iPhone Explodes in Bicyclist's Pocket, Causes 3rd-Degree Burns

A bicyclist from Sydney, Australia has been recovering from serious burn injuries after his iPhone suddenly exploded while he was on a ride. 36-year-old Gareth Clear was riding his bike this past weekend, on a bike trail that he says he has ridden hundreds of times before.

When Clear fell off of his bike, he first noticed scrapes and abrasions to his upper right thigh, but then he noticed something else had gone wrong. “The first thing was just complete bewilderment about why smoke was coming out of- excuse my terminology - coming out of my behind,” Clear explained. “I realized it was my phone and I was just flailing to get my trousers off and my phone had caused my two layers of shorts, my Skins and my cycling shorts, to melt." Clear also suffered blisters on his fingers from touching his phone. 

Luckily, Clear managed to get himself to the nearest hospital before being transferred to the burn unit at Royal North Shore hospital, where he was informed that he suffered third-degree burns on his upper-thigh and would need skin graft surgery. “It was like a black ring around it, with my shorts material around the outside and the lithium material inside,” Clear described. He is worried that the lithium chemical inside of the phone may have gotten inside of him, which could cause other side-effects. “I’m not a chemist, I’m not an electrical engineer, so I don’t really know what the impact of that would be if it got into my body.”

Clear has been disappointed with the response from Apple. “No one’s asked me how are you? How’s your body? How’s the hole in your leg that’s just exploded, how’s that?” Clear pointed out. “It was a very technical-driven response, which surprised me. But look, I bear no grudges against Apple. It’s an iPhone, I purchased it. At this point, Clear says it’s Apple’s responsibility to make sure the same incident doesn’t happen to other people. “What if it was my face? What if that was someone else’s face? What if that’s a young kid that’s left alone with an iPhone, and is banging away and is left unsupervised and something happens?” Clear questioned. 

Unfortunately, Clear isn't the only one to experience his iPhone battery exploding. In 2014, a Maine 8th grader was burned by her iPhone 5C when it started to overheat in her back pocket. According to Digital Trends, she went to sit down in her chair when she heard a pop, and the phone started to heat up. The student was forced to take off her pants when the phone started to smoke, causing minor burns. In another incident, two people from the Czech Republican reported that their iPhones didn't explode, but started to balloon up, causing the casing of the phone to split open. The lithium ion battery inside expanded to more than twice its original size. 

Apple has not yet claimed any responsibility for these incidents. Instead they have blamed "external forces" putting stress on the devices as the the cause of these malfunctions. To prevent explosions, iPhone users should avoid overheating, overcharging, and applying large amounts of pressure to their devices.

There are a lot of things bicyclists should be cautious of while riding, but exploding iPhones shouldn't be one of them. If you or somebody you know has been injured through no fault of their own while riding their bike, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our highly experienced attorneys can help you understand your rights according to Michigan law and can get you the help that you need. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

Virtual Reality: Coming to a Courtroom Near You!

Virtual reality is becoming more prevalent when it comes to playing video games or watching a movie at home, but it could also start playing a role in the courtroom in the not-so-distant future. Recently, researchers from Staffordshire University in England were announced as the recipients of a $200,000 European Commission grant to create ways of presenting crime-scene evidence to jurors and lawyers through virtual reality. 

“A number of novel, digital non-invasive methods, have the potential to...permit access to difficult and/or dangerous environments, create a more accurate record of buried or concealed evidence and provide more effective means of presenting evidence in court,” Caroline Sturdy Colls, the leader of the project, said in a statement. 

Staffordshire University told The Wall Street Journal that one technique being coordinated and tested with the Staffordshire police department, uses virtual reality motion-capture headsets, which have become popular in the video gaming world. The Head of Justice services for Staffordshire Police told the BBC that these new developments could “bring to life” complicated crime scenes. 

Not everyone is thrilled about the idea of bringing virtual reality into the legal world however. Jason Holt, a barrister at Steven Solicitors told the BBC that “we don’t have a very good track record with bringing technology into courtrooms." The debate on the merits of reenacting crime scenes has been played out before. In 2001, the National Institute for Trial Advocacy released the Federal Judicial Center-funded guidebook that outlined the potential advantages and drawbacks of transporting jurors to “virtual environments”: 

“This kind of equipment is used for recreating scenes where it is important for the viewer to feel a part of the action. If compensation for fear, anxiety, peril, or the like are at issue, lawyers may want the jury to feel what the plaintiff or defendant felt. Virtual reality equipment comes the closest to that goal.  Because a full recreation of the relevant scene (from the point of view of the people involved) is usually impossible there remains a good deal of possibility for unfair prejudice.” 

A decade ago, William & Mary Law School’s Center for Legal and Court Technology researched ways to integrate virtual reality into law practices, according to Law Professor Fredric I. Lederer. The project involved a mock trial where expert witnesses in a medical negligence case used virtual reality to visualize the scene in the operating room. “It left us with the certainty that you could do it," Lederer said. Although the door was left open for future use, there were some lingering concerns including the accurate recreation of crime scenes and making sure jurors, lawyers, and judges were all viewing the same thing. Oddly enough, nausea was also a noted concern. “I wouldn’t want to lose a quarter of my jury because they’re trying not to throw up,” Lederer added. 

While virtual reality hasn't reached the courtroom quite yet, other industries are putting it to full use. Last summer, the University of Michigan's Athletic Department became the first collegiate athletic department to utilize virtual reality for recruiting and fan engagement. Players and fans will be able to wear HeadcaseVR's as glasses and see first hand what it's like to practice during the week, get ready in the locker room, and run out of the tunnel in front of the largest crowd in the United States.

While virtual reality has yet to play a role in the courtroom, the attorneys at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC will work with you to create an accurate description of what took place in your case. Our attorneys are committed to doing thorough research and investigation in order to get you the help you need. If you or somebody you know has been in an accident, call us today at 844.4MI.FIRM, for a free consultation. 

