Howard City pedestrian killed in U.S. 131 crash
A 31-year-old Howard City man died Wednesday after a vehicle struck him on northbound U.S. 131 in Mecosta County.
The Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded about 4:50 p.m. July 29 near mile marker 135 in Mecosta Township.
The northbound vehicle was driven by a 71-year-old Muskegon man. Emergency medical personnel evaluated the driver at the scene and released him, according to the sheriff’s office.
Northbound U.S. 131 was closed during the investigation and later reopened.
The crash remains under investigation.
Michigan no-fault and fault based claims after a fatal pedestrian crash
Michigan law separates personal protection insurance (PIP) benefits from a fault based claim after a motor vehicle strikes a pedestrian. Under MCL 500.3115, a person injured outside a motor vehicle generally claims PIP benefits through the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan unless coverage applies under the household based exception referenced in the statute. The available policies and household relationships can change that priority analysis.
Michigan Legal Center’s guide to who pays medical bills after a Michigan car accident explains how household coverage and assigned claims can affect pedestrians.
A separate fault-based claim asks whether negligence caused the death. MCL 500.3135 meets the motor vehicle threshold for noneconomic loss, but it does not establish fault or guarantee recovery. Fault, causation, available insurance and damages remain fact specific.
Get help from Michigan Legal Center
Michigan Legal Center is the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates. Michigan Legal Center handles personal injury, no-fault, pedestrian accident and wrongful death matters.
If your family lost someone in a Michigan pedestrian crash, contact Michigan Legal Center to ask whether the matter is 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.
Learn more about Michigan car accident claims.