What To Do When A Michigan Traffic Light Is Out

Michigan traffic light out

From time to time you may drive up to an intersection where the traffic lights are out. Oftentimes this is due to Michigan storms or other electrical interruptions. It’s important to know exactly how to handle these situations for a number of reasons. You want to be ensuring you and other drivers are safe, you want to be following the rules of the road so that you don’t cause an auto accident or receive a traffic ticket, and if you know how to handle an intersection with a traffic signal that is out, you will be in the best position to get to your destination on time, without issue.

MCL 257.649 covers the rules of proceeding through intersections in Michigan.

Subsection (4) provides:

The driver of a vehicle approaching an intersection that is controlled by a traffic control signal shall do all of the following, if the signal facing the driver exhibits no colored lights or colored lighted arrows, exhibits a combination of colored lights or colored lighted arrows that fails to clearly indicate the assignment of right of way, or the signals are otherwise malfunctioning:

(a) Stop at a clearly marked stop line, or, if there is no clearly marked stop line, stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, or, if there is no crosswalk, stop before entering the intersection.

(b) Yield the right of way to all vehicles in the intersection or approaching on an intersecting road, if those vehicles will constitute an immediate hazard during the time the driver is moving across or within the intersection.

(c) Exercise ordinary care while proceeding through the intersection.

This law provides two circumstances where these rules do not apply, as set forth in MCL 257.649(5):

(a) An intersection that is controlled by a traffic control signal that is flashing yellow unless certain events occur, including, but not limited to, activation by an emergency vehicle.

(b) A traffic control signal that is located in a school zone and is flashing yellow only during prescribed periods of time.


Even the Michigan State Police website provides the same information in their FAQ section - to ensure Michigan drivers know the traffic laws and are able to safely drive in Michigan. At the end of the day, knowing the rules of the road can keep you safe and help you avoid car accidents.

If you have questions relating to Michigan traffic laws or Michigan auto accident law, contact The Michigan Law Firm, PC anytime. Our office has personal injury attorneys ready to discuss your legal issue.

Anyone Can Get Into A Serious Car Accident (Even Celebrities)

As a country, we might be driving less during the pandemic, but Americans all around the country get in their cars everyday to go work, school, or the grocery store. But they never think about getting into a car crash as they get behind the wheel.  Humans have a natural inclination to avoid uncomfortable thoughts and this includes any topics relating to death or serious injury. The odds of getting into a car crash may seem really low, since we drive every day, which seems to be the reason some folks ignore the importance of mitigating the risks of car crashes. However, recent studies show that more than 3 million people are injured in a car accident every year and some Americans will inevitably be part of the 1% that experience a car accident.

But as the news and social media shows us, major car accidents can happen to anyone, and lately there’s been a lot of talk on celebrity car crashes.

Back in February, Tiger Woods had to be cut free from his car and rushed to a medical center in Los Angeles after being involved in a single vehicle car crash. Tiger’s car hit a tree and continued to roll after the impact. Tiger had some very serious injuries and couldn’t remember what happened and needed to undergo extensive surgery on his leg. The data recorder in Woods’ 2021 Genesis GV80 SUV showed that he had been driving between 68 to 86.99 mph, which could’ve been more than 45 mph over the speed limit, when he tried to maneuver around a curve and veered off course and crashed. Sheriff Alex Villanueva who investigated the crash said that Woods was driving in an unsafe manner and that’s why the crash happened.

 Now, while a global superstar like Tiger Woods would have no trouble covering any medical costs, this would be a rather frightening prospect for the average person. That’s why it’s essential (and legally required on a side note) to have car insurance to mitigate the risk of a major accident and then to know how to navigate the process in the event of a car accident.

Crash Crash Lawyer

While the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department didn’t find any evidence of Woods being under the influence of drugs or alcohol when his car accident happened, the same can not be said for another celebrity car crash that splashed the tabloids. Back in 2009, now 23-time Olympic gold medalist, Michael Phelps was involved in a car accident in Baltimore. Phelps told “was driving with an invalid, out-of-state (Michigan)  license and told police he drank a beer about an hour and 15 minutes before he was involved in an accident.” Police didn’t administer field sobriety tests because Phelps didn’t appear to be under the influence but they did note that Phelps had a prior drunk driving conviction from 2004. Police did however cite Phelps for irresponsible driving without a license and for not being able to establish residency in Maryland.

At the time of this accident, the media also broke a story about the swimmer’s fondness for marijuana complete with a picture, and while it had no bearing on the car crash, the court of public opinion reviewed the information. And Phelps had to explain to a judge in a real court, with the help of a law firm,  why he was driving without a license.

Similar to Tiger Woods’ car crash, Kevin Hart was involved in a high speed car accident caused by the reckless driving of his driver, Jared Black. Both Black and Hart were seriously injured and the actor/comedian had to take time off of work to undergo physical therapy. Unfortunately, taking several months off of work isn’t a luxury most people have when they are recovering from car accident injuries. However, car accident lawyers are able to help get benefits for victims of car accidents including wage loss for work missed due to car accident recoveries.  

Unfortunately, some types of car accident injuries, specifically traumatic brain injuries, don’t fully heal.  Just look at Tracy Morgan’s 2014 car crash in which his limo was rear-ended by a Walmart truck. More information regarding Morgan’s traumatic brain injury car crash can be found here.  

Car Crash Law Firm

There are enough celebrity car crashes that this article could be turned into a book.  For example, Lindsay Lohan, David Spade, and Mindy Kaling were all involved in serious car accidents. Lohan has been involved in several car accidents and has a few drunk driving convictions. Spade was rear-ended by a driver who sped up to get through a yellow light. Kaling was sued for being on the phone and running a stop sign and rear-ending a woman causing grave injuries.

The point is that anyone can be involved in a car crash. Celebrity car crashes may end up in the news, but they happen to everyone and the aftermath of car accidents can be a legal and financial nightmare. 

So, what does getting into a car accident involve for the average person?

Well, depending on your car insurance policy, you may be entitled to compensation for any injuries or pain and suffering that resulted from the car accident. Whether this relates to physical or mental trauma, the process is easier when a law firm is employed to help the car crash victim navigate the complicated insurance and medical waters to discover what benefits they may be entitled to. Nobody expects to be involved in a car accident but car crashes happen and having car insurance and hiring a car crash law firm can greatly help get through what can be one of the toughest times in anyone’s life.

The Michigan Law Firm, PC Now Accepts Payment in Cryptocurrency

What was once considered a futuristic fantasy currency is now so serious that CEOs, billionaires, celebrities, and Joe Schmoes alike are heavily investing in cryptocurrency.  Just look at Dogecoin’s recent popularity and millionaire making potential.  Dogecoin was created as a joke and even up until last week, the majority of people didn’t give this currency financial merit.  Then Dogecoin skyrocketed and spiked 400% last night alone and is poised to only get closer “to the moon” as the cryptocurrency community would say.  Cryptocurrency is so popular that Elon Musk talked about converting “large transactions” of his publicly traded company, Tesla Motors’ balance sheet into bitcoin.  And Tesla is not alone as many companies all over the world, from Fortune 500 companies to mom and pop delis, are accepting payment in cryptocurrency and balancing their books with cryptocurrency. 

