Investigation on Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs

On Friday, June 5, 2015, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said it is currently investigating 20,000 new Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs for problems with automatic braking systems. According to the Detroit News, this investigation is taking place due to nine reports of problems with the safety feature in the 2014 SUVs, that's designed to prevent rear-end auto accidents. The NHTSA says Jeep owners have reported issues of random alerts from the braking system, followed by improper automatic breaking.  This means that Michigan drivers may find themselves driving and the car may stop on its own in certain circumstances. 

"28% of all car crashes are rear-end collisions" - NHTSA

Rear End Accident Lawyer

So far, no reports have involved car accidents. Two complaints from owners are related to rapid increase in break force and anti-lock braking system activation. According to one Jeep SUV owner, in his complaint to the NHTSA, he said that the SUV keeps giving him a message to “clean the lens” but says that lens is not dirty or obstructed. The NHTSA says that they see a repeating pattern with Fiat Chrysler and issues like failing to respond fast enough to safety issues, recall enough vehicles, and notify owners in a timely fashion.

In 2012, the NHTSA conducted a study and reported that around 28% of all car crashes are rear-end collisions. The forward collision warning feature on vehicles can be extremely beneficial. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety estimates that forward collision warning can prevent 879 fatal crashes annually for passenger vehicles, and 115 fatal crashes annually for large trucks.

If you have been injured in a car crash, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our accident lawyers are available to help you with questions and specialize in 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.

Detecting Concussions After An Accident

The force of any blow to the head can cause the brain to shake inside the skull, smashing up against the inner walls, resulting in a traumatic brain injury. According to the Brain Decoder, traumatic brain injury is a diagnosis that more than 2 million Americans receive each year. The most common type of TMI is a concussion. Concussions have many symptoms including headaches, nausea, confusion, blurry vision, and problems with concentration, memory, balance, and many more. Despite knowing all of these symptoms, what happens during a concussion inside the brain is extremely complex, and not entirely understood by science.

Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney

Even if one doesn't receive a blow to the head, it is still possible to experience concussion symptoms due to oxygen deprivation in the brain. A lot of concussion symptoms may not be due to brain damage, but rather resulting from neck or muscle spasms, ear problems, or bone pain from the skull. Neurosurgeon Dr. Uzma Samadani MD, co-director of the NYU Cohen Veterans Center, stated that, “in fact, our research suggests that the vast majority of people who are hit in the head and have some concussion symptoms actually do not have brain damage per se.” Samadani explained that injuries that do not involve brain damage can still be problems.  Brain Decoder reported:

 

"I think it is extremely important to be able to detect and quantify concussion because without objectively being able to do that, we cannot begin to treat the problem," Samadani said. "Right now we still have people who get hit in the head and have problems for months and even years and we don't see a problem on conventional radiographic imaging so they are not getting treated. People's lives can be ruined socially and economically because they can have a lasting problem that impairs their functioning. While most people who are hit in the head will recover very quickly, we need to be able to identify and help those who do not."

There is no definitive definition for a concussion, therefore making it difficult to diagnose or it, or even calculate how often it happens. Neurosurgery doctor, Dr. Samadani and her team made an estimate that between 4 million and 7 million people receive CT scans for concussions. However, she also explained that a lot of times, CT scans, along with MRIs, often miss concussions. Many research programs including the National Institutes of Health, the National Football League, and Samadani's team, are currently working on methods and technologies used for detecting concussions.

Along with sports injuries, motor vehicle accidents are one of the major causes of concussions. If you receive a concussion in an accident or have been injured in any type of car or motorcycle crash, contact a lawyer at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our experienced attorneys are highly skilled in handling all types of auto accident cases. Call 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation today.

Semi-Truck Tires Kill Two People In Car Crash

On Saturday, May 30, two Illinois residents were killed, after a set of tires on a semi-truck came loose on the I-94 near Portage, Michigan, striking a car with three people inside. According to the Detroit Free Press, the Portage Department of Public Safety said that the car’s 67 –year-old backseat passenger Rebecca Avery died at the scene of the crash, as well as the 34-year-old driver, who died shortly after the auto accident at a hospital Sunday morning. The third passenger in the car suffered what was described as non-life-threatening injuries.

Semi Truck Accident Lawyer

Investigators say that the driver was heading east on the I-94 when the car was struck by semi-truck’s wheel and tire assembly, which was traveling in the opposite direction. The semi-truck was traveling westbound on the I-94 when 2 of the truck’s tires burst and went over the median into the eastbound lanes. After the accident, the freeway was shut down for four hours. Authorities say that the crash is still under investigation.

