Thursday collision at Forest Avenue and Mount Elliot Street
DETROIT, MI, (November 07, 2024) - The Detroit Police Department is investigating the death of 27-year-old Airiana Lightfoot, who was tragically killed in a car crash on the city's east side early Thursday morning. The fatal accident occurred around 3:15 a.m. at the intersection of Forest Avenue and Mount Elliot Street on Thursday.
Airiana Lightfoot and Airon Pace lost their lives early on Thursday when their vehicle was struck by a suspected drunken driver in Detroit.
Lightfoot was driving her Ford Fusion when a Chrysler 300, whose driver is suspected of being intoxicated, ran into her vehicle. The impact of the collision caused Lightfoot to be ejected from her car, resulting in fatal injuries. Her friend, Airon Pace, who was also in the Fusion, was trapped inside the burning vehicle and did not survive.
The driver of the Chrysler 300 survived the crash and is currently under investigation by Detroit police for potential drunken driving. Both vehicles were severely damaged in the incident, and authorities are working to determine the exact circumstances leading to this tragic event.
Authorities did not release the identity of the Chrysler driver.
DUI ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
Despite crackdowns throughout this country, impaired drivers remain a threat to innocent, law-abiding victims.
The consumption of alcohol can diminish the ability to operate a motor vehicle. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, each year about 300,000 people are injured in the U.S. by drunken drivers.
An independent investigation will be required to learn other potential factors in the case such as blood alcohol content levels.
Candice Bond, an experienced DUI accident attorney, was interviewed and provided her thoughts on incidents such as this.
“Separate from criminal charges, a victim may be entitled to compensation through a civil lawsuit against the responsible party, said Candice Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal. “In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from the scene of the crash, and obtain phone and text records of the liable party. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide an injured victim during this difficult time, protecting their legal rights, while ensuring that a driver who takes the wheel under the influence is held accountable for their actions.”
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the families of the victims may pursue a wrongful death claim. Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident such as this.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Bond.
“We understand just what families must go through, and having their rights protected is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected."
If you have been injured or a loved one has been killed at the hands of a drunken driver and would like a no-cost consultation, our national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation to guide you.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).