Are Your Car's Tires Safe?

Car Tires Attorney

Purchasing the correct tires for your vehicle can have a huge impact on increasing your safety when driving. There are multiple types of tires, and the type of tire that you should buy varies on where you live, and what type of weather you usually drive in. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are four main types of tires that you can buy, including all-season tires, winter tires, summer tires, and all-terrain tires. All-season tires can handle a variety of road conditions, and they also have some mud and snow capabilities. Winter tires are more effective on vehicles in the snow. Summer tires are designed for warm weather, and are not intended for cars operating in temperatures below freezing, or on snow and ice. Lastly, all-terrain tires are typically used on four-wheel drive vehicles, and they have capabilities for on-road and off-road driving.

As reported by the NHTSA, most tires are rated by the U.S. government on treadwear, traction performance, and temperature. Treadwear grades tell you how long the tread should last, the traction grade indicates the ability to allow a car to stop on a wet surface in a shorter distance, and the temperature grades estimate how well the tire resists heat. Michigan consumers can find the car manufacturer's recommended tire size and type in the owner's manual. In some cases, this information is located on the edge of the driver's side door.

“The time you spend checking your tires is minimal compared to the safety consequences of tire failure” - NHTSA

The only thing between a driver's vehicle and the road is your tires. It is extremely important to spend the time researching what tires to buy. As stated by the NHTSA, “The time you spend checking your tires is minimal compared to the safety consequences of tire failure.” In addition to this, the NHTSA conducted a crash causation survey, which found that there was an issue with a tire before the crash in 1 of 11 situations. These issues included tread separations, blowouts, and under-inflation.  Everything considered, it is definitely worth the time to buy the correct tires and frequently check them, as this can possibly prevent motor vehicle accidents.

If you have been injured in a car crash, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in dealing with the ins and out of car accidents. We will work to ensure you obtain all benefits you are entitled to under Michigan law.  Call us today at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Motorcycle Crash In Detroit, Michigan

Just this past weekend in Detroit, Michigan, on June 7, 2015, a 2003 Honda motorcycle was speeding with a passenger on board, going westbound on Seven Mile Road. According to the Detroit News, a Michigan State Police patrol car was nearby and activated his lights and sirens, but before the police car could catch up to the motorcycle, the driver failed to stop at the intersection of Seven Mile Road and Huntington Road and struck a 2008 Pontiac. The driver and passenger of the Pontiac car suffered minor injuries and both were taken to the hospital shortly after the accident. Both the driver and passenger of the motorcycle were sent to a nearby hospital by ambulance. The passenger was listed in critical condition, and the driver was pronounced dead.

Motorcycle Crash Attorney

Driving a motorcycle can be extremely dangerous, with many more risks than driving a car. Motorcycles oftentimes are less visible on the road, and they can be less stable than cars. When people are involved in a motorcycles crash, they have less protection than a car, which leads to a higher chance of being injured or killed in an accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, per vehicle mile traveled in 2012, motorcyclists were more than 26 times likely than passenger car occupants to die in motor vehicle traffic crashes and 5 times more likely to be injured.

Serious head injuries or traumatic head injuries are one of the most common injuries in motorcycle crashes, therefore, it is extremely important to wear a helmet at all times. According to the Insurance Institute For Highway Safety, helmets are about 37 percent effective in preventing motorcycle deaths and about 67 percent effective in preventing brain injuries. Helmets should be worn at all times, whether or not you are required to wear one in your state. Helmets save lives.

If you have been injured in a car or motorcycle accident, contact a lawyer at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our accident attorneys are experienced in handling all types of auto accident and motorcycle accident cases. Call 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation today.

Woman Killed Attempting to Flee Hit-And-Run

On Sunday, June 7, 2015, a hit-and-run driver was killed after attempting to flee the scene, moments after striking another vehicle. As reported by the Detroit Free Press, at around 2 p.m. on Sunday, a driver called 911 soon after their car was hit by a Buick, in Egelston Township, Michigan which is 10 miles east of Muskegon. The Muskegon County Sheriff’s deputies said that the driver of the Buick lost control, struck several trees, and her car rolled over. Authorities are unsure whether or not she was wearing a seatbelt, as damage was so severe, and due to the fact that she was ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene.

Hit And Run Lawyer

Every 51 minutes a U.S. driver dies from an alcohol related car crash.

