Bad Weather Season Is Here, Drive Safe

     The past Thanksgiving weekend ended with multiple car accidents thanks to the abundance of bad weather present this time of year. And, even though Thanksgiving has passed, the holiday season is just beginning. As most Michiganders know, the roads are treacherous with rain one day and snow the next. It is important to understand how to drive in these uncertain conditions.

bad weather driving

According to the Detroit Free Press several of the Thanksgiving collisions occurred due to “slick highways… causing a few traffic backups on I-75.” However, these accidents don't just happen on the highways. Car crashes due to weather conditions can happen on any road facing the impact of bad weather conditions. 

The Michigan Department of Transportation has some vital keys to prepare drivers for the Michigan winter, which we got a taste of with the cold and wet conditions on Thanksgiving weekend.  MDOT insist drivers:

  • Always wear a safety belt when in a vehicle, and be sure children are properly buckled as well
  • Slow down when visibility is low and/or when road conditions are snowy or icy – in Ice and Snow Take it Slow!
  • Give snowplow drivers plenty of room to plow and salt/sand the roads – Snowplows Need Room to Groom!
  • Be extra cautious on bridges because they can be icy when roadways are dry
  • Accelerate and brake slowly and avoid abrupt steering maneuvers, especially when merging or changing lanes
  • Don't pump anti-lock brakes
  • Don't use cruise control when roads are icy
  • Remember, don't text and talk while driving

The importance of following these guidelines cannot be overstated.  Every winter, bad weather and drivers' negligence account for a lot of heartache and stress for many drivers on the roads. MDOT further cautions drivers about the dangers of “treacherous temps” which can lead to a decrease of effectiveness of salt on roadways. Also “watch the slush” is more useful advice for upcoming winter months.  Drivers have the responsibility to be alert and mindful of road conditions.

If you have been injured in a car accident as a result of driver’s negligence, contact a lawyer at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our experienced attorneys can help you navigate the insurance system. Call 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation today.

Cars On Fire In Royal Oak, Michigan

On Monday, December 1st, 2015, three automobiles and one house were found engulfed in flames in a four-block radius of Royal Oak, Michigan.

The first two fires were noticed in the early morning, around 3:08 A.M., on the 900 block of Whitcomb Avenue and at 3:24 A.M. on the 1100 block of Bauman Avenue. Both vehicles were standing on the street. The Royal Oak Police Department and Fire Rescue answered the call at 3:38 A.M. and said that the inferno was instantly suffocating.   

car accident fire lawyer

Also, on the same day, there was another fire in Royal Oak, Michigan on the 600 block of Millard Avenue. This fire started in a home but also buried a car, which was standing in the driveway, in the blaze. Officers quickly evacuated the house before the entire house burned down. Luckily, due to their quick actions, no injuries were recorded from this incident. 

Investigators are still working on the case, and as of yet, they have not found the reason behind the conflagration. 

Although the cause of these automobile fires in unknown, there are many cases in which car accidents cause vehicles to catch fire. In fact, the number of car fires is on the rise. According to the NFPA, 33 car fires are reported every hour across the country, with one person per day dying in a car fire accident in the years between 2002 and 2005. This is no small number and as such, Michiganders need to be aware of the fact that car accidents can result in fires.

If you or anyone you know has been injured in a fire caused by a car accident, contact a lawyer at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Attorneys at the Michigan Law Firm, PLLC are highly experienced in handling automobile accident cases. Call 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation today.

Right Turn On Red Car Accidents

On February 12, 2015,  a woman who was crossing the road at a crosswalk was hit by a truck which came out of nowhere. While the driver of the truck initially stopped obediently at a red light, he began to turn right because he didn't notice anyone crossing the road.  

right turn on red car accident

According to an MPR review of 2007-2011 crash data, most car crashes occur due the driver's failure to stop.  This indicates that more people get injured from the vehicle operator's mistakes than from not following road rules.

Another study from 2002 showed that there were 1,166 crashes involving people on foot or bicyclists in Minnesota and Illinois combined between 1985 and 1998/9, because of drivers who turned right on red. This indicates that pedestrians and people riding a bicycle are more likely to get killed crossing a road than they are to cross safely, even if they don't jaywalk and wait for a signal.

