Fatal hit-and-run car accident kills pedestrian in Grand Rapids

Mar 1, 2021

During the past year or so, we have experienced an increase in togetherness and home-boundness that has made our roads less congested than normal. This has lulled many of us into believing that our roads and highways are safer. However, a recent fatal motor vehicle accident shows that our roadways are still just as dangerous as ever.

The accident

According to the Grand Rapids Police Department, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred on Wednesday, Feb. 24 near downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan, around 10:30 p.m. The impact occurred near the Immanuel Lutheran Church and Van Andel Institute, along the ramp from Division Avenue to Michigan Street. All that is known is that the pedestrian was hit by a vehicle, and the vehicle sped away.

The accident is currently under investigation, and no other details have been made public. The police are still searching for surveillance video cameras around the scene, and if anyone witness the accident or has dashboard camera footage of it, please contact GRPD immediately.

Options after a fatal motor vehicle accident

While the details of this fatal motor vehicle accident are unknown, since it was a hit-and-run, the presumption of fault is with the vehicle’s driver that hit the pedestrian. Once that individual is found, the pedestrian’s family can file a wrongful death lawsuit against the driver and their insurance. In addition, if the driver was working at the time of the fatal impact, the driver’s employer may be held liable as well.

But, the first step for Grand Rapids, Michigan, residents is to call an attorney. An attorney will fight for the victim’s family to make sure that the negligent party is held responsible. Of course, the criminal justice system will jail and fine that driver, but the civil justice system, through a wrongful death lawsuit, is the avenue surviving families use to get not only justice, but also compensated for their loss.

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