Lincoln Park, MI - Motorcycle vs. SUV Crash

Motorcycles and SUVs do not mix well. That’s what 33 year old Lincoln Park, MI resident Danny McGraw learned after witnessing and being involved in a motorcycle versus car accident. McGraw was travelling eastbound on London Avenue near Dix Highway and I-75 at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, May 13th, 2015, when he saw the first devastating crash. A woman in a Mercury Mountaineer rammed into a man on a motorcycle as she was turning on the road. The motorcyclist was travelling north bound towards the SUV driver when she took a left turn and struck him head on, causing the motorcycle to flip and the man to hit the curb.

Motorcycle Lawyer

To make matters worse, the woman kept driving and collided with McGraw’s Jeep Grand Cherokee. Attempting to be a good Samaritan, McGraw stopped his car and opened his door in an effort to go help the fallen motorcyclist when the woman in the Mountaineer drove by bumping his open door, causing it to slam shut. Still, McGraw exited his vehicle and made his way to the injured motorcyclist. McGraw said, “I didn’t know what to do so I just held his head and waited for an ambulance. He said he has five kids and his wife was just going to get them from school.”

The man on the motorcycle is said to be in his 20’s or 30’s and McGraw claims that the motorcyclist may have a broken ankle and severe road rash and several other trauma wounds. He was treated at Detroit Receiving Hospital. The woman who hit him was treated at the scene of the accident. McGraw himself was uninjured. Lincoln Park police have hired an accident reconstructionist to help with their investigation.

Even though motorcyclists may follow all traffic laws and drive as safely as possible, there is always the risk of a serious accident as the other driver’s actions cannot always be accounted for or anticipated. The truth is that motorcycle crashes cause more injuries than car crashes as people can easily be thrown on their motorcycles and are physically more open to impacts as they are not protects all around by metal.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle or car crash, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in dealing with the ins and out of motorcycle accidents. Our accident lawyers can make sure your medical bills are paid, we can deal with your insurance company, and we can ensure you receive any benefits or compensation for pain and suffering that you may be entitled to under Michigan law. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Source:   The News-Herald

 

 

Broken Sidewalks In Royal Oak, MI

Broken Sidewalk Attorney

When sidewalks become cracked, broken or otherwise dangerous to use, cities usually set out plans to repair or replace them. Citizens of Royal Oak, Michigan however are not happy with the way their city commissioners are handling their sidewalks. People of Royal Oak are disgruntled that not only is the city frivolously upgrading sidewalks but that the citizens themselves have to pay for the repairs.
 
Royal Oak’s improvement system for sidewalks includes removing and replacing sidewalks which have a height difference of more than half an inch between each concrete slab, removing and replacing sidewalks with multiple cracks and deteriorating cracks or joints, and removing and replacing sidewalks with excessive sloping.  
 
However, the city also removes sidewalks that show signs of ponding water, sidewalks that do not comply with the 5 feet wide Royal Oak standard, and sidewalks with more than 25% of the surface pitted, spalling, or popping. Damage to the sidewalks can prove dangerous for pedestrians and may lead to slip and fall accidents due to the defective sidewalk. While Royal Oak sidewalks are generally in better condition than most Metro Detroit sidewalks, there are many defective sidewalks that pose dangers to those who use them. 
 
Interestingly, a large number of Royal Oak residents are not in favor of paying for the concrete repairs.  One Royal Oak residents’ group leader, Matthew Gerwolls, met with commissioners to add the sidewalk replacement program issue to the Monday, May 18th Royal Oak City Council meeting.
 
At the meeting, citizens expressed how shocked they were when they leaned that they had to pay for the sidewalk repairs. Some had even been billed thousands of dollars for the repairs. Upon hearing these concerns, the city commissioners agreed to reevaluate how they deem a sidewalk unfit. The commissioners also granted exemptions to some of the homeowners who were previously told that their sidewalks would need repair.
 

Thousands of people slip and fall on uneven sidewalks every year in Michigan. Even more slip and fall during the winter when these already dangerous sidewalks become icy. If you have been involved in a slip and fall accident due to a dangerous sidewalk, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our experienced attorneys are very knowledgeable about slip and fall cases.

The Michigan Law Firm can help victims of slip and fall accidents identify who is at fault for the faulty sidewalk and can help you hold them responsible and file a lawsuit for your injuries, pain and suffering, and to get your medical bills paid under Michigan law. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.
 

Whiplash Injuries From Car Accidents

Whiplash, or neck sprain or strain, is one of the most common injuries received by involvement in a motor vehicle accident. People may not break bones or herniate discs in every crash, but even the least dangerous of car crashes may cause whiplash. In fact, your car doesn’t even have to collide or make contact with another vehicle in order for you to suffer from whiplash.

But what is whiplash? The term is used frequently in everyday conversations that don’t even have anything to do with car accidents. Whiplash is a neck injury that occurs the neck is suddenly forced to move back and forth, forcefully, with a lot of pressure. The term comes from the movement a cracking whip make, quickly darting down and away from the handle and speedily returning towards the hand.

Typically, those who have been involved in an auto accident in which they have been rear-ended, suffer from whiplash injuries.  This is because the unexpected force of a car hitting you from behind forces the driver to be jostled forward with their neck snapping forward and immediately back. This motion causes neck pain, neck stiffness, pain in the upper back and shoulders, loss of range or motion in the neck, dizziness, and headaches. These symptoms usually disappear within a few months with the help of medication, exercise, and conservative treatment methods like physical therapy or chiropractic care.

