Grosse Pointe Teen Crashes In Lake St. Clair

On February 26, 2017, 16-year-old Nolan Mullins crashed into Lake St. Clair after his mother's Ford Flex steering wheeled reportedly locked up on him causing him to veer toward the lake at 30 miles per hour. "It felt like the tire locked," Nolan told The Detroit Free Press. "I tried shaking the wheel, and I couldn't get it to move. It wouldn't move. I had this freak-out moment," he said. "By the time I slammed on the brakes, I wasn't getting any traction."

The Ford Flex crashed into the lake at a 33-degree angle and began to sink. Nolan first tried to escape through the driver side door without success, and then tried the windows, which successfully rolled down and allowed him to swim out of the vehicle after unbuckling himself. "If I'd waited another five seconds, I think I would have lost the power windows," Nolan said.

Once he was free of the vehicle, Nolan swam to the hood of the car so he could signal for help. That is when Lisa Hughes, an elementary school teacher, happened to be driving by and saw the crowd of cars nearby where Nolan had crashed.  Hughes quickly jumped into action by ordering her daughter to call 911 while she encouraged Nolan to give her his parents' phone number. Hughes informed Nolan's mother about the situation and alerted her that the authorities were on their way. 

Ford Flex Recall

By the time the U.S. Coast Guard reached Nolan, he had mild hypothermia and was taken to St. Johns Hospital to be treated. It is currently unclear what exactly caused the Flex to malfunction, but it is known that the Ford issued a recall on nearly 400,000 vehicles back in June 2015, which included the Ford Flex for power steering issues.

Mr. Nolan was fortunate in being able to escape from his vehicle without the power windows seizing up on him. It is important to remember that others might not be so lucky. Therefore, all drivers and anyone with access to a motor vehicle should remember to regularly check to see if any recalls have been issued for their vehicle. In regards to Ford models, anyone who may be under the recall is encouraged to contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 to avoid any potential accidents in the future. All other drivers are encouraged to go to the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA)'s website and enter their vehicle identification number (VIN) number, to find out if their vehicle is safe to drive. It only takes one minute to use the NHTSA's recall look up, which means that it could only take one minute to avoid a car accident and ultimately save lives.

Situations like the one Mr. Nolan experienced can be very scary, especially since his malfunctioning car did not lead to a typical motor vehicle accident but a potential drowning. Therefore, car drivers and owners should take precautions to check for vehicle recalls, and in case of a recall, get their vehicles serviced and fixed as soon as possible in order to avoid accidents like this from happening. If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident due to a malfunctioning vehicle or a car under recall, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation today. 

How To Jump-start A Car

During the winter especially, citizens of Michigan experience trouble starting their cars. While the cold temperatures may cause car batteries to be drained more easily, car problems such as this occur all year round. In the event a car doesn't start, Forbes Magazine provides a step-by-step list for drivers who don't know how or for those who merely need a refresher on how to recharge the battery on their car.

Forbes' Tips On How To Jump-start A Car

1. Make sure the two cars are close to one another - preferably that the front of the cars are close. Jumper cables will only stretch so far, plus you want to eliminate any chance of tripping over the cords and detaching them. 

2. Locate the car’s battery. It is usually found under a plastic cover to the side of the engine.

3. Identify the positive and negative terminals. The positive is usually identified with a “+” sign and the negative with a “-” sign. Once the terminals are identified, attach the cables to the proper terminal, negative with negative and positive with positive, on both batteries.   

4. Start the engine of the running car. Run the engine of the car for about a minute or two while revving the engine.

5. Now try and start the car with the dead battery. If the car still refuses to start, check the cables again to see if they are properly attached, remember to be careful, it is electricity after all.  

6. Repeat. If the car does not start try jumping it again.

7. Call for service. After several attempts at starting the car and it still refuses, the only choice left is to call for help, i.e. a mechanic, tow truck, etc. 

Additional Tips To Keep In Mind

If the vehicle refuses to start or run while on the road, try to move the car to the side of the road or shoulder to avoid being hit or causing a potential car accident. Motorists could also benefit from buying and keeping flares and/or reflective hazard signs in their car to alert other drivers that they are stranded.

