Uber App Updates Help Its Deaf Drivers

Uber Crash Lawyer

New changes to Uber's driver app will make it easier for the hard of hearing to drive for Uber.

While Uber remains in both the national spotlight and the Michigan spotlight for a range of issues related to its insurance coverage, licensing issues, and disputes with traditional cab companies, the multi-billion dollar technology-driven cab company has decided to make its services more easily usable by the deaf and hard of hearing. According to Uber's recent press release:

These updates incorporate suggestions and feedback from our partners as well as the National Association of the Deaf, the nation’s leading non-profit advocating for economic empowerment for deaf and hard-of-hearing people. While the changes themselves are small, we’re confident of the significant impact they can have for drivers and their riders.

Uber drivers who are deaf or heard of hearing can sign onto their Uber apps in select markets and have the option for passengers to contact them by text only (instead of having the option to call as well), when a passenger requests a ride, the Uber driver's phone screen will flash like a strobe light, it will advise riders that the driver is deaf or hard of hearing.

Leaders in the deaf and hard of hearing community praised Uber for its technology innovations. “These Uber app updates showcase a demonstrated commitment to make addressing specific situations faced by the deaf and hard-of-hearing population a priority," said Don Cullen, Director of Public Relaitons for Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Inc. Howard Rosenblum, the CEO of The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) commended Uber on behalf of the NAD "for enhancing their mobile app to improve communications between drivers and passengers, regardless of whether they are hearing or deaf."

Friend's Car Triggers Woman's PTSD

On June 18th, 2015, a reader wrote in to Detroit Free Press’ Amy Dickinson’s column, Ask Amy, for advice. The woman faced a significant dilemma when she encountered the car of a new friend she made. The problem is that the care is the exact make, model, and color, of a car that was involved in the death of her infant son. However, this new friend is the closest friend she has made since moving to a new area. So, should she lose a friend as she is unable to ever ride in the vehicle and face painful memories or should she pretend that she isn’t suffering from Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and grin and bear it?

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Many people don’t realize it, but car accidents, especially ones that results in death, can be a very traumatic event for people to experience. Car accidents can scar a person with major anxieties and severe depression. Even years after an automobile crash, victims of PTSD may be triggered to remember the traumatic event even by the most minor reminders. For example, hearing a car horn, driving by the scene of the accident, or in the case of Amy’s reader, seeing a car the same make, model, or color of a car involved in the crash, may bring back memories of the motor vehicle accident. Some people even struggle to get into a car let alone drive a car, after a traumatic crash.

The only treatments for PTSD include various types of therapy and sometimes medications. Some of these therapies include cognitive therapy, exposure therapy, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. Sometimes these therapies are combined with pharmaceutical treatments such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications, which are prescribed in order to help people cope with the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. 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. 

We do not know if Amy’s reader is undergoing therapy, but Detroit Free Press writer Amy gives her good advice when she tells her to tell her friend about the problem with her car. She also says, “Ideally your friend's possession of this vehicle might help you replace the terrible and traumatic association with a more benign one.” With the right therapy or counseling, this reader may be able to do just that. As always, victims of automobile accidents who feel the anxiety and depression of PTSD should follow the advice of their medical care providers. 

Of course, PTSD is not the only negative consequence of being involved in a motor vehicle accident. Aside from mental injuries, car accidents more often cause physical injuries. If you have been physically or mentally injured in a car accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our experienced attorneys help victims of car and motorcycle crashes handle insurance company problems and make sure that any medical bills are paid. Speak to a lawyer today by calling 844.4MI.FIRM, for a free consultation. Our attorneys will make sure you are compensated for any pain and suffering you may be entitled to under Michigan law. 



SMART Bus Accident In Redford Township, Michigan

On Tuesday, June 23, 2015, several people were injured in a crash. According to CBS Detroit. the car accident occurred in Redford Township, Michigan, and it involved a SMART bus, an armored vehicle, and a cement truck. The crash occurred just before noon on Grand Rover Avenue, between Beech Daly Road Inkster Road. The Total Armored car was traveling eastbound when it suffered an unknown mechanical failure, sideswiped a cement truck, and finally came to rest after it crashed into the SMART bus.

