Semi Truck Involved In Road Rage Accident

On Tuesday, December 1, 2015 Michigan State Police reported a semi involved in a hit-and-run accident on I-69 near N. Drive in Calhoun County's, Convis Township, Michigan. Troopers said the crash is part of a road-rage incident between two drivers that happened around 11:30 A.M. Both trucks were travelling northbound when the unnamed driver of one of the trucks became aggressive towards the other driver, who was also unnamed. Words were exchanged between the drivers and the suspect became violent.

truck accident lawyer

According to The Detroit Free Press, the suspect pulled his truck ahead of the victim and swerved to the right, causing the victim to drive off the road and into a nearby ditch, flipping over his truck. The driver of the flipped car, a 39 year old man from Otsego, Michigan, sustained minor injuries and was treated at Oaklawn Hospital in Marshall, Michigan. 

Troopers are seeking help identifying and capturing the driver of the truck which caused the collision. A video was taken from a dashboard camera in the victim's truck and can be seen on The Detroit Free Press website. 

As stated in a previous blog post, using common courtesy on the road can potentially help prevent road rage and ultimately save lives. 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’s easy to get angry while driving; it happens to everyone. However, it is important that drivers remain as calm as possible while on the road, so as to avoid car crashes. Many people joke about road rage but it is a serious problem. No amount of anger is worth losing a life. 

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

Rear View Cameras To Be Mandatory for Automobiles by 2018

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has added a new rule to save lives on the roads. The new law will force car manufactures to add rear view cameras to automobiles under 10,000 pounds by May of 2018.

Automobile technology would need to  "come equipped with rear visibility technology that expands the field of view to enable the driver of a motor vehicle to detect areas behind the vehicle to reduce death and injury resulting from back over incidents. The field of view must include a 10-foot by 20-foot zone directly behind the vehicle. The system must also meet other requirements including image size, linger time, response time, durability, and deactivation."

The vast number of collisions that occur every year are a major reason for this new law. According to the NHTSA there are 210 causalities and 15,000 injuries caused by back-over accidents every year. The U.S. Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx spoke about the importance of protecting those most "vulnerable" in these situations "our children and our seniors." The NHTSA found  "that children under 5 years old account for 31 percent of back-over fatalities each year, and adults 70 years of age and older account for 26 percent."

car accident lawyer

   Saving lives has been the main objective of this new law. Manufactures have already began installing rear view cameras into many models on the roads already.People even have the option to install a rear view camera onto their older model cars without the feature. Lawmakers wanted to ensure that the law was feasible for manufactures to accommodate the massive amount of cars on the road. The new ruling is projected to save 58 to 69 lives each year. 

   Increasing rear view visibility for automobiles will ensure safer roadways for everyone. Rear view cameras will decrease a drivers blind-spots thus creating a more informed drivers. The feature will be a godsend for many and for those who have suffered as a result of back over collisions its a much needed improvement.

If you have been involved in a back- over accident due to someone's negligence, contact a lawyer at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Attorneys at the Michigan Law Firm, PLLC are skilled in dealing with automobile accident cases. Call 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation today.

Contact Us | Michigan Accident Attorneys | The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC

Tell The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC today about your injury case. We handle car accident, slip and fall, dog bite lawsuits throughout Michigan.  We offer free consultations

 

A Helmet Alternative That Can Make Bicycling Safer

Detroit, Michigan is quickly becoming a city filled with a substantial bike culture. As more and more people decide to find alternative forms of transportation for various reasons, biking continues to be a heavy favorite, with its main rival being car sharing apps. As the trend continues, it is important for bicyclists to have safety equipment that gives them adequate protection and makes them visible to drivers on the roads.

bicycle accident lawyer

 

Roadways in Detroit, Michigan, like many other cities, are increasing in traffic and congestion. Cities are dealing with collisions from pedestrians, automobiles, and an increasing amount of bicyclists. Many of these collisions involving bicyclists are the result of limited visibility.

A new product called Lumos, aims to rid roadways of these occurrences. Lumos is a helmet that includes a LED display which more clearly showcases bike riders and has turn signals. This is another Kickstarter product which has the potential to save lives and create a sustainable line of communication between cars and bicyclists on the road. 

