Michigan Woman Sentenced in Fatal Livonia Hit-and-Run
Michigan Woman Sentenced in Fatal Livonia Hit-and-Run after a tragic 2025 crash that claimed the life of a 3-year-old boy and left his twin sister and mother seriously injured, according to officials with the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office.
The defendant, Tammy Sandoval of Mt. Morris, has been ordered to serve a prison sentence following her guilty plea in connection with the incident. Prosecutors said Sandoval was driving with a suspended or revoked license when she struck a Detroit mother, Tia Robinson, and her two young children as they attempted to cross Merriman Road in Livonia. After the collision, authorities said Sandoval fled the scene without stopping to provide aid.
The crash occurred near the annual Livonia Spree festival, an area that typically sees increased pedestrian activity. Emergency responders rushed the victims to the hospital, where the 3-year-old boy later succumbed to his injuries. His twin sister and mother survived but sustained severe physical and emotional trauma.
Sandoval was arrested in June 2025 and later charged with multiple felony counts, including driving while license suspended or revoked, causing death, and driving while license suspended or revoked, causing serious injury. She was initially held on a $600,000 bond. As part of a plea agreement, Sandoval admitted guilt, bringing the case to a close without a trial.
During sentencing, the court imposed a term of five to 15 years in prison for the count involving the child’s death, along with an additional sentence of three to five years for causing serious injury. Judge Nicholas Hathaway followed the sentencing agreement negotiated by prosecutors and defense counsel.
According to a spokesperson for the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, multiple members of the Robinson family were allowed to address the court during the sentencing hearing. Prosecutors stated that the resolution reflected the gravity of the offense while respecting the wishes of the victim’s family, who expressed support for the outcome.
Compensation at Stake for the Victims
In fatal hit-and-run cases like this, surviving family members may be entitled to pursue civil compensation separate from the criminal proceedings. This can include damages for medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and the emotional pain and suffering caused by the wrongful death. For injured survivors, compensation may also cover ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, lost income, and long-term disability or trauma-related costs.
While no amount of compensation can undo such a devastating loss, civil claims can help families achieve financial stability and hold negligent drivers fully accountable under Michigan law.
How Mihelich & Kavanaugh, PLC Can Help
At Mihelich & Kavanaugh, PLC, we understand how overwhelming life becomes after a fatal hit-and-run. Our firm works closely with grieving families to investigate the circumstances of the crash, preserve critical evidence, and pursue maximum compensation through wrongful death and personal injury claims. We handle communication with insurers, assess all available sources of recovery, and fight to protect our clients’ rights every step of the way.
We believe families deserve both accountability and compassionate legal guidance during the most difficult moments of their lives. By allowing us to manage the legal process, victims and their loved ones can focus on healing while we work to secure the justice they deserve.
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.
