Pedestrian seriously injured on U.S. 31 in Holland Township

A 22-year-old man was hospitalized with serious injuries after an SUV hit him Monday night while he was crossing U.S. 31 in Holland Township.

The Ottawa County Sheriff's Office said the crash happened shortly after 10 p.m. Oct. 12.

Deputies said a 49-year-old woman was driving a Chevrolet Equinox north in the left lane when the man ran across U.S. 31 in the crosswalk. Investigators said she had a green light and the right of way when the SUV hit him.

He was in stable condition when paramedics took him to a hospital. The Holland Township Fire Department also responded.

Northbound U.S. 31 was reduced to one lane for about an hour.

Do pedestrians always have the right of way in Michigan crosswalks?

No. At an intersection with pedestrian signals, the signal controls when a they ccan cross. Under MCL 257.613, drivers must yield to pedestrians following the signals. A pedestrian cannot start crossing during a steady or flashing don't walk signal. Someone who started crossing during the walk interval must continue to a sidewalk or safety island if the signal changes.

A green light also doesn't eliminate every duty to yield. Under MCL 257.612, drivers facing a green light must yield to pedestrians already lawfully in the intersection or an adjacent crosswalk when the green signal appears.

When there is a disagreement about when someone entered a crosswalk, an available recording may help establish the sequence. Michigan Legal Center explains how to preserve camera footage after a Michigan crash.

Get help from Michigan Legal Center

Michigan Legal Center: the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates handles pedestrian accident and serious injury claims.

If you or a family member was injured while crossing a road, contact Michigan Legal Center to discuss whether legal help is available for your situation.

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