Good Samaritan Killed In U.S. 31 Crash in Mason County MI

Backed up traffic on US-31 highway in Michigan due to a car accident.

On the night of November 20th, around 8:30 PM, first responders were called to the scene of a fatal accident near the Ludington Rest Area in Mason County’s Summit Township. The accident involved two vehicles parked on the median of the U.S. 31 freeway, with another untouched vehicle parked on the shoulder. A Pontiac spun out of control when traveling down the highway and crashed into the median. Another driver pulled over to the shoulder and got out of their vehicle to assist the driver who had just crashed. Moments later, a pick-up truck lost control on the wet roads and crashed into both the good Samaritan and the Pontiac, resulting in the death of one pedestrian and severe injuries to other people who were involved in the crash. The incident is still under investigation by the local sheriff’s department.

How to Prove Negligence in a Fatal Car Accident

The core element of every personal injury claim, including car accidents and wrongful death claims, is negligence. Negligence is a legal term that means that someone was grossly irresponsible and caused harm to someone else. There are three factors your personal injury lawyer must demonstrate to prove negligence.

Breach of Duty: Driving carefully to avoid collisions, including driving at the appropriate speed for the weather and road conditions.
Causation: In any negligence case, it is essential to prove that the driver’s breach of duty caused the accident.
Damages: The accident has to result in damages of some kind, and the breach of duty directly caused them.

Types of Damages That Can Be Recovered From a Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Surviving family members of the deceased can recover two main types of damages in wrongful death settlements, economic damages and non-economic damages. These combined can help you cover funeral expenses, burial expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

Seek Justice for Your Loved One

Losing someone can make it feel like you’re facing everything alone. While nothing can bring your loved one back, Matz Injury Law and our dedicated attorneys are here to fight for the compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one were injured due to the negligence of another, contact our firm at 866-226-6833 or fill out our online contact form.

Written By Steven Matz

Founding Partner

Steven J. Matz is the founder of Matz Injury Law, specializing in personal injury litigation with a focus on car accident victims. With over 40 years of legal experience, Mr. Matz has achieved numerous million-dollar settlements. He holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and has been recognized among Michigan’s Top Attorneys. Steven J. Matz is a frequent lecturer on legal ethics and personal injury law, and serves on the Michigan Attorney Discipline Board.

Attorney Profile