What To Do When A Michigan Traffic Light Is Out

Michigan traffic light out

From time to time you may drive up to an intersection where the traffic lights are out. Oftentimes this is due to Michigan storms or other electrical interruptions. It’s important to know exactly how to handle these situations for a number of reasons. You want to be ensuring you and other drivers are safe, you want to be following the rules of the road so that you don’t cause an auto accident or receive a traffic ticket, and if you know how to handle an intersection with a traffic signal that is out, you will be in the best position to get to your destination on time, without issue.

MCL 257.649 covers the rules of proceeding through intersections in Michigan.

Subsection (4) provides:

The driver of a vehicle approaching an intersection that is controlled by a traffic control signal shall do all of the following, if the signal facing the driver exhibits no colored lights or colored lighted arrows, exhibits a combination of colored lights or colored lighted arrows that fails to clearly indicate the assignment of right of way, or the signals are otherwise malfunctioning:

(a) Stop at a clearly marked stop line, or, if there is no clearly marked stop line, stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, or, if there is no crosswalk, stop before entering the intersection.

(b) Yield the right of way to all vehicles in the intersection or approaching on an intersecting road, if those vehicles will constitute an immediate hazard during the time the driver is moving across or within the intersection.

(c) Exercise ordinary care while proceeding through the intersection.

This law provides two circumstances where these rules do not apply, as set forth in MCL 257.649(5):

(a) An intersection that is controlled by a traffic control signal that is flashing yellow unless certain events occur, including, but not limited to, activation by an emergency vehicle.

(b) A traffic control signal that is located in a school zone and is flashing yellow only during prescribed periods of time.


Even the Michigan State Police website provides the same information in their FAQ section - to ensure Michigan drivers know the traffic laws and are able to safely drive in Michigan. At the end of the day, knowing the rules of the road can keep you safe and help you avoid car accidents.

If you have questions relating to Michigan traffic laws or Michigan auto accident law, contact The Michigan Law Firm, PC anytime. Our office has personal injury attorneys ready to discuss your legal issue.

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Anyone Can Get Into A Serious Car Accident (Even Celebrities)

As a country, we might be driving less during the pandemic, but Americans all around the country get in their cars everyday to go work, school, or the grocery store. But they never think about getting into a car crash as they get behind the wheel.  Humans have a natural inclination to avoid uncomfortable thoughts and this includes any topics relating to death or serious injury. The odds of getting into a car crash may seem really low, since we drive every day, which seems to be the reason some folks ignore the importance of mitigating the risks of car crashes. However, recent studies show that more than 3 million people are injured in a car accident every year and some Americans will inevitably be part of the 1% that experience a car accident.

But as the news and social media shows us, major car accidents can happen to anyone, and lately there’s been a lot of talk on celebrity car crashes.

Back in February, Tiger Woods had to be cut free from his car and rushed to a medical center in Los Angeles after being involved in a single vehicle car crash. Tiger’s car hit a tree and continued to roll after the impact. Tiger had some very serious injuries and couldn’t remember what happened and needed to undergo extensive surgery on his leg. The data recorder in Woods’ 2021 Genesis GV80 SUV showed that he had been driving between 68 to 86.99 mph, which could’ve been more than 45 mph over the speed limit, when he tried to maneuver around a curve and veered off course and crashed. Sheriff Alex Villanueva who investigated the crash said that Woods was driving in an unsafe manner and that’s why the crash happened.

 Now, while a global superstar like Tiger Woods would have no trouble covering any medical costs, this would be a rather frightening prospect for the average person. That’s why it’s essential (and legally required on a side note) to have car insurance to mitigate the risk of a major accident and then to know how to navigate the process in the event of a car accident.

Crash Crash Lawyer

While the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department didn’t find any evidence of Woods being under the influence of drugs or alcohol when his car accident happened, the same can not be said for another celebrity car crash that splashed the tabloids. Back in 2009, now 23-time Olympic gold medalist, Michael Phelps was involved in a car accident in Baltimore. Phelps told “was driving with an invalid, out-of-state (Michigan)  license and told police he drank a beer about an hour and 15 minutes before he was involved in an accident.” Police didn’t administer field sobriety tests because Phelps didn’t appear to be under the influence but they did note that Phelps had a prior drunk driving conviction from 2004. Police did however cite Phelps for irresponsible driving without a license and for not being able to establish residency in Maryland.

At the time of this accident, the media also broke a story about the swimmer’s fondness for marijuana complete with a picture, and while it had no bearing on the car crash, the court of public opinion reviewed the information. And Phelps had to explain to a judge in a real court, with the help of a law firm,  why he was driving without a license.

Similar to Tiger Woods’ car crash, Kevin Hart was involved in a high speed car accident caused by the reckless driving of his driver, Jared Black. Both Black and Hart were seriously injured and the actor/comedian had to take time off of work to undergo physical therapy. Unfortunately, taking several months off of work isn’t a luxury most people have when they are recovering from car accident injuries. However, car accident lawyers are able to help get benefits for victims of car accidents including wage loss for work missed due to car accident recoveries.  

Unfortunately, some types of car accident injuries, specifically traumatic brain injuries, don’t fully heal.  Just look at Tracy Morgan’s 2014 car crash in which his limo was rear-ended by a Walmart truck. More information regarding Morgan’s traumatic brain injury car crash can be found here.  

Car Crash Law Firm

There are enough celebrity car crashes that this article could be turned into a book.  For example, Lindsay Lohan, David Spade, and Mindy Kaling were all involved in serious car accidents. Lohan has been involved in several car accidents and has a few drunk driving convictions. Spade was rear-ended by a driver who sped up to get through a yellow light. Kaling was sued for being on the phone and running a stop sign and rear-ending a woman causing grave injuries.