Lastly, It is important to remember that even if a driver successfully starts the car, it is still a good idea to have the car serviced. After all, there could be other underlying issues that prevented the car from working properly in the first place, other than a depleted battery. Therefore, Forbes advises getting a technician to check the car’s battery first and foremost, but to also check other components such as the car’s belts, hoses, wiring, and fluids. 

There is no guarantee that your car will immediately start by jump-starting it, especially if there are other factors involved in its breakdown. However, if a jump-start is all that is needed, following these tips from Forbes is a safe way to restart a battery. Of course, when in doubt, seek a professional!

Though winter has come to an end, Michigan drivers may still face situations in which their car won't start. It's smart for any driver to brush up on how to properly jump-start a car or look into purchasing a jump-starter box. If you or someone you know have been involved in a motor vehicle collision do to car problems, contact The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC, today at 844.4MI.FIRM, for a free consultation.  

Detroit Ranked #1 in Pedestrian Fatality Accidents

Citizens of Detroit, Michigan have many gripes about the city including construction, decay, and of course traffic. While, the city itself is going though some improvements, citizens still have every right to be upset about traffic however, as the National Highway Traffic and Safety Association (NHTSA) just issued a report showing that Detroit has the highest pedestrian fatality rate per 100,000 population. In fact, the NHTSA calculates that in 2015 alone, 5,376 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes - that’s the highest it’s been since 1996.

Alcohol Kills Pedestrians

The NHTSA contributes that most of the pedestrian accidents are caused by alcohol consumption. To be exact, 48% of the accidents involved either the pedestrian or the driver consuming alcohol before the crash occurred. Also to be noted is that fact that most of the accidents occurred during the winter months (December, January, and February) and predominantly at night time. 

NHTSA Safety Precautions 

Safety Precautions For Pedestrians:

  • Pedestrians should use crosswalks when they are available and walk in the direction against traffic. 
  • Be cautious! Electronic devices such as cell phones and music devices play into 'inattention blindness’ in which wearing headphones can make the wearer tune out of their surroundings. Also, pedestrians should keep in mind to not wear any headgear that may rest too low on their face or cover the eyes.
  • Drivers won't always see pedestrians due to distractions, blind spots, sun glare, or poorly lit areas. So, it should go without saying that wearing reflective gear or bright clothing to improve visibility is also advisable. 
  • Most importantly, avoid using drugs and alcohol before going out. As the NHTSA study shows, drugs and alcohol play a major role in pedestrian deaths.

Safety Precautions For Drivers:

  • Abide by state set speed limits.
  • Keep in mind that stopped cars could possibly be stopping to allow for pedestrians to cross the road, especially at crosswalks. 
  • Be alert! Pedestrians won’t always walk or be visible in places that motorists usually expect them to be. 
  • Don’t drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Both will hinder coordination and judgement when driving. 

Safety Reminder

With summer fast approaching, citizens of Detroit should remember that both motorists and pedestrians play a part in sharing the road and keeping it safe for everyone. By following the safety precautions listed above, the people of Detroit can work together to make Detroit safer and to bring down Detroit's traffic fatiality ranking. 

Police can only do so much in catching and preventing drivers or pedestrians from getting behind the wheel while under the influence. Loved ones must also do their due diligence in making sure friends and family arrive at their destination unharmed and alive. If you or a loved one has been a victim of a pedestrian accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC for a free consultation. Our firm will fight to help you identify and receive any benefits you may be entitled to under Michigan Law. Call us today, at 844-4MI-FIRM. 

Semi Truck Driver Pushes Limits, Gets Arrested

The Recorder recently published an article showing how one semi truck driver tried to illegally push his limits and was caught and arrested by Massachusetts police. The truck driver reportedly drove without rest from Washington State, across the entire country, to Massachusetts-a nearly 3,000 mile distance! The semi truck driver was allegedly under the influence of crystal meth, LSD, and cocaine to keep him awake and functioning for the dangerous journey. 

“It appeared the driver didn’t rest, only used drugs, and he drove from Seattle, Wash., to Deerfield, with a destination on the East Coast.”