In response to this overwhelming support for cryptocurrency as of late, The Michigan Law Firm, PC is now accepting payment for services rendered in cryptocurrency.  The Firm is not converting it’s balance sheet to cryptocurrency at this time. Most forms of cryptocurrency will be accepted but the Firm anticipates that most cryptocurrency payments will be made with Bitcoin, Dogecoin, or Ethereum. 

Cryptocurrency Law

The Business Manager of The Michigan Law Firm, PC, Josh Freedman said, “Cryptocurrency like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin are gaining in popularity.  The Michigan Law Firm, PC wants to make its hourly-billing practice areas, like family law and business law available to those who prefer to pay in crypto.  As cryptocurrency and decentralized finance continue to gain momentum, and as it becomes easier to convert cryptocurrency into fiat currency, our firm seeks to provide new and existing clients with more options to pay for legal services.”  Mr. Freedman and Racine Miller, the Managing Partner of the Firm, are very excited to start conducting business in cryptocurrency.  “We brand ourselves as a modern law firm, so this is the next logical step.”

The legal industry is frequently stereotyped as being slow to adapt to emerging technology, but the Firm seeks to use technology when it improves the services offered in a safe, secure, and ethical manner.   While The Michigan Law Firm, PC has been cloud-based and therefore paper file free since opening its doors, many law firms still operate with filing cabinets, handwritten notes, and paper invoices.  Not only is it more convenient, secure, and more efficient to use technological solutions to run any business, including Law Firms, but it’s also increasingly in demand by prospective clients.  So, The Michigan Law Firm, PC’s stance on accepting cryptocurrency should come as no surprise to those who understand the Firm’s zeal for improving efficiencies and client interactions with modern approaches.

The Michigan Law Firm, PC is also currently testing the implementation of additional blockchain technology to further improve Firm operations.

In Lieu of Holiday Gifts, We Donated to Local Charities...

…and we encourage you to do the same!

As we head into 2021, we can see that the world has gotten progressively more difficult to live in over the course of 2020. In Michigan, there have been over 436,000 cases of Covid-19 and over 10,000 deaths, as of today, with the number growing every day. Across the country and across the world, these numbers only get scarier. Health aside, since the start of the pandemic, almost 3 million Michiganders have applied for unemployment, nearly 1 million of whom are still receiving benefits. However, as several of the federal unemployment benefit programs under the CARES act are set to expire on December 26th more than 500,000 Michiganders will lose their benefits in the next few weeks.

We have been fortunate enough to continue running our legal practice from the comfort of our own homes. As a modern and technology-driven law firm, we had no trouble sending our team home to continue our daily business remotely. While we faced a few challenges, felt frustrated at being cooped up in our homes, and learned to conduct trials over Zoom, we quickly adjusted to the ‘new normal’ and carried on with our lives. However, we recognize our good fortune/privilege and knowing that so many people in our community are hurting, we can’t in good conscience ignore their pain. We certainly can’t singlehandedly end the Coronavirus pandemic, but we can do our small part by helping local organizations help those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic!

So, we have decided to donate to Gleaners Community Food Bank and Michigan Humane instead of sending holiday gifts to our friends and colleagues. We selected these organizations because they have always worked hard to support Michiganders in need and they have more than doubled their efforts this past year to help those hurt by the pandemic.

Since 1977, Gleaners has been carrying out their mission to "provide households with access to sufficient, nutritious food, and related resources…through collaboration, efficient operations, education, and innovative solutions to achieve a hunger-free community in southeast Michigan.” Gleaners collects food and monetary donations from various sources, including food drives like ours, and distributes food to 534 partner soup kitchens, food pantries, shelters, and other agencies in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Livingston and Monroe counties. Equally as important, Gleaners provides food education via programs such as Kids Helping Kids and Meet Up and Eat Up, to more than 200,000 children every year. Through programs like mobile pantries and My Neighborhood Mobile Grocery, Gleaners is able to travel to communities in need easing the burden of those who don’t have the time or transportation to seek our healthy and affordable food. Programs such as Gleaners’ Gardens and Cooking Matters teach nutrition through gardening and how to cook healthy and tasty meals. Food banks are essential services, and with so many Michiganders currently unemployed, access to food and Gleaners’ programs are more important than ever!

Michigan Humane’s mission statement is “To improve and save lives through compassionate care, community engagement and advocacy for animals.” One of the ways they do that is by making sure struggling families have the resources they need to keep their pets safe and healthy and to not risk having to turn their furry family members over to a shelter. Though their pet food pantry, community outreach programs, top-notch veterinary care, educations programs, investigation and rescue operations, and various donation efforts, among all the other services they provide, Michigan Humane has been helping Michiganders since 1877. In August, through a 4-day event called One Health Michigan, Michigan Humane provided care for 600 families and 1,200 pets by providing free spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, pet food and connecting those in need with human service agencies to solve other problems they may be facing. Michigan Humane even partnered with Gleaners who provided boxes of human food to distribute to families during the event. This event was much needed by the community as preventative veterinary care had been suspended for two months suspension by executive order.

We are even more excited to be donating to Gleaners and Michigan Humane because The Michigan Law Firm, PC has had the privilege of volunteering with both organizations for the past few years. The Firm has not only donated to both organizations but we have run food drives for Gleaners and taken part in Michigan Humane’s Mutt March, Giddy Up Pup, and Valentine’s Day Telethons!

If you are able to and would like to donate to Gleaners Community Food Bank and/or Michigan Humane, please do so! We and those you are helping thank you for your generous contribution, no matter the amount!

After clicking the link, you are given the option to select which foods you would like to donate. You may select specific food and click checkout or you can select ‘Skip, Give Now’ to donate money. Every dollar donated provides 3 meals and 92 cents of every donated dollar goes to food and food programs. As Gleaners works with wholesalers and manufacturers, they can stretch a dollar further than we can. However, any donation is greatly appreciated!

When filling out the Donor Information section, please scroll down and select The Michigan Law Firm, PC before inputting your personal information.

Everyone talks about how humanity has been ravaged by Covid-19 but many people do not realize the effect it has had on our beloved animal friends. Pets always put a smile on their humans’ faces and help cheer them up no matter how sad they are. We need them now more than ever! However, the cost of feeding, sheltering, and providing veterinary care for a pet can add up, especially for those financially impacted by the pandemic.

Happy Holidays

COVID-19 Business Loan Services

With impact of the novel coronavirus (aka COVID-19), many small and medium sized business are finding themselves looking for funding to meet overhead because payroll, creditors, and other expenses continue to grow while income is diminished due to the pandemic.

Fortunately, there are a number of programs from the federal government, the State of Michigan, and even local counties and cities that may provide much needed access to capital in the form of COVID-19 disaster loans or grants. In addition, there are many large corporations that are providing access to coronavirus grants as well. Even Facebook has pledged $100 million to assist businesses affected by the novel coronavirus. Another resource for small and medium sized businesses is their bank or credit union. Many banks are providing longer term or low interest loan opportunities for businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under the CARES Act, the U.S. government has set forth additional small business funding opportunities. If 75% of the funds are used for proper designated purposes (payroll, rent, utilities, etc), the loan recipient can request that the loan be forgiven. This supports corporations that wish to continue employing their employees and prevents the need for layoffs. As there is only a limited amount of funds being made available, this resource is first come, first serve. So, speaking to a Michigan business lawyer can help you quickly, accurately, and safely secure this disaster relief for your business.