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Redford Police officer, Jonathan Strong, said that one person in the armored vehicle was injured, along with multiple SMART bus passengers. The amount of bus passengers injured was not specified, but none of the injuries were thought to be life-threatening. “It crashed into the bus, but there could have been more damage,” Officer Strong said. The front passenger-side wheel was lost off of the armored truck, but no cash was spilled into the streets of Redford Township, MI. The money from the truck was transferred to another vehicle safely before the truck was towed away.

According to Journalist's Resource a publication associated with the Harvard Kennedy School Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy, in 2010, a study was conducted by the University of Michigan's Transportation Research Institute regarding bus accidents. They examined data from traffic accidents between 1999 and 2005, and researchers found that on average, 63,000 buses are involved in an accident each year in the U.S. They also found that of these accidents, about 14,000  resulted in injured passengers, around 325 resulted in a fatal injury.

If you have been injured in a bus, truck, car, or motorcycle crash, call us at 844.MI.FIRM. The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC offers free consultations to those who have been injured in accidents. Our accident lawyers will work hard to recover any and all available benefits under Michigan law, including pain and suffering compensation.

The Samsung Safety Truck

Time and time again on the road drivers get stuck behind semi-trucks. It can be even more frustrating when you're behind them on a two-lane highway. Drivers in this situation have a tendency to edge out into the opposite lane to peer ahead, and wonder if it's a good time to pass the 18-wheeler. In many cases, if the driver is not careful, a car accident can occur, most likely a head on collision with a driver traveling in the opposite direction.

Semi Truck Accident Attorney

This major issue and the reason why most accidents occur in this situation is due to drivers not being able to see the entire roadway clearly in front of the semi-truck. Even if the truck slows down to help you pass quicker, there is still a lot of ground to be covered in a short amount of time. In order to prevent crashes in these situation, Samsung is developing a solution.

According to Trucking News Online, Samsung says it is on the road to developing a solution for this passing predicament. Samsung is working on something called, The Safety Truck. This truck contains a wireless camera system, which connects to a big screen on the back of the truck. This screen will give drivers a view of what's going on in front of the truck, during both the day and night. This screen will help drivers decide whether or not it is safe to pass the semi-truck, and will ultimately prevent accidents and save lives.

A video shot by Samsung is below.  It demonstrates the safety advantages of having a flat screen attached to the back of a semi-truck showing what is actually in front of the truck.  

According to the Washington Post, "[t]he camera is equipped with night vision and should also help drivers be more prepared in the event of a sudden stop if, say, an animal jumps out in front of a truck." Innovative thinking like this is be best way to decrease motor vehicle accidents and increase the safety of drivers in both Michigan and around the world. 

If you have been injured in an accident involving a semi-truck, or any other type of accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our experienced auto accident attorneys will help crash victims deal with insurance companies, pay for medical bills, and ease your road to recovery. Call us today at 844.4MI.FIRM or click below for a free consultation.

Ford Recalls Escapes and Transits

As of Wednesday, June 24, 2015, Ford Motor Company is issuing two recalls in North America. The recalls pertain to the Escape and Transit vehicles.  So far there have been no injuries or car accidents reported from the potentially dangerous conditions found in these vehicles. According to Click On Detroit, Ford is recalling approximately 203,500 2014-2015 Transit Connect and Escape vehicles for an issue with the instrument panel cluster. Upon starting the vehicle, the instrument cluster, warning chimes, and warning lights may not work. If these issues don't work as intended, it could increase he risk of a car accident.

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The potentially dangerous 2014-2015 Transit Connect vehicles that have the issue were built at the Valencia Assembly Plant in Spain, and the Escape vehicles were built at the Louisville Assembly Plant. There are 203,445 affected Ford vehicles in North America, including 182,520 in the United States, 18,226 in Canada, and 2,699 in Mexico. This is not the first recall Ford has issued in 2015. According to USA Today, in April of 2015, Ford issued a recall for late-model Ford Fiestas, Fusions, and Lincoln MKZ sedans due to faulty latches that can allow to doors to fly open while the car is being driven, again increasing the risk for motor vehicle accidents.