Deerfield, Massachusetts Police officer Adam Sokoloski commented that the driver, Garry Robbins "was clearly a danger to himself and others." Luckily however, there were no reports of the truck driver causing any auto accidents along his journey. In fact, the driver somehow actually delivered his shipment despite the condition he was in when he was arrested. It should be noted that his driver's license was suspended after he was arrested by local police. Also, the semi truck was impounded and he was charged with several drug and motor vehicle violations, turning the matter over to the court system.

While cross country trucking is a difficult job, it is important to take breaks and rest when needed when driving thousand of miles. According to The Automobile Association (AA), "1 in 5 accidents on major roads are caused by tiredness." In an effort to prevent such accident, The AA gives the following safety trips for long distance driving:

Long Distance Driving Safety Tips

  1. Don't drive for more than 8 hours in a day.
  2. Take regular fifteen minute breaks in journeys over three hours.
  3. Aim to stop every two hours or so, especially if you're not used to driving long distances.
  4. If you feel at all sleepy, stop in a safe place. Don’t stop on a motorway hard shoulder.
  5. The best way to counter sleepiness is to drink two cups of caffeinated coffee and to take a short nap of at least 15 minutes - check for parking restrictions before you do so.
  6. Plan journeys so that you can take breaks, allowing for an overnight stay if necessary. Even experienced HGV drivers are prevented from driving more than 9 hours in a day or working for over 13 hours in a day. Most car drivers are nowhere near as used to driving for this long.
  7. Don't start a long journey if you’re tired.
  8. Heavy meals can make you sleepy.
  9. Driving at times when you would normally be asleep brings extra risk, particularly the early morning.
  10. Strenuous exercise before driving can also have a bad effect - especially for older people.

Most importantly, drivers should never consume alcohol or drugs when they know that they will be driving. Though motor vehicle collisions are very common, hopefully by following these tips, some unnecessary and preventable car accidents can be avoided. 

Distracted driving and drunk driving are dangerous and in many causes can lead to truck accidents. Though these types of accidents are highly avoidable, they do happen. If you or someone you care about has been involved in a Michigan truck accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Speak to a Michigan injury lawyer today at 844.464.3476. Our Metro Detroit law firm offers free consultations. 

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What is pain and suffering compensation?

Pain and suffering compensation is a form of non-economic damages that are available to victims of injury accidents who sue a  person or company for negligence. Pain and suffering consists of the physical pain, emotional pain, and the plaintiff's loss of enjoyment of life.  One of the ways to calculate pain and suffering damages is by considering how the defendant's negligence affected the plaintiff's life.  It is typically up to the jury to determine what the pain and suffering damages are for any particular case. 

Typically, in a personal injury case if a person becomes unable to continue with an activity that they normally perform, like a hobby, career, or a sport, this will be taken into account.  For example, if someone was injured due to the negligence of another, and this person played pickup basketball every weekend with their friends, but after the personal injury accident, they are unable to continue to play basketball, this loss of enjoyment will be a significant factor for the damages in the lawsuit.  

It's important to work with a Michigan accident lawyer who is well-versed in handling pain and suffering cases.  If you have any questions about whether you have sustained injuries and they have affected your life greatly enough to obtain pain and suffering damages, you should speak to a local attorney who is experienced in personal injury law right away.  There are strict statutes of limitations in every jurisdiction which cover how long you have to make a claim.  Certain types of injuries, such as those caused by a governmental entity, like the US Post Office, the local public works department, or injuries caused by most emergency responders have even more strict rules regarding when notice of the injury must be provided, what information about the injury must be provided, and even who witnessed the accident occur.

Contact The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC if you have questions regarding a Michigan personal injury accident.  Our Birmingham law firm handles car crash lawsuits, dog bite lawsuits, slip and fall law suits, and other types of personal injury accidents as well.  Our toll free number is 844.464.3476.  Speak to a Michigan injury attorney today.  We offer free consultations.  

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Autonomous Chevy Bolt - Spotted

Yesterday, April 19, 2017, GM released video of a Chevy Bolt driving autonomously in the streets of San Francisco, California.  The video (part of a three video series) shows a dashboard view of the car as it drives on regular streets at night.  The autonomous Bolt stopped at traffic lights, yielded to other vehicles, and ultimately drove safely throughout its journey. 