The point is that anyone can be involved in a car crash. Celebrity car crashes may end up in the news, but they happen to everyone and the aftermath of car accidents can be a legal and financial nightmare. 

So, what does getting into a car accident involve for the average person?

Well, depending on your car insurance policy, you may be entitled to compensation for any injuries or pain and suffering that resulted from the car accident. Whether this relates to physical or mental trauma, the process is easier when a law firm is employed to help the car crash victim navigate the complicated insurance and medical waters to discover what benefits they may be entitled to. Nobody expects to be involved in a car accident but car crashes happen and having car insurance and hiring a car crash law firm can greatly help get through what can be one of the toughest times in anyone’s life.

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The Michigan Law Firm, PC Now Accepts Payment in Cryptocurrency

What was once considered a futuristic fantasy currency is now so serious that CEOs, billionaires, celebrities, and Joe Schmoes alike are heavily investing in cryptocurrency.  Just look at Dogecoin’s recent popularity and millionaire making potential.  Dogecoin was created as a joke and even up until last week, the majority of people didn’t give this currency financial merit.  Then Dogecoin skyrocketed and spiked 400% last night alone and is poised to only get closer “to the moon” as the cryptocurrency community would say.  Cryptocurrency is so popular that Elon Musk talked about converting “large transactions” of his publicly traded company, Tesla Motors’ balance sheet into bitcoin.  And Tesla is not alone as many companies all over the world, from Fortune 500 companies to mom and pop delis, are accepting payment in cryptocurrency and balancing their books with cryptocurrency. 

In response to this overwhelming support for cryptocurrency as of late, The Michigan Law Firm, PC is now accepting payment for services rendered in cryptocurrency.  The Firm is not converting it’s balance sheet to cryptocurrency at this time. Most forms of cryptocurrency will be accepted but the Firm anticipates that most cryptocurrency payments will be made with Bitcoin, Dogecoin, or Ethereum. 

Cryptocurrency Law

The Business Manager of The Michigan Law Firm, PC, Josh Freedman said, “Cryptocurrency like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin are gaining in popularity.  The Michigan Law Firm, PC wants to make its hourly-billing practice areas, like family law and business law available to those who prefer to pay in crypto.  As cryptocurrency and decentralized finance continue to gain momentum, and as it becomes easier to convert cryptocurrency into fiat currency, our firm seeks to provide new and existing clients with more options to pay for legal services.”  Mr. Freedman and Racine Miller, the Managing Partner of the Firm, are very excited to start conducting business in cryptocurrency.  “We brand ourselves as a modern law firm, so this is the next logical step.”

The legal industry is frequently stereotyped as being slow to adapt to emerging technology, but the Firm seeks to use technology when it improves the services offered in a safe, secure, and ethical manner.   While The Michigan Law Firm, PC has been cloud-based and therefore paper file free since opening its doors, many law firms still operate with filing cabinets, handwritten notes, and paper invoices.  Not only is it more convenient, secure, and more efficient to use technological solutions to run any business, including Law Firms, but it’s also increasingly in demand by prospective clients.  So, The Michigan Law Firm, PC’s stance on accepting cryptocurrency should come as no surprise to those who understand the Firm’s zeal for improving efficiencies and client interactions with modern approaches.

The Michigan Law Firm, PC is also currently testing the implementation of additional blockchain technology to further improve Firm operations.

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In Lieu of Holiday Gifts, We Donated to Local Charities...

…and we encourage you to do the same!

As we head into 2021, we can see that the world has gotten progressively more difficult to live in over the course of 2020. In Michigan, there have been over 436,000 cases of Covid-19 and over 10,000 deaths, as of today, with the number growing every day. Across the country and across the world, these numbers only get scarier. Health aside, since the start of the pandemic, almost 3 million Michiganders have applied for unemployment, nearly 1 million of whom are still receiving benefits. However, as several of the federal unemployment benefit programs under the CARES act are set to expire on December 26th more than 500,000 Michiganders will lose their benefits in the next few weeks.

We have been fortunate enough to continue running our legal practice from the comfort of our own homes. As a modern and technology-driven law firm, we had no trouble sending our team home to continue our daily business remotely. While we faced a few challenges, felt frustrated at being cooped up in our homes, and learned to conduct trials over Zoom, we quickly adjusted to the ‘new normal’ and carried on with our lives. However, we recognize our good fortune/privilege and knowing that so many people in our community are hurting, we can’t in good conscience ignore their pain. We certainly can’t singlehandedly end the Coronavirus pandemic, but we can do our small part by helping local organizations help those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic!

Gleaners

So, we have decided to donate to Gleaners Community Food Bank and Michigan Humane instead of sending holiday gifts to our friends and colleagues. We selected these organizations because they have always worked hard to support Michiganders in need and they have more than doubled their efforts this past year to help those hurt by the pandemic.

Since 1977, Gleaners has been carrying out their mission to "provide households with access to sufficient, nutritious food, and related resources…through collaboration, efficient operations, education, and innovative solutions to achieve a hunger-free community in southeast Michigan.” Gleaners collects food and monetary donations from various sources, including food drives like ours, and distributes food to 534 partner soup kitchens, food pantries, shelters, and other agencies in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Livingston and Monroe counties. Equally as important, Gleaners provides food education via programs such as Kids Helping Kids and Meet Up and Eat Up, to more than 200,000 children every year. Through programs like mobile pantries and My Neighborhood Mobile Grocery, Gleaners is able to travel to communities in need easing the burden of those who don’t have the time or transportation to seek our healthy and affordable food. Programs such as Gleaners’ Gardens and Cooking Matters teach nutrition through gardening and how to cook healthy and tasty meals. Food banks are essential services, and with so many Michiganders currently unemployed, access to food and Gleaners’ programs are more important than ever!

