A jury in Kent County awarded $27.5 million to a motorcyclist severely injured in a distracted driving crash involving an SUV.
The collision occurred in May 2022 on M20 in White Cloud, approximately 25 miles southwest of Big Rapids. Authorities reported that the SUV driver was using her cell phone to check her blood glucose levels when she crossed into oncoming traffic and struck the motorcyclist head-on. The motorcyclist, then 29 years old, suffered catastrophic injuries, including the amputation of his left leg.
The jury’s decision, announced by the Law Office of Jason Waechter, makes this the largest motorcycle injury verdict in Michigan. The verdict also included $2 million awarded to the motorcyclist’s wife for loss of consortium.
The motorcyclist’s injuries required multiple surgeries, including the amputation of his pinky finger and treatment for a fractured elbow. He will face lifelong challenges due to the accident, which occurred while he was working as a shipping clerk.
In a statement, Waechter emphasized the dangers of distracted driving, urging local drivers to remain vigilant, especially during Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. According to Michigan regulations, anyone caught using a hand-held device while driving faces significant fines and penalties.
The case highlights ongoing concerns over distracted driving, which accounts for 25% of fatal crashes in Michigan, authorities said.