Investigators in Oakland County are looking for the driver who struck a 53-year-old Commerce Township man on Dec. 13 about 10:30 at night and then drove away. The hit-and-run accident resulted in the man's death. The victim was struck from behind as he was walking.

Officials believe that alcohol was a contributing factor in the crash, saying it may explain why the victim was in the roadway. Although the investigation is ongoing, police have not found any pieces of the offending vehicle and were only able to garner a general description of it that was provided by a witness nearby.

Even if police are able to definitively prove the deceased man was under the influence of alcohol at the time he was hit, it doesn't excuse the actions of the driver. Leaving the scene of an accident, especially when a person is injured or killed is a crime. Leaving the scene of an accident is irresponsible and illegal, and police find hit-and-run drivers more often than not.

Despite the criminal charges that will likely be leveled against the driver once he or she is located, the family may also want to pursue wrongful death lawsuit. In Michigan, a wrongful death is considered to occur when someone's negligent or intentional act causes a fatality. The surviving family members are entitled to justice and will surely want responsible parties held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.

Source: The Free Press, "Oakland County investigators looking for driver in fatal hit and run," Tammy Stables Battaglia, Dec. 14, 2011