Sterling Heights Man Sentenced for Teen’s Death in OWI Crash
Teen’s Death in OWI Crash: In a tragic incident involving the death of a teenager, a man has been sentenced to decades in prison following a fatal OWI crash in Sterling Heights. The crash, which took place on July 3, 2021, claimed the life of 17-year-old Patryk Koziol and has led to significant legal consequences for the driver responsible.
The collision occurred when Patryk Koziol was driving westbound on 18 Mile Road. As he entered the intersection with Van Dyke Avenue, his vehicle was struck by a northbound car driven by 41-year-old Robert Zbikowski.
The impact of the crash was devastating, and Koziol was immediately rushed to Henry Ford Macomb Hospital in Clinton Township. Despite the efforts of medical professionals, Koziol succumbed to his injuries, leaving his family and community in mourning.
Following a thorough investigation, Zbikowski was charged with second-degree murder and operating while impaired (OWI) causing death. The evidence presented in court demonstrated that his impaired state was the primary factor leading to the fatal collision. On Thursday, August 1, Zbikowski was sentenced to a prison term of 20 to 60 years, reflecting the severity of his actions and the tragic loss of a young life.
Understanding the Compensation at Stake
When a loved one is lost due to someone else’s negligence or impaired driving, as in the case of Patryk Koziol, the impact on the family is immeasurable. In addition to the emotional pain, significant financial burdens can arise from such a tragedy. This is where understanding the types of compensation at stake becomes crucial.
Families of victims like Koziol may be entitled to pursue wrongful death claims. These claims can cover various forms of compensation, including funeral and burial expenses, loss of income that the deceased may have contributed to the household, and the loss of companionship, which acknowledges the profound emotional impact on the surviving family members.
Additionally, punitive damages may be sought in cases where the defendant’s conduct was particularly egregious, such as in a fatal OWI crash.
How Mihelich & Kavanaugh, PLC Can Help
At Mihelich & Kavanaugh, PLC, we understand the immense pain and challenges that families face after losing a loved one in a tragic accident. Our team is dedicated to helping families navigate the complex legal process of seeking compensation and holding those responsible accountable for their actions. We are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation, ensuring that our clients receive the justice they deserve.
When handling wrongful death cases stemming from incidents like the Sterling Heights OWI crash, we take a comprehensive approach. We thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the accident, gather crucial evidence, and work closely with experts to build a strong case on behalf of the victims’ families. Our goal is to secure the maximum compensation available to ease the financial burdens and provide some measure of justice for the loss suffered.
We believe in standing by our clients every step of the way, offering support and guidance during one of the most challenging times in their lives. By working with Mihelich & Kavanaugh, PLC, families can trust that their case is in capable hands, allowing them to focus on healing. At the same time, we pursue the legal remedies available to them.
In the wake of Patryk Koziol’s tragic death, the sentence handed down to Robert Zbikowski serves as a reminder of the grave consequences of impaired driving.
Our law firm extends our deepest sympathies to the friends and family of the victims who are mourning the loss of their loved ones.
It’s important to have experienced wrongful death lawyers on your side when losing a loved one in a car accident.
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
