Romulus Man Charged After Pedestrian Critically Injured in Hit-and-Run [HURON TOWNSHIP, MI]

A 78-year-old Romulus man has been charged after he allegedly struck a 61-year-old pedestrian with his van in Huron Township, Wayne County, and left the scene without stopping. The victim remains in critical condition, according to the Huron Township Police Department.

Investigators said the crash occurred just before 8 a.m. on Monday, September 14, in the area of Pennsylvania Road between Huron River Drive and Wayne Road in Huron Township. Ray Woodrow Jr., 78, of Romulus, was driving a van when he allegedly struck the 61-year-old New Boston man and then left the scene, heading eastbound on Pennsylvania Road. A passerby witnessed the crash and called 911. Huron Township police said the witness’s call may have been critical to the victim’s survival.

Woodrow was arrested later the same day after Huron Township police released images of the suspect vehicle. He was charged on September 17 with failure to stop at the scene of an accident resulting in serious impairment or death. He was given a $10,000 bond with the condition that he may not drive and is scheduled to appear in court on September 29 for a probable cause conference.

Huron Township Director of Public Safety Everette Robbins said the department’s thoughts were with the victim and his family and emphasized that drivers involved in a collision are required to stop at the scene.

What the Victim’s Family May Want to Know

When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle and the driver allegedly leaves the scene, the legal questions for the injured person and family may involve both the criminal proceedings against the driver and potential civil claims arising from the crash.

Woodrow has been charged with failure to stop at the scene of an accident resulting in serious impairment or death under MCL 257.617. Michigan law requires drivers involved in certain crashes resulting in injury or death to stop and remain at the scene. The criminal prosecution is separate from any potential civil claims arising from the collision.

For the injured pedestrian, Michigan’s no-fault system may provide eligible individuals with PIP benefits for allowable medical expenses and wage loss, subject to applicable eligibility, coverage, and priority rules. An auto accident attorney can help identify what coverage may apply and evaluate what liability claims may be available based on the circumstances of the crash.

Potential civil claims are separate from the criminal prosecution and may involve different legal issues and evidence. An attorney can evaluate what options may be available, help preserve relevant evidence, and protect the injured person’s legal rights while the criminal case proceeds.

If your family was affected by a hit-and-run crash in Wayne County or anywhere in the Metro Detroit area, our team may be able to help. To speak with a Michigan personal injury attorney, contact us today.

Source: ClickOnDetroit