Truck accidents happen every year in the United States, and they cause injuries to thousands of drivers, in addition to causing many deaths. According to Legal Info,  around 500,000 trucking accidents occur per year in the United States, and approximately 5,000 of these crashes result in fatalities.

If you have been injured in an accident involving a semi-truck, or any other type of car crash, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our experienced auto accident lawyers 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.  

Detroit Police Rescue Two Men From Car Crash

On Monday, June 8, 2015, six Detroit, MI police officers rescued two men from a burning vehicle. According to the Detroit Free Press, it was around 7:30 p.m. when officers on patrol saw a Chevrolet Impala speeding, and activated their overhead lights to try and stop the car. The driver of the Chevy ended up hitting the median near the intersection of  Mound Road and McNichols  Road, then lost control and struck a tree. Police told the Detroit Free Press, that on impact, the car immediately burst into flames. DPD Officers Smith and Monti were first on the scene, who began to try and remove the men from the vehicle, one of them being over 400 pounds.

Detroit Car Crash Attorney

It ended up taking 6 Detroit Police Department officers to safely rescue the two men from the crash. Reports indicate that the driver went was experiencing extreme pain, as his feet were wedged under the floorboard, and after he was extracted from the car he was taken by EMS to the hospital. Police have not released either the driver or the passenger’s name, but they believe the driver will likely face a criminal lawsuit for fleeing and eluding the police in addition to any personal injury lawsuits.

The two men involved in this car crash were extremely lucky, as a car bursting up in flames can be very dangerous. According to the Association For Safe International Road Travel, in the United States, each year 37,000 die in motor vehicle accidents, and in addition to this, 2.35 million are injured or disabled. The two men involved in the accident faced an extreme risk, and the Detroit police officers also put their lives on the line despite knowing that the car might have exploded.

Whether you have been injured in a minor car accident or a severe car accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our experienced accident attorneys will deal with insurance companies, ensure that you receive all the benefits you are entitled to and, help you ultimately focus on recovering from your injuries. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Mazda Recalls More Vehicles

In 2010, Mazda recalled around 330,000 cars in the United States in order to fix problems with the cars' airbags. According to CBS Detroit, Mazda is now adding to that number, recalling nearly 540,000 more cars and pickup trucks in the US and Canada. On Friday, June 5, 2015, Mazda said in documents posted by the US and Canadian safety regulators, that it is recalling 503,000 cars because of defective driver's side airbags, and 35,000 pickup trucks for an issue with passenger airbags.

Car Recall Attorney

These vehicles are all equipped with airbag inflators made by Takata Corp. of Japan. As we've previously reported, it has been reported that these airbags can explode when too much force is applied. So far, six people have been killed due to faulty airbags and over 100 people have been injured. Car models with the faulty driver’s air bags are the 2003-2008 Mazda 6, 2006-2007 MazdaSpeed 6, and the 2004 to 2008 RX-8. The pickup trucks that the company is recalling for passenger side airbags are the 2003-2008 B-Series. 

Last month, Takata and the US government agreed to double the number of inflators it recalled to 33.8 million. According to the agency, this increase made it the largest auto recall in US history. It’s frequent for cars to have issues such as broken airbags, and these problems can potentially cause accidents, which can lead to death or injury.

If you have been injured in a car accident, contact a lawyer at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Motor vehicle accidents can lead to legal problems, whether it be a car, motorcycle, or bus accident, we're here to help. Our accident attorneys are experienced in handling all types of auto accident cases. Call 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation today.

Michigan Driver's Cell Phone Usage Banned For Distracted Driving

Last fall, just north of Lansing, Michigan, a 23-year-old woman named Mitzi Nelson crashed into and killed a 35-year-old bicyclist named Jill Byelich. On Wednesday, June 3, 2015, there was a sentencing hearing for Mitzi Nelson, during which she was put on probation and told that she is banned from using a cell phone for the next two years. According to CBS Detroit, Judge Stewart McDonald told Mitzi Nelson that, “having a cell phone is a privilege, not a right.” The ban given to Mitzi Nelson isn’t just for cell phones however, it also applies to any portable communication device.

Distracted Driving Lawyer

In addition to the cell phone ban, Judge McDonald sentenced Nelson to 90 days in jail and 150 hours of community service. He also ordered her to speak to 20 driver’s education classes about the dangers of distracted driving and to pay $17,100 in restitution and fines. As reported by the Lansing State Journal, Nelson will serve the first 30 days of her jail sentence immediately, another 30 days in the spring, and the rest of her sentence over four holiday periods.

