Teen e-bike rider killed in Huron Township crash
A 13-year-old Huron Township boy died after he was struck by a vehicle while riding an e-bike.
Police were called around 10:52 p.m. Thursday, July 9 to the 18000 block of Huron River Drive for a crash involving a bicycle, according to the Huron Township Department of Public Safety.
The boy was pronounced dead at the scene despite lifesaving efforts.
"At this time, we are not releasing his name. We will give the family time to grieve and should they wish, we will be honored to tell everyone more about him when the time is right,” Huron Township Director of Public Safety Everette Robbins said in a statement. “We also pray for the young driver whose life changed last night. This was a tragedy for so many."
Police said the driver, a 17-year-old Huron Township resident, remained at the scene and cooperated with the investigation.
The Downriver Crash Team also responded to assist. Police said the initial investigation does not indicate alcohol or another impairment was a factor in the crash.
"The young man we lost last night will never be forgotten," said Robbins. "He was well liked by the students he went to school with. Our prayers go out to his family.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Legal options after a fatal Michigan crash
A child who lives with a parent or other resident relative with auto insurance may have Personal Injury Protection coverage through that household policy under MCL 500.3114. If no household policy applies, MCL 500.3115 generally directs claims by people outside a motor vehicle to the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan.
Benefits after a fatal crash may include medical expenses incurred before death, survivor's loss, funeral and burial expenses and replacement services.
A separate civil claim may be possible if evidence establishes that another person was negligent. Under MCL 500.3135, death meets Michigan's threshold for a claim involving noneconomic loss.
Under Michigan's wrongful death statute, MCL 600.2922, a wrongful death claim is generally brought by the personal representative of the child's estate. Potential damages may include medical, hospital, funeral and burial expenses, conscious pain and suffering, loss of financial support and loss of society and companionship.
Legal issues after an e-bike crash
Michigan law gives e-bike riders the same rights and duties that apply to bicycle riders. A driver overtaking a bicycle traveling in the same direction generally must leave at least 3 feet of space when it is practical to do so under MCL 257.636.
Fault in an e-bike crash depends on the facts of the case such as speed, lighting, visibility, lane position, traffic controls, driver conduct and whether either person violated traffic laws.
Michigan separates e-bikes into Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 categories. Michigan law does not allow a person younger than 14 to operate a Class 3 e-bike.
For related information, read Michigan Legal Center's guides to bicycle and e-bike crash claims, Michigan car accident medical bills and PIP priority and Michigan wrongful death deadlines.
Get help from Michigan Legal Center
Michigan Legal Center is the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates. Our attorneys help injured people and families across Michigan with personal injury, car crashes, no-fault claims, insurance disputes, serious injury claims and wrongful death cases.
If your family has questions after a fatal Michigan e-bike or bicycle crash, call Michigan Legal Center at (248) 886-8650 or contact Michigan Legal Center for a consultation.
There is no attorney fee unless money is recovered for you. Case costs and fee terms are governed by the written fee agreement.