Michigan Humane

Michigan Humane’s mission statement is “To improve and save lives through compassionate care, community engagement and advocacy for animals.” One of the ways they do that is by making sure struggling families have the resources they need to keep their pets safe and healthy and to not risk having to turn their furry family members over to a shelter. Though their pet food pantry, community outreach programs, top-notch veterinary care, educations programs, investigation and rescue operations, and various donation efforts, among all the other services they provide, Michigan Humane has been helping Michiganders since 1877. In August, through a 4-day event called One Health Michigan, Michigan Humane provided care for 600 families and 1,200 pets by providing free spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, pet food and connecting those in need with human service agencies to solve other problems they may be facing. Michigan Humane even partnered with Gleaners who provided boxes of human food to distribute to families during the event. This event was much needed by the community as preventative veterinary care had been suspended for two months suspension by executive order.

Valentine's Telethon
Valentine's Telethon

We are even more excited to be donating to Gleaners and Michigan Humane because The Michigan Law Firm, PC has had the privilege of volunteering with both organizations for the past few years. The Firm has not only donated to both organizations but we have run food drives for Gleaners and taken part in Michigan Humane’s Mutt March, Giddy Up Pup, and Valentine’s Day Telethons!

If you are able to and would like to donate to Gleaners Community Food Bank and/or Michigan Humane, please do so! We and those you are helping thank you for your generous contribution, no matter the amount!

After clicking the link, you are given the option to select which foods you would like to donate. You may select specific food and click checkout or you can select ‘Skip, Give Now’ to donate money. Every dollar donated provides 3 meals and 92 cents of every donated dollar goes to food and food programs. As Gleaners works with wholesalers and manufacturers, they can stretch a dollar further than we can. However, any donation is greatly appreciated!

When filling out the Donor Information section, please scroll down and select The Michigan Law Firm, PC before inputting your personal information.

Everyone talks about how humanity has been ravaged by Covid-19 but many people do not realize the effect it has had on our beloved animal friends. Pets always put a smile on their humans’ faces and help cheer them up no matter how sad they are. We need them now more than ever! However, the cost of feeding, sheltering, and providing veterinary care for a pet can add up, especially for those financially impacted by the pandemic.

Happy Holidays
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COVID-19 Business Loan Services

With impact of the novel coronavirus (aka COVID-19), many small and medium sized business are finding themselves looking for funding to meet overhead because payroll, creditors, and other expenses continue to grow while income is diminished due to the pandemic.

Fortunately, there are a number of programs from the federal government, the State of Michigan, and even local counties and cities that may provide much needed access to capital in the form of COVID-19 disaster loans or grants. In addition, there are many large corporations that are providing access to coronavirus grants as well. Even Facebook has pledged $100 million to assist businesses affected by the novel coronavirus. Another resource for small and medium sized businesses is their bank or credit union. Many banks are providing longer term or low interest loan opportunities for businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under the CARES Act, the U.S. government has set forth additional small business funding opportunities. If 75% of the funds are used for proper designated purposes (payroll, rent, utilities, etc), the loan recipient can request that the loan be forgiven. This supports corporations that wish to continue employing their employees and prevents the need for layoffs. As there is only a limited amount of funds being made available, this resource is first come, first serve. So, speaking to a Michigan business lawyer can help you quickly, accurately, and safely secure this disaster relief for your business.

Consulting with a Michigan business lawyer can help you obtain a clearer understanding of the language on the forms for disaster loans and disaster grants. Michigan business lawyers can also assist in narrowing the available options so that Michigan businesses can focus their time and effort on the most likely funding sources.

The Michigan Law Firm, PC works with a number of Michigan companies to help walk Michigan businesses through coronavirus funding options. Call us 24/7 for Michigan legal help at 844.464.3476.

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Remote Mediation Services Now Offered

As many states, including Michigan, have started reporting cases of the Coronavirus, The Michigan Law Firm, PC now offers litigants the option to participate in fully remote alternative dispute resolution sessions. For litigants interested bringing in a neutral to assist in binding or nonbinding options including mediations, facilitations, arbitrations, remote video ADR services are an increasingly worthwhile option. Remote video mediations provide a number of benefits in this environment such as:

  • Safe and sanitary conditions

  • No travel time or travel costs

  • More efficient mediations

  • Ability to share screens

  • Instant file sharing

  • Unlimited participants

  • Secure connections

  • Confidential option

Parties can make arrangements for their clients to join video conferences remotely as well. The logistical advantages of remote mediations conducted by videoconferencing , as opposed to traditional mediations are significant. Clients, medical providers, lienholders, and insurance adjusters that are far away can simply join the mediation from their computer, tablet, or even from their smartphone. Additionally, if the trial court is unable to hold a trial or hearing due to the Coronavirus protocols, the parties may enlist the remote ADR services of The Michigan Law Firm, PC to swiftly, fairly, and safely resolve your issues.

Parties can contact The Michigan Law Firm, PC at 844.464.3476 to schedule remote video mediations 24/7. Emergency scheduling is available. The Michigan Law Firm, PC is a Michigan civil litigation firm based in Birmingham, MI handling matters across the state of Michigan, comprised of experienced trial attorneys, mediators, and legal support staff.