It is unknown whether or not the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and the investigation is still ongoing. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, in 2013, 1,166,824 arrests were made for driving under the influence. In addition to this, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2013, 10,076 people were killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes, accounting for nearly one-third of all traffic-related deaths in the United States. They also reported that every day, almost 30 people in the United States die in motor vehicle crashes that involve an alcohol-impaired driver, which amounts to one death every 51 minutes.

According to the CDC, the people who are most at risk are young people and motorcyclists. They reported that, among drivers with BAC levels of .08 or higher involved in fatal crashes in 2013, one out of every 3 were between 21 and 24 years of age. In addition to this, the CDC reported that among motorcyclists killed in fatal crashes in 2013, 27% had BACs of .08 or greater.

If you have been injured in a car or motorcycle accident, contact a lawyer at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our accident lawyers handle all types of personal injury cases, including those where a drunk driver was involved in the accident. Call us today at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation today.

Detroit Carjackings

In 2013, in Detroit, Michigan, there were 782 carjackings. In 2014, that number was reduced to 545, and the drop has continued this year, as only 153 have been reported between January 1st and May 24th of 2015. According to the Detroit Free Press, 51 percent of the carjackings in Detroit this year so far, occurred between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m. Around 15 percent of these carjackings occurred at a gas station. The study showed that streets and alleys are the number one most common location, with around 54 percent.

Carjacking Attorney

Detroit carjackings have dropped each year since 2013.

Unfortunately, there is a possibly that people get injured or even killed as a result of a carjacking. As reported by the Detroit Free Press, on May 25, 2015, a 31-year-old man was killed when he was shot while trying to avoid being carjacked. The incident started at a gas station between 2 a.m. and 2:30 a.m. The victim attempted to drive away from the suspects, but they started shooting at him and killed him. Police advised that the event was potentially related to another incident, which occurred just over a mile and a half away around the same time.

According to the United States Bureau of Justice Statistics, carjacking victimization rates are the highest in urban areas, followed by suburbs and rural areas, altogether making up 93 percent of carjackings. This information seems to apply to Michigan as well.  The Bureau also reported that a weapon was used in 74 percent of carjackings, with firearms being used 45 percent of the time, knives 11 percent of the time, and other weapons make up 18 percent. Driving a car can potentially lead to death or serious injuries, whether it’s through an accident, or other events such as a carjacking.

If you have been injured in a car crash, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in dealing with car accidents. Our accident lawyers are waiting for you to call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Semi-Truck Drivers' Distractions Are Increasing

Semi-truck drivers around the nation are becoming increasingly distracted by cell phones. Recently, Lytx Inc., a leader in video-based driver safety technology, conducted a study, which showed that hands-free and hand-held cell phones are the biggest distractions to truck drivers. Lytx Inc. was able to make this study happen due to their advanced technology system used in trucks.

Texting and Driving Lawyer

"1,600,000 accidents happen per year due to texting while driving."

Lytx Inc. uses an in-cab video and audio system in order to deliver driver safety to fleets. This system is used to help prevent collisions, reduce injuries, and provide training to drivers. The system has triggers set by risky driving events, such as hard breaking, sudden acceleration, swerving, excessive speed, or other actions that could potentially lead to a collision. When these triggers are set off, the program is designed to capture video and audio of inside and outside the cab.

According to Truck News Online, the study shows that truck drivers using hands-free cell phones while driving made up 32 percent of those video triggered events, compared to the last five years, where it was only 20 percent. The second biggest contributor to distractions was a hand-held cell phone, triggering 27 percent of videos. Cell phones can lead to any type of auto accident, whether the phone is hands-free or hand-held.  The National Safety Council reported that 1,600,000 accidents happen per year due to texting while driving. It’s not only texting while driving that causes accidents. Using your cell phone in general can cause crashed, whether it’s surfing the web, texting, or using your GPS or even playing Angry Birds.

If you have been injured in a car crash, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our accident attorneys are always available to help you with questions about insurance problems, medical expenses, and pain and suffering benefits under Michigan law. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

St. Mary’s Healthcare System Announces Robotic-Assisted Therapy

Twenty years ago, New York’s largest medical provider for children and young adults, St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children, became the city’s first certified Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) program for children. On June 1, 2015, St. Mary’s announced the launch of a program involving robotic-assisted physical therapy. According to the Digital Journal, with the help of the New York City Council capital budget, St. Mary’s now has cutting-edge equipment for the treatment of brain and spinal cord injury. With this technology, combined with existing treatments and expertise, St. Mary’s is seeing success in the program, as well as a great amount of potential for the future.

