Motorcyclist killed in Larkin Township crash

Tanner Blaine Schmidt, 26, of Mills Township, died Tuesday afternoon after his motorcycle collided with a pickup.

The Midland County Sheriff’s Office said the crash happened about 2:39 p.m. Sept. 15 on North Eastman Road.

A preliminary investigation found that Schmidt was riding south when a northbound pickup, driven by a 72-year-old Mills Township man, turned left in front of him.

Schmidt was pronounced dead at the scene. The pickup driver had minor injuries and was taken by ambulance to MyMichigan Medical Center.

Firefighters from Larkin and Mills townships, MyMichigan EMS, the Midland County medical examiner and Michigan State Police crash reconstruction personnel assisted at the scene.

The investigation is still udnerway.

Michigan left-turn laws and motorcycle crashes

Michigan drivers are required to check they can turn safely and give the required signal before turning. Under MCL 257.648, using a turn signal does not replace the duty to make sure the turn is safe.

At an intersection, Michigan’s left-turn yield rule requires a driver turning left to yield to an oncoming vehicle already in the intersection or close enough to present an immediate hazard. That rule protects approaching motorcycles as well as cars and trucks.

A negligence claim requires proof that a driver failed to meet a legal duty and that the failure caused injury or other harm. Michigan Legal Center’s explanation of Michigan motorcycle accident claims discusses how both drivers’ conduct can affect responsibility for a crash.

Get help from Michigan Legal Center

Michigan Legal Center: the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates handles motorcycle accident and wrongful death claims.

Contact Michigan Legal Center to discuss your legal options after a serious or fatal motorcycle crash.

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’s motorcycle accident services include reviewing fault and available insurance coverage.