Michigan QLine Headquarters Have Been Opened

The Penske Tech Center, which will be the northern tip of the QLine and will serve as a service center for the entire streetcar system, opened on May 3, 2016, according to reports from The Detroit Free Press.  Maintenance, storage, and other operations of the QLine will all occur within this facility. It is expected that this ‘car barn’ will staff over 40 workers when the rail becomes fully operational in the Spring of 2017. The total cost of building the center ran investors $10.6 million after labor, supplies, land, etc. While, the QLine will not be operational until Spring of 2017, the service center has been open since Tuesday, May 3, 2016, to cover operations for the coming months until the service is up and running.

Dan Gilbert QLine Detroit

Dan Gilbert is a major investor in the M-1 Rail Project, which was recently given the name ‘QLine,’ an abbreviation that many believe is to brand Quicken Loans to the streetcar system. Quicken Loan is of course the company of which Dan Gilbert is currently the CEO. The tracks of the QLine will run from downtown around Campus Maritus all the way to New Center and The North End neighborhood, where the new Penske Tech Center will reside.

The QLine is very important for a number of reasons. First, it offers those without cars an alternative to the often criticized Detroit bus system. The addition of better public transportation would also encourage people with cars to use public transportation instead of worrying about the hassle of finding and paying for city parking, thereby reducing the number of cars on the road. Decreasing the number of cars sharing the crowded streets of Detroit would result in far fewer automobile accidents. 

Overall, the QLine project has many positive outcomes. It also will service all of the sports stadiums after the completion of the new Red Wings Arena, a project that is expected to be finished just after the QLine. This project has already created jobs for the citizens of Detroit, as people are needed to build the system. In the future, the QLine will help boost the economy which Michiganders hope will only create more jobs. 

Although these plans will be very helpful to Detroiters in the near future, many citizens are currently left in the dark when it comes to public transportation. You may be entitled to benefits if you are involved in a public transportation accident. If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident while riding a city bus or any form of public transportation, call The Michigan Law Firm PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in handling all types of motor vehicle accidents, including bus collisions and rail accidents. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Pedestrian Struck By Vehicle On Ann Arbor, Michigan Crosswalk

A car accident landed a 21 year old man in the hospital on Monday, April 25, 2016. MLive reported that the man was struck while crossing a crosswalk in the area of Plymouth Road and Willowtree Lane around 8:24 A.M. Police arrived on the scene not long afterwards. The Adrian, Michigan native was taken to the University of Michigan Hospital via Huron Valley Ambulance and was said to be in stable condition according to EMTs. The driver who struck him was a 42 year old Belleville, Michigan resident. Police cited the driver with a ticket for failure to yield. However, there is still no word on whether or not the man will press charges against the driver.

Ann Arbor Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

While driving, it is always very important to check crosswalks, especially in cities. Not only should drivers be on the lookout for other drivers and road obstructions but for bikers and pedestrians as well. Although this particular case did not end in death, car accidents involving walkers, bicyclists, or runners often end in serious injury or death. By looking both ways and by looking for pedestrians at crosswalks, it is very easy to save lives. Most times the driver is responsible for hitting pedestrians, and an accident like this may bury a driver in fines and jail time.

Pedestrians, although having the right away, also always need pay attention to traffic as well. Even if a pedestrian has a green arrow to walk, checking for traffic is always a good idea. Noticing a distracted driver can be the difference between life and death. Looking both ways can save your own life.

Taking chances with the odds of being struck by a vehicle at a crosswalk is an unsafe idea. Accidents always happen. Pedestrians and drivers alike need to check the flow of traffic and need to check whether or not a crosswalk is clear, before passing through. If you or someone you know has been involved in a motor vehicle accident involving a pedestrian or has been a pedestrian struck by a vehicle, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in handling all types of motor vehicle accidents, including those involving pedestrians. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Fiat Chrysler Recalls 1.1 Million Vehicles Worldwide

Chrysler Recall Lawyer

Fiat Chrysler is recalling over a million vehicles worldwide, due to a gear shifting defect. CNN Money reported that the issue stems from the gear shifter allowing drivers to leave the car without putting the car in park, or forgetting to put the vehicle in park, causing the car to still be mobile. The shifter makes it very hard to tell what gear the car is actually in, which might seem like a small issue, but has lead to a recall of over 1.1 million vehicles worldwide.