Volvo Projects Completely Autonomous Cars by 2020

Volvo is hoping to put its money where its mouth is, in the very near future. The Swedish car manufacturer told Tech Insider its autonomous systems will have the capabilities and safety features to be able to operate without driver supervision by the year 2020. This prediction differs from those of many other auto companies who have promised semi-autonomous vehicles (cars in which the driver still needs to pay attention to the road), in the same time frame. 

Volvo is using Nvidia’s GPU-based “Deep-Learning” system with its “DriveMe” program, which will be launched in London, Gothenburg, Sweden, and a handful of cities in China, by 2017. Families who wish to participate in the program will be asked to drive the Volvos in varying road and traffic conditions, as well as different terrains. During their drive, the Deep-Learning system will be able to capture data and sync it with the software, allowing the vehicle to learn and become smarter the more it drives. Drivers will need to supervise the driving during the test runs, but it will be a major step towards having completely autonomous vehicles. 

“What is unique with DriveMe, is that we are not only building a concept car or doing demos, we are really doing research to help us understand how we can bring self-driving cars to the real world, to public roads with ordinary customers behind the wheel,” Erik Coelingh, Senior Technical Leader for Safety and Driver Support Technologies told Digital Trends, “...by accomplishing that objective, we will learn about the reality of self-driving cars, that it’s not just a fantasy. We will learn about technology, we will learn about the human factors, and how self-driving cars will impact society.” 

According to Volvo, their projections show that by 2020 no one will be killed or seriously injured in one of its new cars. The car company also believes advantages of self-driving cars will be in the areas of safety, congestion, pollution, and time-savings. “Autonomous driving represents a leap forward in car safety. The sooner (self-driving) cars are on the roads, the sooner lives will start being saved,” Volvo CEO and President Hakan Samuelsson said. 

Unfortunately, for those living in the United States Volvo has stated that there are no plans at this time to include road testing in America due to the different laws and guidelines in the 50 states, which make it near impossible to complete thorough testing. 

Self-Driving cars are well on their way to becoming a mainstay in everyday transportation. In the meantime, drivers are at risk of being injured in an auto accident every time they get behind the wheel. If you or somebody you know has been involved in a car accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Injuries from these accidents can range from bruises to head injuries, and they may not even present themselves immediately following the crash. Our attorneys will work with you to identify the appropriate help you may need. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

New University of Michigan Alcohol Policy

This past school year at the University of Michigan (U of M), the world-renowned university tried something a little different when dealing with underage drinking. It was the first year that they decided to inform the parents of first year students if they were caught with alcohol twice during the year. Even though the vast majority of first year students are legal adults (18+) and therefore their parents are not required by law to be informed of anything, this was something that other Big 10 universities had put in place. By having this policy, the University of Michigan hopes to curb the use of alcohol in the student body, and therefore keep its students safer.

 

Vice president for Student Life, Evan Royster sent out the following email regarding the new school policy. "We will notify parents of first-year students when a student under the age of 21 has had a second alcohol or drug violation or when a first-year student has committed a violation accompanied by other serious behavior such as needing medical attention, significant property damage or driving under the influence," the email read. "At U-M, we strive to create a caring community. The safety of our students is our No. 1 priority. Our actions are intended to reduce the risk of harm and increase the safety of every student."

One of the reasons for this policy being put in place was due to the spike in alcohol and drug related matters. During the 2013-2014 school year, there were 404 alcohol and drug incidents, while the following year jumped up to 465 incidents. These incidents could range anywhere from a student being hospitalized for alcohol poisoning to a student being arrested for being in the possession of illegal narcotics. Of course, these numbers are only of the students that got "caught" and not the entire use of the substances at the university.


Even though the University of Michigan put this new policy in place, other universities in Michigan have not been reported to follow suit. According to the Michigan State University (MSU), the school is not expected to put any policy like U of M's anytime soon. Michigan State University spokesman Jason Cody has said the school does not see contacting parents as a form of prevention. He has said that the school has other programs targeted to first year students about underage drinking/drug use, and he doesn't believe contacting parents will be a deterrent. 

MSU should consider however, that implementing this policy may also be a good idea because it may help deter drunk driving accidents. Some first year students come to campus with vehicles given to them by their parents. If parents are informed of their student's illegal drinking, they may be able to provide consequences to the student by taking back their cars, even if they can't stop them from drinking. This not only serves as a punishment, making it so that students may give up drinking to get their driving privileges back, but this also helps parents prevent their students from becoming involved in dangerous drunk driving car crashes.

The policy that the University of Michigan has put in place will hopefully deter underage drinking at the school. Although it won’t completely solve the problem, it will cause some first year students to think twice about drinking alcohol if they don't want to risk their parents being contacted. Thus this is an important step taken in order to keep everyone safe at the university. After all, a mother's disappointment is the oldest trick in the book to getting people to do the right thing.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a motor vehicle accident due to underage drinking, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are experienced in handling many types of auto accident cases, including those involving alcohol. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

Ride Sharing Apps Won't Decrease Car Sales

 

Recently there has been a rise in online transportation companies like Uber and Lyft. Due to the easy access of smartphones, with one click of a button, people can have a ride to wherever they want. This can eliminate the problems of finding an empty taxi or having to worry about finding parking while driving.

While these ride share companies have proved to be convenient and popular with citizens, many companies have taken issue to them. This is because places like Metro Detroit thrive on the business of car sales. Therefore automotive companies might see Uber and Lyft as a threat. More people taking Uber and Lyft means that people will be less inclined to lease or buy a car. However a couple of studies have recently seemed to disprove this notion. 

According to a study by Kelly Blue Book people use the ride sharing apps for various reasons. For some people it could be due to city living and the inconveniences of driving a car, while others were reported to only use the apps for their nightlife.That is why the study mainly determined that people that use Uber and Lyft were looking for an alternative to taxis or other public transportation. One way or another, they were not planning on using a car of their own to get to their destination. Moreover, the study determined that 74% of consumers surveyed said that driving is their preferred mode of transportation. 

