Two Mattawan students killed in Texas Township crash
Two Mattawan High School students were killed and three others were critically injured in a crash early Sunday in Texas Township.
The Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office said the crash happened before 3:30 a.m. Oct. 18 on West R Avenue near South 2nd Street. The vehicle carrying the five teenagers was headed west when it left the south side of the road and hit a tree.
A 15-year-old and a 16-year-old died at the scene. Two other students were reported to be in critical but stable condition, while the third was described as being in very critical condition.
The students' families and school officials have been notified. Mattawan Superintendent Randy Fleenor said support would be available for students and staff.
Investigators are working to determine why the vehicle left the road. Anyone with information about events leading up to the crash can submit an anonymous tip through Silent Observer or call 269-343-2100.
Who can bring a Michigan wrongful death claim for a child?
A wrongful death lawsuit must be brought by the personal representative of the child's estate. This is the person appointed through probate court to act for the estate. Being a parent doesn't automatically give someone authority to file the lawsuit.
Under MCL 600.2922, a claim requires a death caused by another person's wrongful act, neglect or fault that would have supported an injury claim if the child had survived. A fatal crash alone doesn't establish that someone is legally responsible.
Parents and other qualifying relatives who survive the child and suffer losses may be entitled to compensation through that action. Recoverable losses can include reasonable funeral and burial expenses for which the estate is liable and loss of the child's companionship. The court oversees how settlement or judgment proceeds are distributed.
Michigan Legal Center's explanation of Michigan wrongful death deadlines also covers the personal representative's role and why the underlying type of claim matters when determining the filing deadline.
Get help from Michigan Legal Center
Michigan Legal Center: the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates handles fatal car accident, wrongful death and serious injury claims.
If your family has lost a child or is dealing with serious injuries after a Michigan car crash, contact Michigan Legal Center to ask whether the matter falls 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.