The car does have warning signs, but this still has allowed for drivers to leave the vehicle without putting it in park. The remedy for the issue is to place more warning lights, and also make changes to stop the vehicle from moving even if it isn’t in park. The vehicles have been recalled are the model year 2012-2014 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 sedans. Model year 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs are also included in the recall. So far, there have been 41 injuries that are potentially related to making this mistake. Those who are affected by the recall will be informed by Fiat Chrysler and the issues will be fixed at no charge to the owners.

Michigan Car Crash Lawyer

Typically an owner of a vehicle is informed by mail if their car has been recalled. It is also very easy for drivers to check whether their car has been recalled at safecar.gov. Simply enter the vehicle's VIN and the site will pulls up any active recalls the vehicle may have. Ensuring that a car is recall free is important because recalls are typically safety related and leaving a car unchecked is very dangerous for drivers. Cars which are operated despite having safety problems are likely to injure the driver and put everyone on the road in danger of a car crash.

If you or someone you know has been involved in an auto accident, call The Michigan Law Firm PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in handling all types of motor vehicle accidents, including those involving cars with recall notices and safety problems. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Tesla Puts "Bioweapon Defense Mode" to the Test

Tesla Motors has gained a reputation for producing safe cars that may prevent major injuries from taking place in an auto accident, but they have started to focus on making the environment safer as well. The car company has been testing their HEPA filtration system, "Bioweapon Defense Mode," which is able to remove at least 99.97% of pollen, bacteria, and pollution from the outside air before they enter the vehicle. 

In order to test the capability of the filtration system, Tesla pumped levels of pollution said to be 200 times higher than the world’s current highest levels in Beijing, China, into a bubble which held a Tesla Model X vehicle. It took all of two minutes for the system to completely neutralize the levels of pollution around the vehicle. Tesla told The Next Web that “you could literally survive a military-grade bio attack by sitting in your car.” In the graph below, published on Tesla's blog, you can see how the quality of air changed both inside and outside of the car, once the doors were closed and the Bioweapon Defense Mode was activated. 

Tesla Bioweapon Defense Mode

 

To be sure that its filtration system was up to the test, Tesla decided to take it into the real world. The Model X was taken through California freeways during rush hour, smelly marshes, landfills, and cow pastures in the central valley of California, according to Tesla’s website. Sure enough, it not only cleaned the air that was coming into the vehicle, but it was also cleaning the air around the vehicle. 

As pollution becomes a larger issue for developed nations such as the United States, car companies will begin to put a heavier emphasis on air quality for the vehicles they produce. According to the World Health Organization, air pollution can now be considered “the world’s largest single environmental health risk,” as it now claims the lives of more than three million people every year, more than twice the number of deaths due to car accidents. 

Tesla's Other Safety Benefits

Air quality is not the only safety feature that Tesla has become known for, as their technology pertaining to preventing and sustaining collisions has become a selling point. Tesla has boasted a 5-star safety rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a rating that approximately one percent of all cars tested by the federal government receive. 

Brian Martel, a Texas resident, was driving a Tesla Signature Red Performance Model S when he was T-boned at an intersection by another driver. While there were some minor bumps and bruises, there were no substantial injuries. Martel said that “any other car would likely have rolled over and possibly caused severe injury to someone in my family.” 

When choosing a new vehicle, it's important to ask about the safety features that are included. Keep in mind the environmental impact the car may have, as well as how it may hold up when involved in a collision. As Brain Martel can attest to, it can be the difference between life and death. 

In a move to protect Michigan-based auto companies, Tesla vehicles are currently banned from being sold in the state, as a result of October 2014 law that was passed by the Michigan legislature. 

Auto accidents take place everyday. If you or someone you know has been in an auto accident, including accidents involving electric cars, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are experienced with handling all types of motor vehicle accidents, and will get you the help you need. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

Tips for Parents: How to Prevent Underage Drinking this Prom Season

With prom and graduation season right around the corner, both teens and parents should be aware of the dangers associated with driving under the influence. While teenage drunk driving has decreased by 54% since 1991, in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, car crashes remain the leading cause of death for teens. Additionally, about a third of teen crashes are alcohol related, according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving. 

Teen Drunk Driving Car Crash

Even if a teen gets away uninjured after a night of drinking and driving, there may still be costly legal consequences. On a teenager’s first conviction, there are fines that can be upwards of $1,500 and jail time up to 93 days. Other alcohol-related charges that a teenager can see are distributing alcohol to other minors, minor in possession, possession of false identification, and potential moving and vehicle maintenance violations. More information about underage drinking offenses can be found on the Michigan Secretary of State website. 