Karl Brauer, senior analyst for Kelley Blue Book. said that, “While there are numerous benefits to ride sharing and car sharing, our data reveal that owning a car still reigns supreme, with reliability, safety and convenience all being major factors.”

In addition to companies like Uber and Lyft, which are essentially taxis in peoples' own cars, there are also other ride sharing companies. About 5.8 million people worldwide use services like Zipcar, Daimler’s car2go, and Turo. These companies allow car owners to rent out their vehicles to others. Instead of someone being chauffeured around, they can drive other peoples' cars to get to where they want. 

However, that doesn't mean the users of these type of companies don't necessarily want to buy a car either. The Kelley Blue Book did a survey on the habits of these users.

Kelley Blue Book Car Ride Sharing App Statistics

1. According to the survey 81% said that vehicle ownership is more reliable.

2. 76% of these users said that they plan to buy or lease their own vehicle within two years time.

3. 80% thought that owning their own car was safer.

All of this data shows that despite the boom of ride sharing apps, car companies don't need to worry about their sales being affected. Uber, Zipcar, and other ride sharing companies are alternates to public transportation, not to buying or leasing a car. The vast majority of their users are planning on getting a car of their own in the near future.

Having the opportunity to use Uber or Lyft might decrease someone’s chance of getting to a car accident. Nevertheless that doesn’t mean that accidents don't occur. Whether you are driving your own car or using someone else's’ car with Turo, there is always the possibility of a motor vehicle collision occurring. If you or somebody you know has been involved in an car accident of any kind, call the The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Actor Anton Yelchin's Parents File Lawsuit Against Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

The parents of late actor Anton Yelchin have spoken out after filing a wrongful death and product liability lawsuit against Fiat Chrysler Automobiles in Los Angeles Superior Court earlier this week, according to the Detroit Free Press. “Anton was our only son and was a remarkable human being. It is wrong, it is against nature when parents bury their own child,” Victor Yelchin, Anton’s father, said at a media conference. 

The 27-year-old actor, who was most recently a part of the highly successful and popular film, Star Trek Beyond, was killed by his own vehicle June 19th, 2016 when he left his California home for rehearsal. According to the police report, Yelchin had exited his Jeep Grand Cherokee, leaving it parked in his driveway. The car, which was subject for a recall from Fiat Chrysler, started to roll down the steep driveway, and pinned Yelchin against a brick pillar and security fence. Los Angeles County medical examiners determined that Yelchin’s death was accidental and was caused by “blunt traumatic asphyxia.” 

The actor’s SUV was included in a global recall of 1.1 million vehicles by Fiat Chrysler. Gary Dordick, the family’s lawyer says that a May recall notice sent out by the car company to notify the public of the recall wasn’t found in Yelchin’s possession, and a second letter was mailed to Yelchin’s home seven days after he had died. “The safety recall was way too little and way too late,” said Dordick. “We hope this lawsuit will teach them a lesson.” 

Dordick also said that the type of vehicle Yelchin was driving had over 700 rolling incidents and dozens of people injured, but there was a lack of response from the automaker. “The problem with the gear shift is that people mistakenly think it’s in park and there’s no warning,” Dordick explained. A government investigation into the gear shift found 266 crashes which injured 68 people, as of late June 2016. 

The Detroit Free Press reported that at the time of Yelchin’s death, Fiat Chrysler extended it’s “most sincere condolences” to his family and friends. However, on Tuesday, the Yelchins said the company had not directly apologized for the incident. Within an hour of the family’s press conference, Fiat Chrysler sent out another statement: 

“We extend our sympathies to the Yelchin family for their tragic loss. The company has not been served with a lawsuit and cannot comment further at this time. FCA US urges customers to follow the instructions in their owners manuals and the information cards sent with their recall notices. These instructions include advising customers to set the parking brakes in their vehicles before exiting.”

Car defects and malfunctions can cause drivers to lose complete control of their vehicle, which can put their lives and the lives of others at risk. Therefore, any notices of recalls should be evaluated seriously. It is important to make sure that your car dealer or the maker of your automobile has your most current address, to ensure that you receive notification of any recalls in the mail. If you or somebody you know has been injured in a car accident which was caused by a car defect, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys will work alongside you to get you the help you need, including any reimbursement for medical services, wage loss, or pain and suffering that you may be entitled to under Michigan law. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

The Dangers of Leaving Children and Pets In A Hot Car

As the summer is currently in full effect, this is a friendly reminder that parents should always make sure NOT to leave their kids or pets in a hot car by themselves.

While local news constantly covers the horror stories of parents forgetting about their kids when they go to work or go back into their house, sometimes parents intentionally leave their kids in a hot car. This is not because the parents intend to harm their child or dog, but because they rationalize that they will only be gone for a minute. Whether popping your head into a store to just grab one item or unloading a car full of groceries, it is wrong to leave a child in the car. A few minutes in a hot car could lead to death for a child, if hot enough. 

Recently, Kars4Kids sponsored the Hot Car Challenge in Lakewood, New Jersey, to see how long adults could last in a hot car. They were offered 100 dollars if they could sit in a hot car for ten minutes with the windows rolled up. The temperature was over 90 degrees Fahrenheit and though many probably thought the challenge would be a piece of cake, none of the adults could successfully complete the challenge. 

Although people who did not partake in the challenge could remark that they could have survived the ten minutes or that the challenge was staged, they are missing the point. Many people don't realize how hot a car can get. Greg McKay, director of the Department of Child Safety did another demonstration on how hot a car will get within 10 minutes of the windows being rolled up. On the day of McKay’s demonstration it was also 90 degrees Fahrenheit. outside. However, after 10 minutes the temperature inside the car became 108 degrees because of the rolled up windows. And after 25 minutes the temperature rose to a whopping 124 degrees. This shows the serious danger of leaving a child or a pet in the car on a hot day. 

If the sheer temperature isn't enough to ship people from leaving children unattended in hot cars, here is an even scarier number. More than 750 children, mostly toddlers and younger, have died of a heat stroke in the back seats of cars since the mid-1980s, which is about an average of 38 kids per year.