The U.S Department of Transportation found that "bicyclist and pedestrian injuries and fatalities have steadily increased since 2009. The 5-year trend for bicyclist fatalities rose to 726 fatalities in 2012—the highest in 5 years. Additionally, 76,000 pedestrians and 49,000 bicyclists were injured in 2012. As a percentage of the total motor vehicle-related deaths in 2012, pedestrian fatalities represented 14.1 percent and bicyclist fatalities represented 2.2 percent, for a total of 16.3 percent of the total." This data showcases that there is a needed for safer roads for bicyclists. The Lumos helmet just might be the remedy which allow bikers to enjoy themselves without worrying about automobile driver negligence.

If you have been involved in a bicycle accident due to a driver's negligence, contact a lawyer at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Attorneys at the Michigan Law Firm, PLLC are highly skilled in helping victims of car accidents receive the highest amount for pain and suffering they may be entitled to under Michigan law. Call 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation today.

Contact Us | Michigan Accident Attorneys | The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC

Tell The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC today about your injury case. We offer free consultations.

Semi Truck Driver Killed On I-275

On Thursday afternoon, December 3, 2015, around 2:00 P.M., a semi truck driver passed away after hitting a crew of road workers on I-275 in Canton Township, Michigan. 

Michigan State Police still don't know the exact number of victims who were wiped out by the big truck. Along with the state force, The Canton Fire Department also arrived at the location of the accident to help the multiple victims.

semi truck accident

The Michigan State Police also have not yet reported the semi truck driver's name or the names of the workers who were hit by the big rig.

The accident involved so many people and took up so much space that the freeway was shut down on Michigan Ave, Exit 22. Canton PD said that this lane and exit closure will impact traffic delays in the area through the afternoon rush hours. Gridlock was moved toward Haggerty Road to get around it.

This motor vehicle accident reminds us that people should be careful driving near semi trucks on the roadway. The massive size of these trucks makes it difficult for the drivers of semis to make turns, merge lanes, or to look out for small cars in traffic. Because it is possible that an operator of a big rig can't see his blind spot, it's important for drivers to try to move away from the eighteen wheeler lane or give him the space he needs, specially on the freeway, so as to avoid car crashes.

If you been injured in an accident involving a semi truck, contact an attorney at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorney specialize in automobile accidents, including freeway accidents. Call us today for free consultation at 844.4MI.FIRM.

Smart Driving in Extreme Weather

Michigan State Police reported a massive traffic pileup on Saturday, January 10, 2015. The pileup was caused by an accident which happened Friday morning on I-94, west of Battle Creek, Michigan. Officials say that a whiteout snow storm may have been the cause of the accident. Drivers on the road were evacuated by bus due to the extreme weather conditions, according to The Detroit Free Press. 

Extreme weather conditions are the main cause for many car accidents. Fog, rain, hail, and whiteouts are all hazards faced by Michigan residents. A lot of the accidents are due to the visibility of the road being impaired and the inability to brake when needed. 

extreme weather accident

 "On average, there are over 5,870,000 vehicle crashes each year. Twenty-three percent (23%) of these crashes—nearly 1,312,000—are weather-related," according to Road Weather statistics. 

A majority of crashes also happen due to rain. Rain causes slippery roads and if the temperature is right, fog and ice can occur. And although many accidents happen due to ice and rain, strong enough winds can even cause auto accidents to occur in Michigan. During the majority of rainfalls, oil from the road rises to the top of the surface leading to less surface friction with car tires. Once a tire loses traction, it is sometimes nearly impossible to stop when trying to brake. 

Water and ice can also cause structural damage to the roads and streets, including, cracks in the pavement, potholes, sometimes missing pieces of pavement, and other road obstructions. Roads in Michigan are well known to residents as already being in bad condition. After a few tough winters, a smooth ride quickly turns into a bumpy road. The best thing to always do is to always practice safe driving by maintaining a safe distance from other cars, making sure to use proper turning signals, using high beams when appropriate, and avoiding distracting actions while driving, when attention to the road is most needed. 