Consulting with a Michigan business lawyer can help you obtain a clearer understanding of the language on the forms for disaster loans and disaster grants. Michigan business lawyers can also assist in narrowing the available options so that Michigan businesses can focus their time and effort on the most likely funding sources.

The Michigan Law Firm, PC works with a number of Michigan companies to help walk Michigan businesses through coronavirus funding options. Call us 24/7 for Michigan legal help at 844.464.3476.

Remote Mediation Services Now Offered

As many states, including Michigan, have started reporting cases of the Coronavirus, The Michigan Law Firm, PC now offers litigants the option to participate in fully remote alternative dispute resolution sessions. For litigants interested bringing in a neutral to assist in binding or nonbinding options including mediations, facilitations, arbitrations, remote video ADR services are an increasingly worthwhile option. Remote video mediations provide a number of benefits in this environment such as:

  • Safe and sanitary conditions

  • No travel time or travel costs

  • More efficient mediations

  • Ability to share screens

  • Instant file sharing

  • Unlimited participants

  • Secure connections

  • Confidential option

Parties can make arrangements for their clients to join video conferences remotely as well. The logistical advantages of remote mediations conducted by videoconferencing , as opposed to traditional mediations are significant. Clients, medical providers, lienholders, and insurance adjusters that are far away can simply join the mediation from their computer, tablet, or even from their smartphone. Additionally, if the trial court is unable to hold a trial or hearing due to the Coronavirus protocols, the parties may enlist the remote ADR services of The Michigan Law Firm, PC to swiftly, fairly, and safely resolve your issues.

Parties can contact The Michigan Law Firm, PC at 844.464.3476 to schedule remote video mediations 24/7. Emergency scheduling is available. The Michigan Law Firm, PC is a Michigan civil litigation firm based in Birmingham, MI handling matters across the state of Michigan, comprised of experienced trial attorneys, mediators, and legal support staff.

Josh Freedman is a Michigan certified mediator and offers facilitation and neutral ADR services through The Michigan Law Firm, PC. Mr. Freedman has also been approved by the following circuit courts for their civil mediator lists: Wayne County, Oakland County, Macomb County, and Ingham County.

New Published Opinion Regarding Provider Licensing & Michigan No-Fault Law

The Michigan Court of Appeals recently published the case, Life Skills Village, PLLC v Nationwide Mutual Fire Insurance Company. This case focused on a dispute for unpaid bills between a medical provider, LSR and an auto insurer, Nationwide.

Here, Nationwide denied bills for reasonably necessary products, services and accommodations for an injured person's care, recovery, or rehabilitation. LSR provided services to Mr. Donald Oliver, who was “severely injured in December 2014 when a car struck him as he was walking across a street. He sustained a closed head injury, a spinal cord injury, and multiple broken bones.” LSR is “a semi-independent residential program that's built on helping assist people transition back to independent living.” “LSR staff would prompt residents such as Oliver in important activities of daily living, such as eating, bathing, taking medication if needed, and seeing doctors when needed.”

And, Nationwide decided not to pay for these services (after paying the first two months). LSR filed suit against Nationwide in the Oakland County Circuit Court. The trial court granted Nationwide’s motion for summary disposition “because LSR was not licensed as an adult foster care facility,” and Nationwide claimed LSR required a license to lawfully provide its services to Mr. Oliver and other auto accident victims under the No-Fault Act.

The Michigan Court of Appeals decided that because LSR didn’t perform the specifically listed services within the definition of MCL 400.704(7), which governs personal assistance under the Adult Foster Care Facility Licensing Act (AFCFLA), it was not required to have a license under the AFCFLA. Moreover the Court of Appeals determined that the trial court erred in its analysis that LSR required a license under the AFCLA because it provided supervision rather than personal care. A license under the AFCLA may have been required if personal care was performed, but ultimately “[t]he lack of personal care means that LSR was not providing adult foster care and did not need to be licensed as an adult foster care facility. Accordingly, the services were not unlawfully rendered.”

The Court of Appeals highlights a very important issue, that the decision of whether a license is needed to provide services to a car accident victim and whether those services should be paid by the No-Fault insurer is “dependent on the facts of each case.” The Court makes a point of not generalizing the activities of a provider, but zeroing in on the fact that Michigan courts must uphold their obligation to allow for the development of facts in each case with a licensing or No-Fault compensability issue and rule based on a review and analysis of those facts specific to “each case.”

A copy of the Life Skills Village opinion can be found here: Life Skills Vill, PLLC v Nationwide Mut Fire Ins Co, __ Mich App ; __ NW2d __ (January 30, 2020)(Docket No. 345237).

The Michigan Law Firm, PC has experienced medical provider attorneys ready to assist with denied bills, auto-insurance short pay scenarios, billing disputes, and unreasonable denials of medical bills. Our office offers free consultations. Contact our office at 844.464.3476 to speak to a Michigan medical provider lawyer today.

Pedestrians Are At Higher Risk Of Fatalities

Michigan is ranked the 19th most dangerous state in the country for pedestrians, according to Dangerous By Design’s 2019 report. In the Midwest, Michigan is the most dangerous state for pedestrians, with a total of 1,409 pedestrian fatalities being reported between 2008-2017.

More specifically, the Detroit, Warren, and Dearborn metro area is ranked at 18 out of 20 metropolitan areas in the United States with the highest pedestrian fatalities, with 757 pedestrian fatalities between the years of 2008-2017. Also, since 2008, the number of pedestrian deaths increased by 35%, and according to another report analyzed by USA Today, the Governors Highway Safety Administration (GHSA) reported that 6,227 pedestrian deaths occurred in 2018.

One of the reasons for the increase in pedestrian deaths could be linked to an increase in the number of SUVs on the road. There are a few factors which play a role in SUV pedestrian deaths. The Detroit Free Press studied data from a July 2018 investigation and, “counted vehicles that struck and killed pedestrians rather than the number of people killed,” and noticed a 69% increase in SUV pedestrian deaths. The study also mentions that, “SUV front ends are taller, so they strike pedestrians higher on their bodies.” That means, an SUV is more likely to kill a pedestrian, whereas a smaller car such as a sedan would strike a person's leg and still injure them, but likely not kill them.

The time of day is also a significant factor in pedestrian car accidents. The Michigan State Police (MSP) found that, “most pedestrian fatalities occur between 6:00 PM and midnight.” So, pedestrians may not be able to choose the type of vehicle that hits them, but they can certainly take steps to avoid walking during the most dangerous time of day for pedestrian car crashes. And pedestrians should always be aware of how they can stay safe when walking, no matter the time of day. The MSP offers pedestrians safety precautions they can follow while walking, in hopes of preventing a pedestrian car accident.