The Hot Car Challenge was performed to remind people how easily it is for a child or a pet to die due to being left in a hot car. If adults can’t handle staying in a car for ten minutes, there is no reason to think that children can.

Tips To Prevent Hot Car Deaths

In order for people to ensure the safety of their child, here are some more old-fashioned methods that can help prevent hot-car deaths:

  1.  Leaving a purse or briefcase in the backseat with the child.
  2.  Removing your shoe, wallet or cellphone to put with your child.
  3.  Keeping a stuffed animal in the back seat car seat. When a child is in the seat, place the toy in the passenger seat as a reminder.

All of these tip help remind adults to check the backseat so that no helpless passengers are left behind when the adult exits the vehicle.

It is also important to note however, that exposure to extreme temperatures and their resulting symptoms are not the only way that children and pets may be harmed when left unattended in a vehicle. Motor vehicle accidents are very common with parked cars. Whether stopped on the side of a road or in a parking lot, collisions happen. While the vehicle is unoccupied the only concern may damage to the car and the hassle of dealing with auto insurance companies, however, when the vehicle has a child or a pet in it, the situation becomes very serious. In the case of a hit and run, a child or dog could be injured and could go unnoticed until the owner of the car comes back. 

The bottom line is, DO NOT leave children or pets unattended in a car.

As summer reaches it's peak, it is important to be mindful of protecting children and pets from the heat. Children and pets should NEVER be left a hot car by themselves, for any reason. If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident due to occupying a parked car, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in handling any time of motor vehicle collision, including those involving parked cars. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Heat Related Child Car Deaths Have Doubled Since 2015

Tragedy struck Dallas this past weekend as a toddler became the 21st child to die in a hot car this year in the United States, according to the national safety advocacy organization KidsAndCars.org. That is nearly twice as high as the number of children who died due to being in the car under hot temperatures than this time last year. 

With temperatures in the mid-90’s on Sunday afternoon, the child’s father noticed that the boy wasn’t in his regular children’s Bible service class, according to CNN. A member of the Dallas Matu Christian Church stated that the boy’s father went to his car, found the boy inside and carried him into the church, shouting that someone needed to call 911. After paramedics performed CPR, the boy was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. 

A couple days before, 4-year old Samaria Motyka died in a car in Pennsylvania, where the temperatures rose to 97 degrees. CNN reports that a woman who takes care of the girl usually dropped her at daycare in the mornings but on Friday the woman drove to work. At the end of the day, she returned to her car and found the girl unconscious. Attempts of reviving the girl from paramedics were unsuccessful. 

“The biggest mistake people make is thinking that it can’t happen to them”

According to Jeanette Fennell, KidsAndCars.org founder and president, there are typically two sets of circumstances that lead to this kind of tragedy. Children will either get into a car on their own or an adult leaves them in the car because they were distracted or didn’t think the heat would have such negative effects on their child. The organization has given parents tips which will help prevent them from forgetting their child is in the backseat, including putting something they need in the backseat which will force them to look in the backseat where the child is sitting. Fennel says that an average of 37 children die every year from heat stroke in a vehicle. 87% of kids that die this way are 3 years old or younger. 

“The biggest mistake people make is thinking that it can’t happen to them,” Fennell said. “Everyone should practice those safety measures and do whatever they have to do to remind themselves to check the backseat.”

Parents please be aware of your child's presence in the car, especially during these summer months where cars can reach dangerous temperatures in a matter of 5-10 minutes. Tragedies like these are 100% preventable. If you or somebody you know has been injured in an auto accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

Michigan State Police Trooper Injured in Accident on I-696

A Michigan State Police (MSP) Trooper was injured on Monday, July 25, 2016 on eastbound I-696 after his vehicle was hit by a large construction van. MSP reported to the Detroit Free Press that the crash happened around 7 A.M. when troopers responded to a vehicle in a ditch on eastbound I-696 near Lodge Freeway. 

“The trooper pulled over to the right shoulder and was struck by a large construction state van hauling a piece of equipment,” MSP First Lt. Mike Shaw said in a statement. The injured officer, who has yet to be identified, was rushed to Providence Hospital with injuries to the face, back, and head. Luckily, his injuries do not appear to be life threatening. The driver of the construction van vehicle was not injured and state troopers are still continuing to investigate the accident, Shaw reported. The crash caused all lanes of I-696 to be shut down around M-10, but the area has since been cleared and re-opened. 

The accident took place a week after MSP officials held a news conference to discuss Michigan’s “Move Over” law, which requires motorists to move over for stationary emergency vehicles with their lights activated or slow down and pass with caution if it’s not possible to safely change lanes, according to the Detroit Free Press. “It’s just kind of ironic that exactly one week ago we were standing in the same parking lot talking about the Move Over law...and now we have a smashed patrol car sitting here. The picture above was posted by the MSP Twitter account (@mspmetrodet) with the caption “This is why you need to pay attention while driving. Give a lane.”

According to MSP, a 2014 statewide survey commissioned by the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning reported that 80% of motorists were aware of the move over law, but only 60% were aware that the law also applies to tow trucks. Shaw stated that it’s not uncommon for troopers to get hit while parked on the side of the road.

“One of the things we see all the time is the distracted driving on our freeway system. For us, we understand that humans are curious people by nature and everyone wants to take a peek. This is one of the reasons you’ll see us close two or three lanes for a crash, not only to protect our troopers, EMS and tow trucks, but also to protect the people at the crash scene,” MSP First Lt. Mike Shaw stated. 