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In the New York area, for the first time, four advanced types of neuro-rehab equipment are now available. The first type is the Erigo title table, which “provides lower extremity passive stepping while in an upright position.” Next is the Lokomat, which “provides robotic-assisted walking training, and is the next phase of recovery for patients with mobility impairment.” Thirdly, the ArmeoSpring “provides spring-assisted arm/hand rehabilitation.” Lastly, the Nexstim Navigated Brain Stimulation device, “provides “non-invasive brain mapping.” With all of this sophisticated technology, St. Mary’s has the potential to serve as a great medical provider, with even more room to grow in the near future.

As reported by the Digital Journal, St. Mary's Neuro-Rehabilitation Program is comprised of neuropsychology, physiatry, physical therapy, and occupational therapy, in collaboration with nursing, therapeutic recreation, speech/ language pathology, respiratory therapy, and social work. With this addition of robotic-assisted therapy, St. Mary’s can take even more steps forward.

St. Mary's serves as a great example of using advanced technology to help those who have been injured.  If their success with these modern tools continues, we hope to see more technological advancements in emergency medicine and rehabilitation in Michigan soon.  This would provide an even greater level of care to those who have been hurt in Michigan personal injury accidents.

We offer free consultations to hospitals, surgical centers, doctors, physical therapists, case managers, and transportation companies who want to collect on their No-Fault account receivables.  Contact us today at 844.4MI.FIRM, to learn more about The Michigan Law Firm's unique medical provider department.

Rumble Strips Save Lives

Recently, many studies have been completed that prove rumble strips on rural highways can save lives. Rumble strips aren’t expensive and can be an extremely effective way to reduce auto accidents on Michigan’s highways. In 2008, The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) began placing rumble strips on non-freeway highways with speed limits of 55 miles per hour. According to MDOT, to date, they have placed 5,400 miles of centerline rumble strips and 1,700 miles of shoulder rumble strips.

Rumble Strip Accident Lawyer

Wayne State University recently conducted a study to see how effective rumble strips really are. According to MDOT, Wayne State’s study, “found significant reductions in several targeted categories of crashes, including head-on, sideswipe and run-off-the-road crashes.” The study also showed a 47% reduction in total crashes and 51% reduction in fatal crashes, in the categories examined.

In addition to this part of the study, Wayne State researchers surveyed Michigan road users in order to gain insight of the public’s perception of rumble strips. The results showed that the public was extremely supportive of the centerline rumble strips. Experts agreed with this position taken by the Michigan citizens, and strongly believe that the installation of centerline rumble strips has, and will continue to improve road safety in the future. According to MDOT, a previous study, completed in 2012, “found that the presence of centerline rumble strips improves driver performance in most conditions.” While on the road, drivers tend to position themselves more centrally in lanes, which then leads to fewer encroachments over shoulders and centerlines, increasing safety as a whole.

If you have been injured in a car or motorcycle accident, contact a lawyer at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our accident attorneys are specialized in dealing with all types of auto accident cases. Our law firm helps victims of car accidents deal with insurance companies and medical bills to ensure a peaceful and healthy recovery process. Call 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation today.

Macomb and Oakland Offer 911 Emergency Texting

If you are involved in a personal injury accident or in any sort of danger, and you can’t call 911, you can now text 911 for help in Macomb or Oakland County. According to the Detroit Free Press, the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office recently started accepting text messages for all jurisdictions in the county. Oakland county has been utilizing 911 texting service since January.  Authorities say that 911 texting can be extremely beneficial.  If you are involved in a break-in or domestic situation, where there is a risk of talking loud, texting is a great option.

Texting Crash Attorney

This service was only just recently put into effect, and several Oakland and Macomb County residents have already used it during emergencies.  According to the Detroit Free Press, one of the first 911 text messages they received involved a woman hiding in a closet, afraid of her husband. Soon after the text was sent, Southfield Police were dispatched and an arrest was made. Another case involved a 16-year-old girl in South Dakota that somehow got routed to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office. She thought someone had broken into her house, so she hid in a closet. The Oakland County Sherriff’s Department was able to contact authorities in that state to resolve the issue. No one ended breaking in.

Authorities have also reported that of the emergency text messages they’ve received so far, two of them were from deaf residents who can’t speak on the phone. This texting service can potentially be used to save lives and help those in danger. There is no cost for people to send 911 text messages, nor is there a cost for authorities to receive them. Dispatchers can receive texts from anyone in the county using either Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, or Sprint.

