46-Year Minibike Rider Fatally Strikes Utility Pole in Oakland
46-Year-Old Minibike Rider Fatally Strikes Utility Pole in Oakland. Terrance Dale Fulgenzi’s bike veered off the pavement and collided with a utility pole on Saturday afternoon, leaving the 46-year-old White Lake Township resident dead at a local hospital.
The incident occurred at approximately 1:30 p.m. near the intersection of North Cass Avenue and Cesar East Chavez Avenue in Pontiac, Michigan, according to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office.
Eyewitnesses reported that Fulgenzi, who was not wearing a helmet, was among a group of seven riders weaving between cars on minibikes not legally registered for road use. Shortly before the crash, his bike left the roadway, struck the utility pole, and threw him from the vehicle on impact. First responders pronounced him deceased after he was transported to a nearby trauma center.
Michigan law requires that motorized vehicles, including minibikes, be properly registered, titled, and equipped with safety gear—requirements Fulgenzi’s minibike did not meet. Without a helmet and with an unregistered bike, he faced a heightened risk of severe head and bodily injuries. In addition to law enforcement’s investigation into whether traffic laws were violated, the absence of mandatory safety equipment has raised questions about liability and preventability.
For families affected by tragic losses, understanding the full scope of available compensation is crucial. In a wrongful-death claim, survivors may pursue damages for funeral and burial expenses, medical costs incurred before death, loss of the decedent’s income and benefits, and pain and suffering endured by the victim.
Michigan law also allows for damages related to loss of companionship and household services. When negligent vehicle operation or inadequate safety measures contribute to a fatal crash, negligent parties can be held accountable.
At Mihelich & Kavanaugh, PLC, we advocate for grieving families to secure every dollar to which they are entitled. Our team conducts a thorough investigation, reviewing accident reports, safety regulations, and equipment standards, to establish negligence.
We collaborate with medical experts to quantify economic losses and with vocational specialists to assess the decedent’s future earning potential. By filing a wrongful-death lawsuit, we aim to hold responsible parties liable and negotiate a fair settlement or secure a jury verdict that covers all allowable damages.
Our compassionate attorneys guide clients through every step, from gathering evidence and managing paperwork to representing families in settlement negotiations or at trial. We understand the emotional toll of sudden loss and strive to alleviate financial burdens, allowing families to focus on their healing.
Call us for a free and confidential case evaluation. We are available by phone, text, and online chat 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Note: Our law office relies on external sources for the content of this post. Although we aim for accuracy, we have not independently verified all facts related to this incident. Please notify Mihelich & Kavanaugh, PLC for corrections if you identify any inaccuracies. Posts will be removed upon request.
Disclaimer: The content of this post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation for business. The information contained herein is not intended to offer legal or medical advice. If you or someone you care about has been injured in an accident, it is recommended to seek immediate medical assistance. The photo featured in this post was not taken at the actual scene of the accident.