Distracted driving, whether it's taking a Snapchat photo or sending a quick text, can affect your life forever. Taking your eyes off the road for even two seconds can be dangerous, potentially causing serious injuries or death. If you or somebody you know has been injured in an auto accident involving a distracted driver, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Whether it is a sore back, broken leg, or a Traumatic Brain Injury, Michigan drivers are entitled to reimbursement for auto accident related medical expenses, wage loss, and oftentimes pain and suffering compensation. Our attorneys will work alongside you to identify which areas of aid you need, and get you the help you deserve. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

I-75 Project Begins in Oakland County Michigan Next Month

If you live or commute in Oakland County and were already sick of the number of orange construction barrels on the roads, you will be in for a big treat come mid-August. The Michigan Department of Transportation announced on July 19th, 2016 that the first project in the rebuilding of I-75 in Oakland County will begin this August. 

The two-year $90.8 million investment, which will stretch from Coolidge Highway to South Boulevard, will include reconstructing pavement, replacing bridges, and modernizing the Square Lake Road interchange. The Square Lake Road project involves replacing the left lane ramps at northbound I-75, and this will continue throughout the winter months. The good news however is that according to MDOT, this project will not impact traffic flow, like most construction projects usually do. 

“Starting in mid-August, two lanes will be open in each direction of I-75 between Coolidge Highway and Squirrel Road, in order to safely allow crews to construct temporary crossovers. In September, two-way traffic will share the southbound lanes to allow for the reconstruction of northbound I-75, along with bridge replacement at Adams, Square Lake, and Squirrel roads,” MDOT said in a released statement. This roadwork will continue to impact commuters on I-75 and will remain in place until mid-December, when all lanes will be expected to open back up. 

Oakland County residents aren’t exactly pleased with the upcoming construction in their area. More specifically, residents are upset about the increased noise that will be present due to all of the road work. “The construction is something we know can’t be stopped, and in the long run it’ll be fine. But the noise has tripled in places in my condo I’ve never had it before,” Karen Mellot, a resident of a condo complex located along I-75, told C&G Newspaper. At a meeting held by Oakland County Commissioner Shelley Goodman Taub and MDOT officials, residents caused an uproar, with many shouting at MDOT presenters and others walking out of the room.

As frustrating as ongoing construction may be, drivers are highly discouraged from runing their car right through those orange construction barrels and plowing their way through traffic. By not allowing frustration to turn into road rage drivers can avoid car accidents, crash related injuries, and a meeting with the police. If you or somebody you know has been injured in a car accident caused by aggressive driving, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys will work alongside you to get you the help you need and deserve. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

Laptops Are Being Used To Hack, Start, and Steal Vehicles

Car thieves are now going hi-tech it appears. Police and car insurance companies say that thieves are now using laptop computers to hack into new cars’ electronic ignitions to steal the vehicles. The issue came to light after a recent incident in Houston in which two thieves were caught on security cameras using a laptop to start a 2010 Jeep Wrangler and drive it out of its owner’s driveway. Local police added that this method has been used on four additional late-model Wranglers and Cherokees in the city, and none of which have been recovered yet. 

“If you are going to hotwire a car, you don’t bring along a laptop. We don’t know what he is exactly doing with the laptop, but my guess is he is tapping into the car’s computer and marrying it with a key he may already have with him so he can start the car,” Houston Senior Officer James Woods told The Wall Street Journal. The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) has said it recently has begun to see police reports that tie thefts of newer-model cars to “mystery” electronic devices. “We think it is becoming the new way of stealing cars. The public, law enforcement and the manufacturers need to be aware,” NICB Vice President Roger Morris said. 

Fiat Chrysler stated it “takes the safety and security of its customers seriously and incorporates security features in its vehicles that help to reduce the risk of unauthorized and unlawful access to vehicle systems and wireless communications.” Titus Melnyk, Senior Manager of Security Architecture, believes an individual with access to a dealer website may have sold the information to a thief. From there, a thief will enter the vehicle identification number on the site and receive a code which is entered into the car’s computer triggering the acceptance of the new key. 

Car manufacturers are starting to get involved with cyber protections for cars as the threat of car hackers continues to grow. “What we now need is multiple layers of protection to make the efforts of carrying out a cyber attack very costly and deter hackers from spending the time and effort,” Yoni Heilbronn, Vice President of Marketing for Argus Cyber Security Ltd. said. San Francisco-based Voyomotive LLC is currently developing an application that can prevent hackers from starting a vehicle, as well as repeatedly lock a car’s doors if they are triggered by a hacker. 

As hackers continue to innovate and find new ways to to get into vehicles, it's best if personal belongings and valuables aren't kept inside your car. Additionally, if you notice any suspicious activity taking place outside near your car or a neighbor's car, call your local police immediately. If you or somebody you know has been injured because of a car malfunction of any kind, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. You can work with an accident lawyer who will identify the help you need and will not rest until a settlement is reached. Call our experienced legal team today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

Over 500,000 Hoverboards Recalled Due to Risk of Fire and Explosions

Issues pertaining to hoverboard malfunctions continue, as more than 500,000 of the balancing scooters are being recalled due to a risk of fire and/or explosions. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the recall Wednesday, and added that many hoverboard devices which were not included in the recall should be discarded for consumers’ safety. 

“There have been at least 99 incident reports of the battery packs in self-balancing scooters/hoverboards overheating, sparking, smoking, catching fire and/or exploding,” the CPSC told NPR. All of the recalled devices were sold within the last year, and ranged in price from $350 to $900. The CPSC has advised consumers who own a recalled hoverboard to stop using it immediately, and reach out to the manufacturer or retailer for a refund, repair or replacement, depending on what the company is offering. 

CPSC Chairman Elliot Kaye is instructing consumers who don’t see their device on the list to “contact the manufacturer or retailer and demand that they give you your money back.” Kaye adds in a statement that unless the manufacturer can show that the device has been certified as safe by Underwriters Laboratories, it should be considered “a fire hazard waiting to happen.”

“a fire hazard waiting to happen...”

So what is causing all of these fires and explosions? Jay Whitacre of Carnegie Mellon University explained that lithium-ion batteries have a flammable electrolyte in them. Whitacre states: 

“I think a lot of (hoverboard makers (are using second-tier battery sources, which are going to have probably a higher rate of defects. These things have more lithium-ion batteries in them than most things because they’re used to move you around. It takes more batteries to get you the power…to do that and as such there’s just more energy in a small space. And so if something does go wrong, it’s a bit more catastrophic.”