Students are not the only ones that can face legal ramifications, parents can be affected as well. Parents can be held liable for property damage and/or personal injuries, even if they were not aware of the party or alcohol being consumed on their property.

Too often students get behind the wheel of a car after celebrating and do not consider the potential damage they can be doing to themselves, as well as the damage they can inflict on other drivers and their loved ones. 

Tips for Parents and Preventing Underage Drinking: 

Here are some tips from PreventionLane on how parents can prevent underage drinking during prom and graduation season:

  • Set a good example - Drink responsibly and NEVER drink and drive.

  • Talk WITH your kids - Know where they are going, who they are going with, and when they will be home. Let your kids know that you are just looking out for their safety and the safety of others. Often kids will feel like they are being talked to by their parents, but it is important for them to feel like their parents are having a conversation instead of a lecture. 

  • Remove temptation - Limit and monitor the alcohol in the fridge and lock the liquor cabinet.

  • Talk to your kids’ friends and their parents - Let them know your rules and that you expect your child to follow them no matter where they are.

If you or someone you know has been involved in an auto accident caused by drunk driving, call The Michigan Law Firm PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in handling all types of motor vehicle accidents, including those that are alcohol related. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Snapchat's "Speed Filter" Allegedly Causing Accidents on the Road?

Distracted Driving Car Crash Lawyer

Snapchat, the increasingly popular picture phone app, is now at the center of attention for those looking for causes of distracted driving. Many are pointing to the app’s “speed filter” feature which allows drivers to track how fast they are going, tag it on a photo, and share it with their friends. Because pictures and videos disappear in 10 seconds or less, drivers allegedly become more distracted from the road and place more focus on the picture before it’s gone. According to the United States Department of Transportation, distracted driving activities such as sending or receiving pictures can take your eyes off of the road for about 4.6 seconds. At 55 mph, that is similar to driving the length of a football field blindfolded. 

In April, Georgia resident Wentworth Maynard sued Snapchat and a young driver for a car crash that left him with serious brain injuries. The lawsuit alleges that a young driver was driving at speeds over 100 mph because she was using the filter. While distracted, the driver crashed into the Mitsubishi that Maynard was driving. He suffered major brain trauma as a result. The accident took place in Clayton County, and the minimum driver’s insurance is $25,000, an amount which will likely not be enough to cover Maynard’s medical costs. 

Following the suit, Snapchat released the following statement: 

“No Snap is more important than someone’s safety. We actively discourage our community from using the speed filter while driving, including the ‘Do NOT Snap and Drive’ warning message in the app itself.” 

Drivers should remember that no text or picture is important enough to take their eyes off the road while driving. If it's an urgent matter, drivers should pull over to the side of the road. Taking this cautious step will not only help reduce the chances of you getting injured in a car accident, but it can also help save the lives of other drivers on the road. 

If you or someone you know has been in an accident caused by distracted driving, feel free to call The Michigan Law Firm PLLC. Our attorneys are experienced in handling these types of accidents, and will get you the help you need. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

Hamtramck, Michigan Residents Take Road Repairs Into Their Own Hands

Residents of Hamtramck, Michigan are taking road damage control into their own hands as the summer approaches and potholes become a bigger problem for the community. 2014 data shows that Michigan is near the top of the list for worst roads in the U.S: Almost 40% of Michigan roads can be considered to be in “poor shape”. According to a national study by the Associated Press, funding for roads in Michigan fell 8% from 2008 to 2013, so there is not enough money to go around, for these local side streets. 

Pothole Car Accident Lawyer


After purchasing 17 bags of cold patch, about 900 pounds worth, for about $120, residents of Lumpkin Street were able to repair the littered potholes. Lumpkin Street is just one of the mild cases of road damage in Hamtramck, as Charest Street alone has 33 different potholes. 


“We thought we’d just do this quietly,” resident Jonathan Weier told the Detroit Free Press. “There’s holes in the ground, and there’s no one filling them, so let’s fill them.”


The efforts of this self-made repair crew have not gone without notice, as they have garnered an interview from NPR’s “All Things Considered” show and gaining financial support through a GoFundMe page that raised $4,475. They have even received the support of Hamtramck’s mayor Karen Majewski. 


“It just speaks to me about the level of commitment to and affection for Hamtramck that residents here have. There’s such a strong sense of community spirit and a feeling that we’re all in it together. People here are willing to step up and do what they can to make the city work,” Majewski told MLive. 

