Alfred Henry Young Killed in Orion Township Car Accident
An 86-year-old man died, and three others were seriously injured in the head-on collision
Alfred Henry Young, 86, was killed in a head-on collision on Lapeer Road near Greenshield Road in Orion Township. The Oakland County Sheriff's Office reported the crash occurred around 1:11 p.m. April 11. A 63-year-old Hazel Park man was driving a Ford Fiesta northbound on Lapeer Road when the vehicle left the road and crossed the median. The vehicle then entered the southbound lane, striking Young's Lincoln MKX head-on. Young was taken to the hospital, where he died from his injuries. His 86-year-old wife, a passenger in the Lincoln, was critically injured. The Ford driver and his 60-year-old wife, both from Hazel Park, were also hospitalized in critical condition. Police stated that alcohol, drugs, and speed do not appear to be factors. The Oakland County Medical Examiner's Office took custody of Young's body, and an autopsy was scheduled for Sunday. The investigation is ongoing.
Investigation & Legal Analysis
The head-on collision that killed Young on M-24 in Orion Township is under investigation. Police reports indicate the Ford Fiesta, driven by a 72-year-old San Diego resident, crossed the median before hitting the Lincoln MKX driven by Young.
National Legal Analyst Stefano Formica, Of Counsel at Bond Legal. "In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from the scene of the crash and obtain phone and texting records of the liable party. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide a family who has lost a loved one during this difficult time, as well as protect their legal rights and best interests." Formica said. "Even when factors like alcohol or speed are ruled out, driver negligence, such as drifting across a median, can still be the basis for significant legal action."
Police have not yet released details on why the Ford Fiesta left its lane and crossed the median.
National Legal Analyst Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal. "The immediate aftermath of such a crash is chaotic, but securing legal representation quickly is crucial to preserve evidence and ensure that victims and their families receive the justice and compensation they deserve," Bond said.
Families of crash victims may have grounds to pursue a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. This type of claim seeks compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. For Young's family, a wrongful death claim would seek to recover damages for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and financial support.
Michigan wrongful death statute
Under MCL § 600.2922, surviving family members may file a wrongful death action. Michigan applies modified comparative fault (50% bar). The statute of limitations is 3 years.
Recoverable damages may include loss of financial support, loss of society and companionship, and funeral expenses. Michigan's no-fault threshold does not apply to wrongful death claims.