Although cell phones can be extremely useful in situations like these, it is important to remember to avoid texting while driving in general. Texting while driving causes thousands of motor vehicles accidents per year. If you have been injured in a car accident, contact a lawyer at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our accident attorneys are experienced in handling all types of auto accident cases. Call 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation today.

Hazel Park Lifts Pit Bull Ban

Recently, the city of Hazel Park, Michigan, lifted their ban on pit bulls. According to the Huffington Post, the city is no longer enforcing its prohibition on pit bulls, and is allowing its residents to register this aggressive breed of dog. Pit bulls can be extremely dangerous. Many studies have shown that they rank high in the number of  dog bites and dog attacks for aggressive dog breeds. However, in this instance, a pit bull saved a domestic abuse victim, which ultimately lead to the proscription being lifted.

Dog Bite Attorney

According to My Fox Detroit, Hazel Park resident Jamie Kraczkowski, was saved by her beloved pit bull during a domestic violence attack.  Jamie told My Fox Detroit that her boyfriend at the time, Jamie Dopke, became drunk, angry and eventually violent. She said that’s when her dog, Isis, stepped in. When Jamie’s head hit against the wall, Isis then ran over and bit Dopke’s pant leg. After the incident, Dopke told officers that Kraczkowski’s dog attacked him, requiring 30 stitches.

Pit bulls were involved in 64% of dog bite deaths in 2014.

Although, occasionally, pit bulls can be involved in heroic acts like these, they are typically considered very dangerous dogs and are involved relatively frequently in dog bites and attacks. According to DogsBite, 42 US dog bite fatalities occurred in 2014, with pit bulls contributing to 64% of these deaths. According to the Canine Journal, in the United Kingdom there is the Dangerous Dogs Act of 1991, which states that it is illegal to own a pit bull, along with other dangerous breeds, without specific exemption from a court. These dogs must be muzzled and kept on a leash in public. In addition to this, they must be registered, insured, and neutered. This act was put in place due to various incidents that resulted in death or serious injury.  It will be interesting to see if US Courts or Michigan Courts decide to follow in the UK's footsteps.

If you have been injured by a dog bite, contact a lawyer at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Call 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation today.

Tracy Morgan Talks About His Accident

On Monday, June 1, 2015, Tracy Morgan spoke about his car accident for the first time in a year on the Today Show. Morgan spoke to Matt Lauer of the Today Show, less than a week after he settled his car crash lawsuit with Walmart regarding the crash on June 7, 2014. During this interview he discussed the car crash that nearly took his life, and paid tribute to his friend, James McNair, who died in the accident.

Limousine Crash Lawyer

“Bones heal, but the loss of my friend will never heal.”

According to the Today Show, Morgan and several of his friends were in a limousine returning from a performance, traveling on the New Jersey Turnpike, when they were rear-ended by a Walmart semi-truck. Morgan was severely injured in the crash. He had a broken leg, several broken ribs and severe brain trauma. Unfortunately, McNair was killed and other passengers in the limo were seriously injured. Morgan told the Today Show that “[b]ones heal, but the loss of my friend will never heal.”

The Walmart truck driver, Kevin Roper, had not slept for more 24 hours and at the time of the accident, he was driving 20 miles per hour over the speed limit. As mentioned above, just last week, Walmart settled a lawsuit filed by Morgan regarding the collision. According to the Today Show, last Friday, Morgan's attorney, told Matt Lauer the process for reaching terms in the confidential settlement "was never easy."

Motor vehicle accidents like these have potential to be extremely dangerous, and in some cases, like this one, lives can be lost. If you have been injured in a car accident, contact a lawyer at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our accident attorneys are experienced in dealing with all types of auto accident cases. Call 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation today.

The Effects Of A Concussion

Head injuries, specifically concussions, are extremely common in car accidents.  Whether you are traveling at high or low speeds during a crash, concussions can occur. According to the Brain Injury Institute (BII), traumatic brain injuries from car accidents are typically the most severe and often have lasting consequences. The BII also found that a traumatic brain injury occurs every 15 seconds, and that 1.7 million people experience a brain injury each year.