Road Damage Car Accident

Tips for Avoiding Potholes: 

Here are some tips from the Michigan Department of Transportation on how to avoid rough patches during your commute: 

  • Be Vigilant: Potholes aren’t always easy to see, especially at night. Make sure that the vehicle’s headlights are working properly before getting on the road. 
  • Vehicle Maintenance: Tires should be properly inflated. Also, it is good to have suspensions and steering components inspected. 
  • If you have no way of avoiding the pothole, it is best to slow down and then release the brakes before you hit it. You should also straighten your wheel to hit it squarely and roll through it. 
  • If you do hit a pothole, it’s important to inspect the vehicle for any damage that may have been done once you get out of the car. A properly maintained car can help avoid any further damage to the vehicle. 

If you or anyone you know has been involved in a car accident, including collisions caused by potholes or other types of road damage, please call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are very experienced in handling car accident cases, and will get you the help that you need. Call us, at 844.4MI.FIRM, for a free consultation. 

Nissan To Recall Over 3.5 Million Vehicles Due To Faulty Airbags

Nissan Recall Lawyer

The Nissan Motor Company put out a statement on Friday, April 29, 2016 that it will be recalling 3.53 million vehicles, most of which are in the United States, due to a passenger airbag issue. Reuters reported that the issue is that the passenger airbag may not work properly due to a malfunction of the vehicle's sensors. This is the Japanese automaker's fourth recall since 2013 concerning air bag issues affecting the front passenger side. The sensor may malfunction, making the automobile believe the passenger is a child or the seat is empty, leading to the airbag not deploying.

Nissan has reported three injuries so far due to this issue but luckily, no deaths as of yet. The recall includes some 2013-2017 models of the Nissan Altima, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, Pathfinder, Sentra, Rogue, NV200, NV Taxi, Infiniti JX35/QX60, and Q50. The 2015-2016 Chevrolet City Express was also included, because Nissan manufactured this vehicle for General Motors. About 3.2 million of these recalls are within the United States. Some 600,000 Nissan Sentra cars are also on recall for a safety belt defect, adding to the list of vehicles currently on recall. Nissan will be contacting those affected by recalls within the next few months and the issue will be fixed at no charge to the owner.

Nissan Recall Attorney

It is very important to stay on top of recalls because they can sometimes fix fatal defects in the automobile. Issues such as this one, regarding seat belts or airbags, can be the difference between life and death, when the car is involved in an automobile accident. If a car is believed to be under recall, always fix it as soon as possible. If a car is recalled, owners should receive a pamphlet in the mail or can check online at SafeCar.gov. Simply enter the VIN number of the car in question and all potential recalls will be listed.

The news of this recall comes in the wake of a number of other large recalls. This recall alone affects over 3.5 million vehicles, which equates to almost 1 car recalled per every 100 persons in the United States. Automakers do their best to ensure car safety, but sometimes are at fault and will attempt to fix these issues. It is important for drivers to ensure they are up to date on all safety checks and recall information to ensure their own safety, and the safety of drivers around them.

If you or someone you know has been involved in an auto accident due to a defect with your car, call The Michigan Law Firm PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in handling all types of motor vehicle accidents including those caused by recalled vehicles. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Dog Bites: Everything You Need To Know

A huge fear for many parents when allowing their children to play in public areas, especially in cities, are dogs. Cities like Detroit, Michigan have an abundance of both tame and feral dogs, many of which roam the city streets as they please. Children may not always know when a dog is safe or unsafe to approach, which could lead to being bitten and taken to the hospital or even dying, depending on the severity of the bite. As a parent, it is very important to understand which kinds of dogs are most likely to bite, and how to treat a bite if it does occur.

According to DogsBite.org, an organization which has been collecting data since 1982 through the end of 2014, only 9.2% of the dog population are breeds such as pit bulls, rottweilers, presa canarios, cane corsos, mastiffs, dogo argentinos, fila brasieros, sharpeis, boxers. Although this represents a very small percentage of all dogs, these breeds and their mixes account for 86% of attacks that induce bodily harm, 81% of all attacks on children, and 86% of all attacks that result in maiming or long-term damage. Also, dogs that are biters are 6.2 times more likely to be male than female and are just under 3 times as likely to be biters if they are chained up rather than free roaming. Not only is it important to keep these statistics in mind when allowing children to play in the neighborhood, but they is important to keep in mind when in public areas like parks and on sidewalks. 

