Call Us Now
Email Us Now
Redford Township, MI (May 4, 2026) — A late-night hit-and-run collision in Redford Township claimed the life of a 69-year-old woman Sunday night, May 3. Redford Township Police were dispatched to the intersection of Schoolcraft and Telegraph roads at approximately 11:30 p.m.
According to a preliminary investigation, the victim was walking north across the roadway within the designated crosswalk. She was traveling from the southeast corner of the intersection when she was struck by a vehicle traveling eastbound on Schoolcraft.
Rather than stopping to provide aid or contact emergency services, the driver fled the scene. Despite the efforts of first responders, the woman was pronounced dead from her injuries.
The investigation remains in its early stages as detectives work to gather evidence and identify the person responsible for the collision.
Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and loved ones of the woman who lost her life.
Legal Recourse and Recovery Options Following a Fatal Hit-and-Run in Redford Township, MI
When a driver flees the scene of a fatal accident in Redford Township, the victim’s family can seek justice through wrongful death litigation, claims against Uninsured Motorist (UM) insurance policies, or benefits provided by the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan (MACP).
Even if the driver is never identified, Michigan law provides specific pathways to ensure that funeral expenses and financial losses are covered. Here are the main available alternatives:
1. Navigating Michigan’s No-Fault Order of Priority
Michigan’s No-Fault system provides essential benefits even in hit-and-run cases. If the deceased had her own auto insurance or lived with a relative who did, that policy is the first priority for burial benefits and medical expenses. If no such policy exists, a claim can be filed through the MACP.
This state-administered program ensures that pedestrians involved in accidents with motor vehicles are not left without coverage, acting as a critical safety net when an at-fault driver vanishes.
2. Pursuing a Wrongful Death Claim
Under the Michigan Wrongful Death Act, the personal representative of the victim’s estate can file a lawsuit to seek compensation for the family. This action targets the at-fault driver’s assets and insurance once they are identified.
Recovery can include compensation for the loss of companionship, funeral costs, and any conscious pain and suffering the victim endured before passing.
3. The Critical Role of Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage
If the victim or a resident relative held an auto insurance policy, it likely includes UM coverage. In Michigan, a hit-and-run driver is legally classified as an uninsured driver. This allows the family to recover damages, including compensation for grief and loss, directly from their own insurance company.
4. Identifying Third-Party Liability
Liability may sometimes extend beyond the driver. If the location was poorly lit or if the traffic signals were malfunctioning, there may be a claim against the municipality or the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) for negligent road maintenance.
Additionally, if a local business served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person who then caused the collision, a “Dram Shop” claim may be possible against that establishment.
At Ratton Law Group, we evaluate fatal and catastrophic collision cases throughout Detroit and guide families through complex legal processes following serious crashes.
If your family has suffered a loss in a Detroit motor vehicle crash, you can contact Ratton Law Group at (313) 631-0502 to speak with our personal injury lawyer and get support during this trying time.
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.