However, according to the Mayo Clinic, for some, the pain may last longer than a few months. Occasionally, whiplash can be severe enough to injure the spinal cord, spinal discs, ligaments, muscles, tissues of the neck, and nerves. Unfortunately, people may not experience symptoms of whiplash immediately after a car crash and this may result in worsening injuries. As soon as you feel pain, you should see a licensed health care professional as soon as possible.

Doctors offices, hospitals, and urgent care centers can perform tests such as x-rays, CT scans, and MRIs to find out whether you have any injuries from the car accident. You may be prescribed exercise, physical therapy, or pain management to treat whiplash. Pain management includes, cold or heat treatments, over the counter medication, prescription painkillers, muscle relaxants, or in severe cases, injections. Some people even benefit from alternative medicine treatments such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, and massage therapy.

No matter the severity, whiplash can be a serious and painful injury. And, if it’s caused by a car accident, you are entitled to have you medical bills paid for by your insurance company. However, it may be difficult for an injured person to file a claim and get their bills paid by their insurance company. In the case that your claim is denied, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC.

Out attorneys will work with your car insurance company to make sure they pay for the benefits you are entitled to under Michigan law.  In the event that the car insurance company fails to cover medical bills or other benefits you are entitled to, our attorneys will file a lawsuit on your behalf to obtain any compensation you may be entitled to, which in many cases includes pain and suffering compensation. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM, for a free consultation.

 

Can PTSD Come From A Car Accident?

Most people think that only war veterans or victims of violent crimes can suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD. This misconception is strongly false. Post-traumatic stress disorder can be triggered by experiencing or observing anything that horrifies a person. Most people who have been involved in a dangerous car accident usually recount the experience as one of the most terrifying memories of their lives. Victims of car accidents recall ‘seeing their lives flash before their eyes’ and ‘praying that they’ll be ok’. These are extreme reactions to terrible events that they will remember for the rest of their lives. As such, it’s understandable that people involved in car crashes return to the moment and revisit the gut sinking feelings every time they remember the accident or anything triggers their memory of it.

Brain Injury Attorney

Immediately after the traumatic accident, people may have an aversion to getting back in a vehicle let alone driving one. Auto accident victims sometimes are afraid to get back into a car.  The presence a car or the thought of riding in one may bring back unwanted, distressing memories of the crash, causing them to relive the event. People involved in gruesome accidents may even have dreams of the crash and in some cases, experience problems sleeping. All of this constant reminder of the accident may cause people to avoid thinking or taking about the crash, which is a negatively impacts their ability to properly and fully heal.

With avoidance come other negative changes in thinking and mood such as memory problems, emotional numbness, depression, inability to maintain close relationships, and an excess of negative feelings. Those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder due can also have changes in emotional reactions such as aggressiveness, irritability, angry outbursts, self-destructive behavior such as drinking too much, trouble sleeping, being on constant edge, trouble concentrating, eating disorders and drug and alcohol abuse and addiction.

According to the Mayo Clinic, If not treated property, PTSD can only get worse. It is recommended that if symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder last longer than a month after the traumatic event, the victim should see a doctor as soon as possible. This is especially true for those victims who have suicidal thoughts. Any time victims of PTSD have any suicidal thoughts, they should immediately seek help. Cognitive therapy, exposure therapy, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, are all therapeutic options for those who are trying to overcome PTSD. In addition to therapy, antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and Prazosin may be implemented to help people cope with the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.

It is important to note that some car accident victims may also suffer from traumatic brain injuries and should seek medical attention with a licensed specialist if diagnosed with a TBI. 

Of course, along with medical and mental health issues, motor vehicle accidents also cause legal problems. The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC helps victims or car, motorcycle, and bus accidents take care of their legal needs. Our experienced attorneys deal with insurance companies, make sure your medical bills are paid, and make sure that you are compensated for any pain and suffering you may be entitled to under Michigan law, so that you may focus on physically and mentally recovering from your traumatic accident. Call our highly skilled attorneys today, at 844.4MI.FIRM, for a free consultation.

Protecting Michigan's No-Fault Auto Insurance System

$20 Billion. What is this enormous number? Well, as The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC has discussed in previous blog posts and though our social media outlets such as twitter, facebook, and Google+, Michigan has No-fault auto insurance which allows for payment of catastrophic claims through the Michgian Catastrophic Claims Association (MCCA), which in certain cases pays for catastrophic Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits such as, the cost of medical expenses for surgeries, nursing care, and other medical attention needed for major injuries for policyholders who have been involved in auto accidents and who file a claim with their insurance company. 

Insurance Lawyers

L. Brooks Patterson, County Executive of Oakland County recently wrote in to tell people why this $20 billion dollars is important in the wake of Senate Bill 248. This bill, which does not even guarantee that No-fault insurance premiums will be decreased, significantly limits some of the PIP benefits that victims of auto accidents may receive and make it difficult for the medical providers of those victims to be fairly compensated for their serves and to provide the highest level of patient care. According to Patterson, the sneak attack by auto insurance companies is because of their greed to pocket the $20 billion dollars.
 
It’s already bad enough that auto insurance companies are making you pay their $186 dollar fee to MCCA  each year by passing on this cost to consumers in their insurance premiums, but it’s worse to slyly introduce a bill at 4:59 PM, craftily attempting drastically alter No-Fault before anyone even knew it was on the agenda. If the insurance companies succeed in passing the ill-conceived No-fault reforms, medical providers say that quality of care will be significantly diminished for people in Michigan who have been involved in motor vehicle accidents.