Pedestrian Walking Safety Tips

  • Use sidewalks whenever available.

  • Obey traffic signals.

  • Never cross mid-block.

  • Cross streets at a corner, using traffic signals and crosswalks whenever possible.

  • Always stop at the edge of a parked car, curb, or vehicle before walking out into traffic.

  • Look left-right-left before crossing a street and continue looking while crossing.

  • Make eye contact with drivers prior to crossing in front of them.

  • Never assume the vehicle driver can see you.

  • Walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible when walking along the roadway.

  • Wear reflective clothing and carry a flashlight when walking at night or in the early morning.

  • Never allow children under age 10 to cross the streets alone. Young children do not have the skills to accurately judge traffic risks.

  • Allow for enough time to safely cross the street.

A pedestrian becoming injured or even struck and killed by a vehicle is very tragic. Pedestrians and drivers in Michigan should be more aware of safety laws and driving speeds so they aren’t injured or killed in a pedestrian car accident, especially since Michigan has been ranked the 19th most dangerous state for pedestrians in the United States.

Even if a person is lucky enough to survive the impact of a car traveling 25 mph or more, depending on the road, they are usually severely injured in the car crash. Broken bones may heal but pedestrians often suffer traumatic brain injuries that alter their lives forever. The injury attorneys at The Michigan Law Firm, PC’s fight to seek justice for pedestrians who are injured in automobile accidents. Call 844.4MI.FIRM for a free legal consultation.

DUIs Cost More Than Money

According to the National Highway Traffic Control Safety Administration (NHTSA), “in 2017, 10,874 deaths were caused from drunk driving crashes.” And despite the fact that it’s illegal to drive in the US, Michigan included, with a BAC of .08% or higher, The Michigan State Police (MSP) says that, “tens of thousands of people are arrested annually in Michigan for alcohol-related driving offenses.” But if this large number of car accident deaths caused by drunk drivers doesn’t make them feel guilty enough to stop driving under the influence of alcohol, maybe the financial and legal punishments will.

Fighting the cost and consequences of a drunk driving conviction can be like fighting for the Iron Throne in Game of Thrones. The MSP discusses what they are.

Costs And Consequences Of A Drunk Driving Conviction

If BAC is below .17 and this is a first offense:

  • Up to $500 fine.

  • Up to 93 days in jail.

  • Up to 360 hours of community service.

  • Up to 180 days license suspension.

  • 6 points on a driver's license.

If BAC is .17 or higher and this is a first offense:

  • Up to $700 fine.

  • Up to 180 days in jail.

  • Up to 360 hours of community service.

  • Up to one year license suspension.

  • 6 points on a driver's license.

  • Mandatory completion of an alcohol treatment program.

  • Ignition interlock use and compliance after 45 days license suspension is required to receive a restricted driver's license. Convicted drunk drivers have limited driving privileges, are prohibited from operating a vehicle without an approved and properly installed ignition interlock device, and are responsible for all installation and upkeep costs for the device.

Jay-walking may lead to a slap on the wrist and littering may lead to a small fine, but drunk driving can ruin lives. The irony is that drunk driving car crashes are 100% avoidable. Car accidents happen all the time. Drivers can’t 100% stop their cars from slipping on black ice or crashing into a deer that came out of nowhere. But, avoiding drunk driving car crashes is as simple as not driving after drinking alcohol.

Drunk drivers put the lives of everyone on the road at risk when they make the dangerous decision to get behind the wheel after drinking. DUI attorneys may be able to get the drunk driver out of trouble, but the guilt of causing avoidable injuries to innocent people can never be erased. The drunk driving car crash attorneys at The Michigan Law Firm, PC help drunk driving victims seek justice for their injuries. Call us at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free legal consultation.

April 7-13 Is Dog Bite Prevention Week!

According to The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), dogs bite more than 4.5 million people each year. Most dog bite victims are unfortunately senior citizens and children, but surprisingly to some, mail carriers are also frequently bitten by dogs.

In fact, just last month, a video of a dog attacking a mailman in Detroit went viral on Oneil Colley's Facebook page. In just 4 hours, the video was shared 60,000 times and was commented on 22,000 times! The Detroit Free Press described the 6-minute video as follows: “The video, apparently shot from inside a vehicle, shows a dog biting and pulling on the foot and ankle area of the postal carrier. Several people try to intervene and beat the dog with various objects, including a broom, a trash receptacle and what appears to be metal tools in an effort to stop the attack. The dog lets go of the carrier off-screen. A man gets a leash on it and starts to walk away, trying to keep the dog at a distance, but the dog charges toward him. He drops the leash. The animal at one point collapses, apparently injured. The video ends with the dog running after another person.”

Even with several people attempting to stop the assault, the dog still won the fight. While it’s not known why the dog attacked the mailman, it’s likely that the dog felt threatened and attacked in order to defend itself. The AVMA warns people against engaging in risky situations with dogs so that people can stay clear of dog bite injuries. And since this week, April, 7-13 is National Dog Bite Prevention Week, people should learn about what some of these risky dog bite situations are and how to avoid them.

Risky Dog Bite Situations To Avoid

Avoid petting a dog in these scenarios:

  • If the dog is with its owner but the owner does not give permission to pet the dog.

  • If the dog is on the other side of the fence – don't reach through or over a fence to pet a dog.

  • If a dog is sleeping or eating.

  • If a dog is sick or injured.

  • If a dog is playing with a toy.

  • If a dog is growling or barking.

  • If a dog appears to be hiding or seeking time alone.

Even the cutest, fluffiest, marshmallow-come-to-life dogs pack a mean bite when they feel threatened. Mail carriers have to deliver mail to every address and can’t always avoid running into dogs. However, the average citizen should keep their eyes open when they see a dog and should remember how to avoid risky dog bite situations. The American Veterinary Medical Association encourages individuals to use their hashtag, #preventdogbites to share dog bite prevention information on social media.

Dog bites are painful. Not only do they cause physical pain, but dog bite injuries can rack up ER and medical bills and legal fees. The dog bite lawyers at The Michigan Law Firm, PC fight to help victims of dog bite injuries identify and receive compensation for their attack. Please call us at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free legal consultation with a dog bite attorney.

Ready Or Not, Here Teens Come

Teens aren't ready to have the same level of driving responsibility as adults. They make mistakes and get distracted easily -- especially if their friends are in the car. #TeenDriver

121 Likes, 2 Comments - USDOT NHTSA (@nhtsagov) on Instagram: "Teens aren't ready to have the same level of driving responsibility as adults. They make mistakes..."

In July 2018, a teen passenger was killed in a rollover crash while teaching another teen how to drive. MLive reported that neither of the teens were wearing seat belts when the driver, who was going too fast, lost control of the vehicle and it rolled. In another recent teenage car accident, The Detroit Free Press reported that a van full of 10 teenagers were driving on 1-75 and when the driver attempted to switch spots with another passenger as the van was still in motion, causing the van to roll. Two of the three passengers were ejected from the van. If these teen car crashes are anything to go by, it seems like teenagers are not the safest or most cautious drivers. In fact, The National Highway Safety Traffic Administration (NHTSA) recently stated on Instagram that, “teen drivers were 2.5 times more likely to engage in 1 or more potentially risky behaviors when driving with 1 teenage peer, compared to when driving alone.” Also, “the likelihood of teen drivers engaging in 1 or more risky behaviors when traveling with multiple passengers increased to 3 times compared to when driving alone.”