In addition to this recall, Ford is issuing a safety compliance recall for some 2015 Transit vehicles in the United States regarding a seat belt safety label concern. These vehicles have a special order seat belt for the front passenger. The vehicles that were made with this special order seat belt were labeled incorrectly and do not contain the correct information regarding the seat belt. Ford is not aware of any crashes or injuries related to this safety warning concern. In cars, recalls and faults like these happen frequently, and in many cases can unfortunately lead to auto accidents.  When this happens, it is important to contact an experienced accident attorney shortly after the accident so you are made aware of your rights under Michigan law.

Car accidents oftentimes lead to serious injuries including, traumatic brain injuries, broken or fractured bones, herniated discs, nerve damage, and even depression.  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 we specialize in handling insurance issues, assisting with medical expenses, and retrieving pain and suffering benefits as allowed by Michigan law. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Metro Airport Shuttle Buses in Detroit, Michigan

Beginning next spring, the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) of Southeast Michigan, plans for airport shuttle bus service to and from Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties, as well as the city of Detroit, to be launched. According to the Detroit Free Press, the program is expected to be similar to one in operation in Ann Arbor.. The program in Ann Arbor launched in 2012 with 58,000 passenger bus trips in the first year, and last year that number rose to 71,000. This was launched by the current CEO of RTA, Michael Ford.

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It's still unknown how much the bus rides would cost on the RTA Shuttle, but the Ann Arbor AirRide service chargers people $12 per trip. The service makes 13 stops per day and stops at both the McNamara and North terminals of the Metro Airport. The new service is expected to run similarly to this and have around the same prices. The cost to operate the service is also unknown. The CEO, Michael Ford, said that it could cost anywhere between $5 million and $10 million per year. No money has been set aside yet, but Ford says that funding grants are possible, and that eventually fares would pay for it. The buses have been designed to have 42 seats, WiFi connectivity, luggage racks, as well as being able to accommodate wheelchairs.The new buses would be well equipped for the modern traveler in terms of comfort, practicality, and technology.

Bus tops would be limited to one or two locations in each area to allow for a faster trip — a key problem with current bus service to the Detroit Metro Airport. Ford said the agency will be "strategic" in how it selects the stops, focusing on places with high population density and parking.

If you have been injured on a city bus, school bus, or any other type of bus or shuttle, contact an lawyer at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our accident lawyers handle all types of personal injury cases, including those who were injured on public transportation buses. Call us today at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation..

Yoga Helps Man With Traumatic Brain Injury

Recently, yoga has become very common workout for people trying to stay in shape. There are also many other benefits to yoga such as relieving stress, becoming flexible, preventing injuries, and calming your mind. Now, there is a use for it that many people do not know about. According to NBC affiliate, Kare 11 News, yoga therapy is significantly helping 60-year-old Steve Stoner of Hugo, Minneapolis with various symptoms associates with his traumatic brain injury (TBI).

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Two years ago, Steve Stoner fell down a flight of stairs at home. From falling down the stairs, Steve was in the local hospital for five months with a traumatic brain injury. His wife said, “[h]e had to learn how to breathe on his own again, eat on his own again, walk, and talk.” Once Steve had been released from the hospital, he and his wife Yvonne began doing yoga at home and at a local rehabilitation center as part of Steve's recovery plan. “It's a class that I do, that I enjoy, and my brain enjoys it and my body enjoys it,” said Stoner.

"You can work on these separate areas that each patient with a brain injury may have -- their balance, their strength, their breathing -- which is ultimately very important, movement in general, posture, and stability," said Neurologist Dr, Ronald Tarrel of Noran Neurological Clinic and Abbott Nortwestern Hospital.

One of Steve's yoga therapy instructors, Sara Cahanes, has watched him improve over the past year. “Not only has balanced improved, coordination has improved,” said Cahanes. Steve's wife said that yogo has brought calm to their lives and reduced their stress. Steve always feels good after a session and has mastered some of the many difficult poses.  Through yoga therapy Steve was also able to lower his pain levels from the tragic accident and take a step in the right direction towards getting his old life back.

If you or someone close to you has sustained significant injuries in an accident, contact an injury lawyer today at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our accident attorneys specialize in all types of personal injury cases. Call 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Summer Driving Tips – On The Road

In addition to putting safety first and checking your vehicle before you leave for the road, the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) has shared some summer driving tips for when you're driving on the road in order to prevent car accidents. 