For example, in 2014, the MCCA “paid out $1 billion, mostly for brain and spinal cord injuries, multiple fractures, and back and neck injuries.” This is why doctors, nurses, therapists, hospitals and the Coalition Protecting Auto No-Fault are doing everything they can to educate Michigan citizens and conduct meaningful conversations with our leaders in the Michigan House of Representatives

 Sources: MCCA & Daily Tribune

The Car Accident Guide To Fractures

Most people don’t realize that fractures are the same thing as broken bones, a common injury among car crash victims.  A ‘break’ or ‘broken bones’ are laymen’s terms that describe a fractured bone. While bones are known for being very strong and able to withstand significant force, sometimes too much pressure may be exerted, causing the bone to break. Anyone who’s ever broken up spaghetti to fit it in a pot of boiling water can understand how bones break. A single strand of spaghetti may be bent and to a certain extent without any harm. But, once you apply enough strength, it will snap.
 
There are multiple types of fracture injuries that occur based on what caused them. Depending on the amount of force applied to the bone, it may slightly crack or even shatter completely. Sometimes, a bone may break in a way that fragments of it may pierce thorough the skin creating what is called an open or compound fracture. These types of fractures are common in people who have been involved in a motor vehicle accident. Because the force applied by the impact of a car hitting another car is extreme, it causes much more significant injury to the body. Often time, a compound fracture injury may become infected because of the broken skin, infecting the bone and the wound.
 
Although car and motorcycle crashes are common causes for bone fractures for anyone, people with osteoporosis are more likely to break their bones in motor vehicle accidents. Also, smokers, who typically have lower bone density than non-smokers, are more likely to suffer fractures in the event of a car crash.
 
Simpler fractures can heal themselves, over time, and immobilizing the fracture with a cast is usually the simplest and best fix. Compound fractures however, usually require surgery. Eternal fixation is an operation during which metal pins or screws are placed above and under the fracture and are connected to a metal bar outside of the wound. This helps keeps the bones in the proper position while they grow back.

Fractured Bone Attorney

For even more complicated fractures, open reduction and internal fixation operation are needed. This operation involves the repositioning of the bone fragments back to their original places and the use of screws, metal plates, or rods to keep it all in place while it grows back.
 
Clearly, the process of fracturing and healing bones is long and gruesome. But, it is a very common problem that people who have been involved in car accidents have to deal with.

The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC understands the struggles of victims of car accidents and aims to help them get all of their medical bills paid for. Our attorneys will  assist with obtaining household services, attendant care, medical bill coverage, and other benefits you may be entitled to under Michigan law, which in many cases includes pain and suffering compensation. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.  


2017 Is A Good Year For Michigan Automakers

Car Accident Lawyer

There’s some good news for Michigan’s economy and automakers coming in 2017. George Fulton, Director of research Seminar in Quantitative Economics, and research professor and Director of the Center for Labor Market Research at the University of Michigan’s Institute for Research on Labor, Employment, and Economy, recently forecasted Michigan’s economic and fiscal activity for 2017. He says that major Detroit car manufacturers such as GM, Chrysler, and Ford’s national sales will go up from last years 44.3% to 44.9% in 2017.

This is good news for Michigan’s economy as these three car companies are some of the biggest companies in Detroit, Michigan and in the country. The growth of their sales nationally will help the state of Michigan recover from its economic slump quicker. With this growth may come upwards of 568,900 jobs just for citizens of Michigan. This is almost 66% of the 858,400 jobs that Michiganders lost in the 2000 recession. Put in other terms, this means that the unemployment rate in Michigan will drop from its current 5.3% to 4.6% in 2017.

Michigan State Treasurer, Nick Khouri, indicates that Michigan’s economy is already improving by reporting that Michigan’s revenue for the 2015 fiscal year has improved by almost $227 million since January. Michigan Governor Rick Snyder’s administration estimates that together, the general fund and the School Aid Fund revenue will be up by $175 million in 2017. The Senate Fiscal Agency however forecasts that the combined revenues will be up by $189.4 million. Regardless of who’s estimate turns out to be correct, the positive numbers look good for Michigan.

Residents of Michigan should keep in mind however that an improving economy which leads to an increase in car purchases means an increase in car accidents. The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC can help victims of car accidents get their medical bills paid, deal with car insurance issues, and get them compensation for pain and suffering as allowed under Michigan law. Allowing our accident attorneys  to help you identify and recover your medical and insurance benefits may be the best decision you make on your road to healing. Speak to our experienced attorneys today. Call us at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Source: Detroit Free Press

 

Google's Self-Driving Car

Two weeks ago, we brought you news of a driverless car, which, using technology created by British automotive supplier Delphi, made a successful cross country road trip. Now, following in Delphi’s footsteps, Google is finally ready to take their prototype driverless cars on their first public road trip. If the trips are completed to satisfaction, consumers may have the option of buying an autonomous car sooner than we previously thought.
 
Google’s car however won’t be making a trek from San Francisco, California to New York, New York. Instead, an experimental fleet of cars will be tested around Mountain View, California. Google will also be taking many safety precautions by placing a driver in each car and topping off the car to a maximum speed of 25mph. The only parts included in the car other than seats a removable steering wheel, accelerator pedal, and brake pedal.
 