Concussion Attorney

Studies suggest that banging your head, even a single time, can cause short-term brain damage. More recently, it has become clear that there can be long-term consequences as well. Patrick Bellgowan, Program Director for repair and plasticity at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, says “The damage to neurons changes the communication within the brain’s circuitry, which is why people get confused or think more slowly after a concussion.”

In the past, concussions were not taken very seriously. However, in recent years, with advancing technology, growing interest in neuroscience, and many professional sports-related head injuries, concussions considered much more seriously. In addition to thinking more slowly and people getting confused from a concussion, there are several more symptoms. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of concussion include headache, temporary loss of consciousness, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. 

Concussions are extremely common in contact sports, such as football, soccer, and hockey. According to the Smithsonian Magazine, the National Football League and the National Hockey League have all been involved in lawsuits regarding head injuries. Motor vehicle accidents are also one of the major causes of concussions worldwide. If you have been injured in a car or motorcycle crash, contact a lawyer at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our experienced attorneys are highly skilled in handling all types of auto accident cases. Call 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation today.

Brain Injury Accidents Can Change Lives

Brain Injury Attorney

Recently, the BBC has started a new blog in order to increase the awareness of brain injuries and brain injury symptoms.  The BBC blog tells  personal stories of people who have been unfortunate enough for these injuries to happen to them. The BBC states “Charity Headway East London (a charity supporting brain injuries) has worked with people who have an acquired brain injury (or ABI) to compile a tell-all blog of frank and open personal accounts of what their lives were like before, and after. The aim is to help ABI survivors rediscover their voices and give them confidence to use them.” 

One of the stories told by the BCC involved a 47-year-old woman named Sam, who was involved in a car accident. Sam was the passenger in a car and she wasn’t wearing a seat belt. Sam had her window down as the accident happened.  When the car accident occurred, she flew out of the window as the car rolled over. Out of all the people involved in the accident, Sam was the most seriously hurt.

Motor vehicle accidents like these can result in significant injuries. According to the BBC, Sam said “I was in a coma for a couple of months. I had a bolt coming out of my head because they had taken a bit of my skull out due to the pressure.” After her time in the hospital, Sam went to physical therapy where she worked on her walking and speaking skills. After eight months in rehab, Sam was allowed to go home. However, she required close supervision with food preparation and walking, as well as physical assistance with other activities.

Car crashes like these can happen to anyone, whether or not you are wearing a seat belt. If you have been injured in a car accident, contact a lawyer today at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our accident attorneys specialize in all types of personal injury cases. We help victims of car crashes deal with insurance companies and medical bills to ensure a peaceful and healthy recovery process. Call 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation today.

Preventing Road Rage Car Accidents

While on the road, all drivers some degree of experience anger and frustration, whether you are mad at yourself for not paying attention and almost causing an accident, or mad at other drivers for almost crashing into you. Many refer to this as “road rage.” According to Wired Magazine, the anonymity of driving alone can lead to more aggressive, less inhibited behavior. A psychological study conducted by Philip Zimbardo found that driving often serves as identity-masking hood. While driving a car, the ability to communicate with others on the road is limited, besides the actions of honking, hand gestures, and light flashing. 

Road Rage Attorney

Oftentimes when people blame others on the road, they don’t truly think about the situation. Sometimes, it’s not the other person’s fault, it’s in fact yours. The possibility that it was your own fault doesn’t always register while driving because humans can be quick to make snap judgments and react to emotions instead of logic. 

It may seem difficult to stop this behavior while driving and prevent the possibility of motor vehicle accidents, but there is indeed a solution. In most situations, the passenger in a car rarely gets aggravated about other drivers on the road. The passenger in a vehicle may be able to prevent and pacify the outrage of the driver. Wired Magazine states that “Studies that have examined the brain activity of drivers and passengers as they engaged in simulated driving have shown that different neural regions are activated in drivers and passengers.” People driving on their own tend to drive more aggressively and become frustrated easier. Driving with a passenger in the car can potentially be a life and money saver, and this is especially true for Michigan drivers who drive on dangerous roads or icy roads. 

Although driving with a passenger in the car can be beneficial to some people and help prevent crashes, motor vehicle accidents are still possible, whether you drive by yourself or with other people in the car.  

If you have been injured in a car crash, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our accident attorneys are available  to help you with questions about insurance problems, medical expenses, and pain and suffering benefits as allowed by Michigan law. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Motorcycle Injury Prevention

Motorcycle protective gear has two basic purposes, which are comfort and protection, according to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation ("MSF"), a modern authority of motorcycle safety. Wearing protective gear while riding a motorcycle is extremely important, as it can help prevent or reduce injuries. In addition to this, it’s also very important to have this protective gear properly fitted, as it will help you stay comfortable when encountering various riding conditions.  According to the MSF, some of the many important personal protective items include a helmet, gloves, and face shields. 