Teenage License Eligibility

Just because a teenager and their friends are bored on a Friday night and they find their parents’ car keys on the kitchen counter, doesn’t mean they can go for a joyride through the Taco Bell drive-thru. There are rules on who can drive!

According to Michigan’s Secretary of State (SOS), “if an individual is 14 years and 9 months and has successfully completed Segment 1 of an approved driver education program they may be eligible for a Level 1 Learner’s License. Level 2’s intermediate license can be earned if a driver is at least 16 years old, had a Level 1 Learner’s License for at least 6 months, and has successfully completed Segment 2 of an approved driver education program. Drivers should also have a parent, legal guardian, or responsible adult sign the application to certify the 50 hours behind-the-wheel driving experience. To be eligible for a Level 2 Full License, applicants must be 17 years old, have Level 2 License for at least 6 months, and completed 12 consecutive months without a moving violation, a crash in which a moving violation resulted, a crash, a license suspension, or a violation of the graduated license restrictions. These requirements end for all teens once they turn 18-years-old.”

However, just because teens are eligible to drive at 14 years and 9 months doesn’t mean they can just hit the road whenever they want. Michigan’s Secretary of State office has restrictions for Level 1 and Level 2 drivers.

Michigan Graduated Drivers License Restrictions

A Level 1 licensed driver:

1. May only drive with a licensed parent/guardian or designated licensed adult age 21 or older.

A Level 2 licensed driver:

1. Shall not operate a motor vehicle between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. except when:

  • Driving to or from or in the course of employment;

  • Driving to or from an authorized activity; or

  • Accompanied by a parent or legal guardian or a licensed driver 21 years of age or older designated by the parent or legal guardian.

2. Shall not operate a motor vehicle at any time with more than one passenger in the vehicle who is younger than 21 years of age except:

  • When the additional passengers are immediate family members;

  • When driving to or from, or in the course of employment;

  • While going to or from an authorized activity; or

  • When accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, or a licensed driver 21 years of age or older designated by the parent or legal guardian.

So, the teen driver who was teaching the other teen how to drive before they crashed, exhibited behavior that is illegal because according to the SOS rules, they are probably Level 1 drivers, and therefore must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or a licensed driver 21 years of age or older. Also, in Michigan, it is illegal for Level 2 drivers to operate a motor vehicle with more than 1 passenger in the vehicle who is younger than 21-years-old, which means the driver with 10 passengers was also driving illegally!

Forget keeping hands at 10 and 2 on the steering wheel! Teens seem more likely to have their hands in the air taking a selfie behind the wheel, rather than holding the wheel. Since teen drivers take so many road risks, it’s important for parents to speak to their kids about these dangers. The Michigan Law Firm, PC blog recently discussed some driving discussion tips for parents who have driving age teens. It always important to remind teens, and everyone, that driving is a privilege, not a right.

Seeing teenagers behind the wheel can be a scary sight for other drivers on the road. Risky behaviors can lead to car accidents and severe accident injuries. Teens who get into car crashes are scared to call their parents, but those parents may be terrified of dealing with car accident insurance claims. The car crash lawyers at The Michigan Law Firm, PC make the insurance process easier for car crash victims and their families, and work hard to recover car insurance benefits even when crash victims have been denied. Contact us at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free legal consultation.




Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries May Lead To PTSD and Depression, According To A New Study

Two months ago, you were pumping gas when your stomach started to rumble. You decided to run into the convenience store for a convenient meal. You were craving sushi and there was a tuna roll that looked good. Chopsticks in hand, you dove right in. But after eating only a few pieces, you instantly experienced the worst stomach ache imaginable and ran straight for the bathroom.

That food poisoning incident now lives inside your head and even the sight of sushi kind makes you want to vomit! Sure, never eating sushi again for the rest of your life might seem like a tragedy but imagine if this horrible experience that scarred you for life was a bad car crash instead. Let’s say you were driving down Woodward when suddenly, you got t-boned by another car and found yourself waking up in a hospital room surrounded by nurses and doctors examining your broken leg, herniated discs, and a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). You were disoriented and didn’t know where you were, and the pain from the injuries and the pain from remembering what happened hit you all at once. The ER did what they could to patch you up and discharged you with a long list of doctors to follow up with. Now you’re getting wheeled out to wait for the car to pull around to take you home when anxiety hits you. You’re about to get into a car after being injured in a car accident. You panic! What if it happens again?! You suck it up and get in, but the accident replays in your head the entire way home.

Then a few weeks pass. You’re on the road to physical recovery, but you’re frustrated. You couldn’t remember the capital of Canada on Jeopardy even though you took a trip to Toronto last year, you keep forgetting to take your medication and skipped a dose of a painkiller which then caused you agony for a few hours, and you’re cranky from the loss of sleep because you’re replaying the car accident in your dreams every night and jerking awake when the car t-bones you. On top of all that, your social life is suffering because you can’t build up the courage to leave the house and get into a car to meet your friends, not that you feel up to hanging out or that you can drive with a broken leg anyway. So, you are tired, in constant, severe pain, frustrated at your memory loss, and lonely.

What you’re experiencing here may be PTSD and depression possibly caused by a traumatic brain injury.

The American Psychological Association (APA) defines post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as, “an anxiety problem that develops in some people after extremely traumatic events, such as combat, crime, an accident or natural disaster.” An example of such a traumatic event can also be a car accident. Also, according to the APA, “people with depression may experience a lack of interest and pleasure in daily activities, significant weight loss or gain, insomnia or excessive sleeping, lack of energy, inability to concentrate, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.”

A new study published in the medical journal JAMA Psychiatry, found that, “among hospital patients, 21.2% of those with mild traumatic brain injuries experienced PTSD or depression up to six months after injury, compared with 12.1% of those with non-head injuries.” According to the Center For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a traumatic brain injury is, “a disruption in the normal function of the brain that can be caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or penetrating head injury.” The JAMA study, which was published January 30, 2019, measured 1,155 patients with mild traumatic brain injuries and 230 with non-head injuries from 11 hospitals with trauma centers across the United States, between 2014 and 2016. CNN analyzed the JAMA study and reported that, “researchers found that patients with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) were more likely to report PTSD or major depressive symptoms at three and six months after injury. At three months. The researchers also found that having a mental health problem before a traumatic brain injury was "an exceptionally strong risk factor" for having PTSD or major depressive disorder afterward.” The study also discovered that, “61.8% of the mild traumatic brain injuries were caused by motor vehicle collision!” “29.2% were the result of a fall or other unintentional injury, 6.1% were caused by violence or assault, and 3% were from an unspecified cause.”

Broken bones can heal but the brain may never recover from a traumatic injury. According to The Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC), recovering from a TBI varies for different people and, “improvements slow down substantially after two years but may still occur many years after injury.” Therefore, it’s important to take precautions and try to avoid head injuries. Since the JAMA Psychiatry study found that 61.8% of the mTBI’s in their study were caused by motor vehicle accidents, it’s been proven that car accidents are one of the most common ways to incur a head injury.