These new driverless cars are good news for residents of Michigan as they will reportedly be built in Metro Detroit, Michigan, at the Roush facility. The current prototypes, which were introduced in May, were built in Detroit. Driverless cars in general are also good for Michigan, the US, and the entire world, because they can help reduce the number of car accidents and thereby motor vehicle accident injuries and deaths.

Car Accident Lawyer

Automobile accidents are one of the top 5 causes of death. In Michigan alone, there were 45,690 car accidents 2014. The reason for these car crashes is human error, brought on by aggressive driving, unfocused drivers, and loss of control in bad weather. All of these problems can be fixed if human weren’t behind the wheel but rather if the car itself could control the wheel. Car accidents and a few of their possible resulting injuries such as broken bones, herniated discs, spinal cord injuries, head/brain injuries, paralysis, and post traumatic stress disorder could all be prevented.
 
Despite the fact that driverless cars are being tested on public roads, we may still be far off from actually purchasing and utilizing them. Therefore, car accidents are still a daily danger for drivers. If you have been injured in a car accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in making sure victims of motor vehicle accidents receive the care they deserve without having to pay for it. Our experienced team deals with insurance companies for you, so that you can focus on your recovery. The Michigan Law Firm will fight for any pain and suffering compensation you may be entitled to. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Source:
Gizmodo

Treatment for Herniated Discs

Every day, thousands of people across America are injured in car accidents that cause severe injuries. Many of these motor vehicle crash victims seek treatment for herniated discs, as spinal injuries are a common occurrence in auto accidents.

 First, lets split up the two words. A hernia occurs when an organ or tissue pushes though a weakness or opening of the cavity it is located in. A disc, or more specifically, an intervertebral disc is a rubbery, fibrous, pad that is located between each vertebrae that makes up the spinal column. There are 24 intervertebral discs. The purpose of the intervertebral discs is to absorb pressure place on the spine when the body is active. Therefore, when too much pressure is exerted on the spine, like when picking up something heavy or from receiving a blow in a car accident, the discs may not be able to withstand the pressure. Even more, the discs may deteriorate and rip causing them to squeeze out.
 
The Mayo Clinic gives a perfect comparison when they say, “A spinal disk is a little like a jelly donut, with a softer center encased within a tougher exterior. Sometimes called a slipped disk or a ruptured disk, a herniated disk occurs when some of the softer "jelly" pushes out through a crack in the tougher exterior.”

Herniated Disc Attorneys

If you have been injured in a car accident and feel arm or leg pain, numbness or tingling, or muscle weakness, you may be suffering from a herniated disc. People who are overweight or have jobs that require manual labor are more likely to have herniated discs. It is vital that after being involved in a car, motorcycle, or bus crash that victims immediately seek medical help, in order to rule out the possibility of herniated discs or any other medical problems. X-rays, CT scans, and MRI’s are all simple and quick ways to determine whether a car crash victim has suffered a herniated disc.
 
If you are diagnosed with one or more herniated discs, you may be prescribed simple over the counter medication such as ibuprofen, narcotics such as Percocet, nerve pain medication such as gabapentin, muscle relaxers, or cortisone shots. Along with medication, physical therapy is a common and effective way to treat herniated discs. Other treatment options may include chiropractic care, pain management injections, and in the most severe cases, surgery may be recommended.
 
Whatever the treatment your doctor prescribes to heal your herniated discs, no treatment comes cheap. Car accidents cause expensive medical bills of which herniated discs and their treatments may only be a small portion of. And on top of dealing with medical bills and doctor’s visits, victims of motor vehicle accidents must also deal with stressful and demanding insurance companies.
 
Instead of being constantly worried, victims of car accidents should be taking it easy, recovering, and getting back into the normal swing of things. If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident,  call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our car accident attorneys are highly experienced in dealing with auto insurance companies, medical bills, and anything that keeping you from your recovery. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Starbucks Held Not Liable In Coffee Burn Injury Case

After nearly two days of deliberation, a North Carolina jury held that the popular coffee company, Starbucks was not liable for the injuries sustained by police officer, Matthew Kohr when a hot cup of coffee spilled in his lap.  

Coffee Burn Accident

Officer Kohr sustained major injuries in the coffee burn accident.  In addition to burns and scarring, Officer Kohr needed a surgery to remove part of his intestine for a condition aggravated by the coffee spill.  Even more, he spent several months on sick leave from his job at the police force and had a tough time returning to work.  

His wife, Melanie Kohr also was involved in the litigation insomuch as she made a loss of consortium claim.  Mrs. Kohr explained that the injuries from this accident took a significant toll on their marriage.  

Burn accidents can occur in a variety of ways.  They may happen on the job at work, at a restaurant, or even at a friend or family member's home.  It is important to seek legal counsel with a law firm specializing in personal injury law disputes if you find yourself in a situation where you have sustained burns as a result of an accident. 

Burns can be devastating to a person's life and pain and suffering compensation can oftentimes be sought and recovered from the at-fault company.  In many circumstances, accident lawyers are able to recover money to pay for medical bills and economic damages such as wage loss during the period of time that the person is unable to work.

Sources: NPR & WRAL

Car Struck Two Motorcycles In Fatal Detroit Accident

Tuesday, April 2nd, 2015, two motorcyclists were traveling westbound on West McNichols Road in west Detroit, when a car heading southbound on Hubbell Avenue crashed into them. The car was occupied by two people, a male driver and a female passenger. Detroit Police believe that the male driver may have caused the collision by running a red light at the intersection and  running straight into the two motorcycles. Upon crashing into the two motorcyclists, the male driver got out of the vehicle and abandoned it, leaving the scene of the accident on foot. The female passenger however stayed in the car and was available to the police for questioning.
 
