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. 

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.

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

Top 10 Most Accident Prone Jobs

If you work in one of the following fields, there is a relatively high chance that you may be involved in some type of motor vehicle accident, whether it is a simple fender bender or even an accident where the vehicle is damaged to the point that it is deemed a total loss.

1. Travel Industry

2. Human resources

3. Health care

4. IT

5. Customer Service

6. Restaurant Workers

7. Real Estate

8. Professor

9. Accountant

10. Construction Worker

According to a recent study by online auto insurance company, Goji, "travel industry workers behind the wheel are 15 times more likely than drivers in marketing or advertising to be in an accident." 

Goji’s CEO, Justin Dangel said, “Accident claims have a big impact on car insurance rates for better or worse, but costs can vary widely based on the carrier, coverage desired and other personal factors — even your career, regardless of whether you drive for work or not." 

If you are involved in a car crash, regardless of your job, we are here to help you. The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC handles all varieties of auto and motorcycle accidents across the State of Michigan. Call us today at 844.4MI.FIRM or click here to send us important information about your potential injury lawsuit case.

Sources: 

Detroit Free Press