Motorcyclist critically injured in Spring Lake Township crash

A 21-year-old Spring Lake man suffered critical injuries Sunday when his motorcycle collided with a pickup.

Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to U.S. 31 near Taft Street in Spring Lake Township at about 2:46 p.m. Sept. 20.

Investigators said the motorcyclist was riding north in the left lane when a 70-year-old Montague man driving a farm pickup moved from the right lane into his path. The motorcycle hit the back of the pickup, throwing the rider from his bike.

Emergency responders took him to a hospital. The pickup driver and his passenger had no apparent injuries, deputies said.

Part of U.S. 31 closed while crews responded and cleared the scene. The highway has since reopened, and the crash remains under investigation.

Who is at fault when a lane change causes a rear-end crash in Michigan?

Fault depends on how the drivers’ actions contributed to the crash. Michigan’s rear-end collision law generally creates a presumption of negligence when a driver overtakes and hits the back of a vehicle moving in the same direction or lawfully stopped on a highway. The presumption under MCL 257.402 doesn’t apply to every situation and can be rebutted with evidence.

Road design also matters. Moving between two continuing lanes differs from entering through a marked merging roadway. Michigan Legal Center’s explanation of fault in Michigan merging accidents describes how those different movements affect the duties drivers must follow.

Get help from Michigan Legal Center

Michigan Legal Center: the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates represents people injured in motorcycle crashes and other motor vehicle accidents.

If you or a family member was injured in a motorcycle collision, contact Michigan Legal Center to discuss the crash and ask about available legal help.

There is no attorney fee unless money is recovered for you. Case costs and fee terms are governed by the written fee agreement.