While the passenger of the car and possibly the driver of the car appear to be medically sound, the same cannot be said of both motorcyclists. Unfortunately, one of the motorcyclists was unable to survive the injuries he obtained in the collision. The motorcyclist who passed in the accident was a man in his 50s who went by the name of “Rico.”
 
The second motorcyclist is also a man in his 50s named Reginald Mills. Mr. Mills is still in the hospital in critical condition. His daughter says that Mills has a blood clot in his brain and requires additional surgery.
 
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ("NHTSA"), 4,668 motorcyclists were killed in 2013 alone, across America. Motorcycles are even more susceptible than cars to dangerous collisions. As motorcyclists are not protected on all sides like car drivers, they usually sustain not only more injuries, but more severe injuries than drivers or passengers involved in motor vehicle crashes.
 
More injuries means more medical bills, possible permanent injuries, and more difficulties in dealing with insurance companies. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident or motor vehicle accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. The Michigan Law Firm can help take care of all of these stresses for you. Our experienced accident attorneys will deal with insurance companies, to ensure that you receive all the benefits you are entitled to, so that you are able to focus on your recovery. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Source:

Click On Detroit

Metropark Fatal Car Crash

At 6:15 p.m. on Friday, May 8, 2015, five teenage boys were speeding down Stony Creek Metropark in Michigan when they were tragically involved in a fatal car crash. While car accidents are one of the top five causes of death in America, this motor vehicle accident was not a typical crash. What sets this crash aside from other auto accidents is that there was only one car involved. This was a single car accident. The five boys were travelling at about 80 miles per hour when the driver lost control the 2008 Jaguar S-type and crashed into a guardrail. The car then rolled over, tore through a fence, and landed in the river.   Needless to say, the sports car was totaled.
 
The sudden and forceful impact of the car crash forced four of the boys to be ejected from the vehicle. The only boy who had his seatbelt on, was not ejected into the river, and had to be released by firefighters. Of the boys who were ejected from the car, three passed away, despite being transported to a hospital and receiving treatment. The names of the three deceased boys are Emanuel Malaj, Jonathon Manolios, both of who attended Stevenson High School, and Micheal Wells who attended Henry Ford High School. Both schools and two other high schools in the area will be offering grief counseling for all students on Monday.

Fatal Car Crash

A police investigation is ongoing, as it is still unknown why the boys were at the park. Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham says that blood tests will have to be performed to rule out drugs or alcohol contributing to the crash. One this however is sure: speed was contributing factor to the fatal crash.
 
Reckless and speedy driving causes millions of car accidents every year. In Michigan alone, there were 45, 690 car crashes in 2014. 900 of these motor vehicle accidents ended in death, possibly due to driving at high speeds.

The experienced team at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC can help you sort through and pay for medical benefits for any injuries that were caused by your accident. Allow our accident attorneys to help you handle the stress of dealing with insurance claims, adjusters, or anything that keeps you from your recovery. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Sources:
Click On Detroit
Detroit Free Press

Michigan Boy Attacked By Four Rottweiler Dogs

Eight year old Ethan Nokes of Riverdale, Michigan was harmlessly playing in his relatives back yard with his brother, when four dogs he’s known for a long time, turned on him. These four Rottweiler dogs injured Ethan with a possible broken leg and 22 bite wounds which were so severe that Ethan was air-lifted to a hospital in Grand Rapids for injury treatment. Ethan’s mother, Doris Gifford, says that Ethan cried, “Just shoot me, it hurts I just want it to be over.” She also did not hesitate to describe the Michigan dog attack by saying, “They were out to kill him, no question.”

Dog Bite Lawyers

Perhaps the only reason that Ethan Nokes fortunately survived the dog attack is because of Kenneth Hansen. Hansen and his construction crew were working on a site nearby when Hansen heard a little boy screaming. "I could see the dogs and I could see a boy with all his clothes off and he was half red with blood and I knew he was in trouble…I got to him. The dog let go. I was hollering. Jordan, his little brother was at the top of the steps screaming at the dogs trying to get them to stop and I grabbed him around the stomach. I tried to keep my body between the dogs and him ... and they were yanking on him trying to get him away from me."
 
The Rottweiler dogs were captured and taken away by the Gratiot County Animal Control who may have the dogs euthanized. The owners of the dogs, who are also relatives of Ethan Nokes, may face charges from the Gratiot County Prosecutor’s office.
 
Dog bites and attacks are very dangerous and can result in serious medical bills, oftentimes requiring stitches and in extreme cases, plastic surgery. Lawsuits that arise out of the dog bites can also be very complicated. If you have been attacked or bitten by a dog, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our dog bite attorneys are highly experienced in handling Michigan dog bite cases. The Michigan Law Firm helps victims of dog attacks receive benefits for their pain and suffering. If our accident lawyers can’t reach a agreeable settlement, we will take your case to trial. Call us today at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Sources:

CBS News

9&10 News​

Failure of Proposal 1: Michigan Roads Still in Disrepair

The result is in for the May 5th, 2015 Michigan vote on the controversial Proposal 1. The purpose of the vote was to make a decision on the proposal aimed to raise money to fix the dangerous Michigan roads and the potholes which commonly lead to Michigan car accidents. The Proposal, according to the House Fiscal Agency, included one constitutional amendment and 10 statutes. All in all, the proposal, if passed would have created $1.9 billion dollars once fully implemented in the 2017-2018 fiscal year. Specifically, this would equate to $116.1 million for public transportation, $200 million for the School Aid Fund, $111.1 million for cities, and $173 million for Michigan’s General Fund.
 