Josh Freedman is a Michigan certified mediator and offers facilitation and neutral ADR services through The Michigan Law Firm, PC. Mr. Freedman has also been approved by the following circuit courts for their civil mediator lists: Wayne County, Oakland County, Macomb County, and Ingham County.

New Published Opinion Regarding Provider Licensing & Michigan No-Fault Law

The Michigan Court of Appeals recently published the case, Life Skills Village, PLLC v Nationwide Mutual Fire Insurance Company. This case focused on a dispute for unpaid bills between a medical provider, LSR and an auto insurer, Nationwide.

Here, Nationwide denied bills for reasonably necessary products, services and accommodations for an injured person's care, recovery, or rehabilitation. LSR provided services to Mr. Donald Oliver, who was “severely injured in December 2014 when a car struck him as he was walking across a street. He sustained a closed head injury, a spinal cord injury, and multiple broken bones.” LSR is “a semi-independent residential program that's built on helping assist people transition back to independent living.” “LSR staff would prompt residents such as Oliver in important activities of daily living, such as eating, bathing, taking medication if needed, and seeing doctors when needed.”

And, Nationwide decided not to pay for these services (after paying the first two months). LSR filed suit against Nationwide in the Oakland County Circuit Court. The trial court granted Nationwide’s motion for summary disposition “because LSR was not licensed as an adult foster care facility,” and Nationwide claimed LSR required a license to lawfully provide its services to Mr. Oliver and other auto accident victims under the No-Fault Act.

The Michigan Court of Appeals decided that because LSR didn’t perform the specifically listed services within the definition of MCL 400.704(7), which governs personal assistance under the Adult Foster Care Facility Licensing Act (AFCFLA), it was not required to have a license under the AFCFLA. Moreover the Court of Appeals determined that the trial court erred in its analysis that LSR required a license under the AFCLA because it provided supervision rather than personal care. A license under the AFCLA may have been required if personal care was performed, but ultimately “[t]he lack of personal care means that LSR was not providing adult foster care and did not need to be licensed as an adult foster care facility. Accordingly, the services were not unlawfully rendered.”

The Court of Appeals highlights a very important issue, that the decision of whether a license is needed to provide services to a car accident victim and whether those services should be paid by the No-Fault insurer is “dependent on the facts of each case.” The Court makes a point of not generalizing the activities of a provider, but zeroing in on the fact that Michigan courts must uphold their obligation to allow for the development of facts in each case with a licensing or No-Fault compensability issue and rule based on a review and analysis of those facts specific to “each case.”

A copy of the Life Skills Village opinion can be found here: Life Skills Vill, PLLC v Nationwide Mut Fire Ins Co, __ Mich App ; __ NW2d __ (January 30, 2020)(Docket No. 345237).

The Michigan Law Firm, PC has experienced medical provider attorneys ready to assist with denied bills, auto-insurance short pay scenarios, billing disputes, and unreasonable denials of medical bills. Our office offers free consultations. Contact our office at 844.464.3476 to speak to a Michigan medical provider lawyer today.

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9 Bad Winter Habits That Could Ruin Your Car

Just as Michiganders started to get their hopes up believing that this year’s winter may be mild, the state was hit with a snow storm yesterday and is expecting subzero temperatures today. Governor Gretchen Whitmer even declared a state of emergency, stating, “Keeping Michiganders safe during this stretch of dangerously cold temperatures is our priority. Such widespread, extreme conditions have not occurred in Michigan for many years and it is imperative that we are proactive with record-low temperatures being predicted by the National Weather Service. Wind chills are predicted as low as 50 degrees below zero in many places, such as metro Detroit which is especially unaccustomed to these temps.”

Since humans can’t hibernate in the winter, it’s important for people to know how to drive in snowy, icy, and freezing temperature so that they can get to work, the grocery store, the hospital, Zumba, or wherever else they have to go. The Michigan Law Firm, PC blog shared a vehicle safety to-do list from The National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) that informs drivers of vehicle maintenance they should peform before heading out on winter roads. However, just as it’s important to know what to do, it’s also important to know what not to do when it comes to winter vehicle safety. Weather.com has collected some advice for drivers regarding some winter vehicle maintenance mistakes that can hurt a car rather than help it.

9 Bad Winter Habits That Could Ruin Your Car

1. Forgetting to Change the Windshield Wipers

Changing the windshield wipers is one of the easiest items to forget when it comes to car maintenance. See the streaks your wipers are leaving on the window? Pep Boys says, "the trick is changing your wipers as soon as they don't clear the windshield well." Windshield wipers are vital to your safety on the road; better wipers mean better visibility. 

2. Warming the Car for Too Long

Climbing into a freezing car is not fun, so many resort to starting the vehicle and letting it warm up before they leave for the day. This is viable for a couple minutes; however, engines are not designed to idle for long periods of time. According to AutoBlog, idling for too long causes buildup on the spark plugs, rendering them less efficient. This may be bad news for your wallet, too, as it wastes gas. 

3. Continuing to Use Summer Tires When Winter Hits

Many who live in cities that rarely see snowfall neglect changing their tires for the appropriate season. Summer tires begin experiencing faulty performance when the temperature falls below 44.6 °F, Giti Tires says. A thin layer of ice on the road can weaken summer tires, leading to poor handling and braking. 

4. Forgetting to Check Tire Pressure

Tires tend to be a bigger issue in the winter due to compressed air that cooler weather brings. CarInsuranceQuotes.net notes that the pressure in your tires is reduced by one PSI every 10-degree drop in the temperature. It may be a good idea to keep an emergency maintenance kit in the car and include a portable air pump and pressure gauge. 

