Man hospitalized after bicycle chase ends in Kentwood crash
A 46-year-old man was hospitalized Thursday after a civilian vehicle hit him while Kentwood police pursued him on foot as he rode a bicycle.
Kentwood Police Department officers attempted to arrest the man on an outstanding warrant around 2:45 p.m. July 23 near Division Avenue South and 60th Street Southeast. Police said he rode away on the bicycle, and officers followed on foot.
The man was hit by a vehicle driven by a resident during the pursuit. He was taken to a local hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening.
Kentwood police are investigating the pursuit. The Kent County Sheriff's Office is investigating the crash because it occurred within the sheriff's jurisdiction. Authorities have not released the man's name or announced whether the driver will be cited.
Michigan traffic rules for bicycle crashes
Michigan law generally gives people riding bicycles the same rights and duties that apply to drivers, subject to rules specific to bicycles. MCL 257.657 applies those rules, while the circumstances of an individual crash depend on factors such as traffic controls, visibility and the movements of those involved.
Michigan's no-fault law provides personal protection insurance benefits for qualifying accidental injuries arising from the use of a motor vehicle. The applicable insurer and benefit path can depend on insurance coverage, household information and other facts. MCL 500.3115 contains priority rules for people injured while not occupying a motor vehicle.
Michigan bicycle and e-bike accident claims explains those issues in more detail.
What investigators may examine after this crash
The fact that the bicyclist was fleeing police does not by itself resolve civil fault for the collision. Investigators may examine the traffic signal, sight lines, the bicyclist's path, the driver's speed and attention, witness accounts, video evidence and whether either person could have avoided the crash.
Police pursuits can raise additional questions about department policy and governmental immunity. Here, the reported impact involved a civilian vehicle, not a police vehicle, so the legal analysis would differ from a crash in which an emergency vehicle struck someone.
Get help from Michigan Legal Center
Michigan Legal Center is the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates. The firm helps injured people and families across Michigan with personal injury, motor vehicle crashes, no-fault claims, insurance disputes and serious injury claims.
If you or a loved one was injured in a Michigan bicycle or car crash, call Michigan Legal Center at (248) 886-8650 or contact Michigan Legal Center 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 explain issues addressed in Michigan car accident medical bills and PIP priority.