Pedestrian Fatally Struck on Van Dyke Avenue
A pedestrian was fatally struck on Van Dyke Avenue in Macomb County, Michigan, Friday evening, according to police reports. The McClighborhoods surrounding the area were shaken when emergency responders confirmed the person died at the scene after being hit by a vehicle. The incident occurred around dusk, when visibility becomes more challenging, and the injured party sustained critical injuries that could not be reversed.
What Happened
According to the incident report, the collision occurred as the pedestrian was walking along Van Dyke Avenue. The driver involved remained at the scene and cooperated with officials. Officers and medical personnel were called in immediately, and while efforts were made to provide aid, the pedestrian succumbed to the injuries before reaching the hospital. Authorities closed down parts of Van Dyke Avenue for investigation, collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses to reconstruct the moments leading up to the tragedy.
The identity of the individual has not yet been released, while the family is being notified. Details such as lighting conditions, the vehicle’s speed, or whether the pedestrian was in a marked crosswalk are still under investigation by the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office or the local state police unit assisting in the matter.
Legal and Safety Implications
Incidents like this highlight the serious risk pedestrians face, especially in areas with high-speed traffic or poorly lit roadways. Drivers are required under Michigan law to exercise “due care” to avoid collisions with pedestrians, particularly in areas where foot traffic is expected. Failure to do so, whether through negligence, distraction, or impaired driving, may result in criminal charges in addition to civil liability.
Pedestrians also have the right to safe passage — whether on sidewalks, designated crosswalks, or in other pedestrian walkways. If those rights are violated, legal accountability may follow, involving law enforcement investigations and possible prosecution depending on the findings.
Compensation for Victims
When a pedestrian is fatally struck, there may be several avenues of compensation available to the family. Wrongful death claims can be brought against the driver or other negligent parties, seeking damages such as medical expenses incurred before death, funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support, and compensation for emotional suffering. In many cases, punitive damages may also be considered if it is proven the driver’s behavior was especially reckless or willful.
Survivors may also be eligible to recover non-economic damages, which address pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and mental anguish. Economic damages typically cover tangible financial losses — outstanding medical bills, lost wages if the victim was employed, and future earnings the victim would have generated had the death not occurred.
How Mihelich & Kavanaugh, PLC Can Help
At Mihelich & Kavanaugh, PLC, we understand how devastating a sudden loss can be. Our dedicated team of trial attorneys has decades of experience handling pedestrian accident and wrongful death cases. We work closely with grieving families to guide them through every step: gathering and preserving crucial evidence, reviewing police reports, analyzing accident scene details, and collecting medical records.
We also handle communication with insurance companies to ensure that claims are not short-changed. Our goal is to secure full and fair compensation for our clients — not only covering immediate expenses like medical bills and funeral costs, but also future financial losses, and non-economic damages like loss of companionship and emotional distress. Where the facts support it, we seek punitive damages to hold particularly reckless parties accountable.
You don’t have to face this alone. If your loved one was injured or killed in a pedestrian accident on Van Dyke Avenue — or anywhere — we can help assess your legal options, explain your rights, and fight for the compensation your family deserves.
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.