5. Failing to Protect the Dashboard

It may be cold outside, but the sun is just as intense as it is in the summer. If you park in the sunlight, you may see the color of the dashboard fade, and the material may crack or blister. AutoBlog suggests keeping a cardboard sunshade in the trunk for days when the sun is bright and likely to cause damage. 

6. Keeping Up with the Amount of Gas in Your Car

During the winter months, it's better to fill up frequently as a near-empty tank can cause problems. CNN Money reports the moist air in an empty tank can freeze and crystallize, leading to ice in the fuel lines. 

7. Pouring a Bucket of Hot Water on the Windshield for Deicing 

The temperature difference between the scalding water and your freezing car may crack your windshield. Remember that rock that put a lovely crack in the glass yesterday? The hot water will work its way in there and expand, creating a problem you don't want to see. Instead, go for the old fashioned way: the ice scraper. 

8. Slamming on the Brakes and Overcorrecting When You Hit a Patch of Ice

This may put you on the front page of local newspapers after you cause an accident involving several cars. If you slam on your brakes, you're almost guaranteed to spin out of control and into traffic or the guardrail. To avoid a costly accident, stay calm, gently turn the steering wheel in the direction you are sliding and lightly tap the brake. 

9. Speeding in Snowy Conditions 

Yes, even the most experienced drivers can falter in their winter driving skills. Overconfidence in one's abilities can be detrimental and end up causing a serious crash. Black ice may be lurking beneath that fresh coat of snow, and if you're speeding, it all goes downhill from there. Keep your speed steady and drive below the speed limit when roads are icy or the threat of ice is possible.

Extreme winter weather does a great job of ruining vehicles on its own, without needing help from human error. It’s easier on the wallet to take care of vehicle maintenance before the car inconveniently breaks down or doesn’t start, or before poor vehicle conditions causes a car crash.

Car maintenance bills in the hundreds are easier to stomach than medical and legal bills in the thousands. Many winter car crashes may be avoidable if the right winter vehicle maintenance is performed. But for victims of those winter weather car accidents that occur anyway, the car crash attorneys at The Michigan Law Firm, PC are available to help ease the burden of being involved in a lawsuit. For a free legal consultation with a Michigan car accident lawyer, call 844.4MI.FIRM today.

Cyberbullying Is Now A Crime In Michigan

On July 6, 2015, 13-year-old Zoe Johnson committed suicide a day after classmates tagged her name was tagged on a Facebook post reading, “tag a b**h you don’t like.” Zoe had just finished the seventh grade and was a member of the cheer team. According to her mother, Rebecca Abbott, Zoe had been experiencing bullying for many years and therefore suffered from mild depression. Towards the end of the school year, the bullying may have reached an all-time high, leading Zoe to her breaking point, Even after Zoe’s death, kids continued to post on the Facebook page, with one even writing, "good ur gone."

On December 27, 2018, former Governor Rick Snyder signed a bill, sponsored by Rep. Pete Lucido R-Shelby Township, into Michigan law that makes cyberbullying a misdemeanor crime. Going in effect in March 2019, Public Act 457 of 2018 mentions that cyberbullying includes posting a message or statement in a public media forum about any other person if both the following apply:

  • The message or statement is intended to place a person in fear of bodily harm or death and expresses an intent to commit violence against the person.

  • The message or statement is posted with the intent to communicate a threat or with knowledge that it will be.

The law defines cyberbullying as a “misdemeanor punishable by 93 days’ imprisonment and a fine of up to $500.” Repeat offenders could face a 1 year sentence, and fines up to $1,000. Individuals involved in a “pattern of harassing or intimidating behavior causing serious injury to the victim” are guilty of a crime punishable up to 5 years and, or a fine up to $5,000. If the online harassment is found to cause death, the violator is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.   

Governor Snyder stated, “Cyberbullying can cause just as much trauma as traditional bullying so it's important that it be considered a crime… With this bill, we are sending a message that bullying of any kind is not tolerated in Michigan.”

Hopefully now that cyberbullying is illegal in Michigan, fewer people will engage in this harmful behavior. They say that the pen is mightier than the sword, but in the case of cyberbullying, the keyboard can hurt people so deeply that they consider suicide as the only option to make the pain stop. The cyberbullies who inflict this pain on innocent victims deserve to be punished by the fullest extent of the law. The Michigan Law Firm, PC can now assist cyberbullying victims with obtaining pain and suffering compensation for cyberbullying in Michigan. Please call us at 844.4MI.FIRM. for a free legal consultation.

MSP Responded To Nearly 100 Icy Road Car Crashes Today!

Source: Giphy, HBO’s Game of Thrones

It’s January 16th, but some days have been unbelievably warm and sunny with 50°F weather. People are still flocking to outdoor ice cream stands like it’s still summer! Unfortunately, it appears as our good luck has faded and as they say on Game of Thrones, “Winter is coming.” Metro Detroit citizens woke up to the surprise of slick, icy roads this morning after getting used to the mild winter that that graced Michigan so far.

The Michigan State Police (MSP) responded to nearly 100 car accidents, just today! Not only did they have to provide emergency services for car crash calls, but an MSP patrol car was also involved in a speeding car crash. The MSP tweeted about the crash saying, “We got lucky overnight! A courtesy van, road commission salt truck and a state police patrol car were all hit while trying to keep you safe overnight. Fortunately, we can fix metal. No one was hurt. Please, Move Over!!”

Clearly winter weather is dangerous to drive in. But, since we can’t stay indoors for months at a time, it’s important to learn how to properly navigate vehicles through snow and ice. The MSP even tweeted a winter driving safety tip, “Another quick pointer this morning. Four wheel drive is great in snow and mud. On ice four wheel drive becomes four wheel slide! So pick up drivers and SUV drivers need to slow down this morning.” The MSP also informed readers of, "Some hot spots in the district: I 75 downriver and I94 in Detroit. Multiple crashes in both areas causing temporary closures and lane restrictions."