The symptoms of a traumatic brain injury may not manifest right away. Therefore, it’s important to understand TBIs and to know to seek treatment right away if a head injury occurs. March is Brain Injury Awareness Month and The Michigan Law Firm, PC, as a member of the Brain Injury Association of Michigan, encourages readers to join the #ChangeYourMind campaign to spread awareness on brain injuries.

Gross, gas station sushi can cause psychological trauma, but a car crash may lead to a traumatic brain injury which may then cause depression and PTSD. The Michigan Law Firm, PC handles the legal obstacles that arise out of car accident cases for TBI victims so that they can focus on the difficult journey to recovery. Call us at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free legal consultation.

Oberon Day Is Here!

The characters on HBO’s Game of Thrones may be saying, “Winter is here,” but in Michigan, many are saying, “Oberon Day is here!”

That’s right, the summer staple, Oberon Ale is making its return on March 25, 2019!

On March 25, 2019, Oberon Ale will be distributed across the US, and many Michiganders will be swapping out their snow shovels for an ice cold Oberon. Lots of people even wait all year for Oberon to show up on their store shelves and fill their shopping carts to last them all summer. While Michiganders are proud of this Michigan brewed beer and love the citrusy taste, they should also remember to drink Oberon responsibly.

In every state, Michigan included, it is illegal to drive with a BAC of .08% or higher, “yet, 1 person was killed in a drunk driving car crash every 48 minutes in the United States in 2017,” mentioned by The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA.) People should remember that buzzed driving is drunk driving too. In other words, even having one beer, may impair a person enough that they wouldn’t be safe to drive.

The Michigan State Police (MSP) offers drivers who drink, some safer, legal alternatives than drinking and driving.

Drunk Driving Alternatives

  • Designate a sober driver before drinking alcohol.

  • Call a friend, cab, ride service, walk, or take the bus.

  • Stay overnight.

Oberon Day is a chance for all Michigan beer lovers to kick off their winter boots and to slip on sandals and sunglasses all while dreaming of the cool breeze of spring and the heat of summer after dealing with the long, frigid, Michigan winter. On the other hand, there is nothing cool about drunk driving, and it’s certainly not a breeze if a driver is pulled over for driving while intoxicated. Whether a group of friends are heading to their local bar to fuel up on Oberon Ale, or even stop at their local grocery store to pick up a 24-pack, they will need to figure out how to get home safely. Drinking and driving may result in a DUI arrest, paying a mountain of fines, and dealing with astronomical legal fees. And they definitely don’t have Oberon in jail!

Drunk driving is never ok. And causing a drunk driving car crash is worse. Drivers who fail to follow the law are putting themselves and everyone else on the road, at risk. The Michigan Law Firm, PC attorneys are available to help victims injured in drunk driving car accidents. Call us at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free legal consultation.

Girl Dies Falling Out Of Car Window

Going to Miami for spring break should involve sunshine, sandy beaches, multiple pairs of sunglasses, and aside from a bad sunburn an overall a safe trip..

Mariah Michelle Logans’ Spring Break trip to Miami checked everything on this list, right up until she got in her car to drive home to Chicago. She and her friends were driving on State Road 112 on the way to the Miami International Airport at 4:43 am on March 17, 2019. According to the Miami Herald, Logan, 23, was “hanging out” of the right rear passenger window of a rented Hyundai, trying to capture every last moment of her memorable trip and yelled, “Bye, Miami,” out the window.. In these few seconds, Mariah fell out of the window and landed on the road. A Range Rover was driving behind the Hyundai and was in the process of merging into the lane to the right when Mariah fell out of her car and he crushed her to death. The driver of the Range Rover stopped when he ran over Mariah but then drove off.

Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) investigators are looking into whether or not alcohol was involved in this hit-and-run car crash. Unfortunately, highway surveillance cameras are making the investigation difficult because they only live-stream. The FHP also won’t say if there are any other witnesses other than the three other passengers in the Hyundai.

Mariah’s friends and family are understandably reeling from the loss. Her boyfriend, Ray Olden spoke to The Miami Herald saying, “She was just being silly. She loved life...She brought energy and life. She never looked at the bad.”

Car crash deaths are very unfortunate events. Car accidents are not 100% preventable. However, there are precautions that every passenger in a vehicle can take to help lessen the chance of getting into a car crash or to avoid serious car crash injuries. One such car accident prevention tactic is that passengers in a moving vehicle should never stick their bodies out of a vehicle window and should always stay seated with a seat belt strapped on. According to the The National Highways Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “seat belt use in passenger vehicles saved an estimated 14,668 lives in 2016.”

It seems as though passengers do know the importance of wearing a seat belt since the NHTSA reported that the national use rate for seat belts is at 90.1%. However, like Mariah Logan, nearly 27.5 million people still don’t wear their seat belts and put their lives at risk. The NHTSA also mentions that, if passengers wear a seat belt, they may reduce their risk of fatal injuries by 45%. So, remember, seat belts save lives!

Wearing a seat belt can help keep passengers secure inside a moving vehicle. Neglecting to wear a seat belt can result in being ejected from the vehicle during a car crash accident, which may further lead to broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and even death. The Michigan Law Firm, PC attorneys fight to seek justice and compensation for car crash injury victims.all us at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free legal consultation.

CBD Is Legal In Michigan!

A new law will keep CBD oil from being regulated under Michigan’s Medical Marijuana Laws.

If residents of Michigan don’t already know, the recreational use of marijuana was legalized a few months ago! While there still some kinks to work out in the law, The Michigan Law Firm, PC’s blog discussed these new Michigan recreational marijuana laws.

With the interest in marijuana growing every day, many consumers are becoming more curious about what is and isn’t marijuana and the various forms it comes in. These include cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), two natural compounds found in plants for the Cannabis genus. CBD is found in extractions from the hemp plant and is non-intoxicating while THC is the psychoactive compound that gives users the high sensation.

On December 28, 2018, Public Act 642, which clarifies that CBD oil and other products extracted from hemp fall under the scope of industrial hemp, not marijuana, was passed into law. Rep. Steven Johnson who sponsored the legislation stated, “CBD oil derived from hemp doesn’t get you high...It contains no more than 0.3 percent Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). But the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs decided last summer to start classifying it the same way they do marijuana, which contains 5 to 35 percent THC.”

The Detroit Free Press informs readers that in a few weeks, effective March 28, 2019, CBD oils will be able to be used by Michiganders recreationally and buyers will not require a medical marijuana card! Now that they can buy it, people may be wondering what they can do with CBD. Well, CBD has recently found its way into many products such as pills, creams, oils, edibles, and even drinks. CBD oils are also commonly used by individuals for health benefits and pain relief. According to Medical News Today, “people take or apply CBD to treat a variety of symptoms,” including, reducing inflammation, preventing acne, and as an antidepressant. Ale Mary’s in Royal Oak, Michigan even served a CBD drink on the menu last month.

