Motorcycle Injury Prevention

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

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

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

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

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

Preventing Road Rage Car Accidents

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

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

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

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

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

Medical Providers Aim To Reduce Low-Volume Surgeries

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

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

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

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

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

AutoMoto Film & Arts Festival In Detroit

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

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

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

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

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

Problems With GM Cars Leading To Criminal Charges

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tips For Driving Safely With Motorcycles On The Road

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source:   Texting and Driving Safety

Tragic Taxi Crash

Taxi Crash

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

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

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

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.

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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

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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.

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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. 

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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

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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