Teen Jason Soloman killed in Peninsula Township collision

DUI ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION

Impaired drivers are a risk to everyone on the road, and can senselessly ruin people’s lives.

“Drunken and drugged drivers are subject to criminal charges following an accident or collision that causes harm or kills another person,’’ explained Candice Bond, a Managing Partner at Bond Legal.

She added, “Separate from criminal charges, a victim’s family may be entitled to compensation through a civil lawsuit against the responsible party.”

According to the National Safety Council, 10 percent of all fatal automobile accidents are caused by drivers operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other medications. These accidents are the second-leading cause of automobile fatalities in this country.

WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM 

 

WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM

Depending on the evidence and applicable Michigan law, the victim’s family may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim separate from the criminal case. Potential damages may include funeral expenses, financial losses and the loss of companionship, subject to the law and facts of the case.

National legal analyst Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, has discussed how fatal impaired-driving cases can involve both criminal proceedings and separate civil claims. In cases such as this, a civil investigation may examine whether negligence or other legally actionable conduct contributed to the death.

Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, has emphasized the importance of protecting families’ legal rights following a fatal collision. Relevant evidence may include crash reconstruction findings, toxicology results, witness accounts and insurance records. Any potential claim would depend on the investigation’s findings and the requirements of Michigan law.

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