Law enforcement in Fruitport Township is in the process of investigating a fatal accident that recently occurred in the area. The accident occurred when an 18-year-old motor vehicle operator lost control of her vehicle and collided with a 39-year-old woman who was jogging on the shoulder of the road. The jogger, however, has not yet been identified by law enforcement. The vehicle’s operator received treatment for minor injuries at a nearby hospital and was quickly released.
The Rights of Joggers in Michigan
Many people in the state of Michigan engage in jogging, which sometimes involves crossing over public streets. It is important that joggers remember that they must also follow any posted traffic signals. For example, a jogger is required to stop before crossing the street. If a jogger ignores these traffic controls, there is great likelihood that a court of law will decide that the jogger was partially responsible for the accident, which might impact the amount of compensation that a person receives.
How Jogger Accidents Occur
There are many ways in which jogger accidents can occur, which include the following:
- Negligent Driving: A large number of joggers are injured in accidents in which the driver operates a vehicle in a negligent manner. Examples of negligent behavior include distracted driving, fatigued driving, intoxicated driving, and reckless driving.
- Poor Visibility: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that more accidents involving joggers occur during the night rather than during the day. Joggers who lack reflective clothing are at a higher risk of being seriously injured or even killed.
If You are Injured in an Accident
Some of the important pieces of advice that a jogger should follow after an accident include the following:
- Do Not Agree to a Recorded Statement: It is important to report an accident to your insurance company, but you should avoid providing a recorded statement. The other party’s insurance company will often try to compensate an injured jogger as little as possible. Instead, make sure to speak with an attorney prior to obtaining a recorded statement.
- See a Physician: The worst thing that a person can do besides providing a recorded statement is to not regularly see a physician. In some cases, the other party might use the injured jogger’s missed physician appointments as signs that the resulting injuries are not as severe as reported.
- Seek Legal Counsel: Some people feel that they will be unable to attend an attorney due to substantial costs. Instead, it is always best to speak with knowledgeable legal counsel prior to making this decision.
Speak to a Michigan Attorney
If you are a jogger who has been struck or in any way harmed by a vehicle, it is important to speak to knowledgeable legal counsel. The personal injury attorneys at Jay Trucks & Associates are able to obtain the maximum compensation that you deserve when these accidents occur. Contact our law office today for assistance.
