Snow Finally Hitting Detroit: How To Prepare

WDIV Detroit reported today that the snow the Metro-Detroit area is currently experiencing isn’t stopping anytime soon, and that we can expect to see flurries on and off for the next ten or so days, accompanied by the lowest temperatures of the winter, so far. As the lake effect snow continues to fall, it will become more and more of a problem for drivers and residents of the area. This weather has already closed a number of schools this week and has caused a number of accidents on major roadways.

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It is important when driving in this winter weather to practice good driving technique. Knowing how your vehicle will react is the difference between a skid and an accident. According to the United States Department of Labor, when the weather is shifts for the worst, increase your following distance to lessen the risk of an accident, keep your eyes open for ice and pedestrians at a longer distance, and if you do begin to skid, steer into the skid to get back to normality quicker. Lastly, it is important to keep calm. If you are behind the wheel and stressed, you will increase your risk of an accident.

So far, we have had a very warm winter, but with snow moving in quickly it is important to keep in mind the proper driving technique for when the weather is not as nice. According to a recent study, over 800 people die every year because of winter weather driving conditions. In 2014, 11.8% of all accidents in Michigan were related to snow/blowing snow, according to Michigan Traffic Crash Facts. Stay off the roads if at all possible, and if you do have to drive, remember that safety comes first!

If you have been injured in an auto accident, speak to an attorney at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our experienced attorneys are highly skilled in helping victims of automotive injuries receive any compensation they may be entitled to, under Michigan law. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Automakers Recall 5 Million Vehicles Worldwide Due to Faulty Airbags

Continental Automotive Systems, an automotive electronics supplier based in Hanover, Germany, announced recently that a faulty part lead to the recall of over five million vehicles worldwide. The Detroit Associated Press reported that moisture may leak into the airbag control computer, causing the power supply to corrode and potentially fail. So far, Honda, Fiat, Chrysler, and Mercedes have issued recalls on vehicles dating as far back as 2006. Honda reported two car accident injuries last year due to the issue.

Air Bag Image

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, frontal airbags reduce driver fatalities by 29% and fatalities of front-seat passengers who are 13 and older are reduced by 30%. Essentially, airbags are cushions which inflate when a vehicle crashes to prevent the occupants of the vehicle from hitting the interior and also prevent objects from outside of the vehicle projecting into the vehicle to harm the occupants.

As of 2013, over 39,000 lives had been saved by frontal airbags.

Typically car airbags last the life of the car, or at least until the airbag has been deployed. Airbag malfunction is always possible, so it is very important to ensure that you schedule routine checkups for your vehicle's safety. To determine whether your vehicle has been recalled, you can enter your VIN at SafeCar.gov to see a list of potential safety issues. It is also good to remember that children under the age of 12 should not sit in the front seat of any vehicle due to the risk of being suffocated by the airbag. Although it is good to be prepared, sometimes precaution is not enough, and accidents do happen. If you are in an accident, ensure that your airbags are properly replaced afterwards to ensure they are ready in the case of another auto accident.

If you have been injured in an auto accident, speak to an attorney at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our experienced attorneys are highly skilled in helping victims of automotive injuries receive any compensation they may be entitled to, under Michigan law. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

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Detroit Ranks 110th in Allstate America’s Best Drivers Report

Detroit landed itself in 110th place for the year of 2015, according to Allstate’s yearly Best Driver Report, a list of cities in which you are least likely to experience a collision in. Out of 200 cities, Detroit was right in the middle, ranking 110, falling six spots from 104 in 2014, and falling a few more from 101 in 2013. Detroit has remained roughly in it’s current position for the past decade, but experienced a large drop from its perch in the top 30 from 2007 to 2008, falling from 25 to 163 in just one year.

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In 2015, Warren, Michigan ranked 116th, Grand Rapids ranked 140th, and Sterling Heights ranked 161st. Flint has not been ranked by Allstate for almost a decade, but it did receive the title as the third safest driving city in America in 2007.

