Motorcyclist Killed, Minivan Driver Arrested After White Lake Township Crash
A crash in White Lake Township left one person dead and led to one arrest Monday afternoon.
According to White Lake Township Police, the crash happened at about 4:45 p.m. on Monday, June 29, on White Lake Road near Teggerdine Road in White Lake Township.
The crash involved a motorcycle and a minivan. The motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene from injuries sustained in the crash. Police have not released his name, but identified him as a 70-year-old Holly resident.
Investigators said a Dodge Caravan was traveling west on White Lake Road when it collided with a Harley-Davidson motorcycle traveling east on White Lake Road.
The driver of the Dodge Caravan, a 54-year-old Highland man, was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Police said medical staff later cleared him, and he was arrested.
The Oakland County Sheriff's Office Crash Reconstruction Unit assisted at the scene. The crash remains under investigation.
Legal options after a fatal motorcycle accident
Motorcycle crash claims in Michigan can involve distinct no-fault and liability issues, especially when a motor vehicle is involved.
Michigan is a no-fault state. In many crashes, eligible injured people may seek Personal Injury Protection benefits without first proving who caused the crash. For a motorcyclist injured in a crash involving a motor vehicle, Michigan law sets a specific order of priority for which insurer may be responsible for PIP benefits. Depending on the facts and available coverage, those benefits may help cover economic losses such as allowable medical expenses, wage loss, replacement services, and attendant care.
Recovering noneconomic losses, such as pain and suffering, usually requires a separate claim against an at-fault driver. Under Michigan law, a person generally must show death, serious impairment of body function, or permanent serious disfigurement to pursue noneconomic damages from the owner or operator of a motor vehicle.
Wrongful death issues after a Michigan crash
Because this crash was fatal, a Michigan wrongful death claim may also be available. In Michigan, a wrongful death action is brought by the personal representative of the deceased person's estate.
A fatal crash claim may seek damages for funeral and burial expenses, medical expenses, conscious pain and suffering, loss of financial support, and loss of society and companionship. The specific claims available depend on the evidence, insurance coverage, and family relationships involved.
An arrest after a fatal crash does not automatically decide civil liability. A civil investigation may still review crash reconstruction findings, witness statements, roadway evidence, vehicle damage, phone records, toxicology evidence if available, and insurance coverage.
For more background, read Michigan Legal Center's guides on what to do after a motorcycle accident in Michigan, Michigan car accident medical bills and PIP priority, and Michigan wrongful death deadlines.
Get help from Michigan Legal Center
Michigan Legal Center is Christopher J. Trainor & Associates. Our attorneys help injured people and families across Michigan with personal injury, car crashes, no-fault claims, insurance disputes, serious injury claims, and wrongful death cases.
If you or a loved one was injured in a Michigan motorcycle crash, call Michigan Legal Center at (248) 886-8650 or contact us 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.