Driving in Michigan weather can be unpredictable. If you or someone you know has ever been involved in any type of car accident resulting from extreme weather conditions such as black ice, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in dealing with all types of personal injury 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.    




Port Huron Woman Mauled By Two Dogs

On Thursday, December 3, 2015, a Port Huron, Michigan mother was mauled to death by two dogs. Rebecca Lillian-Kay Hard was found by police with extensive injuries to her neck and face shortly after 4:45 P.M. in the backyard of a residence at 1721 10th St. 

dog bite port huron lawyer

Officials still have no clue why Hardy jumped the gate and entered the fenced-in backyard of the home where a pit bull dog and a husky dog were being kept. The pit bull attacked Hardy first, when she entered the yard, according to The Detroit Free Press. 

"These were attack dogs. These were vicious dogs in an enclosed space," Oakland County Medical Examiner Ljubisa Dragovic said.

A witness attempted to help her, but was unsuccessful. The witness then entered the home in attempt to get help from the owner of the dogs. Finally, the witness and owner were able to get the dogs away from Hardy and called 9-1-1. Hardy was taken to Lake Huron Medical Center and was later flown to Beaumont Hospital where she unfortunately passed away from her injuries.

Ms. Hardy is survived by her fiancee and her 18-month-old daughter.

"She was full of life. She was my everything. She loved her daughter with everything,” said Hardy’s fiancee, Matthew Grattan. Hardy had recently been kicked out of her house. Grattan said that he and Hardy had an argument at his home, a few doors, down shortly before the incident. Grattan told officials that he assumes she went for a walk and attempted to take a shortcut through the alley using the resident’s backyard.

"Nobody was there, nobody knows what happened and why," Grattan said.

Several residents in the neighborhood report not being aware of anything until the police and ambulance arrived.   

The dog owner is cooperating fully, say officials. The dogs were taken to St. Clair County Animal Control, where they are being quarantined.

If you or someone you know has been attacked by a pit bull or any dog, contact our lawyers at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our lawyers specialize in all types of injury cases, including dog bites. Calls us today for free consultation at 844.4MI.FIRM. 


Autonomous Vehicles May Free Drivers Of Parking Woes

Autonomous vehicles on the road may rid drivers of many hassles in cities. According to The United Nations, already heavily populated cities will continue to grow and eventually contain 66 percent of the world's population, by 2050. With the increase of city populations, cars will be the next thing to increase in number. This can make an already difficult city driving experience even more dreadful.

car parking lot lawyer

While we've discussed autonomous cars many times in previous blog posts, this instance stands out. This is because automaker Audi is currently working on an autonomous vehicle, specifically in an effort to alleviate drivers of the unwanted turmoil of parking. This autonomous car has the potential of saving time and easing tensions on the roads. It has the capability to decrease the time involved in finding a parking space and the space needed to fit the car, without damaging any vehicles.

Technology that would allow a car to park itself would help drivers avoid car accidents and would avoid collisions in crowded city parking lots. This is good news for those Michigan drivers with road rage.

An additional benefit of self-driving cars is that they produce less pollution than human controlled cars.  "The environmental ramifications are enormous...a 2008 study...found that drivers spent an average of 3.1 minutes searching for parking space and covered an average distance of .37 miles. Extrapolate those figures...people roaming...created 366,000 excess vehicle miles of travel—that’s equivalent to 14 trips around the planet—and added 325 tons of CO2 in one year."

However good autonomous cars may be, they are not yet available to the public. Until autonomous vehicles become widespread, it is always important for drivers to be diligent and aware of their surroundings in parking lots. Looking both ways before backing out of a space or looking to see if someone else is backing out a space, will significantly lower the chance of a car collision.

If you have been involved in a parking lot accident due to someone's negligence, contact a lawyer at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Attorneys at the Michigan Law Firm, PLLC are skilled in dealing with automobile accident cases. Call 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation today.