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1,259,000 weather related accidents occurred between 2005 and 2015. Specifically in winter months, the data shows that 17% of crashes occurred during snow or sleet, 13% occurred on icy pavement, and 14% occurred due to snowy or slushy pavement. Therefore, drivers need to be very careful when driving in winter weather conditions. Driving safely in the snow is better than being a passenger in an ambulance.

What benefits are you entitled to after a Michigan Bird scooter accident?

While Bird Scooters have been popping up across the country, there isn’t much information available to the public about what benefits someone is entitled to after an bird scooter accident. Scooter laws are still evolving, and the regulations and ordinances may vary by county or by city.

In Michigan, bird scooter accidents generally only come into the “No-Fault” world when there is a collision with a motor vehicle. For example, in order to activate No-Fault benefits such as wage loss, medical bill coverage, household services, attendant care, and medical mileage, a bird scooter rider would have to be involved in a collision with a car. Depending on the particular circumstances of the electric scooter accident, the scooter rider might be entitled to pain and suffering compensation as well if the accident resulted in serious injuries and if it was due to the negligence of the driver of the car.

Because bird scooters are quickly cropping up in Michigan, it’s important for Michiganders to know their rights should they ever become involved in a scooter accident. Someone involved in a scooter accident should contact a Michigan personal injury attorney right away because there can be certain time periods to file your claim by, complex order of priority issues relating to which No-Fault insurance company is supposed to pay for the benefits, and even to maximize your pain and suffering compensation.


The Michigan Law Firm, PC is located in Birmingham, MI and handles personal injury cases across Michigan. Our experienced legal team is ready to help maximize your compensation after a personal injury accident. Give us a call for free anytime at 844.464.3476!

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Getting Out Alive After Being Trapped In A Car

Auto safety expert Byron Bloch recently provided tips for escaping from being trapped in a car, which may prove helpful for drivers. In addition to providing the Detroit Free Press with important details about car safety and tips for car emergencies, Bloch frequently testifies in courts across the country as an expert witness.

The first key to getting out of a car alive is to arm yourself with knowledge so that you don't panic.

Study the owner's manual to know where any emergency handles for escape are located, said Bloch. Be sure every family member who uses the car knows where they are, he said. 

Car entrapment can occur in a number of settings. It may result from an serious auto accident, a popped tire could crash the vehicle, vandalism or crime could be the cause of car entrapment, and even flash flooding could put drivers in this type of emergency situation. Oftentimes people involved in car entrapment situations are suffering from injuries. Things might be foggy if you have a head injury, concussion, TBI, or dizziness after an accident, so it’s always best to be prepared, just in case.

Some of the solutions that car safety expert Byron Block suggests are:

  • keeping a charged cellphone available

  • ensuring that the key fob battery is charged every couple of years

  • having a spare key available for emergency situations

  • remain calm if you find yourself in an emergency situation

While these are just a few of the options to increase preparedness in a car emergency situation, drivers should always remain cautious and keep an eye on their surroundings. Thanks to the Detroit Free Press for releasing the brief guide on the topic of car entrapment and escaping from a car after begin trapped.

The Michigan Law Firm, PC handles auto accident cases throughout the state of Michigan. Our injury attorneys are ready to help you collect benefits for pain and suffering, lost wages, household services, attendant care, and other types of compensation as well. Contact our experienced legal team today for a free consultation. Speak to a Michigan injury lawyer today!

Roadkill Nights 2018 Is Today!

Each August, people come out in droves to watch unique cars, old and new, parade down Woodward Avenue for the Woodward Dream Cruise. A newer addition to the Metro Detroit tradition, however, is Roadkill Nights - Powered by Dodge, an event that allows drag race fanatics to participate in the sport themselves! While this is the 4th year that the event is taking place, it is only the third year it will be taking place at the M1 Concourse in Pontiac, Michigan.

Roadkill Nights will be taking place today, August 11, 2018, as a kickoff to the week leading up to the Woodward Dream Cruise! Roadkill Nights will go on all day from 10 AM to 11 PM, with thrill rides, motocross exhibitions, food trucks, and a variety of other family friendly activities. Roadkill Nights gives car fanatics the chance to show off their prized vehicles, and allows attendees to see a variety of rare and uncommon automobiles.

Additionally, Roadkill Nights gives amateur drag racers the chance to race down Woodward Avenue! Drag racers typically go down a ¼ mile track and can even reach speeds up to 300 miles per hour! The drag race qualifying rounds begin at 11 AM and the races will continue through to the end of the event. The stakes are high as throughout the course of the event, a total of $40,000 will be given out in prize money! Amateur drag racers have applied to be part of the races on the Roadkill Nights website. Those who just want to watch the race or show off their cars rather than participate, can purchase a car show entry package on the website, as well.

Tickets for the general public are $10 per person, but Pontiac residents can buy discounted tickets at $5 each online. Children under 12 get in to the event free of charge! Roadkill Nights are a fun way for the general public to enjoy motocross and drag and street racing in a safe, yet thrilling way, while also to kicking off the festivities for this year’s Woodward Dream Cruise.

While Roadkill Nights allows people to zoom down Woodward Avenue, not every car ride should be a high speed drag race. If you or someone you know has been injured by a speeding driver, contact The Michigan Law Firm, PC at 844.4MI.FIRM. Our attorneys fight for Michigan’s injured drivers.