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  • Focus on the road

  • Do not get distracted while driving

  • Share the road

  • Do not drive impaired

While driving, your only responsibilities should be to keep your eyes on the road, hands on the wheel, and concentrating on the task of driving. Long distance drives can be tiring and tedious. While on these drives it can be tempting to give into distractions in order to make time go by faster. A phone call or text message is not worth risking your life, the passengers lives, and lives of other drivers on the road. Distracted driving is considered as anything that takes your attention away from the road. You should always refrain from activities that take your eyes off the road. Law enforcement officers across the country, and especially in the state of Michigan are now using innovative strategies in order to enforce their state's distracted driving laws.

In addition to staying focused on the road and avoiding distracted driving, you should always share the road. When the weather is warmer in the summer time there tends to be more cars, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. These road users are much more vulnerable as they do not have the protection of a car or truck. To avoid motor vehicle accidents, you should leave a good distance from other vehicles, be mindful of pedestrians, and always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic.

Impaired driving should be avoided at all times when driving a car. Impaired driving may involve drugs, alcohol, or other substances which affect the driver's state of mind or reaction time. According to the NHTSA, every 52 minutes, someone in the United States dies in an alcohol-impaired-driving crash. Drugs and alcohol can impair you in multiple ways including perception, judgment, motor skills, memory skills that are critical for safe and responsible driving. Driving impaired puts the drivers life at risk, as well as other drivers on the road. You should always be responsible and do not drink and drive. If you plan to drink on a night out, make sure you have a designated driver.

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.

Summer Driving Tips – Safety First

During summer time, Metro Detroit roads tend to get busier than any other time of the year. In order to stay safe on the road, the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) has shared some driving tips focusing on putting safety first in order to minimize car accidents.

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  • Protect the Children

  • Always wear a seat belt

  • Summer Safety Alert

  • Stay Alert

When traveling with children, your number one priority should be to keep them safe. You should make sure that children in the car with you are in a car seat, booster seat, or wearing a seat belt that is best suited to protect them. If you child is 13 years of age or younger, they should always ride in the backseat of the car. As well as keeping your child safe, it is important that everyone else in the vehicle is safe too, in order to prevent injuries that may arise from car accidents, if one were to happen. All passengers must be wearing a seat belt at all times under Michigan law. You should set an example by always putting your seat belt on right away when you enter the car.

In addition to the above tips on keeping children safe, there are other dangers that should be looked at as well. Heatstroke can be common during the summer. It can occur when a child is left unattended in a parked car. You should never leave a child alone in the car, not even for a couple of minutes or with the engine running. According to the NHTSA, if the temperature outside is in the low 80s, the temperature inside the vehicle can reach deadly levels in only a few minutes. The body temperature of a child's body raises 3 to 5 times faster than that of an adult.

Lastly, staying alert on the road is equally as important. Long road trips can be tough on children, and in return, tough on you. It's important to plan accordingly by planning time along the way to take a group stretch, get something to eat or drink, return calls or text messages, and change drivers if you are tired. Staying over night at a hotel can make a trip a lot less tiring and overall easier for everyone. You should also bring along some of your children's favorite books or movies, so that the trip will go faster for them and there will be less distractions for you.

Following these summer driving tips can help your safety on the road. However, 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.

Summer Driving Tips

During summer, kids are out of school, adults get time off work, and that means people spend drivers are on the road. Teenage drivers will be driving to friends houses, families will be taking long road trips for vacation, and much more. In order to keep safe on the road, the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) has shared some driving tips about things you should do before you leave for your drive in order to prevent car accidents.

  • Check your vehicle's tire pressure at least once a month.

  • Examine your wiper blades for wear and tear.

  • Check your cooling system.

  • Check your fluid levels.

  • Check all of your lights.

  • Check your air conditioning performance.

It's important to check your car's tire pressure, especially when they're cold. All tires naturally lose air over time, and under-inflation is the number one cause of tire failure. The correct tire pressure for your vehicle can be found on the driver's door pillar or in the owner's manual. You should also take time to check your tires for uneven wear. According to the NHTSA, if the tread of your tires is worn down to 1/16 off an inch, it's time to replace your tires.