Over 4.5 million Americans suffer from dog bites every year, with a significant proportion of those being children between the ages of 5 and 9. When a dog bite occurs, there are some very simple steps to take, to try and prevent further injury or infection.

What To Do After Being Bitten By A Dog

  1. SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION!
  2. If help is taking too long to arrive, get a clean towel and place it on the injury and keep it elevated.
  3. It is important to wash the wound with soap and water and apply antibiotic ointment every day that the wound is still open.
  4. Wrap the injury with a sterile bandage to keep debris out.
  5. If the owner of the dog is known, find out whether the animal is up to date with shots, most importantly the rabies vaccine. 

Although dogs are man’s best friend, they can still be dangerous animals. It is important to know how to interact with these animals and what to do if something goes wrong. If you or someone you know has been bitten by an animal, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in handling all types of dog bite cases. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

$21 Million Project Connects 20 Miles Of Detroit, Michigan Pathways

Detroit, Michigan has shown a lot of growth this Spring, with many projects coming to a close and and many starting anew. A project that is finishing up right now is one that is connecting 20 miles of walking, running, and bicycling paths through the city of Detroit. According to CBS Detroit, these paths cost about $21 million and were started in 2012. This project began due to funding from the city and the state, and from donations from groups like the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, The McGregor Fund, and the Kresge Foundation. A staple of this project is the Dequindre Cut Greenway, a path that is just over a mile long.

The new pathways and connector pathways now connect areas like Wayne State, Eastern Market, and Hamtramck. The main push for these pathways is to make Detroit a biker friendly city, which many believe in turn will make Detroit a family friendly city. Many city groups on both sides of the Detroit River hope that with the construction of the Gordy Howe International Bridge, which is scheduled to open in 2020, will allow bike paths to extend from Windsor, Canada to Detroit, which would be a unique, international connection.

Detroit Bicycle Accident Lawyer

A bike friendly city is very important for automobile drivers as well. Allowing bikers to get around without riding on roadways makes bicycling far safer and allows for drivers to focus on other traffic impediments. Bicycle crashes are often fatal, so this is a big win for cycling enthusiasts. This move will also hopefully inspire a new breed of Detroiters to start riding their bicycles to run errands, go to work, and for leisure, thereby keeping cars off the road. Fewer cars on the road makes driving safer for those on the road, and keeps down on traffic. The city of Detroit keeps investing in projects such as this and is seeing both short term and long term benefits, so many hope these projects will continue within the city limits.

If you or someone you know has been involved in an auto or bicycle accident, call The Michigan Law Firm PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in helping bicyclists who have been hit by cars, identify and receive any benefits they may be entitled to, under Michigan law. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Lots of Highway Construction Coming to Metro-Detroit

It is officially that time of year once again: road work season. The Detroit Free Press reported that the state of Michigan plans to spend around $422 million on road repairs in the Metro Detroit area. The lengthiest of these projects is the 14-year reconstruction of I-75 and I-275. This work, although stressful for drivers, will make for nicer roadways in the long run. Other, less significant, projects include  the reconstruction of the retaining wall between Meyers and McNichols on the Lodge Freeway in Detroit, replacements to the Trumbull bridge over I-94 in Detroit, reconstruction of Van Dyke in Warren and Sterling Heights, and the resurfacing and reconstruction of Lapeer Road in Auburn Hills and Orion Township. All of these projects cost tens of millions of dollars each, with finish dates ranging from this coming summer until the end of this year.

Detroit Construction Accident Lawyer

With so many projects going on this summer, it is very important for drivers to be on the lookout for construction workers, not only for their safety, but for the drivers' safety as well. Road work conditions are often far less safer than regular driving conditions, as there may be steep drop offs or two way traffic in areas that do not normally have it. Almost all traffic fines are doubled in work zones, so choosing not to slow down could really cost drivers. It is very unwise and unsafe to speed in construction zones. It is very easy to injure or kill a construction worker due to lack of attention or drunk driving as well.

Drivers need to pay extra attention to the road and their surroundings when driving in construction zones. This attention can be the difference between a safe trip through the zone, and a huge fine, or worse, the death of a construction worker.

