Man Faces Charges for Fatal Collision and Passenger Injury
STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. – Daitjuan Tyron Austin, a 25-year-old from Detroit, now faces serious charges after being involved in a fatal crash that took the life of a 54-year-old woman and severely injured a passenger when both vehicles caught fire. The collision occurred on Sunday, August 4, at the intersection of Van Dyke Avenue and 15 Mile Road.
Details of the Crash
According to officials, the incident unfolded around 1:50 p.m. when Austin, driving a Dodge Charger, collided with a Ford F-150 pickup truck that had stopped at a red light. The impact was so severe that both vehicles ignited, engulfing them in flames.
The driver of the F-150, a woman from Warren, was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. She had been heading south on Van Dyke Avenue and had stopped at the intersection of 15 Mile Road for the light when Austin’s Charger crashed into the back of the truck.
In addition to the fatality, a 30-year-old male passenger in the pickup truck sustained severe burns as a result of the fire. He was rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent medical treatment, and his condition remains critical.
Austin was arrested shortly after the crash. He has been charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated causing death, a felony that carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. Additionally, he faces a second charge of operating while intoxicated causing serious injury, a felony punishable by up to five years in prison. Austin appeared in the 41A District Court on Monday, August 5, where a $150,000 cash/surety bond was set without the possibility of a 10% alternative.
Compensation for the Victims and Their Families
The victims and their families in cases like this have the right to pursue compensation for the injuries and losses they have suffered. For the family of the deceased driver, compensation may include damages for funeral and burial expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering, and loss of companionship. For the injured passenger, compensation may cover medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages due to the inability to work, and damages for pain and suffering.
Given the severity of the injuries and the tragic loss of life, the financial impact on the victims and their families can be overwhelming. Legal claims in such cases can help ease the financial burden, allowing victims to focus on healing and moving forward.
How Mihelich & Kavanaugh, PLC Can Help
At Mihelich & Kavanaugh, PLC, we understand the devastating impact a fatal crash can have on families and loved ones. We are committed to fighting for justice and ensuring that those responsible for reckless actions are held accountable. Our experienced attorneys will work closely with the victims and their families to pursue maximum compensation, providing the legal support they need during this difficult time.
We will thoroughly investigate every aspect of the case, from reviewing police reports to consulting with experts, to ensure that we build a strong claim on behalf of our clients. We also work with medical professionals to assess the long-term impact of injuries and secure the financial compensation needed for ongoing medical care and recovery.
Our firm is dedicated to offering compassionate and aggressive legal representation, making sure that the victims’ rights are fully protected. If you or someone you know has been affected by a fatal accident or severe injury, we encourage you to reach out to us. We are here to provide the guidance and support you need to navigate this complex legal process.
Call us for a free and confidential case evaluation. You can reach us 24 hours a day and 7 days a week by phone, text, and online chat.
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. Should you identify any inaccuracies, please notify Mihelich & Kavanaugh, PLC for corrections. 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.
Source: Click On Detroit
