Rochester Hills Fatal Car Accident Lawyer

Experienced Rochester Hills Car Accident Attorneys Fight for Families in Metro Detroit

Rochester Hills is regularly rated the safest city in Michigan. Oakland County has consistently reported the lowest or one of the lowest traffic fatality rates in the state for decades. Unfortunately, drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists on its roads and streets still face the risk of being seriously injured or killed. Negligent or reckless drivers cause many of these preventable tragedies.

If you’ve lost someone you love in a car accident, reach out to an experienced Rochester Hills fatal car accident attorney today. The team at Sommers Schwartz, P.C. can help.

Fatal Car Accident Statistics in Metro Detroit

Deadly car accidents in Michigan are depressingly familiar. In 2023, there were 1.11 deaths per 100 million miles of travel. In the 287,953 reported motor vehicle traffic crashes in Michigan during 2023, 1,095 people were killed, and 71,085 people were injured. In Oakland County, 54 people died in auto accidents.

Michigan roadway deaths in 2023 also included:

• Pedestrian deaths. In 2023, 183 pedestrians were killed on Michigan roads, ten more than in 2022. For each pedestrian killed, there were ten pedestrians injured.
• Bicyclist deaths. Twenty-four bicyclists lost their lives in 2023, a decrease from 36 in 2022 and 29 in 2021.
• Motorcyclist deaths. In 2023, 173 motorcyclists were killed on Michigan roads, the same number as in 2022.

For 2023, Oakland County’s traffic-fatality rate was nearly half of Michigan’s at 0.46 deaths per 100 million miles of vehicle travel. (By comparison, the national rate was 1.35 deaths per 100 million miles.)

Common Causes of Fatal Crashes

According to Michigan Traffic Crash Facts, some types of vehicle accidents are more likely to cause death or serious injuries than others. Common types of fatal car accidents include:

• Single motor vehicle crashes. Surprisingly, 36.4% (104,722) of 2023’s total accidents and 46.6% of fatal accidents (476) involved only one vehicle. Among other causes, single-vehicle crashes result from vehicle defects, sudden emergencies, hazardous road or weather conditions, reckless driving, and driving under the influence.
• Driver recklessness or negligence. Fatal car crashes often result from a driver failing to stop or yield at an intersection or other location. Excessive speed contributed to 11.7% of Michigan’s fatal crashes in 2023.
• Driving under the influence. In 26.6% of 2023’s fatal crashes, one or more of the vehicle operators, bicyclists, or pedestrians involved were under the influence of alcohol. Seventeen percent involved alcohol without any other drugs, 12.9% involved drugs but no alcohol, and 9.6% involved both alcohol and drugs.

Traffic deaths and road safety remain top-tier public policy concerns at the city, county, state, and federal levels.

Personal Injury and Wrongful Death in Michigan

A person injured by another person’s negligence can bring a lawsuit to recover the cost of medical bills, lost wages, and other related losses. If they are killed, their surviving family members can file a wrongful death claim. In this type of case, family members step into their loved one’s shoes and ask for the compensation the person could have received in a lawsuit.

For example, family members can request compensation for the decedent’s lost wages, conscious pain and suffering, and medical expenses. They can also recover funeral and burial expenses. Survivors can also ask for compensation for their own losses, like emotional anguish, loss of their loved one’s household services and income, and loss of companionship.

Criminal and Civil Claims After a Car Accident Death

Many fatal car accidents lead to criminal charges against a driver. For example, a drunk driver who causes a fatal accident may be charged with the crime of driving while intoxicated. A criminal case differs from a wrongful death case in several ways. Important differences include:

• Who brings the case. The Oakland County prosecutor may choose to file criminal charges after a fatal Rochester Hills accident. The prosecutor must prove that the driver violated state law. Although family members may be asked to participate in the case as witnesses or present statements to the court about their loss, they generally do not have the final say over whether to bring charges or take the case to trial. In a civil case for wrongful death, the family decides whether to file a lawsuit and participates as a party in the case.
• What’s at stake. The prosecutor’s goal in a criminal case is to hold the driver accountable for violating Michigan law. If they succeed, the driver will face criminal punishment, such as incarceration, probation, fines, or other penalties. Some limited restitution may be available to the family, but it typically won’t be substantial. In a civil case for wrongful death, the family seeks compensation for the financial and personal losses they suffered as a result of their loved one’s death. This may include compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering, and the loss of their companionship.
• Who is involved. The parties in a criminal case are the county prosecutor (on behalf of the public), the person charged with a crime, and the defendant’s attorney. In a civil case, the family, the driver, and their respective attorneys are directly involved. One or more auto insurance companies are often named defendants because they may be legally liable for paying benefits under an insurance policy. Other parties may also be named defendants, such as a driver’s employer or the manufacturer of a faulty vehicle part.

The results of a criminal case can affect the outcome of a civil case. An experienced Rochester Hills car accident lawyer can help you understand how these cases influence each other and how to protect your legal rights.

Speak to an Experienced Car Accident Injury Attorney Today

Losing a loved one is devastating, especially when it happens suddenly. You may struggle with daily tasks. Work, chores, hobbies, and raising your family may seem impossible under the weight of your grief and without the help of your lost loved one. You may not know where to start or where to turn for support.

If this sounds familiar, there is hope. You don’t have to do it alone. An experienced Rochester Hills wrongful death lawyer can help in many unexpected ways. An attorney can:

• Explain and clarify your legal rights and options.
• Help you make an informed decision about whether to file a lawsuit and how to do so.
• Handle communications and negotiations with insurance companies.
• Explore options to secure full and fair compensation for you and your family.
• Gather evidence and prepare a case for trial if necessary.

Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging, especially when you’re grieving the loss of a loved one. Experienced car accident lawyers know how to negotiate with insurers and protect your rights. The first step is to speak to an attorney.

The Sommers Schwartz, P.C. team understands the challenge of putting your life back together after a loss. We are dedicated to helping each of our clients with skill and compassion. Contact us today to schedule a free, confidential case evaluation.