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Detroit, MI (June 10, 2026) – A suspect in a fatal hit-and-run crash on Detroit’s East Side turned himself in to police early Wednesday morning, June 10. The crash occurred just before 10 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9, in the area of Dickerson Avenue and Frankfort Street.
The victim, identified by his family as Brian Dawson, was a Detroit man in his 60s. According to the family, Ring doorbell footage captured Dawson being thrown approximately 30 feet after being struck by the vehicle. The driver fled the scene before later turning himself in to Detroit police.
No further details about the circumstances of the crash or potential charges were confirmed in the initial report on the accident. The investigation into the wreck remains ongoing.
We extend our deepest condolences to Brian Dawson’s family and all those who knew him.
Can a Family Sue a Hit-and-Run Driver After a Fatal Crash in Detroit, MI?
Yes, a family can pursue a civil wrongful death claim against a hit-and-run driver in Detroit, MI and when the suspect has turned themselves in to police, the family’s legal position is significantly strengthened by having an identified party against whom a civil claim can be brought.
In Michigan, eligible surviving family members, including a spouse, children, and parents, may bring a wrongful death claim when a loved one is killed due to another party’s negligence or reckless conduct.
A civil wrongful death claim is entirely separate from any criminal case that may follow, and the family does not need to wait for a criminal conviction or guilty plea before pursuing civil legal action.
Consulting a personal injury attorney in Detroit as early as possible helps ensure that all available options are identified and that the claims process moves forward in a way that protects the family’s interests from the outset.
In cases where the driver’s coverage is insufficient to fully address the family’s losses, additional sources of compensation, such as underinsured motorist coverage held by a household member, may also be worth exploring.
An attorney can help the family identify all applicable policies and determine the most effective path forward given the specific circumstances involved.
The financial losses that surviving family members may be able to pursue in a Michigan wrongful death claim can be significant and wide-ranging. Funeral and burial costs, the long-term loss of the deceased’s income and financial support, and the lasting absence of a loved one’s companionship and guidance are among the damages that may be considered under Michigan’s wrongful death statute.
Beyond these economic losses, Michigan law also allows surviving family members to seek compensation for the loss of society and companionship, a category of damages that recognizes the profound personal impact of losing a loved one in circumstances as sudden and devastating as a fatal hit-and-run crash.
If your family has lost someone in a hit-and-run crash in Detroit or anywhere in Wayne County, Ratton Law Group is here to bring you clarity and peace of mind. We will walk you through your options, explain what medical and accident records matter most, and help you find a safe path forward.
We invite you to reach out to our legal team at (313) 631-0502 to talk through your situation.
Notes: This post is based on information gathered from publicly available secondary sources. The details of the crash have not been independently confirmed. If you notice any inaccuracies, please reach out to Ratton Law Group PC so we can update the post with the most accurate information available.
Disclaimer: The content in this post is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal or medical advice. It does not create an attorney–client relationship and is not meant to solicit business. If you were injured in an accident, please seek medical care right away. The photo used here is for illustration only and does not depict the actual accident scene.
