Fatal Montcalm County motorcycle crash injures passenger
A 57-year-old Greenville man was killed and his passenger suffered life-threatening injuries when their motorcycle collided with a pickup truck Saturday afternoon.
The Montcalm County Sheriff's Office said the crash happened near West Carson City Road, also known as M-57, and South Miller Road in Fairplain Township.
Deputies determined that the motorcycle failed to yield and pulled into the path of an eastbound pickup towing a loaded horse trailer. The truck hit the motorcycle.
The man was pronounced dead at the scene. His passenger, a 46-year-old Greenville woman, was airlifted to a hospital.
The pickup driver, another 46-year-old Greenville woman, and her passengers weren't injured. The horses in the trailer appeared unharmed, deputies said.
Neither person on the motorcycle was wearing a helmet. Deputies said alcohol didn't appear to be a factor.
West Carson City Road was closed for several hours during the investigation. The sheriff's office said the crash remained under investigation.
When can adults ride a motorcycle without helmets in Michigan?
Michigan allows some adults to ride without helmets, but being 21 or older isn't enough by itself. Under MCL 257.658, an operator must also have held a motorcycle endorsement for at least two years or passed an approved motorcycle safety course, along with the required medical benefits coverage.
A solo operator needs at least $20,000 in first-party medical benefits coverage for motorcycle crash injuries. When an operator and passenger ride without helmets, both must be at least 21 and the required coverage must provide at least $20,000 per person per accident. The passenger can have separate qualifying coverage or be covered under the operator's policy.
The passenger doesn't need to meet the operator's endorsement or safety-course requirement. For more about helmet requirements and related coverage questions, Michigan Legal Center explains Michigan motorcycle accident claims and no-fault benefits.
Get help from Michigan Legal Center
Michigan Legal Center: the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates handles motorcycle accident injuries and wrongful death claims throughout Michigan.
For questions after a motorcycle injury or death, contact Michigan Legal Center to ask about possible insurance benefits or a legal claim.
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