Michigan Boy Attacked By Four Rottweiler Dogs

Eight year old Ethan Nokes of Riverdale, Michigan was harmlessly playing in his relatives back yard with his brother, when four dogs he’s known for a long time, turned on him. These four Rottweiler dogs injured Ethan with a possible broken leg and 22 bite wounds which were so severe that Ethan was air-lifted to a hospital in Grand Rapids for injury treatment. Ethan’s mother, Doris Gifford, says that Ethan cried, “Just shoot me, it hurts I just want it to be over.” She also did not hesitate to describe the Michigan dog attack by saying, “They were out to kill him, no question.”

Dog Bite Lawyers

Perhaps the only reason that Ethan Nokes fortunately survived the dog attack is because of Kenneth Hansen. Hansen and his construction crew were working on a site nearby when Hansen heard a little boy screaming. "I could see the dogs and I could see a boy with all his clothes off and he was half red with blood and I knew he was in trouble…I got to him. The dog let go. I was hollering. Jordan, his little brother was at the top of the steps screaming at the dogs trying to get them to stop and I grabbed him around the stomach. I tried to keep my body between the dogs and him ... and they were yanking on him trying to get him away from me."
 
The Rottweiler dogs were captured and taken away by the Gratiot County Animal Control who may have the dogs euthanized. The owners of the dogs, who are also relatives of Ethan Nokes, may face charges from the Gratiot County Prosecutor’s office.
 
Dog bites and attacks are very dangerous and can result in serious medical bills, oftentimes requiring stitches and in extreme cases, plastic surgery. Lawsuits that arise out of the dog bites can also be very complicated. If you have been attacked or bitten by a dog, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our dog bite attorneys are highly experienced in handling Michigan dog bite cases. The Michigan Law Firm helps victims of dog attacks receive benefits for their pain and suffering. If our accident lawyers can’t reach a agreeable settlement, we will take your case to trial. Call us today at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Sources:

CBS News

9&10 News​

Failure of Proposal 1: Michigan Roads Still in Disrepair

The result is in for the May 5th, 2015 Michigan vote on the controversial Proposal 1. The purpose of the vote was to make a decision on the proposal aimed to raise money to fix the dangerous Michigan roads and the potholes which commonly lead to Michigan car accidents. The Proposal, according to the House Fiscal Agency, included one constitutional amendment and 10 statutes. All in all, the proposal, if passed would have created $1.9 billion dollars once fully implemented in the 2017-2018 fiscal year. Specifically, this would equate to $116.1 million for public transportation, $200 million for the School Aid Fund, $111.1 million for cities, and $173 million for Michigan’s General Fund.
 
Prior to the election, a poll conducted by Lansing’s EPIC-MRA on January 29, 2015 discovered that 46% of the people they surveyed would vote “yes” on Proposal 1 and 41% would vote “no”. Though after hearing more details on the Proposal, 47% said “yes” and only 38% said “no”. This change may be attributed to the fact that Michiganders are big proponents of road improvement. Most policy makers and media outlets thought in the same vein that Michigan voters would vote “yes” on anything that would fix Michigan roads. Alas, the terrible Michigan roads will not see any change due to Proposal 1.
 
However, citizens and drivers in Michigan shouldn’t be disappointed yet. There are still several other plans that may go into effect in Proposal 1’s place. The Michigan legislature is back to the drawing board.

One such alternative plan was the previously proposed by Governor Snyder Plan. Governor Snyder’s plan was actually already a part of Proposal 1. In 2013, Snyder proposed raising fuel taxes and vehicle registration taxes in an effort to create an extra $1.2 billion for road funding. Specifically, the 19 cent regular fuel and 15 cent diesel fuel tax were to be raised to 33 cents a gallon and Michigan vehicle registration fees for cars and light trucks was to be raised by 60%. It seems that any plans to raise money, including Snyder’s plan, require some kind of tax raise. So, while Michigan voters didn't vote for all of the provisions of Proposal 1, perhaps they will be willing to support a yet to be determined alternative to fix the state of Michigan roadways. 

Pothole Accident Attorney

The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC will continue to monitor the situation regarding Michigan road repair funding as it affects Michigan drivers and their safety on the road.  Our auto accident attorneys are always available at 844.4MI.FIRM to speak to you regarding Michigan road funding and incidents regarding injury accidents. 

Documentary About Detroit And Its Iconic Mustang

Ford Car Crash

Ask any American what their favorite American car is and chances are that many of them will say, without hesitation, that it’s the Ford Mustang. So many people across the world have purchased the Mustang since its inception in 1964 that it has become an iconic car built by Detroit automaker, Ford. So iconic in fact, that a documentary has been filmed about the Mustang and Ford.