Contact Us | Michigan Accident Attorneys | The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC

Tell The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC today about your injury case. We handle car accident, slip and fall, dog bite lawsuits throughout Michigan.  We offer free consultations

Potential Gasoline Leaks in Ford Cars

On Monday November 23, 2015, CNBC.com reported that Ford Motor Company recalled nearly 450,000 cars. Ford announced that some of their mid-sized cars had the potential of leaking gas from their fuel cans. The recall pertains to the gasoline vapor recovery canister. The canister can get stuck, causing repeated air pressure changes in the gas tank. The pressure in the gas tank then forces it to crack, allowing the gasoline to leave the tank, in order to relieve the pressure.

gas station accident

Ford Motor Company reports, “The recall covers certain 2010 to 2011 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan sedans built in Mexico from July 21, 2008 through March 4, 2011.”

So far, there have been no reports of fires or explosions. The defect can be easily fixed by taking the car into the dealer and having the tank replaced if there are any signs of a leak or crack.  During the recall 411,000 of the cars inspected were in the U.S. and 34,000 in Canada.

The most common causes of a gas leak in a car can also come from the fuel injector, the fuel line, and even missing gas caps can cause gas to escape a vehicle.  Below you can find three of the most common signs of gasoline leaks in cars.  If you suspect a gasoline leak in your vehicle, be careful and have a professional look at it as soon as possible.

3 Common Signs of Gasoline Leaks

  • The smell of gasoline
  • Puddles of liquid in parking spots
  • Re-filling gas in the car more often

If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident due to a faulty gas can, 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.

Pit Bulls Kill 4 Year Old Boy In Detroit, Michigan

On Wednesday, December 2nd, a four year old boy was viciously attacked and killed by four pit bull dogs in Detroit, Michigan's west side. The boy was walking with his mother at John C. Lodge Service Drive and Baylis Street around 12:30 P.M. when the incident occurred. As they were walking, two pit bull dogs approached them and started to brutally attack the child. His mother tried to protect the young boy with a metal rod, but it was not enough to back off the raging pit bulls. Immediately, two more pit bulls joined the previous two pit bulls in ripping apart the child in front his helpless mother.

Pit Bull Lawyer

One of the  neighbors heard the mother crying, "Please help me get the dogs off my baby!” and tried to help her. However, the four pit bulls were so aggressive that they didn't let anyone approach them. Detroit Police arrived as fast as they could and shot and killed three of the dogs. The fourth dog was taken into a custody. It was reported that the four pit bulls themselves were a family consisting of two parents and their two puppies.

The child, who remains unnamed, was sent quickly to the hospital for treatment, but unfortunately died from his injuries. The owner of the raging dogs, a 41-years old man, was arrested for negligent homicide.

According to the blog,  Dogs Bite, "71% of the pit bull fatalities have occurred in the past 10 years; 42% in the past four years; 24% in the past two years." Detroit is especially known for citizens who keep pit bulls as pets. Unfortunately, many owners can't handle this tough breed and end up abandoning them, causing them to become wild in the street. This abundance of wild dogs cause many Michiganders to mistakenly believe that only wild dogs can be dangerous. Any dog, especially pit bulls, regardless of whether they are free or owned are dangerous. Upon seeing a dog, especially one they are not familiar with, people should immediately walk in the opposite direction or keep as much space between them and the dog as possible. This is the best way to avoid dog bites or even more seriously becoming mauled to death by a feral dog.

If you or someone you know has been attacked by a pit bull or any dog, contact our lawyers at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our lawyers specialize in all types of injury cases, including dog bites. Calls us today for free consultation at 844.4MI.FIRM. 

Over The Counter Medicines May Impair Driving

meds lawyer

With so many over the counter medications (OTC) on the market, it is hard to remember that some of these medicines may affect one's ability to drive. Several well known medicines may cause drowsiness, delay reaction times and impair motor skills. Over the counter medications are drugs that can be obtained without a doctor's prescription. According to the FDA, drug manufacturers are required to mark side effects on the labels, but many people are unaware of how dangerous they might be.

Over The Counter Drugs Which May Affect Driving

  • Antihistamines:  Medicines which are used to treat symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, itching of the nose or throat, and itchy or watery eyes. Some antihistamines are used for common cold symptoms.
  • Antidiarrheals: Medicines which treat or control symptoms of diarrhea, such as Imodium.
  • Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)/Analgesics: Medicines for pain and reducing inflammation. 
  • Anti-emetics: Medicines which treat nausea, vomiting and dizziness associated with motion sickness.
  • Cold medicines/Cough suppressants: Medicines that treat and reduce coughing.  