Society today does not respect pedestrians right of way. Even when a sign clearly states that there is no turn on red, cars still turn. Turning on red is even more dangerous in Michigan where drivers make a Michigan U-turn and turn left on red. This makes the cross way a dangerous place for people to walk or ride their bikes. Michiganders should be more aware while they are driving, especially when they are turning at a red light, so they can avoid collisions with pedestrians.

If you or someone you know has been  hit by a car while crossing the street, contact our counselors at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our counselors specialize in all types of sidewalk and automobile accidents.  Calls us today for free consultation at 844.4MI.FIRM.

Wheelchair Users In Car Crashes

People who have disabilities have a greater chance of passing away in a car accident than people without disabilities. According to the British Medical Journal (BMJ), people who use wheelchairs have three times the chance of getting killed in road traffic collisions than non-wheelchair users and most of these chances occur at crosswalks. The BMJ's study also showed that handicap males, especially between the ages of 50 and 64 are five times more expected to be involved in fatal car accidents than handicap females. 

wheelchair car crash

From 2006 to 2012, 528 wheelchair users were killed at intersections across the U.S. This statistic points out that the handicap community's chances of passing away from car accidents are 36% percent than non-wheelchair users.

These accidents are most likely the a result of people driving without paying attention to what is around them. In a previous blog post regarding turning right at red lights, we mentioned exactly how common pedestrian fatalities are, when drivers don't notice pedestrians and bicyclists crossing at crosswalks and turn into them. Michiganders and Americans need to look before turning or driving and be patient and give pedestrians, bicyclists, and wheelchair users the time they need to cross the road. One minute of waiting is the end of the world and could prevent a fatal car crash. 

If you or someone you know is a wheelchair user who has been injured in a car crash, contact our lawyers at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our lawyers specialize in all types of accident cases, including wheelchair crashes and pedestrian and bicycle collisions. Call us today for free consultation at 844.4MI.FIRM.

Semi Truck Causes Car Accident

On Saturday May 30, 2015 in Portage, Michigan an accident closed down 1-94. For more than four hours the eastbound section of 1-94 was closed down during the afternoon. A tandem wheel/tire assembly from a tanker trailer on an 18-wheeler going westbound, came off its axle and bounded over the median.The incident happened around 1:53 P.M.

The wheel hit a 2013 Honda Accord which was occupied by three people. The names of the people were not released, but MLive reported that one woman lost her life and the other two were transported to Bronson Methodist Hospital in critical condition. The woman who died at the scene was sitting in the back seat and was 67 years old. 

semi truck accident lawyer

 

All three women were not from Michigan, but were residents of Illinois visiting Michigan. The accident remains under investigation. 

At any given time, there are 15.5 million semi trucks operating in the United States and 1.2 million trucking companies. Nearly 5,000 people are killed every year in accidents involved with larger vehicles and out of those 5,000 deaths, there is only a 16% chance that it is the fault of the truck driver. That means that more than 3 out of 4 times, it is something that the other driver did that causes the accident.

It is easy to forget how large trucks and semis actually are when driving by them. The larger the car, the harder it is to stop and the harder it is for them to see other cars around them (this is why they are required to have special mirrors). Commercial trucks are only involved in 2.4% of all the accidents accounted for in a year, but they do happen. These accidents are more likely to happen during the early morning hours on the weekend, as these are peaks working hours for commercial drivers. Therefore, Michiganders need to me more cautious when driving during these hours and when there are large truck and semis on the road, so as to avoid car accidents.

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 ease your road to recovery. Call us today at 844.4MI.FIRM or click here for a free consultation.  


Updated - Port Huron Woman Mauled By Two Dogs


We previously wrote a story about a Port Huron, Michigan woman and mother named Rebecca Lillian Kay-Hardy who was mauled to death by two dogs on Thursday, December 3, 2015. Ms. Hardy 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 Street. 

Police originally said that Ms. Hardy had left her home, which was a few houses down, after a disagreement with her fiance, and was cutting through a neighbor's yard on the way back to her own house, when she was fatally attacked. 