Whitacre advised consumers not to overcharge their hoverboard’s battery, and to never charge or use them indoors. 

If you or somebody you know has been injured in an accident because of a hoverboard malfunction, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC.  Speak to an experienced personal injury attorney who will identify the help you are entitled to and will not rest until you get the relief you need. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

Pokemon Go Causing Havoc for Drivers & Pedestrians?

In case you haven’t heard, or haven’t “caught them all,” Pokemon Go has swept the nation. The immensely popular augmented-reality game played on a smartphone app and available on iOS and Android has captivated the attention of casual and dedicated young and old, but unfortunately there have been reports of dangerous side effects. 

The free game, which was launched on July 6, 2016 has already surpassed “Candy Crush Saga” as the biggest mobile game in United States history with millions of active daily users. Pokemon Go has separated itself from other video games because it encourages players to get outside and walk in an effort to find virtual characters based on a GPS-powered map that reflects the real world location in which players are standing. 

While you will see players venturing around the neighborhood park or downtown streets by foot, players are also driving to different locations which is causing major problems. On July 12, 2016 an illegally parked car on Texas A&M University’s campus was struck from behind after the driver had parked and exited the car to catch a Pokemon sustaining injuries in the process.

The following day in Auburn, New York, 28-year-old Steven Cary crashed his car into a tree while playing Pokemon Go.  The distracted driver suffered minor injuries but the vehicle sustained major damage due to the crash.

“a fun game can have tragic real-world consequences”

Incidents such as these have forced authorities to create new policies and guidelines for players. Due to a large amount of photos being taken of Pokemon characters from behind the wheel, the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has been issuing public safety warnings. DMV Executive Deputy Commissioner Terri Egan reminded the public that “a fun game can have tragic real-world consequences,” and asked New Yorkers to “put their phones down instead of playing the popular Pokemon Go game while behind the wheel or walking near or across roadways.” According to The Daily Beast, local police departments are regularly posting reminders about the dangers of Pokemon Go, “Don’t catch and drive” messages have been posted on many public safety Facebook and Twitter feeds, and even highway emergency notices have read “Don’t Pokemon and Drive.”

Unfortunately, it’s not just car accidents that have public safety officials concerned. Last Wednesday, firefighters were called to rescue two men in North San Diego County, California who had walked off a cliff while playing the game, causing injuries. The two men were not playing the game together, but had the same result. Firefighters only found the second man, who was unconscious a few feet below. 

Catching Pokemon...and Staying Safe

The Frankenmuth (Michigan) Police Department released a full statement urging parents to talk with their children about the dangers of playing the game, and reminded drivers that it’s never a good idea to drive and play at the same time. They have also provided the public with safety tips for “catching them all”:

  • Be aware of your surroundings. Look up and be aware of who is around you besides Pokemon. 
  • Parents limit places kids can go. Set boundaries and timelines to avoid danger areas where children will venture unattended and require to routinely check in using their cell phone. 
  • Don’t “Pokemon Go” and drive: Catching Pikachu isn’t worth crashing. 
  • Tell people where you’re going and play in a group and stay with them. 
  • Don’t trespass it is not just disrespectful...it can be dangerous. People might call the police if you enter private property and your Pokemon can’t help you. 
  • If you are stopped by police: show them you are playing a game since more than likely they are responding to a suspicious person call which has been called into 911 by a citizen. 

Distracted driving is a big problem in the United States without Pokemon Go, but the game according to some, has added cause for drivers to be extra caution while out on the road. If you or somebody you know has been injured in an accident because the driver was distracted playing Pokemon Go or any other reason, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Speak to an experienced lawyer who will fight for you to get the appropriate aid needed, including wage loss recovery, medical transportation, and in many cases, pain and suffering compensation. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free legal consultation. 

New Safety Features Combat Drowsy Driving

Auto companies are continuing to create safety features that prevent tired drivers from falling asleep at the wheel. Companies such as Mercedes, Nissan, and Toyota are looking to bring their safety technology and installing it in every vehicle in the future. 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 5,000 people have died as a result of fatigued driving-related accidents. 60% of drivers in America have admitted to driving while drowsy. Drowsy drivers can be impaired in ways similar to driving under the influence of alcohol, as drivers tend to make poor judgement calls without realizing the possible effects of their decisions. 

The first automaker to debut a safety feature that was aimed at curbing fatigued driving was Mercedes in 2009. Today, more mainstream vehicles are being equipped with this technology, such as Nissan’s “Driver Attention Alert System” and Toyota’s “Safety Sense P” system. Toyota told AutoGuide that 25 out of its 30 cars will offer the safety feature by 2017. 

Nissan’s system monitors the driver’s behavior and sets benchmarks from there. If the driver begins to stray from that benchmark, the system will alert the driver that they are driving erratically. “Nissan’s DAA system adapts to each individual driver. DAA monitors steering input patters during a period of driving to establish a baseline. It continuously compares subsequent driving patters to a baseline using a statistical analysis of steering correction errors,” Paige Presley, a member of Nissan’s Technology Communications team said. The vehicle will alert the driver with a chime and message on the dashboard that recommends the driver takes a break. 

Toyota’s Safety Sense P (TSSP) have many different features that combat the potential mistakes drivers make when they are drowsy and behind the wheel such as a pre-collision system and a lane departure warning system. “Vehicles equipped with TSSP vehicle feature a sway warning system. They look at a number of inputs from the driver and can tell if the driver is driving abnormally,” Brian Williams of Toyota’s Safety Sense explained. 