Just in time for the Mustang’s 50th anniversary this year, David Gelb, shows the world the masterful craftsman ship that goes into creating the Ford Mustang. The documentary is titled “A Faster Horse” based on Henry Ford’s supposed famous quote, “If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses.” David Gelb is probably best known for his 2011 award winning, critically acclaimed documentary “Jiro Dreams of Sushi.”

In his documentary, Gelb specifically focuses on the 2015 redesigned model of the Mustang and films for the viewer the entire path to creating a Mustang, from the assembling of the parts to its final display in local showrooms. It’s not all about cheer and cars however as Gelb also shows how the Mustang and Ford effect the city of Detroit, Michigan and its citizens. David Gelb explores the struggles of many of the citizens of Detroit who work at Ford’s assembly plant in Flat Rock, Michigan, and how they endured the long-lasting financial crisis.

The film was premiered to the world on April 18th, at the Tribeca Film Festival. For any fans of the Mustang, fans or Ford, citizens of Detroit, or even all Michiganders, this documentary is a must see. Perhaps watching this stunning work of cinematography will persuade you to buying a Mustang. Just remember when you take it for a spin that just because it’s known for being a fast car doesn't mean that you have to put the pedal to the metal in a Mustang. Driving at high speeds is dangerous and can cause accidents.

If you have been injured in a motor vehicle crash, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Allowing our accident attorneys  to help you identify and recover your medical and insurance benefits may be the best decision you make on your road to healing. Our experienced team can help you get your medical bills paid, deal with insurance issues, and get you compensation for pain and suffering as allowed under Michigan law. Call us today at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

3 Killed in Battle Creek Ambulance Crash

Drunk Driving Accident

On the night of February 23, 2015, an ambulance was travelling northbound on Garfield Avenue in Battle Creek, Michigan, when a car traveling westbound on Garfield Avenue collided with it. The driver, 61 year old Shirley Stokes and her passenger, 54 year old James Stokes were killed by the collision. According to Battle Creek Police, Ms. Stokes ran though a stop sign and a flashing red light at the intersection though which the ambulance was passing. Her failure to stop caused the ambulance, which was traveling at high speeds with its flashing lights and siren on, to "T-bone" the Stokes’ car on the driver’s side.
 
Worse still, the ambulance was transporting a victim of heart attack to the nearby Bronson Battle Creek Hospital. Upon the LifeCare ambulance’s impact with the Stokes’ car, Battle Creek firefighters arrived to extract the victims from the two vehicles and another ambulance arrived at the scene of the accident to finally take the patient to the hospital. Unfortunately, the heart attack patient, 74 year old David Simpson did not survive his heart attack and died at the hospital. Shirley Stokes and James Stokes may have also been taken to the hospital but had already been pronounced dead at the scene of the accident during this time.
 
Luckily, the crew of the ambulance survived the deadly crash with only minor injuries. Police say that alcohol may have played a part in the crash. This would explain why Shirley Stokes had run through a stop sign and a flashing red light and why she may not have stopped even though the ambulance had its lights and siren on.
 
Driving in the night time alone can be tricky and dangerous. However, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal and perilous to not only the driver but everyone on the road.
 
If you have been involved in a car accident, involving a  drunk driver call 844.4MI.FIRM today. The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC is highly experienced in helping victims of motor vehicle accidents receive medical benefits they are entitled to under the law. Our knowledgeable and skilled team will help you seek compensation for your pain and suffering.  Call us today for a free consultation.
 
 
Source:

Battle Creek Enquirer

Takata's Dangerous Air Bag Recall

Car Accident Attorneys

If you own a car from model years 2002-2008 made by BMW, Chrysler, Ford, Honda, Mazda, Nissan, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Acura, Dodge, General Motors, Infiniti, Lexus, or Subaru, you may be driving with a defective airbag. Almost 17 million cars that used Japanese company Takata’s driver’s side and passenger’s side frontal air bags, have been recalled. As Takata supplies one-fifth of all motor vehicle air bags in the world, there may be millions of more cars on the roads that need to be recalled.  
 
The problem with the air bags is that over time and due to high humidity, the chemical canister, which erupts and propels thereby inflating the air bag, has been deteriorating and exploding causing the air bag to inflate and shards of the canister to be dispersed into the car. To date, 6 people have been killed and over 100 drivers have been injured because of the faulty airbags in their vehicles.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) has been investigating Takata after learning that Takata had known about the defects since 2004 and found that the company had conducted secret tests during non-work hours at their American headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Allegedly, Takata ordered employees to delete data which identified these defects and kept all testing a secret instead of reporting the dangers to federal safety regulators. Thus, starting February 20th, 2015, the NHTSA has been fining Takata $14,000 a day for not cooperating with their investigation.
 
