Highland Township bicyclist hit and killed by Jeep
A Highland Township bicyclist hit and killed by Jeep on Sunday evening has left the local community mourning the loss of 53-year-old Todd Michael Luark. According to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, the tragic crash occurred around 7:24 p.m. on South Milford Road near Rowe Road. Luark was traveling southbound on his bicycle when he was struck by a 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by a 45-year-old man from Farmington Hills, who was also heading south.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the Jeep veered over a solid white line near the edge of the roadway and struck Luark. Deputies who arrived at the scene found the bicyclist lying unconscious in the driveway of a nearby residence. Paramedics immediately performed CPR, but despite their best efforts, Luark was pronounced dead at the scene. The Sheriff’s Office confirmed that an autopsy was scheduled for Monday to determine the precise cause of death.
Accidents like this underscore the dangers that cyclists face, especially along roadways where vehicles travel at higher speeds and visibility may be reduced during evening hours. While the investigation remains ongoing, officials have not yet confirmed whether speed, distraction, or impairment played a role in the collision. The driver of the Jeep cooperated with authorities, and results from toxicology reports are pending.
For many residents, the tragic death of Todd Michael Luark serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of road safety and driver awareness. Bicyclists have the same rights to the road as motorists, yet they remain far more vulnerable in a collision. Even a minor lapse in attention or failure to maintain lane discipline can have devastating consequences, as seen in this heartbreaking case.
Types of Compensation Available to the Victim’s Family
In fatal bicycle accidents such as this one, the victim’s family may be entitled to wrongful death compensation under Michigan law. Compensation can cover:
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Funeral and burial expenses, helping to alleviate the immediate financial burden.
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Loss of income and financial support the victim provided to dependents.
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Loss of companionship and emotional suffering experienced by surviving family members.
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Medical expenses related to emergency care before the victim’s passing.
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Punitive damages, in cases involving gross negligence or reckless driving.
These damages not only offer financial relief but also serve as a form of justice for families grappling with such a preventable loss.
How Mihelich & Kavanaugh, PLC Can Help
At Mihelich & Kavanaugh, PLC, we understand how devastating and life-altering it is to lose a loved one in a crash caused by another’s negligence. Our experienced Michigan wrongful death attorneys are committed to standing by families during these painful moments. We conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the crash — examining police reports, witness statements, and vehicle data — to build a strong case on your behalf.
We handle all communication with insurance companies and opposing counsel to ensure that your family’s rights are fully protected. Our goal is to secure maximum compensation so you can focus on healing, not paperwork or legal complexities. We treat every client with compassion, dedication, and the respect they deserve during such a difficult time.
Call us for a free and confidential case evaluation. We are available by phone, text, and online chat 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Note: Our law office relies on external sources for the content of this post. Although we aim for accuracy, we have not independently verified all facts related to this incident. Please notify Mihelich & Kavanaugh, PLC for corrections if you identify any inaccuracies. Posts will be removed upon request.
Disclaimer: The content of this post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation for business. The information contained herein is not intended to offer legal or medical advice. If you or someone you care about has been injured in an accident, it is recommended to seek immediate medical assistance. The photo featured in this post was not taken at the actual scene of the accident.