Distracted driving is a danger that should be taken very seriously. According to the Official US Government Website for Distracted Driving, in 2013, 3154 people were killed and around 424,000 were injured in motor vehicle accidents involving distracted driving. In addition to this, they reported that 10% of drivers under the age of 20, who were involved in fatal crashes, were reported as distracted at the time of the crash.

If you have been injured in a car crash because of distracted driving, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our accident lawyers are experienced in dealing with all types of auto accidents, and are always available to help you with questions about insurance problems, medical expenses, and pain and suffering benefits under Michigan law. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Common Courtesy On The Road

Using common courtesy on the road can potentially help prevent road rage and ultimately save lives. Common courtesy is a set of rules that aren’t written down by law. However, despite not being the law, following this driving etiquette can make the roads simpler and safer for everyone. Due to these rules not being part of the law, not all drivers follow the etiquette, which can lead to all types of auto accidents.

Common Courtesy Lawyer

According to the US Air Force, there are eight basic common courtesy rules that can be used in order to possibly reduce stress, and increase your chances of arriving at your destination safely. One of the first common courtesy rules is not driving in the passing lane. When you’re on a freeway or highway, the left lane is for passing. You should use the lane to pass a slower vehicle, and then return to your original lane. According to Deadline Detroit, since 2012, the Michigan State Police have issued 60,90 tickets for improper lane use, with around 763 already being issued in 2015. It is also important to not use cruise control when passing a vehicle. Pass other vehicles relatively quickly, as passing slowly can be just as obstructive as driving in the left lane at all times.

Another common courtesy rule involves keeping a safe distance from the car ahead of you. Tailgating is considered poor driving etiquette. On top of this, tailgating also reduces your reaction time and can cause an accident if you need to break quickly. In addition to this, always signaling before changing lanes can make a huge impact and potentially reduce the number of car crashes.

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

Home Physical Therapy Proves To Be Effective

Spending time at the hospital after an operation can be emotionally, physically, and financially draining. Recently, the argument has been raised that patients might recover at home just as well. According to Daily RX, a new study looked at patients after knee replacement surgery, and the end results found that patients who were sent home did about as well as patients did that went to an inpatient rehabilitation program.  These types of injuries and treatment oftentimes are the result of an auto accident or a slip and fall accident. 

Physical Therapy Lawyer

After a knee replacement operation, patients usually stay in the hospital for multiple days in order to receive care and physical therapy. Dr. Padgett, of the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in New York City, NY along with his team, decided to conduct a study to see how doing physical therapy at home might affect patients. In order to do this study, Dr. Padgett looked at over 7,000 patients who had knee replacement surgery at HSS between the years of 2007 and 2011. These patients took surveys before, six months after, and two years later, and these results were compared with patients who went home and patients who stayed in the hospital after the operation.

After six months, Dr. Padgett and his team compared the results of the two groups and found no differences between the sets of patients. After this, they compared the groups after two years, and again, found extremely similar results when looked at factors such as pain level and knee function. “This study confirms that patients may be safely and effectively discharged home following [total knee replacement] dispelling the notion that inpatient rehabilitation is essential for successful recovery," Dr. Padgett and team wrote.

At The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC, we offer free consultations to those who have been injured in accidents.  If you are unsure about who will pay for your physical therapy or other medical treatment, give us a call.  Our accident lawyers work hard to recover any and all available monetary benefits under Michigan law.  Contact us today at 844.4MI.FIRM.

Are Your Car's Tires Safe?

Car Tires Attorney

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

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

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

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

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

Motorcycle Crash In Detroit, Michigan

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

Motorcycle Crash Attorney

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

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

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

Woman Killed Attempting to Flee Hit-And-Run

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

Hit And Run Lawyer

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

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

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

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

Detroit Carjackings

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

Carjacking Attorney

Detroit carjackings have dropped each year since 2013.

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

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

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

Semi-Truck Drivers' Distractions Are Increasing

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

Texting and Driving Lawyer

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

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

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

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

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

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

Medical Provider Attorney

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

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

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

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

Rumble Strips Save Lives

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

Rumble Strip Accident Lawyer

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

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

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

Macomb and Oakland Offer 911 Emergency Texting

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

Texting Crash Attorney

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

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

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

Hazel Park Lifts Pit Bull Ban

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

Dog Bite Attorney

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

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

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

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

Tracy Morgan Talks About His Accident

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

Limousine Crash Lawyer

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

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

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

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

The Effects Of A Concussion

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

Concussion Attorney

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

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

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

Brain Injury Accidents Can Change Lives

Brain Injury Attorney

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

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

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

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