Two men killed in I-94 crash in Leoni Township
Two men died after their car left I-94 and hit a tree early Sunday, Oct. 18.
The Blackman-Leoni Department of Public Safety responded around 2 a.m. to Ann Arbor and Donnely roads in Leoni Township.
Officers identified the men as Lawrence Michael Vitale, 30, of Ann Arbor, and Travis Allen Lammer, 25, of Grass Lake. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators believe the Dodge Charger was heading east on I-94 at high speed when the driver lost control, swerved off the road, slid sideways and hit a tree, breaking it and sending the car and both men toward Ann Arbor Road.
Officers found debris spread across about 200 yards. Police believe speed contributed to the crash. The department's Accident Reconstruction Team and the Jackson County Medical Examiner's Office are investigating.
Can a wrongful death claim proceed if the at-fault driver also died?
Yes, if the driver's negligence caused another person's death. Under MCL 600.2921, claims survive death, so a driver's death doesn't itself erase a claim against the driver's estate. Fault still must be proved.
Michigan's wrongful death law, MCL 600.2922, requires the deceased person's personal representative to bring the case. A personal representative is the person appointed to act for the estate. Depending on the evidence and statutory requirements, damages may include reasonable funeral and burial expenses the estate owes and eligible survivors' losses of financial support, society and companionship.
These cases can involve both lawsuit deadlines and probate requirements. Michigan Legal Center explains why Michigan wrongful death deadlines depend on the underlying claim and estate circumstances.
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 someone you love died in a Michigan car crash, Contact Michigan Legal Center to ask whether Michigan Legal Center can help review the claim and estate requirements.
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 also explains the legal and insurance issues involved in Michigan car accident claims.