Some car owners have already received recall notices form the manufacturer informing them what to do if their car fits the criteria of the recall. For those car consumers who worry that their car’s make and model may match the above description, finding out if there is a recall notice on their car is easy. The NHTSA website allows car owners to look their car by it’s VIN number to see if there is a recall issued.  If your car has a recall notice issued, then the manufacturer will replace the airbags for you.  
 
If you live in a high humidity climate, it is very important that you look up your car for defective air bags. If your air bags have been recalled but haven’t been replaced yet, you can take preventative measures such as limiting your driving, using public transportation, carpooling in a non-recalled car, or renting a car, to avoid being injured by Takata’s defective air bags. Even if the air bag doesn’t spontaneously erupt on it’s own, it can injure you if it inflates as a result of a car accident.
 
If you have been injured in a car accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. We aim to help victims of motor vehicle accidents deal with the difficulties of medical bills, insurance companies, and police investigations. The Michigan Law Firm’s experienced team makes sure you receive the benefits you are entitled to and helps you recover with dignity. Call us today at 844.4MI.FIRM or click here for a free consult.

Sources:

Safer Car

NY Times

Everything You Need To Know To Vote on Proposal 1

Voters in Michigan will be lining up to make a decision to pass the Michigan Sales Tax Increase for Transportation Amendment, also known as, Proposal 1, on Tuesday, May 5, 2015. This article aims to provide Michigan voters with all of the necessary information needed to make an informed choice regarding Michigan roads on the ballot.
 
First, Michigan voters need to be made aware of the changes that could occur if this proposal is passed. Proposal 1 intends to create one constitutional amendment, to raise Michigan sales tax, and ten statutes in the Michigan legislature. The idea behind these changes is to raise enough money to fix the poor state of Michigan roads by raising taxes and creating more Michigan laws.
 
The official language of Proposal One, approved by the Board of State Canvassers is as follows:

Auto Accident Lawyers

PROPOSAL 15-1
A proposal to amend the State Constitution to increase the sales/use tax from 6% to 7% to replace and supplement reduced revenue to the School Aid Fund and local units of government caused by the elimination of the sales/use tax on gasoline and diesel fuel for vehicles operating on public roads, and to give effect to laws that provide additional money for roads and other transportation purposes by increasing the gas tax and vehicle registration fees.

The proposed constitutional amendment would:

  • Eliminate sales / use taxes on gasoline / diesel fuel for vehicles on public roads.

  • Increase portion of use tax dedicated to School Aid Fund (SAF).

  • Expand use of SAF to community colleges and career / technical education, and

  • prohibit use for 4-year colleges / universities.

  • Give effect to laws, including those that:

    • Increase sales / use tax to 7%, as authorized by constitutional amendment.

    • Increase gasoline / diesel fuel tax and adjust annually for inflation,
      Increase vehicle registration fees, and dedicate revenue for roads and other transportation purposes

    • Expand competitive bidding and warranties for road projects

    • Increase earned income tax credit.

Should this proposal be adopted?
YES [ ]
NO [ ]


In other words, Proposal 1 would increase Michigan state sales tax, increase fuel tax and allow for fuel tax to be increased every year for inflation, and increase motor vehicle registration fees. These fees would not only be used to expand the transportation fund but would also be used to bolster the School Aid Fund.
 
The increases in taxes by Proposal 1 are estimated to cost an additional $477 to $545 per Michigan household. According to the Michigan House Fiscal Agency, once Proposal 1 is fully implemented in the fiscal year 2017-2018, Michigan’s state revenue will be increased to $1.9 billion dollars. This significant increase would be divided to create $116.1 million for public transportation, $200 million for the School Aid Fund, $111.1 million for cities, and $173 million for Michigan’s General Fund.
 
A poll conducted by Lansing’s EPIC-MRA on January 29, 2015 discovered that 46% of the people they surveyed would vote “yes” on Proposal 1 and 41% would vote “no”. Though after hearing more details on the Proposal, 47% said “yes” and only 38% said “no”. This change may be attributed to the fact that Michiganders are big proponents of road improvement. The current state of Michigan roads is miserable. Numerous potholes, crumbling asphalt, and broken bridges cause thousands of auto accidents in Michigan every year. Many of these motor vehicle crashes result in serious, life-changing injuries or even death. Some of these car accidents may be prevented by simply repairing Michigan's dangerous roads.
 
