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The legal team of Keefe, Keefe & Unsell, P.C.

When The Stakes Are High, So Is Our Resolve

Venue Negligence Meets a Hit-and-Run: Questions of Liability

On a recent evening in Midland, Michigan, tragedy struck as 82-year-old Deborah Sands was killed in a hit-and-run accident after attending a performance at the Midland Center for the Arts. The alleged driver, Steven Laney, 58, is now facing multiple charges, including failure to stop at the scene of a serious accident.

But while criminal charges proceed against Laney, a civil lawsuit has now been filed that asks a deeper legal question: Could others share the blame?

The Civil Lawsuit: Beyond the Driver

Sands’ estate filed suit against:

  • The Midland Center for the Arts

  • The Midland County Historical Society

  • The City of Midland

  • The City’s DDA (Downtown Development Authority)

Why? Because Deborah Sands had been directed to park in an overflow lot across a busy road with no sidewalk and poor lighting. According to the lawsuit, this created a foreseeable danger to pedestrians—a situation that directly contributed to her death.

Legal Complexity: Multi-Party Liability

Cases like this raise complex questions of shared responsibility:

  • Driver Negligence: Fleeing the scene is both a crime and a civil tort. But was that the sole cause of death?

  • Venue Liability: If a facility directs patrons to use a lot that lacks safe pedestrian access, they may be liable under premises liability or negligent planning.

  • Government Responsibility: Cities and development authorities have a duty to maintain safe walkways and lighting. Failure to do so can lead to municipal liability.

Why This Matters in Illinois

Though this case happened in Michigan, the legal principles echo strongly here in Illinois. In our state:

  • Property owners—including event venues—have a duty of care to invitees.

  • Failure to provide safe ingress and egress from events could expose them to negligence suits.

  • Municipalities can be held accountable, but the Tort Immunity Act creates challenges—making these claims difficult but not impossible.

What This Case Teaches Us

At Keefe, Keefe & Unsell, we’ve seen too often how tragedy results not just from one bad actor—but from a chain of poor decisions and unsafe environments. This case is a reminder that justice for grieving families often requires looking beyond the obvious culprit.

When a loved one is lost or injured, don’t assume only the person behind the wheel is responsible. Our firm investigates every angle—because accountability should match the full truth.

How Keefe, Keefe & Unsell, P.C. Can Help

At Keefe, Keefe & Unsell, P.C., we understand the unique challenges posed by auto accident cases. Our experienced legal team is equipped to handle every aspect of your claim, from gathering and preserving critical evidence to negotiating with powerful insurance companies. Located in Belleville, IL, we are committed to providing the personalized and aggressive representation you need to secure the compensation you deserve.

If you or a loved one has been involved in an automobile accident, contact us today for a free consultation. Let us help you navigate the complexities of your case and fight for justice on your behalf.

At Keefe, Keefe & Unsell, P.C., we understand the full scope of these challenges. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident in Belleville area, don’t settle for less than you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you navigate the complexities of your claim. Consultations are always free: 618-403-7152