E-bike rider hit by car in Grand Blanc subdivision
An accident in a subdivision has left an 87-year-old e-bike rider in critical condition on Friday, June 19.
The bicyclist was riding on Swinning Wheel Drive near Maple Avenue and Saginaw Street at around 1:30 p.m. Friday when he was hit.
According to the Grand Blanc Township Police Department, he and a vehicle were both going north when the vehicle went to pass him, and that is when the man turned left in front of the vehicle.
The crash sent the man to the hospital with critical injuries.
Police are still investigating the crash.
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.
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.