Two injured in U.S. 131 motorcycle crash with deer

Two Traverse City residents were injured Monday, Sept. 28, when their motorcycle hit a deer on U.S. 131 in Mecosta County.

The 34-year-old man was driving north with a 45-year-old woman as his passenger at about 11:30 p.m. A deer crossed into their path, according to the accounts attributed to the Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office.

Both were taken to a hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening.

Medical coverage after a motorcycle and deer crash in Michigan

Michigan’s motorcycle insurance priority rule, MCL 500.3114(5), means personal injury protection benefits applies when a qualified motor vehicle is involved. A crash involving only a motorcycle and a deer doesn't meet that requirement.

The motorcycle medical-benefits statute, MCL 500.3103(2), requires motorcycle insurers to offer separate medical coverage in $5,000 increments. Whether it pays an injured person depends on the coverage purchased and the policy terms. Michigan Legal Center’s explanation of motorcycle accident claims and no-fault benefits describes the different insurance paths.

Get help from Michigan Legal Center

Michigan Legal Center: the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates handles motorcycle injury claims and related insurance disputes. If you have questions about an injury or insurance after a motorcycle crash, contact Michigan Legal Center to ask whether it can help.

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 its work on the motorcycle accident practice page.