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After heavy amounts of rain and snow from the winter months, especially in Michigan, windshield wipers may need to be replaced. Wiper blades are also extremely vulnerable in heat, and if they aren't in mint condition, you should invest in new ones before you take off. Another important thing to check is your cooling system. When the engine hasn't been running and the engine is cool, you should should check your coolant level to make sure it is full. The radiator in your vehicle needs the right levels of water and coolant in order to function properly. Similar to coolant levels, you should also check your car's oil level. Oil, brake, transmission, power, steering, and windshield washer fluids are all equally important and should be at high levels before you leave.

Also, In addition to these tips, you should also ensure that all of your car's  lights are working including headlights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers, interior lights, and trailer lights. When these lights don't work, it can be a serious hazard. Air conditioning is also important to check. Lack of air conditioning on hot summer days can lead to dehydration and other health issues.

If your vehicle has any problems with these features they can possibly lead to motor vehicle accidents. If you have been injured in any type of auto accident, contact a lawyer at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our Metro Detroit accident lawyers are experienced in handling all types of auto accident and motorcycle accident cases. Call 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation today.

Keeping Children Safe On Bicycles

All around the world, kids enjoy riding their bicycles. Bike riding can be enjoyable for children, but it can also be dangerous if the proper safety precautions are not taken in advance. To ensure safety when riding a bike, practice is key. Before taking off on their own, children should practice and learn the basics such as starting and stopping, looking over their shoulders, signaling to vehicles, and riding in a straight line. By practicing and building confidence, children are less likely to be involved in an accident.

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Another tip to help the safety of children while riding a bicycle involves the size of the bike. Your child should never use a bicycle that is too large or too small. You should only use a bike that is the correct size. In order to stay safe while riding a bicycle a helmet must be worn at all times to avoid some of the risk of serious injury. Falling off of a bike can often lead to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). All helmets work to a certain extent, but they're more effective when they fit properly. The helmet should fit low on a child's forehead, approximately 2 fingers above the eyebrow. As well as this, your child should be able to look up and see the helmet. If your child cannot see the helmet when he or she looks up, the helmet is too far back.

In addition to these tips, your children should also make sure their bicycles are ready to go before they take off. Before every ride, check to ensure the bike's tires are adequately inflated, makes sure the brakes are working, and check that the chain is properly connected. As well as this, being street smart can also increase your children's safety. Kids always need to be alert while riding a bicycle, so they should never wear headphones or use cell phones while riding.  These distractions may lead to increased risk of a bike accident.  Children should also ride on a sidewalk when it's possible. If no sidewalk is available, they should ride in the same direction of the traffic on the road.  Always obey all traffic signals and local traffic ordinances. 

Following these tips can help the safety of your children when riding bicycles. However, even if these guidelines are followed, there is still a possibility of being involved in an accident. If you have been injured in a car or motorcycle crash, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our Birmingham, MI attorneys are highly experienced in dealing with car, truck, and bike 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.

Two Car Incidents On I-96 In Detroit, Michigan

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On Monday, June 22, 2015, at around 4 am, a car accident occurred in Detroit, Michigan on the eastbound lanes of I-96 near Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. As reported by Click On Detroit, Detroit Police said a driver was on his way to work when a silver or gold Chrysler started "brake-checking" in front of him. The driver then tried to go around the Chrysler, but was forced into a wall and held at gunpoint. People from the Chrysler then stole his car. After his car was stolen he walked to the nearest gas station and called the police for help.

Shortly after this incident occurred, a driver heading westbound on the I-96 called the police to report another accident. The driver passing the accident told the police that it looked like an incident involving 3 vehicles. Police said that the driver was sideswiped by a Chrysler 200. They also reported that someone inside the Chrysler then exited the vehicle and fired a shot at the driver. Despite being shot at, the driver was able to put his car in reverse and exit the scene unharmed. Police say the other two vehicles involved in the incident were a Dodge Charger and possibly a Chevy Cobalt, which was stolen during the first incident. The car that was originally stolen in the first accident was found by police at around 5:45 am, which nothing stolen from the car.

Both carjackings and motor vehicle accidents are do occur in the United States, as well as in Michigan. According to the Association for Safe International Road Travel, around 37,000 people die in road crashes per year in the US. In Michigan, according to Michigan Traffic Crash Facts, in 2014, there were 876 car accident fatalities. With Carjackings, as reported by Global Security Experts, 38,000 carjackings occur per year in the US, and according to the Detroit Free Press, in 2014, there were 545 carjackings in Detroit, Michigan, alone.

