Boy, 13, Stable After E-Bike Crash in Commerce Township
A 13-year-old boy on an e-bike was hit by a car in Commerce Township Monday night, in stable condition.
At around 7:15 p.m. Monday, June 15, a 13-year-old boy was hit while riding his e-bike on Welch Road just north of E. West Maple Road according to the Oakland County Sheriff's Office. Deputies say while the investigation is ongoing, the driver was determined to not be at fault as the teen was entering and exiting the roadway via a crosswalk.
The boy was conscious and breathing at the scene and transported to Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital in Royal Oak where he was listed as stable as of late Monday.
Legal options after an accident
Michigan is a no-fault state, which means that without having to determine whose fault an accident is, people injured in the crash may qualify for Personal Injury Protection benefits.
These benefits can help cover economic losses from the crash such as allowable medical expenses, wage loss, replacement services or attendant care.
Recovering noneconomic losses usually requires a separate claim against an at-fault driver. This would only be an option if the injuries meet the state’s threshold of serious impairment of body function, permanent serious disfigurement or death.
Legal Issues After an E-Bike Crash
Michigan law gives bicycle and electric-bicycle riders many of the same road rights and duties that apply to other vehicle operators. Drivers must use reasonable care around riders, and Michigan law requires motorists passing a bicycle to leave at least three feet of space when safe to do so.
Fault in an e-bike crash depends on the facts. Investigators may look at speed, lighting, visibility, lane position, traffic controls, driver conduct, and whether either person violated traffic laws.
Michigan law also separates electric bikes into Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 categories. Those classifications can matter if there are questions about the bike's speed, equipment, where it was being operated, or whether it had been modified.
Because this crash involved a motor vehicle, Michigan no-fault and wrongful death rules may also be relevant.
Because the rider was 13, the e-bike’s class could matter. Michigan law does not allow a person under 14 to operate a Class 3 electric bicycle.
For a deeper explanation of insurance, evidence, and claim issues after this type of crash, read our guide to Michigan bicycle and e-bike crash claims or our bicycle and e-bike crash claims page.
Get Help From Michigan Legal Center
Michigan Legal Center is the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates. Our attorneys help injured people across Michigan with bicycle crashes, e-bike crashes, car crashes, no-fault claims and related insurance disputes.
If injuries from an e-bike or bicycle crash are serious or become worse after the initial report, call Michigan Legal Center at (248) 886-8650 or contact us for a free consultation.
There is no attorney fee unless money is recovered for you. Case costs and fee terms are governed by the written fee agreement.