If you have been injured in an car or motorcycle accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our experienced auto accident attorneys are ready to help victims of car crashes deal with insurance companies, pay for medical bills, and easing your road to recovery. Call us today at 844.4MI.FIRM or click here for a free consultation.  

Modern App for Car Repairs

Car Repair Attorneys

If you have a smart phone or tablet, you may be several easy steps from getting a great deal on an auto repair. Available now for iOS and Android users, Openbay allows users to avoid having to call multiple auto repair shops and shop around for deals.

To get their cars fixed after auto accidents, users of Openbay just have to go through three easy steps. First, users can choose between finding services or diagnosing their cars problem.
 
The app connects with the vehicle’s computer diagnostic system and determines what is wrong with the car by reading alerts. If you already know what is wrong, you can skip this and choose to find services, such as oil changes, checking the engine, low battery, brake repair, or even tail light replacement.  Once you've chosen a service, step two is to view the offers.
 
Because the app knows where you live, it sends your service request out to auto body shops who have registered with the app, in your area. The body shops view the problem and send back a quote based extent of the damage, parts, labor, and taxes. Openbay then lists all of the quotes and allows the app’s user to compare these offers based on price, distance, and ratings of the repair shops.
 
Step three is then to pick an offer, schedule the appointment, and to pay securely though the app. The payment is only made after the service has been completed. And in some cases, this maintenance service may be counted towards a reward system. 
 
The great thing about this app is that now people will always know if something is wrong with their car, without having to dig up the old car manual to try to decipher the vehicle warning indicators. And with 354 auto repair and maintenance shops participating in the City of Detroit alone, Michigan drivers have a great shot at getting a good deal on their auto repairs after Michigan motor vehicle accidents.  Openbay is a great resource for Michigan drivers who are looking for car repair shops after an accident.

The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC helps victims of auto and motorcycle crashes medical bills are being paid, lost wages are recovered, and pain and suffering benefits are paid according to Michigan law. Our experienced team takes the stress out of your road to recovery.  Call us today at 844.4MI.FIRM or click here for a free consultation.
 

Driverless Car’s Cross Country Road Trip

Car Accident Attorneys

Automotive supplier, Delphi is making waves today by breaking boundaries in the world of car technology. Delphi, using technology such as short-range radar, vision based cameras, LIDaRs, a localization system, intelligence software algorithms, and many advanced drive assistance systems, turned an Audi SQ5 SUV an autonomous car. In other words, they turned it into a self-driving car. While this feat has been accomplished before, this specific instance is significantly more radical because the car completed a cross-country road trip from San Francisco to New York City.

It’s remarkable that in 2015, we not only have self-driving cars but we have a car that can drive 3,400 miles while navigating, various weather conditions, bridges, tunnels, construction, roundabouts, and horrible drivers in 15 states. The only minor setback is that the car was only fully automated for 99% of the drive as a human driver took over when the car needed to switch from highway driving to city driving.
 
The trip helped gather attention for Delphi’s project and also provided data on how to improve the system. For example, Delphi engineers learned that in times of peak sunlight or rainy conditions, some cameras were slightly blinded. Engineers also noticed that the car reacted differently around tractor trailers than other cars.
 
As for the aesthetics of the car, the equipment that makes the car autonomous is hidden well enough that it’s not noticeable unless you look for it or know where to look. Delphi utilized the Audi SQ5 SUV for the trip because they thought it was a "cool" car. To make Audis even cooler, in two years, Audi announced that Delphi will install a new computer system in every Audi, which uses data from the car’s cameras and sensors to help run the vehicle.  In addition, Delphi is developing another computer system that uses radar and cameras to help cars break automatically among other safety measures. This particular system is slated to be placed in Volvos.
 
With Delphi’s conclusion of this momentous road trip, we can only assume that self-driving cars may be available to the public in the near future. The switch from a nation of manual cars to autonomous cars would have a big impact on the safety of driving. If everyone is free to nap, watch tv, or read while they are commuting, all human error, which is the main cause of motor vehicle accidents, would be eliminated.

Delphi is an international automotive supplier, with its Michigan office located in Troy, Michigan.  It will be interesting to see the interplay with this technology and the major Detroit automakers.

However, until all of America or the world is being driven by autonomous cars, we still have to worry about auto accidents. Car accidents are one of the top five causes of death in the US and one of the leading causes of injuries.

If you have been injured in a Michigan car accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. The Michigan Law Firm helps victims of Michigan car and motorcycle accidents receive medical benefits, wage loss payments, and pain and suffering compensation as permitted by Michigan law. If you have questions about your injuries,  insurance problems, or your legal rights, call us today at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation with our experienced team.
 