Driving Safety Tips

The National Safety Council's (NSC) National Safety Month is coming to an end, but the safety topic for Week 4, is still important. In fact, driving may be the danger that should be most discussed, since there were 40,100 motor vehicle deaths in America, in 2017 alone! The NSC warns, "We all believe ourselves to be safe drivers, yet up to 94 percent of motor vehicle crashes involve human error. Follow these tips to help stay safe on the roads."

Driving Safety Tips


Avoid Dangerous Driving Behaviors
Prevent injuries on the road by keeping your focus on the driving task:

• Avoid impaired driving, whether by alcohol, lack of sleep or drugs, including over the counter and prescription medication
• Avoid cell phone distracted driving, including hands-free
• Practice with your teen drivers and teach them to avoid distraction
• Make sure all occupants are properly secured in age-appropriate restraints
• Never leave a child alone in a car and always keep your car locked when not in use
• If you drive for work, talk with your employer about safe habits – do not take calls while behind the wheel
• Regularly check your vehicle for recalls at CheckToProtect.org and stay up to date on the safety features in your car by visiting MyCarDoesWhat.org

Use Safety Features Correctly
Modern cars are filled with safety features that can help protect the driver, passengers and even pedestrians, but they must be used correctly. Look through your vehicle manual to learn which features are available and make use of them to stay safe while behind the wheel.

• Do not rely on safety features to replace you as the driver – you are still your car’s best safety feature
• Make sure you understand your vehicle safety features before using them – not all vehicle safety features operate the same way
• Maintain your vehicle to keep safety features working correctly, including clearing the vehicle of mud, ice and snow
• Pay attention to vehicle alerts and warnings
• Educate teens and all inexperienced drivers about the safety features present in the vehicle and how they work

1 step for safety:

Always wear a seat belt. In 2016, 48 percent of vehicle occupants killed on the road were unbelted, according to injuryfacts.nsc.org.

While these tips can't guarantee that car accidents won't happen, they may help prevent some accidents. Many causes of car accidents are due to human error. Actions such as texting while driving, eating while driving, and other forms of distracted driving, cause dangerous car accidents that can lead to serious injury and even death. However, by just not engaging in distracted driving, several motor vehicle accidents may be prevented. Similarly, reading up on car safety features and alerts and warnings helps drivers avoid car accidents, since their car can tell them when something is wrong. Car accidents can happen at any time and for several reasons, but if people take as many safety precautions as possible, car accidents due to human error can be eliminated.

Many car accidents are avoidable, especially if they are distracted driving car crashes.  If you've been injured in an auto accident caused by a distracted driver, call The Michigan Law Firm, PC. The Michigan Law Firm, PC helps victims of motor vehicle accidents identify and recover any benefits they may be entitled to under Michigan law. Our team of accident attorneys understands how traumatic being hit by a negligent lawyer can be. We help people injured in car accidents deal with the legal complexities so that they can focus on their recovery. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free legal consultation, today.

Dangerous April Fools Day Car Pranks!

Today is April Fools’ Day, a day for pranksters to up their game and go wild! Planning pranks can take time and energy, but it is worth the effort when the victim springs the trap and is caught up in the prank. There are many harmless pranks people can pull for April Fools' Day, like scattering toy spiders throughout the house and waiting for an arachnophobia to stumble across them. Or perhaps switching the salt and sugar labels for some extra salty cookies. However, there are some pranks that may go too far and are no longer funny. In fact, they could be dangerous. According to Statistic Brain, about 175 people are injured by an April Fools’ prank each year. That may not seem like a large number, but considering pranks are supposed to be fun, it is far too high.

A viral video from July showed a motorcyclist picking up a mug from the back of a car and returning it to the owner by driving up to her window! While this was done as an act of kindness, the opposite could be done as a prank. An online forum lists several car pranks that could easily go wrong. One trick is to leave a cup with coffee, or other drink, on a person’s car and hope they won’t notice. When they start driving, the cup goes flying and spills all over the car! This doesn’t seem like a big deal, other than possibly making a mess on the car, but the cup could also fall and hit the windshield of the car, or even another car, causing confusion, panic, and possibly a car crash if the surprised driver swerves. 

Another prank that most people have heard of, is covering someone’s car in Post-it notes or wrapping it up in saran wrap. These may seem funny at first glance, but another look can reveal car accident dangers. The Post-it prank is more of a painstaking, time-consuming art project, so the “victim” may want to only clear the windshield and drive with the rest of the car still covered. Not only does a colorful Post-it car cause other drivers on the road to be distracted but the Post-its could go flying from the vehicle and hit the other cars, once again causing confusion, panic, and swerving cars to get into a car crash.  Wrapping a car in saran wrap on the other hand,  makes it difficult for someone to get into their car in case of an emergency. Also, once again, a saran wrapped car may encourage distracted driving behavior from other drivers who see the car and are puzzled or humored by it. It just seems like any pranks concerning a car, though they seem funny, may also be dangerous, because at the very least, they cause distracted driving on the road.

The cinder block prank is another popular car prank posted online, that seems more dangerous than funny. This prank involves someone removing the tires of a car and leaving the car boosted on cinder blocks. Unless the prankster is a professional mechanic, removing tires could possibly damage the car and make it unusable for the foreseeable future. If not done properly, taking parts off of a car may damage the car in a way that makes it unsafe to operate and may even lead to car accidents. Car damage and the associated risk of car accidents, are also a possibility in pranks that involve filling the car up with water by tossing a hose through a partially open car window. If not water, even filling a car up with something like golf balls could cause car accidents, if the balls rush out of the car and into the road or into traffic, when a door is opened.

