
Man Sentenced for Fatal Oakland County Hit-and-Run
Fatal Oakland County hit-and-run cases leave families devastated, and the recent sentencing of a Warren man highlights the serious consequences of fleeing the scene of an accident. In Madison Heights, a tragic hit-and-run claimed the life of Thomas Kiogima Jr. in 2023, and the driver responsible, Raiyan Chowdhury has now been sentenced for his role in the fatal crash.
Hit-and-Run That Led to a Tragic Loss
On September 13, 2023, Chowdhury was driving south on Dequindre Road near 12 Mile Road when he struck Kiogima. Instead of stopping to render aid, authorities reported that Chowdhury briefly dragged the victim before fleeing the scene. First responders arrived to find Kiogima lying in the road with severe injuries. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he was pronounced dead.
Madison Heights police launched an investigation and quickly tracked down Chowdhury. He was arrested and charged with failure to stop at the scene of a crash, resulting in death, as well as tampering with evidence. Although the evidence tampering charge was dismissed, Chowdhury was found guilty of failing to stop.
Sentencing and Legal Consequences
On January 7, 2025, Chowdhury was sentenced to 60 days in jail, followed by two years of probation. His initial bond was set at $10,000, posted after his arrest. While some may argue that the sentence is too lenient given the loss of life, Michigan law dictates the penalties for hit-and-run offenses based on the circumstances of each case.
Hit-and-run accidents are taken seriously, and failing to stop at the scene of a fatal crash is a felony offense. However, sentences vary based on intent, criminal history, and whether the driver was impaired or distracted. In this case, while the legal system held Chowdhury accountable, the victim’s family continued to bear the emotional and financial burden of their loss.
Compensation Available for Hit-and-Run Victims
Victims of fatal Oakland County hit-and-run accidents or their surviving families may be entitled to compensation. In cases like this, where a driver flees the scene, victims or their families may pursue a wrongful death claim against the at-fault driver. Compensation may cover medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, lost income, and pain and suffering. In some cases, punitive damages may be pursued to hold the negligent party fully accountable.
Insurance coverage can also play a significant role in financial recovery. If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, the victim’s family may seek compensation through their own uninsured motorist policy. However, dealing with insurance companies can be challenging, and families often need strong legal representation to secure the compensation they deserve.
How Mihelich & Kavanaugh, PLC Can Help
At Mihelich & Kavanaugh, PLC, we understand the devastating impact that hit-and-run accidents have on victims and their families. Our experienced attorneys fight tirelessly to hold negligent drivers accountable and ensure families receive the financial support they need. We handle everything from investigating the crash to negotiating with insurance companies and pursuing legal action if necessary.
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.
Source: Click On Detroit