factors in the crash.
Authorities initially withheld the driver’s name pending arraignment and the passenger’s name pending notification of his family. The crash closed part of 146th Avenue for several hours before it reopened Monday morning. The sheriff’s office is investigating.
Wrongful-death claims after an impaired driving crash in Michigan
An arrest for operating while intoxicated does not establish guilt or automatically determine civil liability. If the crash involved a fatality, it could lead to both criminal charges and a civil claim.
Under Michigan’s wrongful-death law, MCL 600.2922, a claim may proceed when another person’s wrongful act or negligence causes a death and the person who died could otherwise have brought an injury claim.
The lawsuit must be brought by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate, rather than by each family member separately.
The available compensation depends on the evidence and applicable law. Michigan Legal Center’s explanation of Michigan wrongful death deadlines describes how the claim type and estate appointment can affect that review.
Get help from Michigan Legal Center
Michigan Legal Center: the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates handles fatal car crash and wrongful-death claims.
If a loved one died in a crash involving suspected impaired driving, Contact Michigan Legal Center to ask whether Michigan Legal Center can help evaluate a civil claim. There is no attorney fee unless money is recovered for you. Case costs and fee terms are governed by the written fee agreement.