Prior to the election, a poll conducted by Lansing’s EPIC-MRA on January 29, 2015 discovered that 46% of the people they surveyed would vote “yes” on Proposal 1 and 41% would vote “no”. Though after hearing more details on the Proposal, 47% said “yes” and only 38% said “no”. This change may be attributed to the fact that Michiganders are big proponents of road improvement. Most policy makers and media outlets thought in the same vein that Michigan voters would vote “yes” on anything that would fix Michigan roads. Alas, the terrible Michigan roads will not see any change due to Proposal 1.
 
However, citizens and drivers in Michigan shouldn’t be disappointed yet. There are still several other plans that may go into effect in Proposal 1’s place. The Michigan legislature is back to the drawing board.

One such alternative plan was the previously proposed by Governor Snyder Plan. Governor Snyder’s plan was actually already a part of Proposal 1. In 2013, Snyder proposed raising fuel taxes and vehicle registration taxes in an effort to create an extra $1.2 billion for road funding. Specifically, the 19 cent regular fuel and 15 cent diesel fuel tax were to be raised to 33 cents a gallon and Michigan vehicle registration fees for cars and light trucks was to be raised by 60%. It seems that any plans to raise money, including Snyder’s plan, require some kind of tax raise. So, while Michigan voters didn't vote for all of the provisions of Proposal 1, perhaps they will be willing to support a yet to be determined alternative to fix the state of Michigan roadways. 

Pothole Accident Attorney

The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC will continue to monitor the situation regarding Michigan road repair funding as it affects Michigan drivers and their safety on the road.  Our auto accident attorneys are always available at 844.4MI.FIRM to speak to you regarding Michigan road funding and incidents regarding injury accidents. 

Documentary About Detroit And Its Iconic Mustang

Ford Car Crash

Ask any American what their favorite American car is and chances are that many of them will say, without hesitation, that it’s the Ford Mustang. So many people across the world have purchased the Mustang since its inception in 1964 that it has become an iconic car built by Detroit automaker, Ford. So iconic in fact, that a documentary has been filmed about the Mustang and Ford.

Just in time for the Mustang’s 50th anniversary this year, David Gelb, shows the world the masterful craftsman ship that goes into creating the Ford Mustang. The documentary is titled “A Faster Horse” based on Henry Ford’s supposed famous quote, “If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses.” David Gelb is probably best known for his 2011 award winning, critically acclaimed documentary “Jiro Dreams of Sushi.”

In his documentary, Gelb specifically focuses on the 2015 redesigned model of the Mustang and films for the viewer the entire path to creating a Mustang, from the assembling of the parts to its final display in local showrooms. It’s not all about cheer and cars however as Gelb also shows how the Mustang and Ford effect the city of Detroit, Michigan and its citizens. David Gelb explores the struggles of many of the citizens of Detroit who work at Ford’s assembly plant in Flat Rock, Michigan, and how they endured the long-lasting financial crisis.

The film was premiered to the world on April 18th, at the Tribeca Film Festival. For any fans of the Mustang, fans or Ford, citizens of Detroit, or even all Michiganders, this documentary is a must see. Perhaps watching this stunning work of cinematography will persuade you to buying a Mustang. Just remember when you take it for a spin that just because it’s known for being a fast car doesn't mean that you have to put the pedal to the metal in a Mustang. Driving at high speeds is dangerous and can cause accidents.

If you have been injured in a motor vehicle crash, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Allowing our accident attorneys  to help you identify and recover your medical and insurance benefits may be the best decision you make on your road to healing. Our experienced team can help you get your medical bills paid, deal with insurance issues, and get you compensation for pain and suffering as allowed under Michigan law. Call us today at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

3 Killed in Battle Creek Ambulance Crash

Drunk Driving Accident

On the night of February 23, 2015, an ambulance was travelling northbound on Garfield Avenue in Battle Creek, Michigan, when a car traveling westbound on Garfield Avenue collided with it. The driver, 61 year old Shirley Stokes and her passenger, 54 year old James Stokes were killed by the collision. According to Battle Creek Police, Ms. Stokes ran though a stop sign and a flashing red light at the intersection though which the ambulance was passing. Her failure to stop caused the ambulance, which was traveling at high speeds with its flashing lights and siren on, to "T-bone" the Stokes’ car on the driver’s side.
 
Worse still, the ambulance was transporting a victim of heart attack to the nearby Bronson Battle Creek Hospital. Upon the LifeCare ambulance’s impact with the Stokes’ car, Battle Creek firefighters arrived to extract the victims from the two vehicles and another ambulance arrived at the scene of the accident to finally take the patient to the hospital. Unfortunately, the heart attack patient, 74 year old David Simpson did not survive his heart attack and died at the hospital. Shirley Stokes and James Stokes may have also been taken to the hospital but had already been pronounced dead at the scene of the accident during this time.
 
Luckily, the crew of the ambulance survived the deadly crash with only minor injuries. Police say that alcohol may have played a part in the crash. This would explain why Shirley Stokes had run through a stop sign and a flashing red light and why she may not have stopped even though the ambulance had its lights and siren on.
 