 Sources:

Mirror

Wired

Detroit Commuter Challenge

Michigan Governor Rick Snyder has declared the month of May to be Commuter Challenge Month. What is this? Well, as an effort to make the City of Detroit more green and eco-friendly, Governor Rick Snyder has challenged citizens of Detroit to share transportation with other people. Taking the bus, car-pooling, biking, walking, and telecommuting are encouraged in order to reduce Detroit’s carbon footprint.  This effort may also clear up traffic on the roads for single rider cars. 
 
People can sign up on the Commuter Challenge website. Signing up before May 1, 2015 will allow participants to be placed in a drawing for a $50 Amazon gift card. Participants will also be placed into other drawings for prizes such as a Kindle Fire, Visa gift cards, Olive Garden gift cards, a Marriott Hotel stay, and iTunes gift cards, every time they log in a group a green commute.

bus accident attorneys

The website even provides people with detailed ideas of new forms of transportation. For example, if participants are interested in using the bus, the Commuter Challenge website gives information on the SMART bus system, the Detroit Department of Transportation, and the Detroit People mover, and even add links to their respective websites. Another useful suggestion by the website is pooling. The Commuter Challenge team provides information and websites for two city-wide, organized, pooling groups, MichiVan and SEMGOG’s MiRideshare.  Both of these companies help commuters find others  who are going to the same location and pair them up.
 
The benefit of commuting not only reduces Detroit’s carbon footprint, but it also clears the roads of heavy traffic which in turn creates safer driving conditions. No longer will commuters get stuck in traffic, have to breathe exhaust from cars, or have to worry about getting to work on time. Instead, they can travel in a cheerful mood, get to work on time, and possibly even make new friends with the people  they meet on the bus or in their carpool. And commuters who decide to bike or walk,  can gain a new appreciation for their environment and surroundings.
 
With fewer vehicles on the roads, there will likely be fewer motor vehicle accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 45,690 car crashes on Michigan roads in 2014. If Detroit’s Commuter Challenge can help reduce even a small fraction of these car and motorcycle accidents, we will have made a positive change.  Less people will be injured and lives may be saved in the process.
 
However, even if all commuters switched to carpools, some car accidents are just inevitable. If you or someone in your family has been injured in a car accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our experienced accident lawyers can help get your medical bills paid and can make sure you are fully compensated for all benefits you are entitled to under Michigan law, which in many cases includes pain and suffering compensation. Whether driving alone or in someone else’s car, you have a right to paid medical treatment. Call us today at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.
 

 

Mayor Duggan's Plan Cuts No-Fault Benefits

Detroit's Mayor, Mike Duggan, has recently released details of his own No-Fault insurance reform proposal, not to be confused with SB 248 and its many problems. 

Mayor Duggan's plan is being referred to as "D-Insurance" in an effort to lower insurance rates for Detroit citizens.  The main problem with this plan is that it slashes the benefits that Detroit residents would normally be entitled to under Michigan No-Fault insurance if they were involved in a Michigan motor vehicle accident. 

Car Insurance Attorneys

Under the "D-Insurance" proposal, medical coverage for auto accident victims could drop as low as $25,000 as opposed to the uncapped benefits of traditional Michigan No-Fault insurance policies.  Also, the recently released plan made mention of a $250,000 catastrophic care allowance, but no important details were provided.  

To date, the "D-Insurance" plan has not been fully releases and many details are missing from the proposal.  It si not clear whether this plan would only be available for Detroit citizens or for all Michiganders. Further, the D-Insurance proposal has not yet been introduced to the state legislature.

This proposal not only comes at an interesting time for Michigan citizens given the recent stalling of SB 248 in the Michigan House of Representatives, but if put into action would severely limit the level of care to those who have been injured in auto accidents or motorcycle accidents.

The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC is closely monitoring developments relating to the D-Insurance plan and will continue to provide updates and analysis as more information about this plan becomes available.

The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC represents those who have been injured in Michigan car accidents.  Call us toll-free at 844.4MI.FIRM today for a free consult with a Michigan lawyer regarding medical bills, insurance issues, or about pain and suffering compensation.



Fewer Auto Accidents Due to Stricter Texting and Driving Laws

In recent years, most U.S. states, including Michigan, have created laws to ban texting an driving. Law enforcement officials, local politicians, and various advocacy groups have been supporting bans on texting and driving.  According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (“GHSA”), currently there are 45 states and the District of Columbia that have banned texting and driving because it creates a higher likelihood of causing motor vehicle accidents.   