According to the FDA, “You can feel the effects some OTC medicines can have on your driving for a short time after you take them, or their effects can last for several hours. In some cases, a medicine can cause significant ‘hangover-like’ effects and affect your driving even the next day.”

Many drugs also  come with a warning to not consume alcohol while taking the medications. This is because the addition of alcohol can increase the chances of slowing motor skills and decreasing reaction times. 

Consumers are encouraged to ask questions and consult a doctor or pharmacist if they are unsure how a new medication will effect them. Giving the medicine time to kick in can also avoid any accidents happening if driving is required after consumption. Before taking any medicine, it is important to always read the Drug Facts. Many medicines are labeled "may cause drowsiness" and "do not take while operating machinery". Also, knowing how medications mix can help lessen the chance of impaired driving abilities. 

Michigan drivers should be aware that a lot of the products containing sedating antihistamines and drugs that are well known to cause drowsiness are only recommended for night time use as they help people to sleep.  

If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident with an impaired driver, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our accident lawyers are here 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.

Pedestrians Killed in Hit-and-Run

Two unnamed pedestrians were killed Saturday nigh,t on October 15, 2015. They were hit by a truck on Detroit, Michigan's west side. 

Detroit Police Sgt. Cassandra Lewis told The Detroit Free Press that a 42-year-old woman and a 52-year-old man passed away around 8:30 P.M. at Cortland and 14th Street. Sgt. Lewis also stated that the two pedestrians died at the scene of the accident.

Officials report that a Ford Explorer ran through a stop light and hit a silver car. After the Explorer ran into the silver car, it spun out of control and hit the victims who were standing on the sidewalk nearby. 

sidewalk

After hitting the pedestrians, the people inside of the Ford Explorer were seen fleeing on foot from the scene of the collision. At the time of the auto accident, no suspects were found and the investigation remained under way. 

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, someone runs a red light an average of every 20 minutes at urban intersections. In the last decade, red-light running crashes killed nearly 9,000 people and an estimated 165,000 motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians are injured annually by red-light runners. 

If you have been injured in a hit-and-run accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our accident attorneys are here 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.

Pregnant Woman Hit By Drunk Driver

On October 23, 2015, a Mt. Clemens, Michigan woman was seriously injured in a car accident. The 42-year-old woman was headed home after learning she was five weeks pregnant. The Detroit Free Press said the pregnant woman was struck twice by a drunk driver who had two prior OWI convictions on her record.

The unnamed victim was in serious condition at a local hospital after the accident. It is unknown if her fetus was harmed in the crash. The suspected drunk driver, Natasha June Watts, 26, of Fraser is being held in the Macomb County Jail on a $50,000 bond and a potential five-year felony.

pregnantwoman

Police said the victim was stopped at a red light on northbound Groesbeck at Common Road about 2:30 A.M. when the intoxicated Watts was traveling northbound on Groesbeck. Watts did not brake when coming up behind the victim's car; instead she hit the victim's car at an accelerated rate of speed. Watts' vehicle bounced off the victim's vehicle and instead of stopping, Watts began to speed up again to leave the scene of the accident, causing her to strike the victim's car again from behind, again.

After hitting the car the second time, Watts drove away from the scene. Watts' car was so badly damaged that it did not make it far from the scene of the accident before it broke down and police arrested her. She then proceeded to make a failed attempted to run from her car. 

The intoxicated driver’s blood-alcohol level was 0.23, nearly three times the legal limit for an adult driver in Michigan. It only takes one drunk driver to endanger the lives of anyone else on the road. 

If you have been injured in a car or motorcycle accident due to an alcohol-impaired driving incident, 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.