If you are have been injured in a car accident or carjacking, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our accident attorneys are available to help you with questions regarding 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.

Car Sharing Doesn't Affect New Car Sales

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In the recent past, futurists believed that millennials aren't that interested in owning cars and trucks, due to the amount of car sharing. Despite these predictions, car sharing might not effect the car industry after all. As reported by, Detroit Free Press, for the first time since the housing bubble of around a decade ago, new vehicle sales are running at levels like they used to be. However, at the same time, according to the University of California Berkeley Sustainability Research Center, in 2014, 1.3 million Americans belonged to a car-sharing network, which was a 34% increase from 2013.

“In fact, a new segment of the car-share industry is also expanding, renting out your personal vehicle to strangers in much the same way Airbnb.com rents out your residence to travelers, if you're out of town or on your own vacation. The San Francisco-based vehicle-share program, which launched in 2009, is called Getaround and has expanded this year to Washington DC, Portland, Ore., and Chicago.”

Millennials, who are now the largest demographic block in the United States, are not abandoning buying cars. 27 percent of new vehicles purchased in the US last year were accounted for by those born after 1980, which is an 18% increase from 2010. Customers are buying cars as well as sharing vehicles. Car sharing is expanding through companies like Zipcar, which is a company much like Getaround. Zipcar car rents out cars to people for as little as one hour, or even up to a week. People can rent a car and don't have to pay for gas unless they use more than 180 miles. In southeast Michigan, Zipcar rents 47 vehicles from 25 locations in Detroit, 43 vehicles from Ann Arbor, and 7 vehicles from East Lansing. Zipcar charges $70 per year or $70 per month, with a $25 activation fee.

Whether or not you have your own vehicle or car share, cars are deadly weapons which can lead to accidents. If you have been injured in a car or motorcycle crash, call us today at 844.MI.FIRM. The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC offers free consultations to those who have been injured in accidents. Our accident attorneys will work hard to recover any and all available benefits under Michigan Law.  


68-Year-Old Woman Runs Herself Over

On Tuesday, June 9, 2015, a 68-year-old grandmother died after accidentally running herself over. This motor vehicle accident occurred at around 3:20 pm, when the woman arrived at her home in her 2005 Mitsubishi SUV, with her 6-year-old grandchild in the backseat. According to the Detroit Free Press, she left the transmission in reserve as she exited the vehicle and the car backed over her, pulling her under the wheels.

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There were neighbors who witnessed the car accident, who immediately ran over the try and help and called 911. Justin Stokes, one of the witnesses, was on the phone at the time, when he saw a car lying in the middle of the street and an elderly woman lying in her front yard. "It was a bad scene," Stokes said. He added, "I tried to help the kids stop crying ... I tried to stay relaxed." The name of the grandmother has not been released, but she was taken to Royal Oak Beaumont Hospital by Warren Fire EMS, where she died of head injuries. Luckily, the grandchild in the backseat was not injured.

According to studies by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, among both genders, the amount of fatalities and fatality rate has steadily declined with the age group of under 16, whereas the 51-55 age group had the highest increase in fatalities. Among females, the over-65 age group, which is the one this accident victim belongs to, had the highest number of fatalities followed by the 16-to-20 age group.

If you have been injured in a car crash similar to this one, or any motor vehicle accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our accident lawyers specialize in helping victims of car accidents deal with insurance companies, pay for medical bills, and easing your road to recovery. Call us today for a free consultation at 844.4MI.FIRM.

Repairs Of The Millionth Corvette

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Recently, repair began for the one-millionth Corvette that fell through the floor of the National Corvette Museum, in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Over a year ago, on February 12, 2014, the car fell through 30 feet into a sinkhole of the Museum, which did as much damage to the car, as a severe car accident could. The Corvette is currently being repaired by experts at General Motors' (GM) design center in Warren, Michigan. According to the Detroit Free Press, the restored car should return to the National Corvette Museum by Labor Day.