In 2016, it appears that Michigan is still struggling with road safety, and the issues lie in a number of places. One of the largest issues facing Michigan drivers is road conditions. Last year a national research group ranked Metro Detroit’s roads as the fourth worst among cities with a population over 500,000 in the nation, The Detroit News reported. According to the research, in 2015 up to 56% of major roads in metro areas are in poor condition. Although Detroit’s numbers aren’t as high as the three that beat it out (San Francisco/Oakland 74%, Los Angeles Metro Area 73%, Concord Metro Area 62%), it is still a very big issues facing drivers. These roads can cause damage to vehicles and even be a catalyst in creating situations in which accidents occur.

Flint, Michigan also cracked the list, being crowned the worst city in terms of road conditions of the cities in America with between 250,000 and 500,000 people. According to the study, 74% of roads in Flint are in poor condition.

This is a huge issue for drivers, especially when it comes to safety. Not only can these road conditions cause damage to the vehicle which makes driving it less safe, but these conditions can also cause accidents.

 

If you have been injured in an auto accident, speak to an attorney at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our experienced attorneys are highly skilled in helping victims of automotive injuries receive any compensation they may be entitled to, under Michigan law. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Canton Resident Records Motorists Running Neighborhood Stop Signs

A concerned Canton resident began taking things into her own hands, recording drivers running stop signs in her neighborhood, WDIV Detroit reported. The resident explained how people cut through her neighborhood to avoid the traffic on Ford Road, but this causes issues because unlike Ford road, the corner of Hanford Road and Willow Creek Drive is in a residential neighborhood with people out and about and children playing. This creates a very dangerous environment because of motorists not following traffic laws, someone could very easily suffer an injury from a car accident.

Canton, Michigan are asking for anything to fix this issue, anything from speed bumps to blinking lights, so their kids can be safe in the neighborhood. One resident even stated that he considered moving to another neighborhood because of the traffic safety concerns. Although there hasn’t been an accident at this particular corner for five years, police are enacting a selective enforcement plan to monitor the area for two weeks to attempt to gather statistics to fix the issue.

Stop Sign

Always monitoring road signs and signals is a very important part of being an educated and in control driver. Failing to stop at stop signs, ignoring speed limit restrictions, and other traffic violations are not only illegal and ticketable, but they are very dangerous. in 2013 speeding was a contributing factor in 29% of all motor vehicle crash that ended in death, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reported.

Failing to follow traffic laws, even something as simple as stopping at a stop sign, can lead to fine, injury, and even death of you or those around you. It is important to ensure that you always follow traffic laws, and avoid drivers you can visibly see are not following traffic laws to try and lower your risk of getting into an accident due to their negligent driving.

If you have been injured in an auto accident, speak to an attorney at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Speak to a Michigan lawyer who is skilled in helping victims of automotive accidents receive compensation for pain and suffering. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Ann Arbor Biker Fights Ticket, Wins

Tim Panagis was ticketed for ‘impeding traffic’ in June when he was pulled over by a Michigan State Trooper, a ticket in which he would later fight, and win, The Detroit Free Press reported. A video surfaced online after the incident showing Panagis riding just to the left of the outer white line, being pulled over, and telling the officer that he did nothing wrong, getting ticketed, and being told to ‘tell it to the judge,’ which he eventually did. The Livingston County Circuit found in favor of the biker, explaining that the rules of the road are that bikers are not forced to ride on the shoulder, just close to the edge of the road, which Panagis was doing. The case shows that as a biker, and a driver, you need to know the laws of the road and that our police officers are not incapable of making mistakes.

Ann Arbor, Michigan is a very "bike friendly" city. According to A2.gov, Ann Arbor was designated a Silver-level Bicycle Friendly City by the League of American Bicyclists since 2005, has been recognized as a Gold-Status community by the Promoting Active Communities Assessment, an initiative run by the state of Michigan in which promotes active living in Michigan communities, and added over four bicycle lane miles in 2012, increasing their total to over 71 lane miles.

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With so many bikers on the road it is very important for drivers and bikers to constantly be cautious on the road and share lanes with bicyclists. By using caution the chances of injuring or killing a cyclist is far less. Also, it is important for both cyclists and drivers to know their rights, who has the right of way, and where they are allowed to ride and drive.