If you or someone you know has been involved in an auto accident, call The Michigan Law Firm PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in handling all types of motor vehicle accidents, including those occurring in construction zones. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Detroit's Potential MLS Franchise Creates A Potential Traffic Nightmare

All the buzz in Detroit, Michigan lately has been about sports. The Tigers have started their season, the Red Wings and Pistons made the playoffs, the Lions have their new class of players, and rumors of a Detroit MLS franchise spark controversy. On Wednesday, April 27, 2016, it was announced by a number of news outlets that Detroit billionaire and owner of Quicken Loans, Dan Gilbert, is entering a joint venture with current Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores, to invest in a stadium at the current site of the Wayne County jail on Gratiot Avenue in downtown Detroit, for the use of soccer, rugby, or lacrosse. Although these are still just rumors, it has many Detroiters wondering what may become of this investment.

Detroit MLS Soccer Team

The MLS typically has its season starting in March and ending in October. This overlaps with the MLB, which typically runs from April through October, the NFL, which typically runs from September through February, and the NHL, which typically runs from October through April. This means that during any one month, there are at least two Detroit sports teams currently contending in their leagues, which potentially means home games in Detroit. (Although the Detroit Pistons currently play in Auburn Hills, there has been rumor of their move back to Detroit in the not too distant future.) This would mean that there could be 5 major league sports teams playing within a 10-15 minute walk of one another, and considering the Pistons also play from October through April, this could really lead to some traffic woes for sports fans and Detroiters living and commuting in the area.

The unification of all of these teams in downtown Detroit would really put stress on major roadways like Woodward, Jefferson, Gratiot, and Michigan Avenues. This would also put a lot of traffic on the major highways near downtown, such as I-75, I-375, I-94, I-96, The Lodge, and all of their tributaries, before and after games. With most people coming to sporting events in Detroit not living downtown, this really puts a lot of pressure on these roadways, and on other services like restaurants, public transportation, and hotels as well. The completion of the M-1 Rail, or QLine, will drastically help the traffic issue, but will still only take a small chunk out of the thousands of Detroit sports fans attempting to get into the city on game day. 

Increased game day traffic is an issue because accidents often happen when people are frustrated by built up traffic. Stop and go traffic leads to drivers not paying attention and bumping into one another and road rage car crashes. Traffic in downtown areas can also lead to pedestrian and bicycle accidents. City streets are not typically jammed packed in Detroit, and many drivers are not used to driving in a city like Detroit, with its many one way streets and multiple stop signs, and Michigan lefts. This can lead to confusion and accidents between cars, pedestrians and cars, bicyclists and cars, and even pedestrians and bicycles.

Although, by ramping up police enforcement on game days and increasing public transportation from areas in which sports fans are coming from, the city may be able to curb this traffic issue that is now looming with the potential for two new teams moving into downtown Detroit (MLS and the return of the Pistons). However, this is not a guarantee, and even if it were, accident are still bound to happen.

If you or someone you know has been involved in an motor vehicle accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in handling all types of motor vehicle accidents, including those involving pedestrian and bicycle crashes. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Macomb County Car Crash Heard For Blocks, Leaves One Dead

A car was ripped in half this past week in a life-taking crash in Macomb County, Michigan. Fox 2 Detroit reported that many witnesses stated that the crash sounded like an explosion. One witness in particular, stated that the two car crash sounded like a ten car crash, and that even a day later she could not get the noise out of her head. The noise may have come from one of the vehicles in the collision which was split into three pieces.

Speeding Lawyer

The speed limit in the area is 50 miles per hour but eye witnesses stated that the car was going at least double that, lost control, and crashed. Another car crashed into that car afterwards. The driver of the second car attempted to help the driver of the first car but there was nothing anyone could do. The first driver was pronounced dead at the scene. It was certain that the speed of the accident was a factor, but some believe drugs and alcohol may have played a factor. For the residents of the neighborhood in which the crash took place, the spot of the accident will never feel the same.

This accident should be a haunting reminder for drivers to always follow posted speed limits. It is very easy for drivers to speed, but it is one of the most unsafe things a driver can do. Crashes caused by high speeds often leave drivers, passengers, and bystanders paralyzed or even dead. Following posted driving speed limits is a very easy way save lives. 

If you or someone you know has been involved in an auto accident, call The Michigan Law Firm PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in handling all types of motor vehicle accidents. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Semi-Truck Hits Stopped Car on Michigan's I-94

One person ended up dead this week, on I-94, after a deadly crash involving a semi truck and a stopped vehicle. The Detroit Free Press reported that a semi-truck drove over the top of a stopped car near the I-94 and I-69 interchange, because the car was stopped in the middle of the highway and the truck could not stop in time. Although the semi truck driver was not hurt, the driver of the vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene. The accident occurred around 2:14 A.M. in the eastbound lanes of I-94. The names of the drivers have not yet been released, but alcohol is suspected to have been a factor in the crash given the time of the accident. The accident closed both sides of the highway and traffic was diverted to the closest exits until around 7 A.M. Police and Firefighters worked vigorously to clear the scene, but it still took many hours.