General Motors is doing their best to keep all of the original parts of the vehicle. During the accident, the metal frame for the windshield collapsed and when the car arrived at the GM design center it resembled a crumpled tin can. Despite the part being close to destroyed, GM did their best to salvage it, and continues to do so with other parts of the vehicle. As the car was being moved down the assembly line when it was built, assembly workers at the Bowling Green Assembly Plant signed the inside of the car. GM intends to be able to save all of the signatures, despite the damage to the vehicle.

"There's only one car that's the millionth Corvette, and we want to save as many of the original parts as possible," - David Bolognino, director of GM Design Fabrication.

As of now, the repairs of the car have included straightening the frame and restoring the car to running condition. The next steps of the process include cleaning and repairing the interior and seats. Repairs are being done in one of GM's inner sanctums, a sparkling clean garage where the company puts on finishing touches for secret concept cars. As mentioned above, GM plans to have the car ready for Labor Day, in time for the Corvette Museum's 21st anniversary.

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 crashes receive the care they deserve without having to pay for it. Our experienced attorneys will deal with insurance companies for you, so that you can focus on your recovery. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Michigan Driver Crashes Directly Into A Residential Home

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On Friday, June 5, 2015, at about 7:30 pm, a 61-year-old man accidentally crashed his car into a residential home home in the Metro Detroit area. The man driving the vehicle was from Sterling Heights, Michigan, and the accident occurred near the intersection of 23 Mile Road and Ryan Road. The car sideswiped another motor vehicle and lost control when it crashed into the home. The crash sparked a gas leak, which caused the homeowners and the neighbors to evacuate their homes. The driver of the vehicle was not injured and neither were the two people in the home.

The driver of the vehicle told investigators that he “was unable to stop his Toyota Avalon due to his accelerator sticking.”  No additional information has been made available to suggest that Toyota is at fault. 

The driver of the vehicle was lucky not to have been injured in the accident. According to the Association For Safe International Travel, 1.3 million people die in automobile crashes each year globally, which is an average of 3,287 deaths per day. An addition to this, 20-50 million are injured or disabled from car accidents. The numbers are also concerning for the United States' statistics, with over 37,000 people dying in car crashes annually, and an additional 2.35 million injuries.

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.

Training Program Improves Long-Term TBI Symptoms

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can potentially lead to many long-term symptoms such as depression, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, headaches, and even dizziness. Recently, according to Neurology Now, a cognitive training program was designed that may help improve these symptoms even 10 years after the injury. Neurology Now relied in part on the University of Texas at Dallas' Center for BrainHealth. Researches developed and tested an 18-hour training program called SMART (Strategic Memory Advanced Reasoning Training) over a period of 8 weeks, with a group of TBI patients that mostly had the initial injury over 10 years ago.

Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer

During the study, 31 TBI patients participated in the SMART program. All of the patients had cognitive or physiological symptoms, such as difficulty carrying out daily tasks and problem solving. During the program, patients learned multiple strategies that would help them improve their attention, reasoning, and innovative thinking skills. To improve the patients' concentration, researchers taught the patients to identify and block out distractions, which would then help you focus better on a single task.

After the eight week program, the TBI patients took a reading test, and found that they improved their ability to gasp abstract concepts by 20 percent, and they also improved their memory by 30 percent. In addition to this, researchers found that patients who participated had a more than 25 percent increase in blood flow to the affected brain regions. If future tests and studies confirm these results, then the SMART program could be added the growing amount of cognitive training programs for treating the long term effects of traumatic brain injuries.

“These cognitive and psychological improvements could also have a positive impact on one’s confidence, cognitive control, sense of well-being, and self-worth” - Researchers of the SMART program

If you have been injured in a car accident and receive a traumatic brain injury, contact a lawyer today at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our accident attorneys specialize in all types of personal injury cases. Call 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation today.

Injections for Spine Injuires

Injections of anti-inflammatory steroid medications for back and neck pain are becoming very common. According to the Harvard Health Blog which is maintained by Harvard Medical School, in 2011, there were 2.3 million steroid injections into the spines of people experiencing back pain billed to Medicare alone. These injections are taken to help reduce inflammation and help relieve pain, by delivering drugs that mimic the effects of two hormones, cortisone and hydrocortisone. They injections don't always work, but when they do, they bring significant relief to many patients' pain and suffering.