If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident while riding a bicycle, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in handling auto accidents including bicycle collisions. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Teens Drinking And Speeding Before Deadly Crash

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On May 8, 2015, three teenagers passed away after crashing in Stony Creek Metropark, located in Shelby Township, Michigan. 

The story started after the three boys finished their school at 3:00 pm, as one of them had a fake Ohio I.D to buy alcohol from a Shelby Township party store.  According to the Detroit Free Press, the tragic evening  ended with the five teens packed into a black Jaguar going between 72 and 82 mph. when it crashed into a guardrail and rolled five times.  Manolios, the driver, went in the wrong direction at high speed likely due to the effects of alcohol. This was a serious car accident and the vehicle was heavily damaged in the crash.

Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham said "He said all five boys had alcohol in their system, with the driver, identified as Jonathan Manolios, having a 0.08 blood alcohol level."  In Michigan, the legal limit is 0.08 BAC.  In this accident, the driver was over the legal limit for alcohol consumption.  It is likely that this factor contributed to the drunk driving accident.  

The girls that were with the boys actually survived the car crash, without life threatening injuries. The girls helped the police and described the story to the Macomb County detectives. The three young men picked up each other after school, then they went to the party store with a fake ID. 

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of deaths involving a drunk driver in Michigan between 2003 and 2012 was 2912. Most of those victims were male. Additionally  Michigan has the same rate of drunk driving reports  as the rest of the U.S.  This indicates that drinking and driving can cause serious injuries from an automobile accident.

If you have involved in an accident because someone was drunk driving or speeding, contact a lawyer at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC.  Call 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation today.

Workplace Injuries

The work environment can be a dangerous place. Especially for those who work in certain strenuous industries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2014, construction workers, law enforcement agencies, fire fighters, health care providers, and truck drivers accounted for the most work-related injuries.

Many of these work-related injuries were in the form of Musculoskeletal Disorder or MSD, which is a deteriorating disease that has inflammatory effects that cause pain and discomfort and can inhibit normal motions. In 2014 alone, there were 325,580 musculoskeletal cases which were the direct result of heavy lifting that lead to strains and sprains in workers. Certain jobs also have an inherent and often unavoidable risks which can render employees permanently disabled.

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Three industries which have had workers away from their jobs for over 100,000 days, due to injuries, are the healthcare, manufacturing, and retail industries. These three industries are all hectic this time of year, with overeating and energetic holiday shoppers creating a spike in hours worked to cater to the needs of consumersOccupational hazards associated with many of these labor based industries often result in falls, slips, and trips. Falls, slips, and trips were the reason for 316,650 days away from work, according to the U.S Bureau of Labor and Statistics. Also, overexertion resulted in 384,260 cases.

Because of the enormity and seriousness of these workplace injuries, it is important that thorough guidelines are followed and routine facility improvements are made in these industries. Michigan is a state which prides itself on being a blue collar, working class, state which employs many people who work with their hands to support their families.  As such, businesses in Michigan need to keep in mind the enormous toll dangerous work conditions could have on a worker who loses his job and can't support his family because proper guidelines and safety precautions weren't implemented for his job. 

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics findings should be used as an additional indicator for employers that there is still work to be done to create safer work environments for employees who are put into potentially hazardous circumstances continuously.  

If you have been injured in a workplace accident, speak to an attorney at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our experienced attorneys are highly skilled in helping victims of work place injuries receive any compensation they may be entitled to, under Michigan law. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 



Michigan Bike Crash Statistics

Due to the unseasonably warm weather, citizens in Michigan are riding their bikes more than ever. Though winter weather usually causes Michiganders to put their bikes away in favor of public transportation or cars, many of them are using their bicycles to travel to work, to work out, and just for fun. 