The CDC has consistently advised that texting while driving is extremely dangerous because not only do drivers take their hands off the steering wheels, but they’re eyes are also not looking ahead at the road.  The CDC also claims that 9 drivers are killed every day in accidents where at least one driver was distracted by text messaging while driving.  Many more drivers are injured every day as a direct result of distracted drivers who are texting while driving.

The head of the GHSA, Jonathan Adkins,  claims that because of the dangerous drivers on the roads today, “you need to be able to drive defensively.”  If you are texting and driving, it becomes more difficult to protect yourself and avoid a potential crash.

In a recent report in the American Journal of Public Health, hospitalization rates for auto accident victims in states with bans on driving while texting were 7 percent lower than the states without the texting and driving bans.  This means the injuries of crash victims in states with the bans may be less serious than injuries of crash victims in states without texting and driving bans.

If you have been involved in a Michigan car accident or a Michigan motorcycle accident because of a distracted driver, contact The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC.  Our firm seeks to recover the maximum benefits allowed under Michigan law for accident victims.  Call us today at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation with an accident attorney.

Sources:

Governors Highway Safety Association, American Journal of Public Health, and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Lowering Michigan Auto Insurance Rates

According to a study by Insure.com, Michiganders pay on average, a rate of $2,520 for their car insurance, because of the Michigan no-fault system. This premium covers the cost of personal injury protection (PIP) benefits for the policy holder. In other words, the driver's insurance company covers the cost of all medical bills in the case that the policyholder and in certain circumstances, the passengers in the car are injured in a motor vehicle accident regardless of fault.

Michigan Car Insurance

People often ask is there a way to obtain cheaper auto insurance or is there a way to lower car insurance premiums.  The answer may lie in recent technological developments in the auto industry - self driving cars. 

If humans were not actively controlling motor vehicles, thus removing the number one cause of car crashes, human error, many say the amount of annual car crashes  will be significantly reduced.

In a recent study involving 1,500 new car owners, The Boston Consulting Group found that 44% of people surveyed would buy a fully autonomous car. The top three reason that they stated for buying a self-driving care were increased safety, lower car insurance premiums, and the allowance of productivity and multitasking while the car drives them around. 

If cars are made to drive themselves, and drive themselves so safely as to allow the passengers to watch TV or sleep while the car is in motion, perhaps it is likely that because of the new safety features, car crashes will be less frequent. 

Until self-driving cars are further developed, tested, and integrated into the Michigan laws,  , people will be required to drive their own cars and brave the dangerous Michigan roads and risk car accidents.

If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our experienced auto accident team helps victims of car accidents receive the medical benefits they are entitled to and makes sure that car insurance claims are paid. . Auto accident attorneys are standing by to speak with you regarding your Michigan auto accident questions. Call us at 844.4MI.FIRM.

Michigan Spinal Cord Injuries

One of the most debilitating and life devastating injuries are spinal cord injuries. Any blow to the neck or spine can cause  damage to the vertebrae, which depending on the placement of the injury, can result in anything from difficulty breathing to paralysis.

Motor vehicle accidents are one of the most common causes of spinal cord injuries. Victims of car accidents often receive damage to the neck and back or have their upper bodies trapped and pressed. This may cause injury to the vertebrae, injury to ligaments or discs of the spinal column, tears in the spinal cord, or even a severed spinal cord. Victims of these injuries may have physical symptoms such as the loss of movement, sensations such as heat, cold, and touch, and bladder control. Others may even face psychological changes in sexual health or fall into depression.  It is important for an accident attorney to obtain all of these details to ensure those who have been injured will receive the appropriate compensation.

The most severe spinal cord injury symptom is paralysis.  Quadriplegia (or tetraplegia) is the paralysis or arms, hands, trunk, legs, and pelvic organs while paraplegia is the paralysis of parts of all of the trunk, legs and pelvic organs.  To determine if a spinal cord injury is present, doctors must run diagnostic tests such as CT scans, x-rays, and MRIs. Thus when there is any chance of spinal cord injury, victims generally must not be moved until emergency medical persons arrive at the scene of the injury. In case of car accidents, 911 should be dialed immediately and victims must not be moved until help arrives. If possible, the head and neck of the injured person should be gently braced, to keep it in place. 

To help prevent spinal cord injuries, drivers and passengers of vehicles must remember to wear a seatbelt at all times. Despite this precaution however, it is still possible for car crash victims to receive spinal cord injuries.

If you have been in a car accident, whether you have been diagnosed with a spinal cord injury or not, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC.  

