CASS COUNTY, Mich. — Authorities are investigating a vehicle crash that critically injured an 84-year-old Dowagiac man early April 25, Dowagiac police said.
Police responded at 4:32 a.m. to W. Division Street and N. Front Street and found the victim lying in the road. Dowagiac police and firefighters provided medical help until he was taken by ambulance to Corewell Health Lakeland Hospitals in St. Joseph.
John Reist, 84, was identified as the victim.
The driver, a 39-year-old Dowagiac man, stayed at the scene to cooperate. He was not hurt. Police said alcohol and excessive speed did not contribute to the accident.
Dowagiac police were assisted by the Cass County Sheriff’s Office and SMCAS ambulance. Authorities have asked anyone with information to contact Dowagiac police.
John Reist injured in Cass County vehicle vs. pedestrian accident
Incident Location
PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
Vulnerable road users such as pedestrians face danger every day. While all of us need to exercise care, the burden of responsibility falls mainly on drivers.
In 2018, motor vehicles injured an additional 150,000 pedestrians, according to the National Safety Council.
Pedestrian crashes often are caused by distracted driving, speeding, and failing to yield to a pedestrian.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a pedestrian accident case and prove negligence,” said Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal and national analyst for Accident Injury News.
“Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors considered and examined,” added Bond. These procedures are necessary for helping those who have lost a loved one receive the justice that they deserve.”
Bond stressed, “In most instances, pedestrians possess the right-of-way when crossing an intersection or a street, regardless if they are in a marked crosswalk. A driver must yield to any pedestrian.”
PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM
John Reist may have the right to pursue a personal injury suit pending an investigation.
Stefano Formica, Of Counsel at Bond Legal, said, “Injured victims involved in a collision often seek a personal injury claim to cover the cost of medical bills, future medical care, loss of income, emotional trauma, and pain and suffering.”
“Insurance companies can be notoriously unconcerned with mounting expenses that an injured party may accrue. An attorney can help. We protect the victims of these tragedies daily, forcing the insurance companies to pay for their mistakes,” Formica added.
Accident Injury News' national legal analyst Candice Bond is experienced in fatal pedestrian accidents, and if you or a family member need help, she is available for a free consultation to guide you.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Accident Injury News can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-986-7738 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).