However, just because CBD doesn’t cause people to get high, doesn’t mean it can’t harm people in other ways. Major health agencies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have stated that additional CBD testing and research is necessary. CBD might counteract or negatively react to certain medications or some people might just be allergic to it! A study conducted by the National Library of Medicine National Institute of Health (NCBI) published a study detailing the side effects of CBD oils. Some of these side effects include tiredness, diarrhea, and changes in appetite, and weight. Another study published by NCBI states that, “Without independent testing (e.g. USP certification) of CBD products for content and purity, as well as bioavailability testing of specific products, uncertainty surrounds the use of available CBD products in routine clinical settings.”

So, people should talk to their doctor or do some research before ordering that CBD drink on the bar menu or buying the CBD lotion on display at Sephora!

Hit Backspace On Bullying

Many know the saying, “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” That’s not the case in the 21st century. With the rise of technology came social media platforms where young teens, and even adults propel words at victims to cause them pain just as powerful as a punch to the stomach can. “You’re stupid,” “you’re dumb,” “get a life loser!” “UGLY!” are just a few tame examples of how hurtful a cyberbully can be in the comments section of many YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook posts.

Some people may be wondering what the differences are between traditional bullying and cyberbullying. Cyberbullying occurs when insults are directed at a victim through a virtual screen. As defined by stopbullying.gov, cyberbullying is, “bullying that takes place over digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets. Cyberbullying can occur through SMS, Text, and apps, or online in social media, forums, or gaming where people can view, participate in, or share content. Cyberbullying includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else. It can include sharing personal or private information about someone else causing embarrassment or humiliation. Some cyberbullying crosses the line into unlawful or criminal behavior.” Traditional bullying involves face to face insults and physical harm. Stopbullying.com further breaks down the differences between cyberbullying and traditional bullying.

Differences Between

Cyberbullying and Traditional Bullying

  • Anonymity: While victims usually know who their bully is, online bullies may be able to hide their identities online. The anonymity of the internet can lead to crueler or harsher abuses from the bully, all while the victim has no means of discovering who his or her harasser is.

  • Relentless: Bullying typically ends once the victim is removed from the negative social situation. However, smartphones, laptops, and other devices have made it possible for people to communicate with each other at all hours and from nearly any location. Cyberbullies may be able to torment their victim twenty-four hours per day, seven days per week, making it difficult for the victim to escape it by going home or even changing schools.

  • Public: With traditional bullying, often only people that interact with those involved will know of the abuse. However, when content is posted or shared online, it’s possible that anyone may see it. This opens up the victim to more potential ridicule or pain from strangers. This is compounded by the anonymity afforded by virtual spaces: while bullying in person may be done covertly or out of view to avoid punishment, cyberbullies need not fear being witnessed in the act if their identities are not known.

  • Permanent: Because online content is impossible to delete entirely, cyberbullying may damage the victim’s, or possibly the bully’s, reputation permanently. Even if the content is removed or deleted from the original site, someone may find it posted elsewhere later. This may negatively impact future employment, college admissions, or relationships for victim and bully alike.

  • Easy to Overlook: Cyberbullying may be harder for teachers, administrators, and parents to discover, because they may not have access to students’ online activities. They may not be able to overhear or see the abuse taking place. Unless someone comes forward, parents and teachers may never know that bullying is taking place.

The Michigan Law Firm, PC’s blog recently discussed how the effects of cyberbullying lead a young, 13-year-old girl, Zoe Johnson to commit suicide after a classmate tagged her name in a vulgar Facebook post. Unfortunately, while cyberbullying is on the rise, traditional bullying is still here too. On January 25, 2019 a 13-year-old, Michael Martin, took his own life after constant harassment and traditional bullying from kids at his school. Michael was constantly teased about his appearance and was even slammed against a wall in the school lunchroom, as reported by the Lansing State Journal.

Sticks, stones, and even words have major negative effects on the lives of people who are continuously being bullied. Under Michigan’s new cyberbullying law, perpetrators of cyberbullying will face major consequences for carrying out this harmful behavior. Bullying is bullying, whether its face to face or through the internet, and it’s always wrong.

Bullying hurts. Words should not cause such irreparable harm that a person chooses to end their life. Attorneys at The Michigan Law Firm, PC understand the emotional damage that traditional bullying and cyberbullying can have on a person, and happy to help cyberbullying victims find justice under the new cyberbullying law. Call us at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free legal consultation.

A DUI Could Cost You A Pot Of Gold This St. Patrick's Day!

Time to break out the “Kiss me I'm Irish” t-shirts, green beer, and your great-grandma Brigid’s secret corned beef recipe! Whether you plan on celebrating St. Patrick’s day by drinking copious amounts of Guinness and shots of Jameson during a pub crawl or by taking the family down to Corktown, everyone should plan how to get home safely, before they start to party.

St. Patrick's Day is one of the deadliest holidays due to the number of drunk drivers on the road. According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the St. Patrick's Day holiday period from 2012 to 2016 saw the loss of 269 lives due to drunk driving crashes. “In 2016 alone, 60 people, 39% of all crash fatalities, were killed in drunk driving crashes over the St. Patrick's Day holiday.” Also, on March 18, 2016, the day after St. Patrick’s Day, the NHTSA reported that 69% of crash fatalities nationwide involved a drunk driver.

It’s clear that St. Patrick’s Day is turning into a holiday where most people tend to celebrate who can drink the most and care less about the cultural and religious aspects of it all. These people should take safety precautions before they take part in this year’s festivities. And they don’t need to rely on the luck of the Irish to stay safe, because the NHTSA offers partygoers several tips on how to stay safe this St. Patrick’s Day.

St. Patrick’s Day Drunk Driving Safety Tips

NHTSA encourages everyone to take the following safety precautions:

  • Designate a sober driver or have an alternate transportation plan before the party begins.

  • If you don't have a designated driver, you can use NHTSA’s SaferRide app to call a taxi or a friend. The app is available for Android devices on Google Play, and Apple devices on the iTunes store.

  • Never let a friend drive drunk. Arrange a safe way for them to get home.

  • Don't ride in a vehicle with an intoxicated driver.

  • Always buckle up. It's your best defense against drunk drivers.

If you’re hosting a party:

  • Make sure all your guests designate their sober drivers in advance.

  • Serve plenty of food and non-alcoholic beverages at the party.

  • Stop serving alcohol a few hours before the end of the party and keep serving non-alcohol drinks and food.

  • Take the keys away from anyone who is thinking of driving after drinking and get them a ride home.

  • Remember, you can be held liable and prosecuted if someone you served alcohol to ends up in a drunk-driving crash.

Every year, The Michigan State Police (MSP) warn drivers that extra police will be on patrol, looking for impaired and aggressive drivers. Last year on St. Patrick’s Day, the MSP participated in an international traffic safety initiative known as Operation C.A.R.E., which stands for “Crash Awareness and Reduction Efforts.” Michigan State Police director Kriste Kibbey Etue stated, “the department encourages safe driving and won’t tolerate drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs.” The initiative was put in place for police to team up to reduce traffic fatalities and injuries resulting from dangerous driving behaviors during holiday festivities.

