Two elderly Traverse City residents lost their lives in an accident

Traverse City, MI – The Traverse City area news published a report about a well known couple that died in a car accident the prior week [1].

Two well known Traverse City residents died in a car accident

John Heiam and Lois Goldstein, beloved retirees known for their dedicated volunteer work with organizations like TART Trails and the Traverse City Paddle Club, tragically lost their lives in a car accident on Hammond Road last Wednesday. Heiam, 78, and Goldstein, 75, had been an integral part of the Traverse City community for nearly three decades, having moved to the area from Chicago in 2000 after retiring from their careers as high school math teachers.

The couple’s connection with Traverse City stemmed from their passion for outdoor activities. Enthusiastic hikers, cyclists, skiers, and paddle sport enthusiasts, they sought a place where they could indulge in these pursuits. Finding the urban environment lacking, they were drawn to the outdoor opportunities that northern Michigan offered. They settled in Traverse City in 1995, initially spending summers here before permanently relocating.

Their impact on the local outdoor recreation scene was profound. Even before officially moving to Traverse City, Heiam and Goldstein were members of various clubs including the Cherry Capital Cycling Club, Grand Traverse Hiking Club, and Traverse Area Paddle Club. Heiam’s contributions were particularly notable, as he played a pivotal role in initiating and leading the outing program for the Hiking Club. His dedication was evident in his tenure as the club’s president and his involvement with the North Country Trail Association’s national board for multiple terms.

The couple extended their love for outdoor activities to the community. They were often seen on the TART and VASA trails, carrying tools, maps, and first aid kits to assist fellow hikers and cyclists. They embraced the role of trail guardians, guiding lost hikers and helping cyclists with flat tires. This commitment earned them recognition as TART Trail Ambassadors of the Year in 2020.

Waterways were another realm where Heiam and Goldstein left their mark. As members of the Traverse Area Paddle Club, they organized numerous river cleanups, removing trash from local rivers and streams. Their final day together was spent cleaning up the Pine River before the tragic accident that claimed their lives.

Despite their active retirement, Goldstein’s passion for teaching persisted. For over two decades, she made a significant impact as a math educator at Traverse City Central High School. Even during the pandemic, she continued to support students through remote communication, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to education.

Tributes have poured in for the couple, with TART Executive Director Jule Clark acknowledging their invaluable contributions. Goldstein and Heiam were celebrated for their kindness, generosity, and boundless enthusiasm for helping others. Their legacy lives on through the lives they touched and the positive changes they brought to the Traverse City community.

While the loss of John Heiam and Lois Goldstein is deeply felt, their impact on the community’s outdoor culture and education remains an enduring testament to their vibrant spirits. Their memory will continue to inspire others to engage with their surroundings, contribute to their communities, and spread kindness.

What are the legal options for a family that has lost a relative in a car accident in Michigan?

Losing a loved one in a car accident is a tragic and emotionally overwhelming experience. In Michigan, families facing such circumstances have legal options available to seek compensation and justice for their loss. Here are some of the key legal avenues:

  • No-Fault Insurance Benefits: Michigan operates under a no-fault insurance system, which means that regardless of who is at fault in the accident, individuals injured in the auto accident can generally receive benefits from their own insurance providers. These benefits may cover medical expenses, funeral costs, and lost wages. Immediate family members of the deceased may also be eligible for survivor’s loss benefits.
  • Wrongful Death Lawsuit: If another party’s negligence or wrongdoing contributed to the accident, the family may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the responsible party. This lawsuit seeks compensation for damages such as medical expenses, funeral costs, loss of financial support, and emotional pain and suffering. Wrongful death claims are typically brought by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate on behalf of surviving family members.
  • Negligence Claim: If the accident resulted from another driver’s negligence, the family can pursue a negligence claim against that driver. To establish negligence, it must be proven that the driver breached their duty of care, causing the accident and subsequent loss.
  • Product Liability Lawsuit: If the car accident was caused by a defective vehicle component or faulty equipment, the family may have grounds for a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer, distributor, or seller of the defective product.
  • Comparative Negligence: Michigan follows a comparative negligence system, meaning that if the deceased person was partially at fault for the accident, the family’s compensation may be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to the deceased.
  • Statute of Limitations: It’s important to note that there is a limited window of time within which legal action must be initiated. In Michigan, the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is generally three years from the date of the accident.

Navigating the legal process while coping with grief can be incredibly challenging. It’s advisable for families to seek the guidance of an experienced attorney who specializes in personal injury and wrongful death cases. An attorney can help families understand their rights, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent them in court if necessary.

In a time of immense emotional stress, having legal professionals on your side can provide the support needed to navigate the complexities of the legal system and pursue the compensation and justice that the family deserves.

Advice from an accident attorney in the Traverse City area

Neumann Law Group focuses on personal injury lawsuits and auto accident cases in the state of Michigan. Anyone who needs to speak with a licensed attorney can contact their firm. 

USAttorneys.com is a service that works with people who need to find lawyers. They can be contacted at 800-672-3103

Firm contact info:

Neumann Law Group

300 E Front St. #445, Traverse City, MI 49684

231-221-0050

www.neumannlawgroup.com

 

Sources:

  1. https://www.traverseticker.com/news/former-tart-trail-ambassadors-of-the-year-killed-in-wednesday-car-accident/