Pit Bull Mix Bites Girl's Face

dog bite pit bull

A 9-year-old Warren girl was treated for serious injuries to her face and head at St. Johns Hospital and Medical Center in Detroit, Michigan.  The Warren girl was bitten by a mixed breed dog. On Friday, August 7th, 2015 around 4 P.M., Police were called to the Jackson and Griffin area in regards to a possible dog attack. The girl, who was not named, was bitten by her neighbor’s pit bull mix. 

“The girl was playing with the neighbor children when somehow the dog got out of its owner’s home. The neighbor child was trying to get a leash on the dog and somehow the 9-year-old girl was bit,” said Sgt. William Reichling. 

As reported by The Detroit Free Press, no charges were pressed against the owner and the dog was taken to the local animal control. 

At this time, it is unclear if the girl was just playing with the dog or if she was trying to help it when she was viciously attacked. No one knows what made the dog attack. 

According to DogsBite.org, almost 19% of dog bites are from dogs that the victims were familiar with. In the year 2014, dog bites attributed to 42 fatalities in the United States.

Dog bites happen everyday in Michigan. If you or someone you know has been bitten by a dog, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our experienced dog bite lawyers are ready to help you recover pain and suffering compensations as allowed by Michigan law. Call us today at 844.464.3476 for a free consultation with a professional dog bite attorney.

14-year old Crashes Stolen Car During Police Chase

car theft

A 14-year-old rolled over a stolen car, multiple times, after a high speed chase with law enforcement in Mt. Clemens, Michigan. The Clinton Township boy was going as fast as 70 mph as reported by the Detroit Free Press. The single car crash happened on October 21, 2015 at 4:40 am Tuesday morning. 

A deputy who was on patrol that morning saw a gold Toyota Camry speeding westbound on Dickinson at northbound Gratiot Road. The car ran through a flashing red traffic signal without stopping. The deputy proceeded to try and stop him, as the boy drove the car through a gas station parking lot. The boy then tried to turn onto southbound Avery Street, in attempts to flee, but hit a curb and rolled the car over multiple times. The 14-year-old Clinton Township teen crashed and then fled on foot from the car. Authorities found him hiding beneath a pool deck behind a residence on Avery.

After the accident, the boy who was  unnamed, was taken to McLaren Macomb Hospital to be treated for his injuries. The real owner of the Camry, a 36-year-old Clinton Township woman, reported her car stolen from her home around 6:30 am after the accident had already taken place. 

The Clinton Township boy was then taken to the county's juvenile justice center, where he is awaiting criminal charges for the alleged theft and auto accident.

As reported by the FBI, there were an estimated 721,053 thefts of motor vehicles nationwide in 2012 in the United States. Michigan reported 20 stolen cars in Midland, Michigan, to be their highest that year. The Honda Accord and the Honda Civic rank among the most frequently stolen cars  in the country.

Auto theft happen in Michigan everyday. 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.

Drunk Driver Hits Multiple Cars

Authorities told The Detroit Free Press that on October 10th, 2015 two police cruisers were hit by a car in Macomb Township, Michigan. The accident also involved a Mustang which the officers had pulled over on the side of the road for a possible DUI. The driver of the Mustang, a 20-year-old man from Sterling Heights, Michigan, was arrested and placed in the back of one of the patrol cars. Shortly after, a Mercury Mountaineer which was driving by the stopped vehicles, sideswiped the police cruisers and the Mustang. The Mountaineer was being driven by a 20-year-old man who was also from Macomb Township, Michigan.

drunk driver

 

The collision caused the Mustang to end up in a ditch and put one of the police cruisers out of service due to the extent of the damage. Fortunately, no one was injured during the automobile crash. The entire fiasco began when county dispatchers radioed an alert for a possible drunk driver going southbound on Romeo Plank around 12:30 A.M. Saturday. A deputy then spotted the Mustang and stopped it on Romeo Plank near 22 Mile.
 
Both underaged drivers were taken to the county jail and were charged with operating while intoxicated with a high BAC, first offense. The drivers' names were not released to the press. They had identical 0.17% blood-alcohol content Breathalyzer results at the time of the car crash, which is well above the legal BAC, 0.08%, in Michigan. 