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The helmet is the most important piece of protective gear that you should wear. In Michigan, you are required to wear a helmet unless you are 20 years old or younger according to ABATE. Helmets help protect the rider’s head in four ways. The outer shell of the helmet resists penetration and abrasion. The inside of the shell absorbs more of the shock by slowly collapsing under impact. Finally, the foam-and-cloth liner makes the helmet more comfortable and helps it fit correctly.

Face shields are very important as well, and they come in a variety of designs in order to fit any helmet. When you use a face shield, be sure that it is securely fastened to the helmet. Tinted shields can also be used as they help avoid eye fatigue during the day. However, during the night you should always wear a clear one In addition to helmets and face shields, gloves also make a huge difference with motorcycle safety. Wearing full-fingered motorcycle gloves can protect your hands from blisters, wind, sun, and the cold, as well as prevent cut, bruises, and scratches in a crash. 

Even if motorcyclists wear all of this protective gear, there is still a possibility of having an accident. Motorcycle accidents are more common than car crashes, and can be extremely dangerous.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in dealing with motorcycle accidents. Our accident lawyers are waiting for you to call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Medical Providers Aim To Reduce Low-Volume Surgeries

Three major medical providers around the nation including the University of Michigan Health System, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, and Johns Hopkins Medicine, are planning to enforce minimum-volume standards on their surgeons, according the a US News & World Report. By doing this, certain procedures may be eliminated, unless surgeons complete these operations frequently enough to maintain the requisite skill level.

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US News also reported that when common procedures are done at hospitals in small quantities, patients are at a higher risk of death than the patients who receive these procedures at hospitals where the surgeries are performed regularly. 

Patients all around the world, including those in Michigan, could face risks from common procedures, if the surgeons performing the procedure don’t perform the procedure often enough. These three major institutions are planning to make this transition to reduce low-volume surgeries by the end of the year, allowing their doctors and other medical professionals to specialize even more.

By allowing the medical teams to specialize further, the University of Michigan and other potential Michigan medical providers will likely increase their standards and quality of medical care as a whole. This may prove to be a benefit to those who are injured in Michigan car crashes or motorcycle crashes, as they will likely receive even better care at hospitals and experience lower risks of surgical complications. 

If an auto or motorcycle accident were to happen to you, contact a lawyer at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our accident lawyers specialize in all types of personal injury cases. Call 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation today.

AutoMoto Film & Arts Festival In Detroit

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This week is the AutoMoto Film & Arts Festival in Detroit, Michigan. The festival takes place from May 28th-30th, and is held at a number of venues in downtown Detroit including The Fillmore Detroit, The Madison Theatre and Cinema Detroit. The festival contains a number of short-length films, as well as special appearances by automotive personalities, car designers, and artists, according to Crain’s Detroit Business. 

The AutoMoto Films and Arts Festival describes this event as “an event that embraces all the incredible aspects of our emotional attachment to all things Motoring. Its rich history being told through the visual, auditory and written arts, aiming its message directly at the romantic soul of the motoring enthusiast.” Their goal is to find and expose great motoring films, art, and literature to their audience through these live events. 

This particular event spreads the love and passion for motoring through the films, arts, and literature shown at the festival. However, on the other hand, there can be a down side to motoring with the risk of accidents. In the United States, over 37,00 people per year die in car crashes, according to the Association For Safe International Road Travel. As well as this, an additional 2.35 million people are injured or disabled. 

Although many people enjoy driving Detroit-made American muscle cars, it is important to realize the risks that come with it, and understand motor vehicle safety. 

If you have been injured in a car or motorcycle accident, contact a lawyer at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our accident attorneys are experienced in dealing with all types of auto accident cases. Our firm can help victims of car accidents deal with insurance companies and medical bills to ensure a peaceful and healthy recovery process. Call 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation today.

Problems With GM Cars Leading To Criminal Charges

Recently Justice Department investigators identified criminal wrongdoing in General Motors’ failure to disclose a defect tied to at least 104 deaths, according to The NY Times. According to sources of the New York Times, General Motors is negotiating what is expected to be a record penalty. Negotiations are still ongoing and the dollar amount is yet to be determined, but it is expected to surpass the $1.2 billion paid last year by Toyota for concealing unintended acceleration problems. If this penalty were to exceed Toyota’s penalty from last year, it would be the largest against any automaker by the Justice Department. 