April Fools' pranks are meant to be funny, enjoyable, and perhaps also embarrassing to those exposed to the prank. They should not make people concerned for their safety, for the safety of their possessions, like their car, or the safety of others not even involved in the joke. Pulling a prank in, on, or around a car should be thoroughly thought out before being put into action, so that it doesn’t lead to permanent car damage or cause car accidents. If you have to cover a car in Post-its, even if it takes a whole day to do so, it’s best to film the victim’s reaction and then help them remove all of the paper before the car is driven. You’ll still get Instagram likes for the victim’s priceless reaction video and you’ll likely avoid any legal trouble you may have risked if you had caused a car accident. 

April Fools’ Day can be a very enjoyable holiday. Who doesn’t love the trick gum that snaps at a person’s fingers or squirting water at someone through a flower pin on your lapel? These pranks are small and harmless, however, not all pranks are. Don’t be the person who wraps your best friends car in saran wrap. Setting up a prank in or on someone’s car could cause a car crash, whether it be from distraction or even causing damage to the car. If you or someone you know is injured in a car accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PC at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Oberon Release Day Is Here!

Some people call it the taste of spring, but most just call it Oberon. For those who have not been exposed to the delicious beer, Oberon is a beer made by Bell’s Brewery of Kalamazoo that is a mix of wheat and wild fruity aromas. This beer is a Michigan staple that has been making its way around the country and creating an enthusiastic fanbase. It is set to hit shelves and local bars again, today on March 26! Because Oberon is a seasonal beer, that is only on the shelves and bar taps for six months in the State of Michigan, people around the country and Oberon celebrate the day Oberon is released as a holiday!

Oberon celebrates Oberon Day with festivities at local breweries that sell their beer, which include locations in Ann Arbor, Bay City, East Lansing, and Kalamazoo. Oberon fans will be delighted with the bountiful pub crawls that will be taking place to celebrate Oberon Day. Oberon Day isn’t a night time event either. These events, pub crawls, and festivities will be taking place all day. Ann Arbor’s pub crawl starts at 11AM, and the last bar on the list is at 8:30PM. Where in Kalamazoo, at Bell’s Eccentric Cafe, their celebration starts at 9AM for fans who are ecstatic to drink the seasonal brew.

Laura Bell, CEO of Bell’s Brewery said, "We will continue to push the boundaries and celebrate what makes Bell's unique and innovative. As with this year's release calendar, we still reserve the right to announce a few surprises here and there."

This is indeed a big year for Bell’s Brewery, as they plan to release four new beers throughout the year. The first of the lineup is Road to Hell, which will be released in July, followed by Hell Hath No Fury in September, Sympathy for the Devil in November, and a re-release of Sparkleberry Ale which is a fan favorite ever since it debuted at Kalamazoo Pride in 2013. It’s a Belgian-style Tripel brewed with raspberries, and will be released in June.

While many may be excited to take part in the Oberon Day festivities, it’s important to remember to drink responsibly. Drinking all day and into the night can severely impair anyone’s judgement. As such, those who are celebrating Oberon Day should take measures to ensure that they won’t be drinking and driving. Oberon Day is an event people greatly look forward to every year and driving under the influence and causing a car accident may have people celebrating next Oberon Day behind bars.

Drunk Driving car accidents can lead to serious injuries and even death. The Michigan Law Firm, PC specializes in cases that involve all types of motor vehicle accidents. If you or anyone you know has been involved in a car crash, please contact The Michigan Law Firm, PC by calling 844.4MI.FIRM today for a free consultation.

The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC Ranked Top 20 Detroit Car Accident Attorneys

Best Car Accident Attorneys in Detroit

Birmingham, MI - Expertise has recently ranked The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC as one of the Top 20 Best Car Accident Attorneys in Detroit, Michigan for 2017. This ranking was the conclusion of Expertise’s vigorous review of 241 Detroit law firms. Expertise is an online directory that curates qualified and experienced professionals who are experts in their field and connects them with consumers who require their expertise. Whether visitors to their website are looking for a plumber, a wedding photographer, or a car accident attorney, Expertise makes the experience easy by allowing users to easily narrow their search to their state and nearest metropolitan city. Expertise also takes the anxiety and guesswork out of the equation by thoroughly vetting the businesses they suggest, in order to guarantee satisfaction to their customers.  

To create their top rankings, Expertise uses a 3-step method. The website begins by searching for all companies and firms working in a specific field, in a specific area.  Then, they eliminate any companies they don’t find to be experts, have an alarming amount of bad reviews from customers, or who do not provide enough information to be considered for ranking.  Expertise then analyzes all of the businesses who passed the initial screening, using a five judgment criteria based on reputation, credibility, experience, availability, and professionalism. Lastly, Expertise handpicks the top businesses who achieved the highest scores and publishes their list.

The  Michigan Law Firm, PLLC was selected as one of the 20 best car accident attorneys in Metro Detroit out of 241 firms based on this rigouroud criteria, in addition to its outstanding devotion to its clients.

The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC is a fast-paced, modern law firm that focuses on personal injury law. The Firm is honored to be recognized as one of the leading car accident law firms in Metro Detroit, and looks forward to continued success in helping personal injury victims obtain favorable resolutions of their cases.

For more information about Expertise, please visit www.expertise.com.  To learn more about The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC, please visit https://www.themichiganlawfirm.com/.

The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC is a civil litigation firm located in Birmingham, Michigan that handles a variety of personal injury lawsuits, including auto accidents, motorcycle accidents, medical provider cases, dog bites, and slip and falls. Call us today for a free consultation at 844.4MI.FIRM (844.464.3476).