Driving in the night time alone can be tricky and dangerous. However, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal and perilous to not only the driver but everyone on the road.
 
If you have been involved in a car accident, involving a  drunk driver call 844.4MI.FIRM today. The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC is highly experienced in helping victims of motor vehicle accidents receive medical benefits they are entitled to under the law. Our knowledgeable and skilled team will help you seek compensation for your pain and suffering.  Call us today for a free consultation.
 
 
Source:

Battle Creek Enquirer

Takata's Dangerous Air Bag Recall

Car Accident Attorneys

If you own a car from model years 2002-2008 made by BMW, Chrysler, Ford, Honda, Mazda, Nissan, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Acura, Dodge, General Motors, Infiniti, Lexus, or Subaru, you may be driving with a defective airbag. Almost 17 million cars that used Japanese company Takata’s driver’s side and passenger’s side frontal air bags, have been recalled. As Takata supplies one-fifth of all motor vehicle air bags in the world, there may be millions of more cars on the roads that need to be recalled.  
 
The problem with the air bags is that over time and due to high humidity, the chemical canister, which erupts and propels thereby inflating the air bag, has been deteriorating and exploding causing the air bag to inflate and shards of the canister to be dispersed into the car. To date, 6 people have been killed and over 100 drivers have been injured because of the faulty airbags in their vehicles.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) has been investigating Takata after learning that Takata had known about the defects since 2004 and found that the company had conducted secret tests during non-work hours at their American headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Allegedly, Takata ordered employees to delete data which identified these defects and kept all testing a secret instead of reporting the dangers to federal safety regulators. Thus, starting February 20th, 2015, the NHTSA has been fining Takata $14,000 a day for not cooperating with their investigation.
 
Some car owners have already received recall notices form the manufacturer informing them what to do if their car fits the criteria of the recall. For those car consumers who worry that their car’s make and model may match the above description, finding out if there is a recall notice on their car is easy. The NHTSA website allows car owners to look their car by it’s VIN number to see if there is a recall issued.  If your car has a recall notice issued, then the manufacturer will replace the airbags for you.  
 
If you live in a high humidity climate, it is very important that you look up your car for defective air bags. If your air bags have been recalled but haven’t been replaced yet, you can take preventative measures such as limiting your driving, using public transportation, carpooling in a non-recalled car, or renting a car, to avoid being injured by Takata’s defective air bags. Even if the air bag doesn’t spontaneously erupt on it’s own, it can injure you if it inflates as a result of a car accident.
 
If you have been injured in a car accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. We aim to help victims of motor vehicle accidents deal with the difficulties of medical bills, insurance companies, and police investigations. The Michigan Law Firm’s experienced team makes sure you receive the benefits you are entitled to and helps you recover with dignity. Call us today at 844.4MI.FIRM or click here for a free consult.

Sources:

Safer Car

NY Times

Everything You Need To Know To Vote on Proposal 1

Voters in Michigan will be lining up to make a decision to pass the Michigan Sales Tax Increase for Transportation Amendment, also known as, Proposal 1, on Tuesday, May 5, 2015. This article aims to provide Michigan voters with all of the necessary information needed to make an informed choice regarding Michigan roads on the ballot.
 
First, Michigan voters need to be made aware of the changes that could occur if this proposal is passed. Proposal 1 intends to create one constitutional amendment, to raise Michigan sales tax, and ten statutes in the Michigan legislature. The idea behind these changes is to raise enough money to fix the poor state of Michigan roads by raising taxes and creating more Michigan laws.
 
The official language of Proposal One, approved by the Board of State Canvassers is as follows:

Auto Accident Lawyers

PROPOSAL 15-1
A proposal to amend the State Constitution to increase the sales/use tax from 6% to 7% to replace and supplement reduced revenue to the School Aid Fund and local units of government caused by the elimination of the sales/use tax on gasoline and diesel fuel for vehicles operating on public roads, and to give effect to laws that provide additional money for roads and other transportation purposes by increasing the gas tax and vehicle registration fees.

The proposed constitutional amendment would:

  • Eliminate sales / use taxes on gasoline / diesel fuel for vehicles on public roads.

  • Increase portion of use tax dedicated to School Aid Fund (SAF).

  • Expand use of SAF to community colleges and career / technical education, and

  • prohibit use for 4-year colleges / universities.

  • Give effect to laws, including those that:

    • Increase sales / use tax to 7%, as authorized by constitutional amendment.

    • Increase gasoline / diesel fuel tax and adjust annually for inflation,
      Increase vehicle registration fees, and dedicate revenue for roads and other transportation purposes

    • Expand competitive bidding and warranties for road projects

    • Increase earned income tax credit.

Should this proposal be adopted?
YES [ ]
NO [ ]


In other words, Proposal 1 would increase Michigan state sales tax, increase fuel tax and allow for fuel tax to be increased every year for inflation, and increase motor vehicle registration fees. These fees would not only be used to expand the transportation fund but would also be used to bolster the School Aid Fund.
 
The increases in taxes by Proposal 1 are estimated to cost an additional $477 to $545 per Michigan household. According to the Michigan House Fiscal Agency, once Proposal 1 is fully implemented in the fiscal year 2017-2018, Michigan’s state revenue will be increased to $1.9 billion dollars. This significant increase would be divided to create $116.1 million for public transportation, $200 million for the School Aid Fund, $111.1 million for cities, and $173 million for Michigan’s General Fund.
 
