Bay County, MI — February 3, 2025, Erica Tanner was killed following a car accident that occurred at around 8:00 A.M. on M-13.

An investigation is underway following a car accident that left one person dead during the morning hours of February 3rd. According to official reports, Erica Tanner was operating a Chevy Avalanche on the M-13 connector near Wilder Road, when for unknown reasons the vehicle lost control and went off-road, where it rolled several times, ejecting Tanner in the process.

When first responders arrived on the scene they found that Tanner had sustained fatal injuries and she was pronounced deceased, while two children that were in the vehicle were uninjured. At this time it remains unknown what caused the vehicle to lose control, however this remains an ongoing investigation and more details may be released in the future.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I read about a crash like this, my first thought is that the people affected deserve clear answers about what happened. While initial reports provide basic details, they often leave out critical information that can help determine why the crash occurred and whether anything could have been done to prevent it. To get a full picture, there are three key questions that need to be asked in every crash investigation.

The first question is whether authorities are conducting a thorough investigation. Law enforcement typically secures the scene, documents physical evidence, and assesses environmental factors, but the depth of these investigations can vary. In a case where a vehicle unexpectedly leaves the roadway and rolls multiple times, it’s important to determine whether road conditions, weather, or external factors—such as another driver’s actions—contributed to the crash. Additionally, since there were passengers in the vehicle, their statements could provide crucial insight into what occurred just before the crash.

The second question is whether anyone has considered the possibility of a vehicle defect. Many people assume that all single-vehicle crashes result from driver error, but mechanical failures are often overlooked. A sudden loss of control could indicate issues with the vehicle’s steering, brakes, tires, or suspension. The fact that the vehicle rolled multiple times raises additional concerns about its stability and crashworthiness. Some SUVs and trucks, particularly older models, have a higher risk of rolling over in certain situations. If a defect contributed to the crash, identifying it is not just important for this case—it could prevent future incidents involving other drivers. However, one of the biggest challenges in proving a defect is maintaining access to the vehicle. If it is scrapped or repaired before a forensic examination can be conducted, key evidence could be lost forever.

The third question is whether all available electronic data has been collected. Modern vehicles store critical information in their electronic control modules (ECMs), which can provide details about speed, braking, and steering inputs in the moments leading up to the crash. Additionally, surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras could offer further clarity. Cell phone records may also be relevant—not necessarily in terms of distraction, but to determine if the driver received any critical notifications or warnings about road hazards. If this data is not gathered promptly, it may no longer be available by the time investigators realize its importance.

At the end of the day, crashes like this don’t just affect those directly involved—they leave families searching for answers. The least we can do as a community is ensure that every crash is investigated as thoroughly as possible so that those answers are found. No one should be left wondering what really happened when the evidence to find out is within reach.