WHITEFORD TOWNSHIP, Mich. — A fatal accident on northbound U.S. Highway 23 claimed the lives of a woman and her unborn child on May 17 at 10 p.m. Officials said two vehicles collided, leaving one driver dead and another in custody.
Authorities identified the deceased as Kaitlyn Ellison, 32. Emergency personnel transported her to a hospital, where she and her unborn child were pronounced dead.
Ellison was driving a Ford Escape northbound when a 24-year-old male from Oregon, Ohio, sideswiped her vehicle with a Chrysler 300. The impact forced her car off the roadway, causing it to overturn down an embankment.
Ellison was trapped in the vehicle and had to be extricated. The Chrysler also lost control and came to rest in the median.
Officials said the Chrysler’s driver fled the scene on foot before deputies located and arrested him at a nearby gas station.
Authorities charged him with two counts of second-degree homicide and two counts of operating a vehicle while intoxicated causing death.
Ellison leaves behind three children, ages 13, 7, and 4.
The investigation remains ongoing. Officials urge anyone with information to contact law enforcement.
Kaitlyn Ellison tragically killed in Monroe County DUI-related accident
DUI ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
Despite crackdowns throughout this country, impaired drivers remain a threat to innocent, law-abiding victims.
The consumption of alcohol can diminish the ability to operate a motor vehicle. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, each year about 300,000 people are injured in the U.S. by drunken drivers.
An independent investigation will be required to learn other potential factors in the case such as blood alcohol content levels.
Candice Bond, an experienced DUI accident attorney, was interviewed and provided her thoughts on incidents such as this.
“Separate from criminal charges, a victim may be entitled to compensation through a civil lawsuit against the responsible party, said Candice Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal. “In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from the scene of the crash, and obtain phone and text records of the liable party. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide an injured victim during this difficult time, protecting their legal rights, while ensuring that a driver who takes the wheel under the influence is held accountable for their actions.”
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the family of Kaitlyn Ellison may pursue a wrongful death claim. Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident such as this.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Bond.
“We understand just what families must go through, and having their rights protected is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.”
If you, a friend, or a family member have been injured at the hands of a hit-and-run or drunken driver, contact our national legal analyst Candice Bond for a free consultation for guidance
(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).