A poll conducted by Lansing’s EPIC-MRA on January 29, 2015 discovered that 46% of the people they surveyed would vote “yes” on Proposal 1 and 41% would vote “no”. Though after hearing more details on the Proposal, 47% said “yes” and only 38% said “no”. This change may be attributed to the fact that Michiganders are big proponents of road improvement. The current state of Michigan roads is miserable. Numerous potholes, crumbling asphalt, and broken bridges cause thousands of auto accidents in Michigan every year. Many of these motor vehicle crashes result in serious, life-changing injuries or even death. Some of these car accidents may be prevented by simply repairing Michigan's dangerous roads.
 
If you have been injured in an car or motorcycle accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our experienced auto accident attorneys are ready to help victims of car crashes deal with insurance companies, pay for medical bills, and easing your road to recovery. Call us today at 844.4MI.FIRM or click here for a free consultation.  

Modern App for Car Repairs

Car Repair Attorneys

If you have a smart phone or tablet, you may be several easy steps from getting a great deal on an auto repair. Available now for iOS and Android users, Openbay allows users to avoid having to call multiple auto repair shops and shop around for deals.

To get their cars fixed after auto accidents, users of Openbay just have to go through three easy steps. First, users can choose between finding services or diagnosing their cars problem.
 
The app connects with the vehicle’s computer diagnostic system and determines what is wrong with the car by reading alerts. If you already know what is wrong, you can skip this and choose to find services, such as oil changes, checking the engine, low battery, brake repair, or even tail light replacement.  Once you've chosen a service, step two is to view the offers.
 
Because the app knows where you live, it sends your service request out to auto body shops who have registered with the app, in your area. The body shops view the problem and send back a quote based extent of the damage, parts, labor, and taxes. Openbay then lists all of the quotes and allows the app’s user to compare these offers based on price, distance, and ratings of the repair shops.
 
Step three is then to pick an offer, schedule the appointment, and to pay securely though the app. The payment is only made after the service has been completed. And in some cases, this maintenance service may be counted towards a reward system. 
 
The great thing about this app is that now people will always know if something is wrong with their car, without having to dig up the old car manual to try to decipher the vehicle warning indicators. And with 354 auto repair and maintenance shops participating in the City of Detroit alone, Michigan drivers have a great shot at getting a good deal on their auto repairs after Michigan motor vehicle accidents.  Openbay is a great resource for Michigan drivers who are looking for car repair shops after an accident.

The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC helps victims of auto and motorcycle crashes medical bills are being paid, lost wages are recovered, and pain and suffering benefits are paid according to Michigan law. Our experienced team takes the stress out of your road to recovery.  Call us today at 844.4MI.FIRM or click here for a free consultation.
 

Driverless Car’s Cross Country Road Trip

Car Accident Attorneys

Automotive supplier, Delphi is making waves today by breaking boundaries in the world of car technology. Delphi, using technology such as short-range radar, vision based cameras, LIDaRs, a localization system, intelligence software algorithms, and many advanced drive assistance systems, turned an Audi SQ5 SUV an autonomous car. In other words, they turned it into a self-driving car. While this feat has been accomplished before, this specific instance is significantly more radical because the car completed a cross-country road trip from San Francisco to New York City.

It’s remarkable that in 2015, we not only have self-driving cars but we have a car that can drive 3,400 miles while navigating, various weather conditions, bridges, tunnels, construction, roundabouts, and horrible drivers in 15 states. The only minor setback is that the car was only fully automated for 99% of the drive as a human driver took over when the car needed to switch from highway driving to city driving.
 
The trip helped gather attention for Delphi’s project and also provided data on how to improve the system. For example, Delphi engineers learned that in times of peak sunlight or rainy conditions, some cameras were slightly blinded. Engineers also noticed that the car reacted differently around tractor trailers than other cars.
 
As for the aesthetics of the car, the equipment that makes the car autonomous is hidden well enough that it’s not noticeable unless you look for it or know where to look. Delphi utilized the Audi SQ5 SUV for the trip because they thought it was a "cool" car. To make Audis even cooler, in two years, Audi announced that Delphi will install a new computer system in every Audi, which uses data from the car’s cameras and sensors to help run the vehicle.  In addition, Delphi is developing another computer system that uses radar and cameras to help cars break automatically among other safety measures. This particular system is slated to be placed in Volvos.
 
With Delphi’s conclusion of this momentous road trip, we can only assume that self-driving cars may be available to the public in the near future. The switch from a nation of manual cars to autonomous cars would have a big impact on the safety of driving. If everyone is free to nap, watch tv, or read while they are commuting, all human error, which is the main cause of motor vehicle accidents, would be eliminated.

Delphi is an international automotive supplier, with its Michigan office located in Troy, Michigan.  It will be interesting to see the interplay with this technology and the major Detroit automakers.

However, until all of America or the world is being driven by autonomous cars, we still have to worry about auto accidents. Car accidents are one of the top five causes of death in the US and one of the leading causes of injuries.

If you have been injured in a Michigan car accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. The Michigan Law Firm helps victims of Michigan car and motorcycle accidents receive medical benefits, wage loss payments, and pain and suffering compensation as permitted by Michigan law. If you have questions about your injuries,  insurance problems, or your legal rights, call us today at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation with our experienced team.
 
 Sources:

Mirror

Wired