Intentional Collision Costs New Father His Leg
A tragic incident in Westland, Michigan, has resulted in a $50 million lawsuit after an intentional car crash left a new father without his leg. Luke Vinsko, a newlywed and father of 3-month-old twins, was severely injured when his neighbor reportedly crashed her vehicle on purpose, pinning him between two cars.
5 Key Points
- Luke Vinsko lost his leg after being pinned between two cars in an intentional crash
- The Vinsko family is filing a $50 million lawsuit against the neighbor’s insurance company
- Neighbors had called the police 45 minutes before the incident due to the neighbor’s erratic behavior
- The Westland Police Department is conducting an internal investigation into the delayed response
- The suspect, April Marie Graves, faces multiple charges, including assault with intent to murder
Incident Details and Victim’s Perspective
The incident occurred on August 10, 2024, near the intersection of Wildwood Street and Florence Avenue in Westland. Luke and his wife Haley were on their first date night since the birth of their twins when the tragedy struck. Haley Vinsko recounted the horrifying moment: “I saw a red car coming at us, and I watched as it hit him and pinned him between her car and his.”
Luke Vinsko, despite the life-altering injury, maintains a remarkably positive attitude. “It took me a long time to get my head all together,” he said. “And now that it is, I realize that being mad or being frustrated has never done me any good in my past, and it’s not going to do me any good now.”
Police Response and Investigation
A key point of contention in this case is the delayed police response. Neighbors had called the police 45 minutes before the crash, reporting the suspect’s erratic behavior, April Marie Graves. The Westland Police Department has acknowledged the public concern regarding the delayed response and is conducting an internal investigation.
In a statement, the department explained that multiple units were busy with a high-speed traffic stop during the initial calls and clarified that there was some confusion about a similar welfare check in the area. The department stated, “The Westland Police Department acknowledges and understands the public concern regarding a delayed response in relation to an incident that ended in a great deal of property damage and, worse, the severe injury of an individual.”
Legal Action and Charges
The Vinsko family, represented by attorney Mike Morse, has filed a $50 million lawsuit against Graves’ insurance company. Morse emphasized the heartbreaking nature of the case, noting the couple’s new parenthood and their first night out since the birth of their twins.
April Marie Graves, the 43-year-old neighbor, faces numerous charges, including:
- Two counts of assault with intent to murder
- Two counts of assault with intent to do great bodily harm
- Operating while intoxicated causing serious bodily impairment
- Reckless driving causing serious bodily injury
- Multiple counts of felonious assault and malicious destruction of property
Impact on the Vinsko Family
The incident has had a profound impact on the Vinsko family. Luke faces a lifetime of treatment and rehabilitation, while Haley struggles with anxiety from the traumatic event. “I do not like being outside anymore,” Haley shared. “I hear cars accelerate, and I jump. I’m very nervous to be outside.”
Despite these challenges, Luke remains determined. “I’m going to do everything I have been doing my entire life, but better,” he stated. “It’s not going to stop me. It might slow me down, but it’s not going to stop me.”
FAQ
Q: What is the amount of the lawsuit filed by the Vinsko family?
A: The Vinsko family has filed a $50 million lawsuit against the neighbor’s insurance company.
Q: Why is there a controversy surrounding the police response to this incident?
A: Neighbors had called the police 45 minutes before the crash, but police responded after the incident occurred.
Q: What injuries did Luke Vinsko sustain in the crash?
A: Luke Vinsko lost part of his leg and required amputation due to the injuries sustained in the crash.
Q: What charges does the suspect, April Marie Graves, face?
A: Graves faces multiple charges, including assault with intent to murder, assault with intent to do great bodily harm, and operating while intoxicated causing severe physical impairment.
Q: How has this incident affected the Vinsko family’s daily life?
A: The family is struggling with physical and emotional challenges, including Luke’s rehabilitation and Haley’s anxiety about being outside.
Citations
Drew, K., & Kelly, D. (2024, September 19). $50M lawsuit filed after intentional crash in Westland costs new father his leg. ClickOnDetroit. https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/investigations/2024/09/19/50m-lawsuit-filed-after-intentional-crash-in-westland-costs-new-father-his-leg/
