Greenville bicyclist killed in crash on Berridge Road
A 65-year-old Greenville man died Thursday after a vehicle struck his bicycle in Montcalm County’s Eureka Township.
The crash was reported at about 10:19 a.m. Thursday, July 30, on S. Berridge Road near W. Fletcher Road, according to the Montcalm County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies identified the bicyclist as Randy Jack Vandenburg. They said he was riding north on the shoulder of Berridge Road when he was struck from behind by a northbound 2011 Chevrolet Cruze driven by 51-year-old Rebecca May Johnson of Greenville.
Vandenburg was pronounced dead at the scene. Johnson was not injured.
The sheriff’s office said alcohol was not believed to be a factor. Johnson was not wearing a seat belt, and investigators could not confirm whether Vandenburg was wearing a helmet.
The crash remains under investigation.
Assisting agencies included Montcalm County Central Dispatch, Montcalm County Emergency Services, Michigan State Police Lakeview Post, Greenville Department of Public Safety, Montcalm County Road Commission and the Montcalm County Victim Service Team.
Michigan insurance and civil claims after a fatal bicycle crash
Michigan’s no-fault system may provide personal protection insurance (PIP) benefits after a crash involving a motor vehicle. For a person who was not occupying a motor vehicle, MCL 500.3115 establishes separate rules for claiming PIP benefits through the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan, subject to statutory exceptions.
A possible claim against a driver is separate from PIP benefits. It generally requires evidence of negligence, causation and legally recoverable damages. Under MCL 500.3135, death is one condition that can permit a claim for noneconomic loss in a motor vehicle case, but the statute does not determine fault or guarantee recovery.
Michigan Legal Center also explains the separate insurance and liability issues in its Michigan bicycle and e-bike accident claims resource.
Get help from Michigan Legal Center
Michigan Legal Center is the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates. Michigan Legal Center handles motor-vehicle and bicycle accident matters and can discuss whether a wrongful-death matter is within its practice areas.
Family members or estate representatives can Contact Michigan Legal Center to ask whether a fatal bicycle crash matter is within Michigan Legal Center’s practice areas.
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