Drunk Driving Accident Lawer

As The Michigan Law Firm blog has covered before, drunk driving is a serious issue plaguing almost every corner of this country. Drunk driving leaves thousands dead every year and is the cause of much property damage. The main issue many people have with drunk driving is that there are so many alternatives to avoid driving after drinking. Public transportation is being ramped up all around the state of Michigan, especially in cities in the Metro Detroit area. Also, ride sharing services like Uber and Lyft are becoming more and more popular and are appearing in almost every major city. And of course, designating a sober driver is always the best option to drunk driving. Choosing to not drink and drive can literally be the difference between life and death, or at least a huge fine and a safe ride home. The choice is easy, drive sober or get pulled over.

If you or someone you know has been involved in an auto accident, call The Michigan Law Firm PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in handling all types of motor vehicle accidents. Our firm also specializes in helping victims of drunk driving identity and get any benefits they maybe entitled to, under Michigan law. We can help you deal with your legal issues while you focus on recovering your health. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Road Rage Causes Accident on I-94 in Ann Arbor, Michigan

Michigan State Police have released a statement that road rage was the cause of an accident in Ann Arbor on Thursday, April 7, 2016. MLive reported that the three car crash occurred on I-94 near Platt Road. The altercation began when a 17-year-old Dearborn, Michigan native driving a 2016 Ford Escape tried passing a 64-year-old Ann Arbor native in a 1998 Subaru, and the Subaru driver slammed on his brakes. The altercation went on for a few miles, and ended with the two cars ramming into each other continuously causing an accident with another vehicle. A 43 year old woman was brought into the collision when her 2006 Honda was struck by the two vehicles. Luckily, she was not injured. Both of the other drivers were treated for minor injuries at the University of Michigan Health System but were said to be okay. The State Police are currently working on a report to submit to the Washtenaw County Prosecutor's Office for review.

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This is another example of how a driver who has nothing to do with confrontation and is abiding by the law may be dragged into something they had nothing to do with, due to the recklessness of other drivers on the road. Even though the woman was not driving recklessly, like her counterparts, she was still involved in the accident and had to take time out of her day to deal with the aftermath.

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Road rage causes a lot of accidents every year, and often most of the damage does not fall on the driver, but whatever or whoever that driver ends up hitting and damaging due to their neglectful driving habits. By failing to drive by the law and letting their emotions get the best of them, drivers who fall victim to road rage can not only injure or kill themselves, but they can also cause extreme damage to property or even injure or kill another driver on the road, who had nothing to do with the issue at hand. While driving, it is important for drivers to remember that should not let their emotions get the best of them. Also,  if a reckless driver is spotted, drivers should call the authorities and avoid the dangerous driver at all costs. Reckless drivers are a danger to themselves and everyone else on the road. 

Even if you drive safely, you can still be affected by other reckless drivers. If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident that involves road rage or reckless driving, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in handling all types of motor vehicle accidents, including victims of road rage and reckless driving collisions. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Detroit Area Freeways To See New Lights

The Michigan Law Firm blog recently updated readers on a study which revealed that most headlights on common cars are of below average quality, at best. As we mentioned, having poor quality headlights can be directly correlated to many accidents that occur at night and their consequent resulting injuries and deaths. In the majority of car accidents occurring at night, the lack of lighting was the main issue, because drivers were not able to see obstacles ahead of them. The same issue of poor lighting is also one that is currently plaguing Detroit, Michigan highways.

A poor and crumbling infrastructure system in Detroit has neglected the lighting system for roads and freeways for almost a decade, but that is about to change this week. The Detroit Free Press reported that The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) announced this week that Freeway Lighting Partners, a public-private partnership, will be installing upgrades to the failing lighting system in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties. The 15 year contract which the state of Michigan signed with the company, states that after the first year of replacements, 90% of the lights must be operational and after the second year, 98% of the lights must be operational. The need for lights has been a long time problem. MDOT reported that of the some 15,000 freeway lights in the Metro Detroit area, 87% are currently high-pressure sodium or metal halide fixtures, a style which is out of date. The plans for replacement call for energy efficient LED lights. This change in light bulbs will not only save money for the city on electrical bills, but it will make the road safer for citizens of Detroit, at night.

