Passenger killed in Peninsula Township car crash
One was killed and another died in a single-vehicle crash in Peninsula Township on Saturday morning.
The Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office said dispatch received a crash report at 7:49 a.m. Oct. 3. The car swerved off of Center Road and hit a tree.
The driver was taken to Munson Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries and the passenger was pronounced dead at the scene.
Center Road was closed for approximately six hours. Michigan State Police crash reconstruction team and Peninsula Township Fire assisted the sheriff’s office.
The sheriff’s office said the investigation was ongoing and that speed and alcohol were believed to have contributed to the crash.
Anyone with information can contact Detective Wolbers at 231-995-5137 or cwolbers@gtsheriff.org.
Michigan law after a fatal impaired-driving crash
Under MCL 257.625, when someone dies because a driver was operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated or visibly impaired is a felony. This requires proving alcohol impairment, suspicion alone isn’t enough.
A criminal prosecution addresses punishment, while a civil lawsuit seeks compensation. Michigan Legal Center explains this distinction in its discussion of civil claims after Michigan drunk driving crashes.
Under MCL 600.2922, a wrongful death lawsuit must be brought by the personal representative, the person authorized to act for the deceased person’s estate. A negligence claim requires proof that another person’s negligent conduct caused the death. Depending on the legally recoverable losses and evidence, damages may include funeral and burial expenses for which the estate is liable and loss of financial support or companionship.
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 loved one in a Michigan crash, Contact Michigan Legal Center to ask about possible claims and whether representation is available.
There is no attorney fee unless money is recovered for you. Case costs and fee terms are governed by the written fee agreement.
Learn more about how Michigan Legal Center handles Michigan car accident claims.