The Michigan Law Firm has auto accident attorneys ready to help victims of car accidents find out which benefits they may be entitled to under Michigan law and obtain those benefits. Living with severe injuries, such as spinal cord injuries, can make life very difficult. Our experienced  team eases the stress of dealing with medical bills, insurance companies, and police investigations. This allows our clients to recover with dignity.

Call us today at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.
 

Source:

Mayo Clinic

 

Dangers of Traumatic Brain Injuries

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) generally  occurs when brain function disruptions are caused by injury to the head. These injuries vary in severity and can cause symptoms such as impaired thinking or memory, movement, sensation, or emotional functioning.  This means that changes in vision, hearing, personality, and mood may occur. Oftentimes, mild TBIs are known as concussions and are more common than severe, long term injuries. 

Some traumatic brain injury accident victims experience dizziness, vertigo, mood swings, headaches, and even strokes.

A study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that 138 people die daily from TBI related injuries. In 2010 alone, traumatic brain injuries caused the ER visits, hospitalizations, and deaths of 2.5 million Americans.  Of these 2.5 million people, 2.2 million people went to the ER, and later 280,000 of them were hospitalized and 50,000 of them passed away as a result of their injuries.
 
Generally, men tend to visit the ER with TBIs more often than women do. Also, children under the age of 4 and young adults between the ages of 15-24 present at the ER with a greater number of TBIs  than any other age groups. For children under the age of 4, falling down is the main cause of TBIs whereas for young adults between 15-24, motor vehicle accidents are the main cause of TBI. In fact, for people between the ages of 15-64, motor vehicle traffic crashes are one of the primary causes of traumatic brain injuries.
 
No matter a persons age, riding in a car and being involved in any form of motor vehicle accident may cause traumatic brain injuries. From a light tap to the head resulting in a minor concussion to major penetrating head wounds, TBI’s are very common results of auto and motorcycle accidents. Without proper medical treatment, TBIs can become major afflictions to wellbeing of auto accident victims.

If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our experienced team is highly qualified in handling traumatic brain injury lawsuits. Our firm will ensure that you get the care you require and any benefits you deserve. Call us today, at 844.464.3476, for a free consultation.

Source:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention


 

Proposed Michigan No-Fault Reform (SB 248)

The Coalition Protecting Auto No-Fault (CPAN) has issued a detailed summary analysis of Michigan Senate Bill 248.  (For a full copy of the analysis click here.)  The detailed analysis states in pertinent part that:

[t]his Bill would: (1) significantly reduce reimbursements to medical providers; (2) substantially limit attendant care benefits to catastrophically injured patients who are cared for at home; (3) create a new catastrophic claims commission for accidents occurring after the effective date of the legislation; (4) create a new insurance fraud authority; and (5) adopt a new test to determine if insurance premiums are excessive. CPAN believes this bill is seriously flawed, will create great instability in the Michigan auto no-fault system, impair patient access to medical care, seriously reduce revenue to the Michigan health care industry, result in a significant loss of jobs, and completely fail to reduce auto insurance premiums for the majority of Michigan citizens. 

The State of Michigan has a unique system currently allowing for unlimited first-party benefits which include all reasonably necessary medical expenses.  If the proposed reforms are enacted the Michigan No-Fault system would become arbitrarily regulated.  This arbitrary regulation, as many medical providers claim,  may diminish the quality of care available to those who have been seriously injured in motor vehicle accidents or motorcycle accidents in the State of Michigan.

Everything considered, there is no guarantee that No-Fault insurance premiums will be reduced if this reform is enacted by the Michigan legislature.

The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC represents those who have been injured in car accidents and motorcycle accidents in addition to medical providers who treat those who have been injured. 

Faster EMS Response Times in Detroit

In January 2014, the average response time of Detroit’s Emergency Medical Services was 18 minutes. Therefore, when Mayor Mike Duggan, a former hospital executive, took office, his administration added to their agenda, the task of reducing EMS times down to 8 minutes.

According to information obtained by the Motor City Muckraker, Mayor Duggan and his administration have managed to cut down EMS time to 10 minutes and 30 seconds. Additional ambulances are being used and new technologies are being incorporated into the EMS protocol.

The City of Detroit decision to employ more certified firefighters is especially key to reducing EMS response times in Detroit. A study conducted by the International Association of Fire Chiefs in 2010 concluded that firefighters are in the best position to response quickly and provide vital services as the fire department is geographically deployed throughout the community of minimize response times.  Also, EMS training is part of the basic training for all firefighters.

Lowering emergency response times is an obvious necessity to ensuring that victims of car crashes and motorcycle crashes can be treated immediately for all injures sustained in the accident. Faster response time means there may be a lesser chance of permanent injuries.

