Dirt bike rider dies in Mancelona trail crash
A 67-year-old Linden man died after an off road vehicle hit his dirt bike Saturday afternoon.
The Antrim County Sheriff's Office said deputies responded about 1:30 p.m. Oct. 17 to an off-road trail near Mancelona in Antrim County.
Investigators said he rode into the path of the approaching side-by-side, which was driven by a 58-year-old Mount Clemens man.
An off-duty firefighter began lifesaving efforts, which emergency medical personnel continued when they arrived. The rider died at the scene.
Michigan State Police, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Otsego County Fire Department assisted.
Investigators do not believe alcohol or drugs contributed to the crash. The sheriff's office is continuing to investigate.
Michigan insurance and wrongful death claims after an ORV crash
Michigan's no-fault law excludes vehicles that meet its definition of an off-road vehicle (ORV) from the definition of a motor vehicle under MCL 500.3101. A crash involving only ORVs therefore does not trigger statutory no-fault benefits, even if a rider has auto insurance. A vehicle registered and insured for highway use may be classified differently.
A separate wrongful death claim requires another person's wrongful act, neglect or fault that would have supported a claim if the injured person had survived. Under Michigan's wrongful death law, the personal representative of the deceased person's estate brings the lawsuit. Depending on the proven losses, damages may include reasonable medical, funeral and burial expenses for which the estate is liable, conscious pain and suffering before death, lost financial support and loss of companionship.
The filing deadline depends on the underlying claim. Michigan Legal Center's explanation of Michigan wrongful death deadlines describes why the type of claim and any special notice requirements need separate review.
Get help from Michigan Legal Center
Michigan Legal Center: the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates handles personal injury and wrongful death claims.
If you have questions after a fatal off-road vehicle crash, Contact Michigan Legal Center to ask whether the matter falls within Michigan Legal Center's practice areas.
There is no attorney fee unless money is recovered for you. Case costs and fee terms are governed by the written fee agreement.