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As Detroit’s comeback comes further and further along, the infrastructure that supports Detroit does as well. Not only is the city doing well, but roads and bridges are being replaced to combat the new influx of traffic in the city. Although a majority of these changes are happening in the more populated areas like downtown and New Center, these changes have been needed for a long time. In the years to come, Detroiters hope that these changes will also start to affect the neighborhoods surrounding downtown. For the safety of drivers in Detroit, it is important that these infrastructure issues be addressed in a timely manner, because without the infrastructure to support a city with the magnitude of Detroit, a revitalization is pretty hard.

If you or someone you know has been in an accident involving infrastructure issues, call the Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in handling all types of motor vehicle accidents. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Hillsdale, Michigan Teen Killed In Car Crash, Another Hospitalized

On Tuesday, March 29, 2016, a teen was killed in a car crash in Reading Township, Michigan when his vehicle struck a railroad crossing pole. MLive reported that the vehicle, a 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage then spun out and laid to rest on the side of S. Edon Road just north of Lilac Road. The accident appeared to have occurred shortly after 9 P.M. The driver, Kade Parish Moes, a sixteen year old from Hillsdale, Michigan, was not wearing his seatbelt and was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. The passenger of the vehicle, who was wearing a seatbelt, was taken to Parkview Regional Hospital via Samaritan Medical Transport of Fort Wayne. There has been no update of the passenger's condition, but it is safe to say that the seatbelt she was wearing saved her life, for the time being.

This crash is a brutal reminder that the leading cause of deaths for teens in this country is auto accidents. Young adults also have the highest crash related injury rates among all drivers. According to the Centers For Disease Control And Prevention, seat belts reduce serious crash related injuries and deaths by about half. Of all teenagers who died in crashes in 2012, about 55% were not wearing their seat belts. Men are also 10% less likely to wear their seat belts than females. Passengers in the rear seating portion of a vehicle are less likely than those in the front seat to wear their seat belts also, making them far more at risk to injure themselves or die in a car crash.

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Every state in the United States of America has laws requiring seat belt use. Although the laws may vary in severity, each state requires drivers to wear a seat belt and almost all states require passengers to do so as well. Police have stepped up their coverage of the issue in recent years with the ‘Click It Or Ticket’ campaign, but it is the driver's and the passengers' responsibility to ensure their own safety when travelling in an automobile. The time to wear a seat belt is not just after being pulled over for not wearing one, it’s every time a driver gets in the car to travel any distance. As the statistics show, wearing a seat belt is literally the difference between life and death in many automobile collisions. 

If you or someone you know has been involved in a motor vehicle accident, call The Michigan Law Firm PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in handling all types of motor vehicle accidents, including car crashes. We help victims of automobile collisions identify and receive any benefits they may be entitled to, under Michigan Law. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Can Music Cause A Car Accident?

In 2015, Newsplex posted an article in which they spoke about how loud music may cause drivers to become distracted, leading to car accidents, inability to hear emergency vehicles, and distracted driving. But, why do people listen to music as they drive? Because it adds excitement to driving, bumping down the street to the latest hit just seems like a lot more fun than silently strolling down the avenue. But, since when does driving have to be fun?

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At it’s core, driving is a means of transportation, nothing more. With the high speeds that vehicles travel at and the amount of damage that can be caused in auto accidents, due to neglectful driving, music should take the passenger seat. That being said, teens are still turning up the radio with every chance they get. Upgrading car stereo systems is a very popular thing, and often students compare who has the loudest system in their cars before and after the school day in the parking lot. Not that a love for music should be discouraged, but such loud music is not safe.

The Telegraph reported that a study in the early 2000’s found that reaction times diminished up to 20% when a driver was subject to loud volumes. These stereo systems are a recipe for disaster, seeing that slower reaction times may cause accidents especially in worse driving conditions such as rain, snow, or fog.

It is important to ensure that when listening to music in the car that the level of noise is not at a distracting level, and that you are constantly aware of your surroundings. Be wary of songs on the radio that feature sirens or horns, because these can startle other drivers. Always be aware on the roadways, because you never know if the driver next to you is doing the same.

Be sure to monitor your audio levels while driving, and 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 accidents identify and receive any compensation they may be entitled to, under Michigan law. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.