As much fun as being able to ride bikes in December is, it is just as dangerous. This is because many bicyclists tend to share road space with automobiles, which causes the danger of bike riding accidents to extremely increase. Bicycle collisions with cars are even more likely during rush hours, between 3:00 P.M. and 6:00 P.M., when the majority of commuters are heading home. In fact, 27.2% of fatal and serious bicycle crashes took place between 3:00 P.M. and 6:00 P.M. in Michigan, in 2012. Also, 21.8% of fatal and serious bicycle crashes took place between 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. and 18.5% between 12:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M.

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According to the Michigan Department of Transportation, becoming involved in a bicycle crash in Michigan has a higher percentage of happening than national statistics for youths ages (5-15). In fact, the likelihood of children getting into bicycle accident is 32.4% compared to 26.8% in other parts of the nation. That means nearly one-third of all young people in Michigan are involved in a bicycle crash, one-fourth of which (25.3%) are fatal/serious. Also, men are involved in 81% of all fatal bicycle crashes in Michigan.

These statistics are more then scary enough to warn Michiganders of the importance of bicycle safely. By paying attention to traffic, avoiding roads during peak hours, and by practicing bicycle safety procedures such as wearing protective gear, citizens of Michigan can avoid becoming bike crash statistics themselves. People or Michigan need to be aware that drivers of cars don't always pay attention to bicyclists or even slow down for them. Therefore, to avoid being hit by cars and facing serious bodily harm or even death, bicyclists need to take every precaution to cycle safely. Society Today should be more careful on the road, exclusively when there is  a biker in front of them. 

If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident while riding a bicycle, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in handling auto accidents including bicycle collisions. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

Man Killed In Lenox Township, MI Crash

On Friday, December 18, 2015,  around midnight a man was a victim of a head on crash when he was on his way home on 26 Mile Road at Place Road in Lenox Township, Michigan.

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Lenox Township police reported a 38 year old woman from New heaven smashed hard into another man's vehicle killing him on the spot. The female apparently was driving erratically before the collision, and alcohol might be the factor around this accident.

Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham said "the woman was driving a Dodge Journey eastbound on 26 Mile Road when she crossed into the westbound lanes and crashed head on into a Hyundai sedan.'' Also, he indicated that witness approved on the woman that she was speeding and swerving moments before the collision. Moreover, the detective pointed out that alcohol could be the reason behind this careless driving, as he was waiting for the blood test results from both the hospital and the medical examiner’s office to make a conclusion regarding the reason for the crash.

According to CBS Detroit, the injured female was "initially trapped" until help arrived.  Fire crews had to help her escape from the seriously damaged car. Reports indicate that the woman suffered injuries, but is in stable condition after visiting a local hospital.

If you or someone you know was involved in an accident, contact our lawyers at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our accident lawyers specialize in all types of auto accident cases, including those involving injuries from a drunk driving accident. Calls us today for free consultation at 844.4MI.FIRM

Factors of Michigan No-Fault Insurance Pricing

Cars are a part of the American experience. The majority of Americans rely on cars to transport them to anywhere they what to go. But what also comes along with the experience is high insurance rates and dangerous drivers. Incidents of drivers performing dangerous maneuvers on the road that potentially endanger everyone else on the road, are commonplace nowadays. Bad driving is a catalyst for road rage. Roadways have become an influx of money spent based on accidents and coverage in case of accidents.

Insurance rates have several factors that should make drivers think twice before attempting questionable driving practices. Age is a major contributor that creates disparity in insurance pricing. Individuals between ages of 16 and 25 often have the highest rates.  Another factor that contributes to driving that often comes with a certain amount of controversy is gender. Many studies have shown that men are more likely to have more hazardous driving practices that lead to accidents than women. Marital status is another factor that has some people stumped in why this matters but it is a part of the current insurance system. An additional determinant for insurance premiums is whether a person is a college graduate or not. All these attributes that directly affect insurance rates still are not enough to make people drive better.

