Canton motorcyclist killed in Manchester Township crash
A 49-year-old Canton man died Monday evening after a motorcycle and passenger vehicle collided at a Washtenaw County intersection.
Troopers from the Michigan State Police Brighton Post responded around 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 29, to the intersection of Austin Road and Sharon Road in Manchester Township.
According to the troopers, the motorcycle was traveling west on Austin Road through the intersection when a Buick, driven by a 68-year-old Addison woman, was traveling east and attempted to turn left onto Sharon Road.
According to a preliminary investigation, the Buick driver failed to yield to the motorcycle and turned in front of it, causing the crash.
The motorcyclist was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene.
The Buick driver suffered serious injuries and was taken to Henry Ford Jackson Hospital. She is expected to survive.
Investigators have not determined whether alcohol or drugs were factors in the crash. The crash remains under investigation.
Legal options after a fatal Michigan motorcycle crash
In Michigan, motorcycle crashes are treated differently from an ordinary car crash and can become even more complicated when they involve another vehicle.
Michigan is a no-fault state, which means people injured in a motor-vehicle crash may qualify for Personal Injury Protection benefits without first proving who caused the crash.
Those benefits can help cover economic losses from the crash such as allowable medical expenses, wage loss, replacement services or attendant care. Michigan law MCL 500.3114 establishes how these priority rules differ from and relate to other crashes.
Recovering noneconomic losses usually requires a separate claim against an at-fault driver. Under MCL 500.3135, that type of claim is generally available when the injuries involve death, serious impairment of body function or permanent serious disfigurement.
In fatal crash cases, Michigan’s wrongful death statute, MCL 600.2922, generally requires the claim to be brought by the personal representative of the estate.
For more background, read Michigan Legal Center’s guide on what to do after a motorcycle accident in Michigan 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 you or a loved one was injured in a Michigan car crash, call Michigan Legal Center at (248) 886-8650 or contact us 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.
Michigan Legal Center can help you navigate the issues involved in claims such as this with Michigan car accident medical bills and PIP priority and Michigan wrongful death deadlines.