Pierson Township, MI (February 8, 2025) – A man is recovering after being struck by a vehicle while walking on Stanton Rd in Pierson Township late Thursday night. Emergency responders were quick to the scene, providing care to the injured victim. Deputies from the Montcalm County Sheriff’s Office responded around 11:40 p.m. on February 5, finding the 31-year-old pedestrian lying in the westbound lane near Maple Hill Rd. The victim was transported to Corewell Health’s Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids with significant injuries but is expected to survive.
According to investigators, the pedestrian was walking in the dark and wearing dark clothing when he was struck by a vehicle. The area where the crash occurred was poorly lit, and authorities believe the lack of visibility may have been a factor in the incident. Deputies have not yet identified the type of vehicle involved, but they did recover car parts at the scene, which may assist in the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are currently asking for the public’s help. Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact the Montcalm County Sheriff’s Office tip line at 989.831.7593. Our thoughts are with the injured victim, and we hope for a swift recovery.
Pedestrian Accidents in Michigan
Pedestrian accidents, especially those involving a hit-and-run, present unique challenges for both victims and authorities. In Michigan, the rise in such incidents is concerning. While pedestrian accidents are often the result of driver negligence or failure to yield, they can also occur due to environmental factors such as poor lighting or unfavorable weather conditions. In this case, it was noted that the area was not well-lit, which may have contributed to the accident.
When walking at night, it is crucial for pedestrians to wear reflective or bright clothing to increase visibility. Moreover, pedestrians should always stay as far from traffic as possible and be aware of their surroundings. This is especially important in areas where lighting may be insufficient, like in Pierson Township.
In Michigan, there were nearly 2,000 pedestrian accidents in 2024, with many occurring after dark. The statistics highlight the importance of caution for both pedestrians and drivers. Drivers must always remain vigilant, especially when driving through residential areas or rural roads where pedestrians may not be as visible.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident
If you or a loved one is involved in a pedestrian accident, there are several steps you can take to protect your rights and ensure proper care:
- Seek Medical Attention: It is critical to get medical care immediately, even if injuries seem minor at first. Injuries from pedestrian accidents, especially those involving high-impact crashes, can worsen over time.
- File a Report: Always report the accident to the local authorities. If the driver leaves the scene, it’s crucial to provide as many details as possible to help law enforcement in their investigation.
- Consult Legal Assistance: If you are the victim or the family of someone injured in a hit-and-run, seeking legal counsel can be important. A personal injury attorney can help you navigate insurance claims, potential legal action, and compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
- Stay Calm and Gather Information: If you are a witness to the accident, try to collect as much information as possible, such as the make and model of the vehicle, the license plate number (if visible), and any details about the driver or the crash.
Pedestrian accidents can result in severe emotional and financial impacts, particularly when a hit-and-run driver is involved. It is essential for victims to know their rights and to seek support in managing the aftermath.
For more information or to receive help after an accident, contact Local Accident Reports.