The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC helps those who may be injured in car accidents and motorcycle accidents. If you have been injured in a Michigan accident, call 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. Our experienced team can help you identify and receive any benefits you may be entitle to under Michigan law.
 

 

Michigan Traffic Deaths Fall

In 2014, for the first time since 2011, traffic deaths in Michigan have fell below 900 deaths per year. This in an 8% decrease from previous years. Despite the decrease in crash deaths, the number of crashes on Michigan roads rose by 3%, from 49,205 to 45,690. This figure comes out to about 90 deaths a day on Michigan roads.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, on a national scale, these traffic accident deaths cost the American government $870.8 billion dollars in both economic costs and in pain and suffering expenses.

Car crashes may cause victims extensive injuries which can be expensive to treat and manage. If you have been injured in an auto accident or motorcycle accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. The Michigan Law Firm’s local experienced team can help you make sure your medical bills are paid and that you are compensated fully for your pain and suffering. Call today at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

Source:

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

 

2014 SMART Bus Crash

On October 20th, 2014, SMART Bus driver Leon Rasheed fell asleep at the wheel of a Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) bus while driving westbound on Maple Road in West Bloomfield, Michigan. Rasheed woke up just in time to realize that he was about hit a car, but instead of braking, he pressed down on the accelerator, causing a half mile long, eight car crash. Rasheed told police, "'Why won't this bus stop?' "And then I realized, 'You hittin' the accelerator.' "

 The motor vehicle crash seriously injured at least two people and Rasheed was charged with a moving violation for causing serious impairment of body function, a misdemeanor. He was arraigned on March 30, 2015 at the 48th District Court in Bloomfield Hills.  District Court Magistrate Peter Mansour set the negligent bus driver’s bail at 10% of $10,000. Rasheed now faces a possible 93-day jail sentence.

If you have been involved in a SMART bus crash in Wayne, Oakland, or Macomb counties, click here to contact The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC and send important information about your accident.

The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC  is highly experienced in helping victims of bus accidents, car accidents, and motorcycle accidents, identify and receive any benefits they may be entitled to under Michigan law. Call us today at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation with a Michigan auto accident attorney.

 

Sources:

Detroit Free Press

SMART Bus 

Colossal Car Crash

On January 10, 2015, an enormous chain-reaction crash occurred near Galesburg, Michigan on I-94. According to sources, this motor vehicle accident was caused by a 73-year old woman losing control of her Jeep in whiteout conditions, involved 193 vehicles.  Among these vehicles were a truck carrying fireworks, which exploded on the scene, and a truck carrying the toxic chemical, formic acid. The crash resulted in the tragic loss of a Canadian truck driver.  Nearly twenty other drivers were injured in this auto accident.

In instances of slippery roads and heavy snow, car accidents are bound to happen. Although people take every effort to drive carefully, automobile crashes are inevitable. It may be just as stressful to deal with a two-car crash as it may be with a crash involving nearly 200 cars. If you have recently been involved in an auto accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC.

The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC helps those who have been injured in car accidents. Our experienced team assists car crash victims to identify and receive any benefits they may be entitled to. Call us at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Sources:

CNN

mLive

Cheaper Auto Insurance For Michigan Drivers

In the State of Michigan, all auto insurance companies are required to pay an assessment of $186 every year, for each policyholder, in payment for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits.  This cost is typically passed on to the consumer, Michigan drivers. 

As stated directly by the MCCA:

Michigan's unique auto insurance no-fault law provides unlimited lifetime coverage for medical expenses which result from auto accidents. The MCCA reimburses auto no-fault insurance companies for each Personal Injury Protection (PIP) medical claim paid in excess of a set amount. Currently that amount is $530,000. That means that the insurance company pays the entire claim, but is reimbursed by the MCCA for medical costs over $530,000.

On March 25, 2015, the MCCA announced that the assessment would be dropping to $150, in turn, likely making car insurance cheaper for Michigan residents.  This change takes effect July 1st, 2015 and will last for one year. 

In 2014, the MCCA “paid out $1 billion, mostly for brain and spinal cord injuries, multiple fractures, and back and neck injuries.” In 2015, the MCCA hopes to use $4.50 of assessed $150 to balance a deficit of $292 million for existing claims. “$145.10 will cover anticipated new claims.”

PIP benefits include the cost of medical treatment, wage loss, attendant care, and replacement services.

The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC helps people injured in car crashes to open insurance claims and to identify and receive these PIP benefits. Call our experienced team at 844.4MI.FIRM or click here for a free consultation.  

 

Sources:

Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association

Detroit Free Press

Michigan Radio