However, new evidence has been uncovered by Port Huron PD and Ms. Hardy's death has now been ruled a suicide by the Oakland County Medical Examiner's Office.

dog bite lawyer

Police say that 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. "She obviously was aware of that, because she climbed over the fence to subject herself to this threat."

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.

“I, in no way, shape or form believe that she was looking to hurt herself on that day,”said Hardy’s fiancé, Matthew Grattan. “She had a little girl. … She wanted us to be a family.” Grattan finds it hard to believe that she would do anything to harm herself.

Hardy had recently been kicked out of her house and had attempted suicide in the past; a toxicology report is still pending. The two dogs a pit bull and a husky mix puppy were euthanized the next day.

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


Crash Test Ratings Toughened In U.S.

On Tuesday, December 8, 2015, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), proposed revising the current crash test ratings system from a single overall score of 1 to 5 into a multifaceted scorecard. The scorecard would include the score on crash-avoidance systems and a mark for pedestrian safety. U.S. regulators are taking over the process of assigning safety ratings to new vehicles by proposing requiring more crash-avoidance technologies to achieve a perfect score.

As reported by The Detroit Free Press, this strategic shift makes way for the auto-safety industry to not just simply measure what happens to vehicles during collisions, but to determine how well vehicles can avoid accidents in the first place.

car crash lawyer

The changes include:
•A new rating to gauge a vehicle's use of nine advanced technologies, such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning.
•New advanced test dummies with improved sensors to better predict injuries.
•A new frontal oblique crash test to address what NHTSA described as a type of angled crash "that continues to result in deaths and serious injuries despite seat-belt use, airbags and crash-worthy structures of late-model vehicles."

William Wallace, policy analyst for Consumers Union, the advocacy arm of Consumer Reports, said, “These updates will create a powerful incentive for automakers to make the latest life-saving technologies available on more vehicles more quickly, and that’s great news for consumers." 

NHTSA currently ranks cars simply based on crash-worthiness and a five star rating is a perfect score. The new system will retain an overall score, based on three sub-ratings: pedestrian safety, crash-worthiness and crash-avoidance systems.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx says, “The overhaul is part of the agency's strategy to spur the development of more safety technologies. When the seat belt was required, there was probably a lot of bellyaching about the cost then, but we now have that across the board, and it’s enhanced safety.”

Mr. Foxx makes a great point. With increased safety measures in every future car, the number of car accidents will significantly decrease, just as the number of injureis sustained in car crashes decreased after the implementation of the seat belt. 

If you have been injured in a car crash, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC today.  Our experienced and trustworthy personal injury lawyers are standing by to speak to you about your case. Our firm offers free consultations and honest and fair representation.  We work hard to recover the maximum compensation permitted by Michigan law including, in most cases, pain and suffering compensation. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM, for a free consultation.


Tail Lights For Horses

Consider the fact that in the United States, nearly 30 million people ride horses, every year. An according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention the "rate of serious injury per number of riding hours is estimated to be higher for horseback riders than for motorcyclists and automobile racers."

A new product that can potentially decrease the amount of collisions for horse riders is called Tail Lights. The company is currently raising funding on Kickstarter and has surpassed its goal of $18,500. The product aims to warn drivers of automobiles that they are not alone on the road and that there are horses on the road too. The device includes front and rear view lights that can change color and pattern to give ample warning to any cars in the vicinity. The Tail Lights Rider Safety System also includes some other useful features, like a hand held remote and a nine hour battery charge.

horse accident lawyer

Equestrian activities, in many cases, have inherent risk that are sometimes out of the rider's control. Horses, in many cases, can be  unpredictable. Their size can be a major factor in many injuries suffered while riding. The Tail Light Systems focuses on collisions where visibility between horses and automobiles and other horses is an issue.  A good safety tip that should always be apart of any horse rider's trip is a helmet, and now maybe that should include the Tail Lights System. 

The Michigan based company aims to stay as local as possible. On their Kickstarter campaign, they state the importance of manufacturing in the U.S. and employing veterans. As a company which aims to make roadways and pathways safer, Tail Lights could potentially be a godsend for horseback adventure seekers everywhere. 

If you have been involved in a equestrian 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 and injuries caused by horse riding accidents. Call 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation today. 

 


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.

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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.

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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.

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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.