Muskegon motorcyclist seriously injured in Egelston Township crash
A 32-year-old Muskegon man was seriously injured in a motorcycle crash Thursday night.
Michigan State Police said the crash happened at about 9:31 p.m. at Apple Avenue and Mill Iron Road in Muskegon County. A preliminary investigation found the man was riding a 2002 Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 north on Mill Iron Road and turned left onto Apple Avenue.
State police said the motorcycle was hit by a 2019 Chevrolet Impala driven by a 19-year-old Muskegon man.
The rider was wearing a helmet and was taken to Trinity Health Muskegon Hospital. The Impala driver and his two passengers were not injured.
State police said alcohol is believed to have contributed to the crash but did not identify who was suspected of being under the influence. The investigation remains ongoing.
Trinity Ambulance, the Muskegon Township Police Department and the Muskegon County Sheriff’s Office assisted troopers at the scene.
Michigan no-fault and injury claims after a motorcycle-car crash
Michigan law uses a special priority order for personal injury protection (PIP) benefits when a motorcycle operator or passenger is injured in an accident showing evidence of motor vehicle involvement. The motorcycle priority rule in MCL 500.3114(5) starts with the insurer of the owner or registrant of the involved motor vehicle, followed by the insurer of that vehicle’s operator, the motorcycle operator’s motor vehicle insurer and the motorcycle owner’s or registrant’s motor vehicle insurer.
Coverage for personal injury protection (PIP) benefits depend on available policies, exclusions and PIP medical limits. A motorcyclist may be subject to the PIP limit on the applicable motor vehicle policy and may be eligible for Michigan Assigned Claims Plan benefits when no PIP coverage is available in the priority order.
PIP benefits are separate from a fault-based claim for noneconomic loss. Under Michigan’s motor vehicle tort threshold in MCL 500.3135, that type of claim generally requires death, serious impairment of body function or permanent serious disfigurement.
A preliminary report that alcohol may have contributed to a crash does not by itself establish a criminal offense or decide civil fault. Those questions depend on the evidence and applicable legal standards. Michigan Legal Center’s explanation of motorcycle accident claims and no-fault benefits explains how motorcycle PIP priority and a possible third-party claim differ.
Get help from Michigan Legal Center
Michigan Legal Center: the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates handles motorcycle accident, no-fault and serious injury claims.
Contact Michigan Legal Center to ask whether a motorcycle-car crash or related insurance issue falls 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.