Although a live person was sitting in the car, ready to take over if necessary, it doesn't appear that the human driver was needed in the videos.  According to Automotive News, GM has been testing these self-driving Bolts in multiple cities including San Francisco, CA and Scottsdale, AZ.  It has also been reported that GM is testing these self-driving Chevy Bolts in Detroit, Michigan as well. 

It's likely that auto insurance companies are watching these self-driving developments closely as government regulators, auto insurers, and consumers alike determine how to handle the new situation of insuring self-driving vehicles.  It's going to be critical to determine how autonomous cars involved in injury-causing auto accidents will be insured.  While accounts vary, most of the speculation is that fully self-driving cars will not begin becoming commercially available for at least a couple of years.  

If you have been involved in an auto accident, contact The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC.  Speak to a Michigan injury lawyer today at 844.464.3476.  Our experienced legal team will assist with your claim for auto insurance benefits which have been denied, including pain and suffering compensation.  Call for a free consultation today. 

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Safe Used Cars for Teen Drivers

Cheryl Jensen recently wrote an article in Forbes discussing how to find the safest used car for a new teen driver within a reasonable price range. Jensen mentions how the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has just released its rankings for top choices in the under $20,000 and under $10,000 categories.  Surprisingly, over 100 used car makes and models are listed with the IIHS safety stamp of approval for teen drivers on a budget.  Jensen makes note of the lowest priced option on the list, a $2,000 Saab 9-3.  Prices on the list are set at the Kelly Blue Book pricing so the actual prices may vary depending on the seller or car dealer.

"technology helps drivers maintain control of a vehicle on curves and on slippery roads and is a proven lifesaver"

Some additional tips for selecting a safe used car for a teen include, making sure the vehicle has electronic stability control, make sure there are no active recalls on the vehicle, look for a car with too high of a horsepower rating, and pay careful attention to safety ratings on very small cars. 

To research if your car has any active recalls which could affect the vehicle's safety on the road, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's recall site (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls).  All you need is your car's VIN number, which should be located on the lower left corner of your car's windshield.  The VIN may also be found on your vehicle registration.  

It's crucial to ensure that you are selecting a safe car for your teen driver.  Avoiding an auto accident begins with the research and purchase of a vehicle. 

If you have any questions regarding your motor vehicle accident or the rules of the road, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC.  Speak to an experienced car accident lawyer who can assist with lawsuits against auto insurance companies, lawsuits against negligent drivers, obtaining pain and suffering compensation, and more.  Our legal team works hard to get your life back on track after an accident.  Call our personal injury law firm today at 844.464.3476 for a free consultation. 

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Auto Safety: Regulating Cybersecurity in Cars

New information is being provided every day regarding the possibility of driverless cars and the potential for autonomous motor vehicles in the future.  While that rosy future isn't quite here yet, most cars on the road do rely heavily on computer coding and other advanced technology.

Making sure that that your vehicle is safe from hackers is a concern that many industry experts are talking about in the auto world. Ryan McCauley recently published an article for Government Technology, which addresses the question, who should regulate cybersecurity for connected cars?

The federal government regulates safety standards for vehicles. Should cybersecurity standards be treated differently?

The article quotes, Sam Lauzon, a senior engineer at the University of Michigan’s Transportation Research Institute.  Lauzon brings up a fair point when he states that government regulations rarely keep up with technology.  

According to a February 2017 study conducted by the University of Michigan, more people are concerned about hacking to obtain control of individual vehicles or the traffic management system than hacking cars for their personal information.  The study also found that older respondents had more concern of vehicle hacking than younger respondents. 

The FTC released a March 20, 2017 press statement where it was announced that the FTC and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will hold a workshop on June 28, 2017.  Up for discussion are topics like motor vehicle consumer privacy, security issues posed by automated motor vehicles, and security issues posed by connected motor vehicles.  The workshop will also address issues such as the role of government in regulating auto cybersecurity, pros and cons of data collection from cars, and potential auto industry self-regulatory standards that might apply to privacy and security issues for connected vehicles. 

The FTC invites the general public to comment on these issues.  The public can submit their comments by clicking on the following link - Connected Cars - Request for Comments Link.

The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC has an auto accident lawyer ready for you to speak with about your Michigan car crash.  Our firm offers free consultations and honest and fair representation.  Give us a call today at 844.464.3476 to see if our firm can help you get back on your feet after an auto accident. 

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