A tragic accident claimed the life of a 16 year old girl and seriously injured a 19 year old man Friday in Southfield, Michigan off of I-696 near Lahser Road.  The injured wre part of a Michigan Department of Transportation youth summer work program.  The participants are exemplary students who get paid to make the roadways look clean.  They pick up trash and paint over graffiti near the roadways.  Apparently, the youth were exiting the minivan when a Ford Excursion drove off the road way and struck the back of the van.  Police are investigating but it is believed that the 60 year old driver of the van fell asleep at the wheel.

As a parent, these cases are incredibly disturbing and upsetting to me.  These youth were among our elite students who were working hard in the summer to beautify our roadways.  To lose them in this type of tragedy because an SUV driver simply fell asleep is tragic  Police have not determined if they will charge the driver with any type of crime, but clearly one does not have a hard to imagining that criminial charges would be appropriate, even if the man did not intend to cause the accident.  Simply put, a 60 year old should know enough not to get behind the wheel and drive if he is too tired.

 If I was the attorney handling this case for the families, I would immediately begin my investigation to determine the cause of the accident.  This involves examining the vehicles and hiring a private investigator to take witness statements.  A complete analysis of insurance issues for all vehicles involved is also important to determine the benefits under the Michigan No-Fault law.  The family of the girl can pursue a Michigan Wrongful Death case against the driver and the other injured 19 year old can file a lawsuit against the driver of the Excursion for his injuries.  I handle cases like this one on a regular basis and the key to a successful outcome is often hiring the best lawyer as soon as possible after the accident.

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