Sparta motorcyclist dies in Plainfield Township crash

A 34-year-old Sparta man died early Friday after his motorcycle hit a utility pole in Plainfield Township.

An off-duty police officer discovered the crashed motorcycle around 1 a.m. Aug. 21 on Pine Island Drive near Hayes Street, according to the Kent County Sheriff’s Office.

The sheriff’s office preliminary investigation indicates the rider was headed south when he left the road and hit the pole. No other vehicles appear to have been involved.

The rider was pronounced dead at the scene.

The sheriff’s office Road Patrol Division is investigating what led to the crash. Anyone with information can call the sheriff’s office at 616-632-6125.

Michigan no-fault coverage after a one-vehicle motorcycle crash

Michigan no-fault rules treat motorcycle crashes differently from crashes involving people in cars. Michigan’s motorcycle personal injury protection (PIP) priority law in MCL 500.3114(5) applies when a motorcycle operator or passenger suffers bodily injury in an accident that shows evidence of motor vehicle involvement.

According to the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services, PIP benefits may not be available when a crash involves only the motorcycle and no motor vehicle.

Coverage outside PIP depends on the available policies. Michigan Legal Center’s explanation of Michigan motorcycle accident claims and no-fault benefits describes why motorcycle-only crashes require a different insurance analysis.

Get help from Michigan Legal Center

Michigan Legal Center: the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates. Relevant practice areas include motorcycle accidents, personal injury and wrongful death.

After a fatal Michigan motorcycle crash, contact Michigan Legal Center to ask whether the matter 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.

Learn more about Michigan wrongful death deadlines.