So, drunk drivers may have a better chance at finding a four-leaf clover than they do getting away with drunk driving this St. Patrick’s Day! But in the interest of the safety of everyone on the road, and so that no one’s fun gets spoiled, St. Patrick’s Day celebrators should plan their safe passage home before they start to drink.

Since St. Patrick’s Day is one of the drunkest holidays, drunk driving car crashes are very likely to occur. Drunk driving car crashes are completely preventable but unfortunately, they still happen. The car crash lawyers at The Michigan Law Firm, PC help people handle the legal aftermath of drunk driving car crashes so that victims can focus on healing from their accident injuries. Call us at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free legal consultation.

The Parents' Guide To Safe Teen Driving

For a parent, a teenager finally getting their driver's license can be a double-edged sword. It’s a celebration since parents no longer have to pick up and drop off their teens from their high school sports and club events and they can now make their teens run endless errands on Sunday mornings! On the downside, parents may fall into the eternal pit of worrying about their teens’ safety on the road. After all, according to the Center For Disease and Control (CDC), more than 2,400 teens died due to car crashes, the main cause of these car accidents being driver inexperience, in 2016!

Most teens beg for a car for their Sweet Sixteen, but Michigan parents worry more than other parents around the country because in Michigan, “if an individual is 14 years and 9 months and has successfully completed Segment 1 of an approved driver education program they may be eligible for a Level 1 Learner’s License.” Before parents start panicking that their teen is driving just after graduating from Middle School, parents should make sure that their teen is qualified and ready to drive on their own.

The Michigan Secretary of State (SOS) offers parents a few tips on how to coach a teen in driving.

How To Coach Teen Drivers

  • Model Safe Driving- Teens learn what they observe. Be a good role model and follow the rules of the road.

  • Practice a lot- Practice as much as possible. You and your teen should be the only people in the vehicle.

  • Plan your routes ahead of time - While your teen is driving, be able to communicate your intentions clearly before your teen executes any of your requests. For example, "turn right" is a bad request. "Turn right at the next corner" is a better request.

  • Start simple- Learning to drive can be overwhelming - for your teen and for you. Begin with the basics, such as turning, parking and backing up. When you both feel comfortable, consider progressing to more advanced skills such as merging, changing lanes and parallel parking.

  • Start sunny- Begin practicing during the day, in good weather. As your teen improves, gradually start driving during different driving conditions, including a variety of times of day, weather and types of roads.

  • Don't rush into rush hour- Start with safe, low-risk driving conditions, such as empty parking lots and quiet rural roads. Gradually make progress to neighborhood streets with little traffic, then busier roads and highways.

  • Talk with your teen- Keep the lines of communication open so your teen feels comfortable talking with you. This builds trust and respect.

  • Take deep breaths- Remember, new drivers need a lot of practice. Making mistakes is part of learning. Remain calm and focused. Teens will show the greatest improvement in the first 1,000 miles to 5,000 miles of driving.

Of course, a few coaching tips won’t cover the wide range of environments and challenges a driver may face while on the road. So, it is very important for parents to monitor their teens’ driving and educate them on how distractions can be dangerous when driving.

The Michigan State Police (MSP) mention 3 main types of distracted driving which may affect a teen driver:

  1. Visual: taking your eyes off the road.

  2. Manual: taking your hands off the wheel.

  3. Cognitive: taking your mind off what you are doing.

Taking a Snapchat video, passing the aux cord, typing in a location on Google maps, texting a friend, or even drinking water or eating while driving, are all actions categorized as distracted driving. According to The National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA), 391,000 drivers were injured by distracted driving in 2016. What is even more terrifying is that, according to the National Safety Council, “cell phone use is now estimated to be involved in 26% of all motor vehicle crashes.”

Nobody, especially not a teen driver, wants to deal with traffic fines for distracted driving because they had to check the notification that popped on their phone. Fines may raise car insurance rates and can even eventually lead to license suspension. And cell phone usage while driving isn’t even legal for some teens, because according to Michigan Secretary of State (SOS), Michigan law prohibits drivers who are Level 1 and Level 2 license holders under the Graduated Driver Licensing program from using a cell phone while driving. “Violations are a civil infraction and fees may be up to $240.” And no teen wants to suffer through the consequence of getting their keys taken away by their parents just before prom!

So, to avoid fines, car accidents, and to give parents peace of mind, parents should ensure that their teens are properly taught how to drive before they let them on the road by themselves. Parents can teach their teens themselves or enroll their teens into driving courses. Parents and their teens should also discuss the dangers of distracted driving as well as the seriousness of car crashes to ensure that teens understand what can go wrong if they neglect to drive with caution and full attention on the road.

While parents may face the same car accident risks and obstacles each time they get behind the wheel, they have the experience to handle road dangers that many teen drivers do not. A teen driving car crash can cause serious damage to vehicles, to the teen drivers, and to others on the road. However, The Michigan Law Firm, PC understands that teen drivers aren’t always at fault in their first car accident. Our accident attorneys handle all types of motor vehicle accident cases. Call us at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free legal consultation.

Move Over Or Face The Consequences

On February 12, 2019 a Michigan State Police trooper was hit not once, but twice while stopped on southbound I-75 as he was attending to a disabled vehicle. The officer reported he had his lights on and was stopped in the left and center lanes. The officer was taken to the hospital with neck and back pains, according to a report by MLive.

Accidents like this are why Michigan and several other states have the Move Over Law. The Move Over Law, “requires motorists to slow down and move over for stationary emergency vehicles with their lights activated.” However, the growing trend of stopped emergency vehicles getting hit by an oncoming driver in the next lane has clearly caused many collisions resulting in injuries and fatalities, which may be why Michigan has expanded the Move Over Law.

The expanded Move Over Law, which went into effect on February 13, 2019, protects emergency vehicles such as, police, fire, ambulance, rescue, road service, road maintenance, utility service, solid waste hauler, and tow trucks.

Expanded Move Over Law

  • When approaching a stationary emergency vehicle with its emergency lights activated, carefully slow down to at least 10 mph below the posted speed limit and fully move over into an open lane.

  • If this is not possible due to traffic, weather, or road conditions, slow down to at least 10 mph below the posted speed limit, and pass with caution allowing the emergency vehicle as much space as possible.

Drivers who fail to move over or slow down for stopped emergency vehicles could end up with 2 points on their driver’s license and a fine of $400, according to the new law. Also, “a driver could face felony charges and face up to 15 years in prison and/or a $7,500 fine if the violation causes death to a police officer, firefighter, or other emergency response personnel.”

For the safety of everyone on the road, drivers should move over when they see a stationary emergency vehicle with its lights on. Why pay fines and risk points on a license, when obeying the law is as simple as changing lanes?!

Changing lanes can be a lot like playing a game of chess; drivers must consider all of the pieces, or in this case, other vehicles in play. One missed blind spot or emergency vehicle and it could be checkmate and a car crash can occur. And remember, in the real world, there are no pawns to sacrifice on the road; every piece is a queen. The Michigan Law Firm, PC represents victims who have been injured in serious car crashes. Call us at 844.4MI.Firm for a free legal consultation with a Michigan accident attorney.