In a separate incident that happened around 9:25 p.m. on Sunday October 11th, a deputy stopped Justin E. Blackman, 31, of Waterford, Michigan and arrested him for driving under the influence. This happened eastbound on Hall Road near Card. Blackman was charged with third-offense operating while intoxicated, a felony, and driving with a suspended license, his second offense. 

Drunk driving is dangerous not only to those who drink and drive but for innocent, sober drivers who have to share the road with drunk drivers. No matter who drinks and drives, someone ends up getting hurt.

If you have been injured in a car or motorcycle accident due to an alcohol-impaired driving incident, 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.

Howell Teenager Killed in Crash

On October 21, 2015 a 16-year-old Howell High School junior was killed in a car crash. The Howell High student was the passenger in a 1971 Volkswagen vehicle travelling west on Davis Road around 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday. According to The Detroit Free Press, the driver lost control and drove off of the road. Michigan State Police were able to identify the driver as Cameron Smith and the passenger as Griffin Matley.

teen crash lawyer

Police said the vehicle, driven by Howell High student 16-year-old Cameron Smith, crashed into a tree a half mile east of D-19 in Marion Township, Michigan. Matley was taken to the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor and was later pronounced dead. The driver was transported to the U-M where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries. 

Thomas Gould, director of public relations for Howell Public Schools stated, "The entire Howell Public Schools community extends their deepest condolences to the family and friends of Howell High School junior Griffin Matley." 

In Michigan, three out of five accidental deaths for teens ages 16-20 are due to motor vehicle crashes. Teen drivers are four times more likely than adult drivers to be involved in a fatal motor vehicle crash, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Parents should remind teens of the importance of driving safely and warn them of the dangers of driving. 

If you or someone you know has sustained significant injuries from a car accident involving a teenage driver, contact an attorney today 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.

Are Phones Still Dangerous To Use While Driving In Michigan?

handheld

As technology becomes more advanced, companies are constantly coming up with ways to reduce the number of car related accidents due to cell phone distractions. From dashboard mounts for cell phones to voice activated texts, there is no shortage of devices and apps made to allow the use of cellular devices while driving. But, do these helpful additions make handheld devices or cell phones safer to use while driving?

There are no laws prohibiting all cell phone use while driving, but many states are beginning to think that an all around ban is needed. Currently, only a handful of states have laws for cell phone use (talking or texting) while driving. According to USA Today, 1 in 4 car accidents is caused by cell phone use and the distractions it can cause drivers.

USA Today states, “Only 5% of cellphone-related crashes occur because the driver is texting. The majority of the accidents involve drivers distracted while talking on handheld or hands-free cellphones.”

They also reported, “However, hands-free cellphone use has become a driving force in cell phone-related distractions of those behind the wheel. Studies published as early as 2009, such as a report in the Journal of Safety Research, have said that driving performance while using a hands-free phone was rarely found to be better than using handheld devices.”

The only real way to avoid all distractions is to put them on hold while driving. What may seem convenient can still be very dangerous and accidents can still happen. "Hands free" does not always mean distraction free. 

If you have been injured in a car crash or any auto related accident 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 consult.

Black Ice: What To Look Out For

bluecar

Winters in Michigan can be brutal and cold, and now that winter is here it is important to keep an eye out for ice. One of the most dangerous, and worst types of ice out on the roads, is black ice. Black ice is also referred to as clear ice. It is a thin, transparent coating of ice on the surface of the road. The ice is not actually black in color but almost see-through, making the dark road below visible. Black ice has the ability to blend in with it's surroundings. Even for the most experienced drivers, black ice is unpredictable and should be avoided if possible.

Black ice is so dangerous that there is an average of 467 car related accidents per year due to black ice. 

While driving, black ice appears to the driver as if the surface is only wet. Even using high beams will not make the black ice visible. Black ice has been known to appear even after a light drizzle, if the temperatures are cold enough. The best course of action is for drivers to try and avoid driving during frozen rain and extreme drops in air temperatures after a rain or snow storm. 