Car Defect Lawyer

General Motors has been eager to resolve this issue and end the civil and criminal investigations. This is a strategy that last year Toyota chose to avoid, as they fought the prosecutors. GM's eagerness is expected to earn GM cooperation credit, which could ultimately lead to a smaller penalty. 

In February 2014, GM began recalling around 2.6 million Chevrolet Cobalts and other small cars with faulty ignitions. These faulty ignitions could unexpectedly turn off the engine, disabling power steering, power breaks, and the airbags. Last year G.M. recalled more than 30 million vehicles, which is a company record.  Ultimately motor vehicle defects like these can lead to serious injuries for car crash victims.  

Last year General Motors spent an estimated $3 billion on recalls, as well $600 million to compensate ignition switch-related accident victims and their families. In addition to this, they also paid the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration a penalty of  $35 million, as they failed to report the switch recall in a timely manner. 

In cars, faults like these happen frequently, which can then unfortunately lead to auto accidents and traumatic injuries in some cases. 

If you have been injured in a car crash, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our accident attorneys are standing by to help you with questions about insurance problems, medical expenses, and pain and suffering benefits as allowed by Michigan law. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Semi-Truck Crashes in Detroit, Spills 9,000 Gallons of Oil

Semi-Truck Crash Attorney

At approximately 8:45 a.m. on May 24th, 2015, an oil tanker blast occurred on a curved bridge where the I-75 meets the I-375 in Detroit, Michigan according to The Detroit News and WXYZ. The tanker was carrying 9,000 gallons of unleaded gasoline, which set fire and released a large amount of smoke into the air. The driver, Kai Moore, said his brakes had gone out, causing the tanker to roll on its side and catch fire. Initially, the fire caused an hours-long traffic jam along the freeway, and it is expected to be at least a five-day closure. 

Auto accidents happen on a regular basis, and sometimes like this situation, sometimes mechanical failures in the motor vehicle are involved in the accident. Unfortunately, Kai’s brakes allegedly stopped working and his semi-truck tanker ended up rolling over. Kai thought that it was amazing he survived. He also described the situation and how he reached safety. 

“When that tanker impacted the ground, it immediately caught fire. Fire came up into the cab, I was in my seatbelt, that's what held me. I had to climb out and run away from the fire and the fuel that was coming down the ramp.” Fortunately for Kai, he was wearing his seatbelt and because of this he was able to climb out of the tanker with minimal injuries. 

Motor vehicle safety is extremely important. Although Kai was involved in a crash, he was able to survive due to his seatbelt, and this demonstrates how crucial this safety is. Our firm has put together free resources to help those who have been injured in car accidents or would like to learn more about traffic laws, ways to keep safe on the road and how to seek treatment for injuries sustained in motor vehicle crashes.

If you have been injured in a car or motorcycle accident, contact a lawyer at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our accident lawyers handle all types of personal injury cases. The Michigan Law Firm can help victims of car crashes deal with insurance companies and medical bills to ensure a peaceful and healthy recovery process. Call 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation today.

Tips For Driving Safely With Motorcycles On The Road

Driving a car can be extremely dangerous due to the many distractions and dangers on the road. One of these dangers is other drivers on the road, including motorcyclists. In recent years, motorcycles have become extremely popular and more motorists are seen on the road each day. According to the Insurance Information Institute, motorcyclists were about 26 times more likely than passengers to die in a crash per vehicle mile traveled in 2012 and five times more likely to be injured. As you have probably noticed, motorcycles can be very dangerous, and we want to give you some tips for driving safely with motorcycles on the road, including avoiding many distractions, such as cell phones, using turn signals, and staying alert at all times. 

Auto Accident Attorney

There are many general distractions while driving a car, including children, using audio entertainment, eating and drinking, as well as using satellite navigation. Although these are all distractions that you should be very careful with and try to avoid, there is one distraction that outweighs all of these, and that is using your cell phone while driving. In 2011, at least 23% of auto collisions involved cell phones, and they found that text messaging makes a crash 23 times more likely to happen. A cell phone can be extremely dangerous while driving and cause auto accidents on the road. Instead of picking your phone up to make a phone call while driving, use a hands-free device, such as a Bluetooth headset, or if your car has a built in Bluetooth system, take advantage of that. With regards to text messages, it can wait. You shouldn’t attempt to read or send text messages while driving, as they cause many car and motorcycle accidents. Following these tips and avoiding cell phone usage in the car, will definitely decrease the likelihood of an accident. 