“If you are in severe pain with a ruptured spinal disc and you get a steroid injection, you are going to feel better sooner,” says Dr. James P. Rathmell, MD, professor of anesthesia at Harvard Medical School. “That’s the good part.” 
Spinal Injection Lawyer

Although there can be risks when receiving a spinal injection, the risks are considered to be minimal. Dr. Rathmell has said that it's hard to know exactly how often spinal injections go wrong. “My belief, based on the small numbers that are out there, is that it's probably less than one in 10,000,” Dr. Rathmell says. It is uncommon for spinal injection to go awry, but it is important to be aware of the risks.

“I think it is terrific when someone comes in and asks if they can be paralyzed by this injection,” he says. “That’s the perfect question to ask. The answer is yes, but the chances of that are extraordinarily low. Then I describe exactly what I’m going to do to make it as low as humanly possible.” - Dr. Rathmell, MD.

Everything considered, spine injections may be a central part of the treatment plan for many victims of injury accidents.  Always consult with your doctor regard the best course of medical treatment.  In many cases, conservative treatment options are recommended first before spinal injections. 

Motor vehicle accidents can potentially cause injuries where spinal injections would be an available treatment option. If you have been injured in a car or motorcycle 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.

Contaminated Drinking Water in Flint, Michigan

As of Wednesday, June 3, 2015, it was found that thousands of Michigan residents are being exposed to potentially contaminated drinking water. This contaminated water could possibly pose threats to residents' health and well-being. In April 2014, the city of Flint, Michigan, which is about 70 miles northwest of Detroit, with a population of around 100,000, withdrew from the Detroit water system, and began using water from the Flint River instead.

Contaminated River Water

After this transition by the city of Flint, Michigan, safety tests were conducted, and the results showed high levels of TTHM in the drinking water, which violates the Safe Drinking Water Act. According to Think Progress, TTHM, otherwise known as trihalomethane, is a byproduct of chlorine disinfection. As reported by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, exposure to TTHM or consumption of the chemicals can pose significant health risks. In the past, The Flint River has had issues with poor water quality due to industrial pollution in the area.

While residents continue to pay high prices to consume unsafe water, members of Congress hope to find a legislative solution. “This is not a Detroit issue, a Highland Park issue, a Flint issue,” said Rep. Christine Greig (D-Farmington Hills) at the hearing. “This is a Michigan issue.” Rep. Sheldon Neeley (D-Flint) hopes the hearing will serve as a framework for future legislation to protect the Flint residents’ right to safe drinking water.

Many found out about the possible contaminated water in January, after a federal notice was sent out to Flint residents. At a hearing on Wednesday, June 5, 2015, Flint residents told the court stories of rashes and other medical problems from drinking the water. Residents complained about be forced to buy bottled water and having to take their clothes to the laundromat. According to the Detroit Free Press, the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department offered to reconnect Flint to its water System, but the city of Flint chose not to due to price concerns. Some say the water in the city of Flint is slowly becoming less contaminated, but one of the eight water testing sights still shows high levels of TTHM.  

Detroit, Michigan Carjacking Caught By Surveillance

Earlier this morning, at around 2 am., there was a carjacking at a Detroit Valero gas station. According to Click On Detroit, the car jacking happened on Detroit's west side at the gas station at the intersection of Fenkell Ave. and Wyoming Ave. The victim was walking towards his Dodge Magnum, which was parked in front of the gas station, when a man with a gun ambushed him. The victim was held at gunpoint, threw his keys on the ground, and backed away. The carjacker grabbed the keys off of the ground and took off with the victim's motor vehicle.

Shortly after the incident, the Highland Park police found the vehicle at the intersection of West Grand Blvd. and Woodward Ave. Four men were seen inside the car, and were then seen fleeing the vehicle and running from the police. Below you can find video footage of the carjacking.

According to Global Security Experts, 38,000 carjackings occur per year in the United States, and a weapon is used in the carjacking 74 percent of the time. Each year, there are about 15 murders related to carjacking. In addition to this, 63 percent of carjackings occur within 5 miles of the victim's home. According to the Detroit Free Press, in 2013, there were 782 carjackings in Detroit, Michigan, and in 2014, there were 545. Out of the carjackings this year so far in Detroit, 51 percent of them were between 9 pm. And 3.am., and 15 percent of them occurred at gas stations, like this one.

If you have been injured in a car accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our accident lawyers 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.