While these safety features may help alert drivers that their tiredness may be leading to erratic driving behavior, the best safety feature comes from the drivers themselves. If a driver feels like they are too tired to drive, it is highly recommended that they pull off at the next opportunity and either take a nap or ask somebody to come pick them up. If you or somebody you know has been injured in an auto accident caused by fatigued driving, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys will work alongside you to identify your needs and find a solution that will get you the help you deserve. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

Public Gets Chance To Drag Race at "Roadkill Nights" in August

For anyone who has ever driven has envisioned themselves driving a vehicle over 100 mph without any consequences, the opportunity is coming close to home. On August 19th in Pontiac, Michigan, thrill seekers will have the chance to drag race down Woodward Avenue at the “Roadkill Nights Powered By Dodge” event. 

“It is the first time ever that we know of that street-legal racing will be allowed to take place on Woodward Avenue,” Tim Kuniskis, head of Dodge and other passenger car brands for Fiat Chrysler told the Detroit Free Press. “This event is going to be big.”

This year’s event is modeled after last year’s drag racing festival which drew over 10,000 people to the parking lot of the Pontiac Silverdome. “After last year, when we started brainstorming…for this year, we said we really want to make it bigger- not only in Detroit, but we want to make it bigger across the country,” Eric Schwab, Chief Commercial Officer for The Enthusiast Network said. Roadkill Nights was staged in Kansas City on June 18th and that drew more than 12,000 automotive and racing fans. 

While fans in Pontiac will be entertained by activities on the M1 Concourse, which will include a racetrack, private luxury garages, restaurants, and retail space, the real attraction will be the street-legal drag racing. For $50, 350 drag racing fans will be able to register and compete in drag races that will run from South Boulevard to Rapid Street, a 0.8 mile strip. Drivers will be competing for various cash prizes: $10,000 for first place, $5,000 for second place, and $2,500 for third place. 

For non-thrill seeking spectators, the event is free and attendees will be asked to park in downtown Pontiac and will be shuttled to the event area. “We’re excited about hosting Roadkill Nights as one of the main events during our newly branded ‘Pontiac Power Week’ festival,” Mayor of Pontiac Deirdre Waterman said in a statement.  

We have all seen drivers on the road who think they are a drag-street racer on busy roads. Being involved in a car accident caused by a driver who was speeding can cause both short-term and long-term physical and emotional consequences. If you or somebody you know has been involved in a car accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Speak to an experienced car accident lawyer today who will work towards a settlement in order to get you the help you need. In the case that a settlement is not reached, we are ready to take your case to trial. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

Don't Go Out With a Bang: Firework Safety Tips for 4th of July Festivities

With 4th of July weekend fast approaching, people across the United States are starting to plan their celebration for America's birthday. The weekend will surely be filled with barbecues, swimming, and parades.  It is also expected that fireworks will light up the sky all weekend long, and it is important that everyone stays safe while enjoying the show.

It is estimated by Statistic Brain that the firework industry takes in over $1 Billion in revenue every year, and a large portion of that revenue comes in during 4th of July celebrations. Unfortunately, the explosions in the sky can come at a human cost. There are nearly 10,000 injuries every year caused by fireworks, 40% of which are caused by illegal firework usage. Fireworks also cause a lot of property damage, including 20,000 fires every year. 

Heading into its fifth year, the Michigan Consumer-Grade Fireworks law is still controversial with residents. After 2015's Independence Day festivities, over 20,000 residents signed an online petition which was seeking an appeal of the law. "Either people say they have no problem at all or people are just outraged and irate over the amount of fireworks in their neighborhood. There doesn't seem to really be any middle ground there," Democratic Congressman Henry Yanez, a Democratic from Sterling Heights, told MLive.

AVOIDING FIREWORK INJURY ACCIDENTS

Below are several firework safety tips from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission:

  • Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks. 
  • Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
  • Keep a bucket of water or a garden house handy in case of fire or other mishap. 
  • Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.
  • Light fireworks one at a time then move back quickly. 
  • Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
  • Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass container.
  • Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents don't realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees - hot enough to melt some metals.

It is also important to factor in the near-drought that has taken place in Metro Detroit, as many lawns and fields have not seen enough rain over the past few weeks. Conditions have become so dry that the Michigan Fire Marshall is considering enforcing a statewide ban on fireworks this weekend. According to the Detroit News, the ban would also include burning objects such as bonfires. A spokesperson for the Fire Marshall has told MLive that "discussions continue among state officials, but no action has been taken on either the potential fireworks ban or the potential burning ban." People who choose to light off fireworks should be aware of the ground conditions around where the fireworks will be lit.

4th of July weekend is one of the deadliest holidays for auto accidents in the United States. Whether you are driving home from your cottage or driving down to the beach, you should be extra cautious of extra drivers and NEVER drive while under the influence. If you or somebody you know is injured in an auto accident caused by a drunk driver this holiday weekend, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Whether the injuries sustained from the accident are minor or severe, our attorneys will work alongside you to get you the proper help you need. They will not rest until your case is settled. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

Top 5 Obstacles for Self-Driving Cars

While there are many safety benefits, autonomous vehicles have not yet been perfected. Sure they don’t drive drunk or send text messages while driving on the expressway, but they still have their shortcomings. Neal Boudette of The New York Times recently reviewed the Top 5 things that are giving self-driving cars issues while they continue to develop:

1) Unpredictable Human Error Accidents

While self-driving cars use computer algorithms in order to obey the rules of the road and other basic driving functions, they have no control over how other drivers behave. What is a self-driving car to do when a manually driven car goes 20 miles per hour over the speed limit or is barreling down a one-way street going the wrong direction? Boudette writes, “One solution is to equip cars with transponders that communicate their position, speed and direction to other vehicles. This is known as vehicle-to-vehicle communication, and it is similar to how airplanes avoid each other in the air.” 

2) Bad Weather Accidents

Self-driving cars can easily navigate Michigan roads during the summer months, but what happens when snow, ice and fog start to factor into dangerous road conditions? Autonomous vehicles utilize cameras that track lines on the pavement in order to keep the vehicle in its lane, but that becomes a problem when snow is covering the ground. As Boudette points out, a large puddle cased by a heavy rainstorm may look like blacktop to the car’s sensors. “In reports that Google and others have filed with California authorities about their on-road tests of autonomous cars, weather was a prime cause of system failures after which human drivers had to take back control,” Boudette reports. 