Top Ten Most Dangerous State Drivers

A recent list compiled by Car Insurance Comparison showcases the top ten worst states for drivers. Believe it or not, Michigan did not make it on this particular list.  Montana is the worst state when it comes to several criteria. The dangerous driver criteria included:

  • Fatalities Rate per 100 Million Vehicle Miles Traveled

  • Failure to Obey (Percentage of Fatal Crashes that involved Traffic Signals, Not Wearing Seat Belts, and Driving with an Invalid Driver’s License)

  • Drunk Driving (Percentage of Fatal Crashes that Involved Alcohol)

  • Speeding (Percentage of Driving Fatalities that were Speed-Related)

  • Careless Driving (Pedestrian & Bicyclist Fatalities per 100,000 Population)

Motorcycle Safety Tips

Motorcycles are often unseen by drivers on the road. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, In 2012, motorcycles made up 3% of all registered vehicles in the United States and accounted for only 0.7% of all vehicle miles traveled. Yet, despite these small numbers, motorcyclist fatalities accounted for 15% of total vehicle related fatalities.   Motorcyclist fatalities increased from 4,612 in 2011 to 4,957 in 2012; and injuries also increased from 81,000 in 2011 to 93,000 in 2012.

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This data makes it clear that motorcyclists are at a higher risk of getting into automobile accidents. Therefore, it is important that motorcycle riders take preventive measures to ensure that they are well prepared for roadways which are not always biker friendly.
 

Here are ten tips given by the Business Insider which guarantee bikers “ have the time of your [their] life and come back in one piece”:

 1.  Wearing a helmet - Protection from head injuries should be a motivating factor for motorcycle riders everywhere.

2. Wearing gloves - Falling off a motorcycle is a possibility and in that moment it would be a good idea to have on gloves which can minimize the damage to hands.

3. Wearing proper boots - Riding on a motorcycle requires footwear that provides protection from unexpected movements such as driving over your own feet.

4. Look where you want to go - Be mindful of where you want to go. Visualize where you plan on going, and turn your head. Your bike will follow.

5.  Go slow on turns - Decelerate going into a turn to avoid spinning out and crashing.

6. Watch out for sand and debris - Motorcycles do not have as much traction as cars, so it's important to look out for hazardous obstacles.

7. Do not drink - Alcohol can be detrimental to your reaction time and can cause an accident.

8. Act like nobody has a mirror - Be cautious when driving, keep in mind most car drivers are not expecting you on the road.

9. Roll into it - Never brake too hard or accelerate too fast.

10. Never use the front brake first - This is very important when riding at high speeds. Never use the front brake first unless you want to fly off.

If you have been injured while riding a motorcycle, contact The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our experienced accident attorneys can help you ease the pain of dealing with insurance companies and piled up bills so that you can focus on recovering from your accident. Call us today at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.


Distracted Drivers Like Food

The automobile has become an enormous fixture in the lives of almost everyone. The car is often not only a mode of transportation but becomes an extension of someone’s home. When time is of the essence and hunger strikes with vigor, people often eat and drive. Although this is not as negativity stigmatized as drinking and driving, it is just as dangerous.

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Distractions while driving are mostly food related when someone is involved in a collision or near collisions. Roads are continuously filled with hazardous conditions that effect drivers, and as such, eating should definitely not be a part of anybody’s driving routine. According to Virtual Drive, nearly 80% of all collisions were the direct result of distracted drivers. When drivers have their eyes off the road, they are more likely to not follow traffic signs and increase their chances of losing control their vehicle. Also, distracted drivers' hazardous behavior further endangers roadways and has the potential to increase insurance rates.

The debate of whether eating while driving should be illegal is gaining traction in many communities. Recently, in Marietta, Georgia, a driver was cited for eating and driving. It does not seem like such a bad idea when you think of the amount of money and heartache you potentially save by just focusing on the roads not your stomach. It took years for lawmakers to begin to strictly regulate and punish people for texting and driving, so eating is the next logical major disruption that needs to be eradicated from roadways. Michigan roads are typically bad this time of year due to pot holes and slick road conditions. Therefore, it would be beneficial to everyone to drive safely and to wait until they arrive at their destination before eating.

If you have been involved in a car accident because of someone's distracted driving, contact a lawyer at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Call 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation today.

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Tell a lawyer at  The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC about your case. Our experienced lawyers will fight to ensure that you get the benefits you are entitled from being in an auto accident.

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.   

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.