Sometimes drivers can spot where black ice may be. One way is to look out for small puddles of water in the road. This is an indicator that ice may be in the area and it is beginning to melt. Also, checking the car to see if frozen sheets of ice are covering it can determine how cold the air is outside. If there is ice on a car than there is a great chance that ice has already formed on the road, making car accidents more likely to happen. Black ice is most likely to form during the dawn and at night when the temperatures have dropped and there is not enough sunlight to melt it. The air only has to be 32 or below for ice to begin forming. 

As always, listening to extreme weather alerts is a great way to make sure that all hazards of the road are avoided during the winter season.

Black Ice Driving Safety Tips

  1. Drive slow.
  2. Maintain a safe driving distance when behind other cars.
  3. Do not slam on the brakes while driving

If you or someone you know has ever been involved in any type of car accident resulting from extreme weather conditions such as black ice, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in dealing with all types of personal injury 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.    

Pit Bull Bites 14-year Old Girl From Grand Haven, MI

On July 15th, 2015 a 14-year old girl was bitten by a pit bull while out with her family. As reported by The Detroit Free Press, Brittania Bird of Grand Haven, Mi was bitten by the pit bull while she was petting it. The bite caused injuries to her lips, nose and one of her eyelids.

Dog Bite Injury Lawyer

"My eye was my biggest concern. Everything started going gray and blurry. I don't want to go blind,” Brittania says.  

Even after the incident, she doesn't think the pet should be put down. Brittania says she saw the dog at Grand Haven splash park Sunday afternoon and asked the owner of the pit bull if she could pet the dog. She believes that she may have startled the pit bull, causing the dog to bite her face. The 14-year old doesn't think that the pet should have to be put down. Brittania and her family decided that they are not taking any legal action or pressing any charges against the owner of the dog.

"I hope that doesn't happen because I don't want to take a dog away from its family," Brittania explains. "It was just an accident. Accidents happen. I think it was my fault for scaring the dog."

According to DogsBite.org, almost 19% of dog bites are from dogs that the victims were familiar with. In the year 2014, dog bites attributed to 42 fatalities in the United States. 

Dog bites happen everyday in Michigan. If you or someone you know has been bitten by a dog, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our experienced dog bite lawyers are ready to help you recover pain and suffering compensations as allowed by Michigan law. Call us today at 844.464.3476 for a free consultation with a professional dog bite attorney.

Insomnia Caused By Car Accidents

According to recent studies, nearly 98% of those who have suffered a TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) may experience trouble sleeping. Insomnia and frequent waking during sleep are the two leading types of sleep disturbances. However, loss of daytime function and daytime sleepiness are also fairly common TBI symptoms. 

It is a common misconception that those injured with TBIs are caused only by hitting your head on something hard. While this is certainly one way, and a frequent way in which TBIs occur, most people don't know that it is also possible for TBIs to occur without ever having hit your head. For instance, when driving at a fairly high speed and coming to an immediate stop, the force from the stop causes the human head to whip forward, thereby putting so much pressure on the brain against the skull, that it may be able to cause a TBI.

lawyer, traumatic brain injury, TBI

Another common misconception about obtaining a TBI is that the symptoms are experienced by the victim immediately. This opinion has been proven false in many circumstances, as it can sometimes take weeks before the effects of a car crash are felt or revealed. Many people assume that since they made it out of a car accident without any visible injuries, that they were not harmed at all. What they don't realize are that neurological injuries are potentially way more harmful than physical ones. 

In the event of an automobile crash, victims should look out of the following symptoms which could suggest the onset of a TBI stemming from a car crash:

·      Dizziness

·      Visual disturbance

·      Emotional changes

·      Headaches

·      Memory loss

·      Inability to concentrate

·      Seizures

·      Slurred Speech

·      Short-term memory loss

It is vital that anyone who has been in a car accident swiftly seeks the appropriate medical attention and in an effort to be cleared of any potential injuries.  One of the many benefits of Michigan No-Fault insurance is that accident victims can receive some of the best medical care available and their auto insurance company is supposed to pay for the medically necessary costs incurred.  

Have you been in a car accident recently? If so, have you experienced any of these symptoms since the crash? Contact our lawyers at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC and receive a free consultation about your accident. Our highly experienced attorneys handle car crash lawsuits throughout Michigan. Call us at 844.4MI.FIRM to speak to a lawyer today.