 

3) Detour Auto Accidents

 As road conditions and road repairs develop, maps can become out of date quickly. This can become an obstacle for self-driving vehicles such as Google’s cars which “rely heavily on highly detailed three-dimensional maps- far more detailed than those in Google maps- that communicate the location of intersections, stop signs, on-ramps and building with the cars’ computer systems.”

 

 

4) It Might Be a Puddle. Or Not. 

Self-Driving cars struggle to differentiate between obstacles in the road such as puddles, potholes or an oil spot. Using their radar, lasers and HD cameras to scan the roads, the vehicle can only scan what is on the road surface, not what’s below. Boudette recalled a recent ride he took in a self-driving car when the vehicle unexpectedly slowed down because it was confused by a dark area on the road which turned out to just be a shadow from an overpass. 

“Google and other companies hope more precise laser-based sensors, known as lidar, and other technology will make it easier for driverless cars to spot potholes-as opposed to shadows-and avoid them. Another possible solution: smart roadways that communicate with automated vehicles and warn them of hazards ahead like traffic accidents and potholes,” Boudette explained. 

 

5) Making Tough Decisions 

Perhaps the most complicated of them all, self-driving vehicles may be forced to make tough and complicated ethical driving decisions. Boudette gives an example: “In the midst of busy traffic, a ball bounces into the road, pursued by two running children. If a self-driving car’s only options are to hit the children or veer right and strike a telephone pole, potentially injuring or killing the car’s occupants, what does it do?” For now, there is no concrete answer to this dilemma. 

While we wait for self-driving cars to work out the kinks, we still need to pay attention to human drivers who struggle to make the right decisions while on the road. If you or somebody you know has been involved in a car accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Work with a lawyer who is experienced in handing accidents of all sizes.  Our legal team will work alongside you to identify your area of needs and get you the appropriate help. Call us today at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

Driving While Watching Porn Causes Michigan Man's Death

The Michigan State Police recently investigated a car accident in which a 58 year-old man crashed his car and died while he was watching porn on his phone while driving. The incident occurred around 3:30 A.M. on a Sunday when a car was reported to have crashed on the ramp from Lodge to I-75, in Detroit, Michigan. The driver of the car was later determined to be Clifford Ray Jones of Detroit, Michigan.

Jones's 1996 Toyota rolled on the ramp causing Jones to be ejected from the driver's seat and thrown out of the sunroof. Furthermore, after the investigation determined that Jones was distracted by the porn video on his phone, it was also revealed that he was not wearing a seat belt.

According to Lt. Mike Shaw, this is one of the many cases that he has seen where technology distracted drivers. However, this was the first time he had seen a person watching porn on his phone, as the form of distraction. He stated that ‘We see people putting on makeup, we see people doing different things as far as hygiene, as far as reading books, it’s almost to the fact there’s so much technology out there, a lot of people are more paying attention to what they’re doing other than driving their cars.”

Whether it is talking on the phone while driving, texting while driving, using GPS, or another phone function, using technology can be deadly for drivers. It should be considered common sense to not watch a movie on a phone while driving. However, many people have a habit of using technology while driving and believing that situations like Mr. Jones's could never happen to them. Though this particular incident may seem like a peculiar outlier, it should be considered a serious warning to those who use their phones while driving, as it ended in a man's death. Even if drivers are willing to put their own lives at risk by driving while distracted, they should consider the lives of those driving around them. One missed phone call or one missed text message could save a life.

If you know someone or are someone has a victim of a distracted driver, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Speak to a lawyer who is experienced in handling all types of Michigan motor vehicle accidents, including those involving technology and other forms of distracted driving accidents. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM, for a free consultation. Don't let a distracted driver's bad decisions hinder your recovery.

Michigan Bill Will Transfer Road Funding From Cities to Residents

A bill was passed by the Michigan legislature recently that could change the funding formula for how repairs to freeways and highways are paid for. With Governor Snyder’s approval, the bill would change a funding system which has been in place since 1951. 

Traditionally, larger cities were responsible for paying for part of any freeway or highway project that came through their city limits. Many expensive road repair projects in Michigan are needed in the near future, including a $1 Billion project on I-75. -The Michigan Department of Transportation told the Detroit Free Press that most of the road funding comes from the state and federal levels, and cities provide as much as 2.5% of the total cost. When the project costs millions, 2.5% can be a large bill for some Michigan cities. 

“This bill will mean more taxpayer dollars from home will stay at home, so that the city roads we drive on most often can be repaired.”

If Snyder signs the bill, the cities would no longer be responsible for paying for the projects. Cities would then be able to take the saved money and aim it towards repairing local roads instead. To make up for the fiscal gap that cities would leave when it comes to paying for freeways and highways, MDOT would pick up the bill, meaning the extra cost would be spread across all Michigan taxpayers. “The bill will protect cities like Troy, Madison Heights, and Detroit from unexpected large bills during freeway projects, but it also means that road users statewide will bear the cost when surface roads like Woodward, Gratiot, Groesbeck, 8 Mile, Ford Road and Michigan Avenue are reconstructed," Jeff Cranson, MDOT Communications Director, explained.

The Michigan Senate bill was sponsored by Senator Marty Knollenberg from Troy, whose constituents were going to take on a tab of more than $9 million for Troy’s share of the I-75 project. The project, which includes a rebuilding and expansion of 17 miles of I-75 in Oakland County, will take 15 years to complete. “This bill will mean more taxpayer dollars from home will stay at home, so that the city roads we drive on most often can be repaired,” Knollenberg said in a statement. 

While Michigan roads may not be in the best of shape, poor road conditions can cause damage to your vehicle, and can even make you lose control of the car. If you or somebody you know has been involved in an auto accident caused by poor road conditions, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Car accidents can lead to short term and long term emotional and physical injuries, and our legal team will work alongside you to find the best solutions for your situation. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.