Niles Man Killed in US-12 Motorcycle Crash Near New Buffalo
A 45-year-old Niles man died Thursday after a minivan struck his motorcycle from behind on US-12 in New Buffalo Township, Berrien County sheriff's deputies said.
The crash happened about 12:30 p.m. July 16 at West US-12 and Lubke Road. Investigators said the rider was traveling west and was nearly stopped with his left turn signal on while waiting to turn onto Lubke Road.
Witnesses told deputies that a 39-year-old Sedalia, Missouri, woman driving west in a minivan failed to notice the motorcycle slowing ahead. The minivan hit the motorcycle from behind and ejected the rider. It then crossed the eastbound lanes and struck the side of another vehicle.
First responders treated the rider at the scene before taking him to Franciscan Hospital in Michigan City for surgery. He later died from his injuries. Authorities withheld his name pending notification of his family.
The minivan driver suffered minor injuries and declined treatment. The other driver was not injured. Authorities said drugs and alcohol do not appear to be factors in the crash. The sheriff's office reported that the rider was not wearing a helmet.
Both directions of US-12 were closed for about two hours. The sheriff's office said the investigation remains ongoing.
Legal Questions After a Fatal Motorcycle Crash
Michigan law treats motorcycle insurance questions differently from ordinary car-occupant claims. MCL 500.3114 contains motorcycle-specific PIP priority rules when an accident shows evidence of motor-vehicle involvement. Those benefits are separate from any wrongful-death claim. MCL 600.2922 applies only if evidence shows another person's wrongful act, neglect or fault caused the death. More background is available in our guides to motorcycle accident claims and No-Fault benefits and Michigan wrongful-death deadlines.
Get Help From Michigan Legal Center
Michigan Legal Center, the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates, helps families after fatal motorcycle crashes across Michigan. Call (248) 886-8650 or contact us for a free consultation.
There is no attorney fee unless money is recovered. Case costs and fee terms are set by written agreement.