Michigan Court Backs Man Hurt on Stolen Motorcycle

A Detroit, Mich., man who didn’t know he was riding a stolen motorcycle can pursue benefits from the owner’s insurance company for severe injuries suffered in a collision.

The Michigan appeals court overturned a Wayne County judge’s decision in an opinion released Friday. In August 2009, Lejuan Rambin was riding a motorcycle that was lent to him by a friend. He was hit by a car and needed surgery to fix many broken bones.

There is no dispute that Rambin didn’t know the motorcycle was stolen. The appeals court says he can seek money for his medical bills from the bike owner’s insurer.

The Michigan Supreme Court has restricted benefits for injured people who use a vehicle unlawfully. But the appeals court says Rambin’s circumstances are different.