Another thing that causes a many accidents on the road is poor turn signal usage according to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. According to a study conducted by the Response Insurance, 57% of drivers admitted that they don’t use their turn signals when changing lanes. 47% of these people said they don’t have time, 23% said they’re too lazy, 17% said they’re afraid they’ll forget to turn it off, 11% said they’re too busy changing lanes a lot to use it, and 7% of them said it adds excitement to driving. 

A recent Society of Automotive Engineers study found that the failure to use turn signals results in more than twice the number of accidents that are caused by distracted driving.  Experts agree, taking the time to use proper turn signal techniques will lower your chances of being involved in an auto accident.  

These tips will improve your safety while driving, especially when there are motorcycles on the road. In addition to these cell phone and turn signal tips, there are a few general ones that will certainly help as well. Always look out for motorcyclists, by using your eyes and mirrors to see what’s around you. Make sure you are always focused on the driving your vehicle by avoiding all distractions. Finally, simply take your time while driving, don’t rush, and give motorcyclists more room. Although motorcycles may not seem large, they still need plenty of room to operate. 

If you have been injured in a car or motorcycle accident, contact a lawyer at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our accident attorneys are experienced in handling all types of auto accident cases. The Michigan Law Firm can help victims of car crashes deal with insurance companies and medical bills to ensure a peaceful and healthy recovery process. Call 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation today.

Source:   Texting and Driving Safety

Tragic Taxi Crash

Taxi Crash

In 2001, a film called “A Beautiful Mind” won the academy award for Best Picture. This beautiful and deeply emotional film gave light to what it feels like for one of the world’s most brilliant minds to struggle with schizophrenia while simultaneously making genius breakthroughs in mathematics. It was guaranteed that anyone who saw this film or the Sylvia Nasar’s book of the same name, which the film was based on, would cry, laugh, sigh, and feel their heart constantly expanding, heavy with feeling. It was the undeniable drama of a man’s life that had audiences taking an interest in mathematics, without being forced to as in school, and wanting to learn more about a disease which effects 2.2 million people in the US alone.
 
Most importantly however, this film was based around the very real life of John Forbes Nash and his wife Alicia Nash. Nash was a brilliant and groundbreaking mathematician who taught at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Princeton University. Most notably, John Nash won a Nobel Prize in Economic Science in 1994, for his major contribution, known as the Nash equilibrium, which advanced game theory.
 
As reported by the BBC and NJ.com, around 4.30 p.m. on May 23, 2015, John Nash was killed in a car crash. John and Alicia were travelling back to Princeton, New Jersey after returning from Norway where Nash had received the Abel Prize for Mathematics from King Harald V for work on nonlinear partial differential equations. The couple were passengers in a  Ford Crown Victoria taxi traveling southbound in the left lane of the New Jersey Turnpike. The taxi driver tried to overtake a Chrysler in the center lane when he collided in to a guard rail. New Jersey State Police Sgt. Gregory Williams thinks that the couple wasn’t wearing seat belts which is why they were ejected from the car on impact. As such, John and Alicia Nash were pronounced dead at the scene of the car accident. The taxi driver, who was rescued from the car and flown to a nearby hospital, and a passenger in the Chrysler were treated fro non-life-threatening injuries.
 
Though he was 86 years old, John Nash was still a force to be reckoned with in the world of mathematics, economics, and science. These communities as well as Nash’s Princeton community were shocked by his passing. If Nash could teach us all a lesson at this moment, it would be, to wear a seat belt.

Motor vehicle safety is very important in this day and age. According to the Association For Safe International Road Travel, nearly 1.3 million people die in motor vehicle crashes every year.  Our firm has put together free resources to help those who have been injured in car accidents or would like to learn more about traffic laws, ways to keep safe on the road and how to seek treatment for injuries sustained in motor vehicle crashes.  

If you have been injured in a car or motorcycle accident, contact a lawyer at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our accident attorneys are experienced in handling all types of auto accident cases. The Michigan Law Firm can help victims of car crashes deal with insurance companies and medical bills to ensure a peaceful and healthy recovery process. Call 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation today.