The City Of Detroit To Spend $60 Million On Roadways

The City of Detroit is shelling out big bucks this construction season to fix the roads in the city that really need it. According to the Detroit News, the city is spending far more than it did around this time last year to fix roadway issues, especially in residential areas of the city. The funds to complete this work are coming from federal transportation funds and the City of Detroit’s share of the state gasoline tax revenue.

Detroit Construction Car Crash Lawyer

The current plans are to resurface 53 miles of roadway in Detroit neighborhoods and 26 miles of major roadway. Most of this work will be done by city work crews, which have hired extra seasonal workers to take on the extra load.

The current major projects slated include many major roadways. New landscaped medians and bike paths on East Jefferson and repavement of other parts is slated to be finished in late 2017. Improvements will be made to the Rosa Parks Bridge north of Lafayette, the Lafayette bridge west of Rosa Parks, and the bridge between Mount Elliot and Mound Road. Upgrades will also be made to four roads near the Rouge River to reduce storm runoff into the sewer system. Construction on many of these projects has already started and should conclude around November of 2016. The roads that were selected were chosen due to their condition, amount of usage, and density of surrounding neighborhoods. Although no roads will be closed during the duration of this work, traffic is expected. Crews ask for citizens of Detroit to be patient as they try and make the roadways safer for everyone.

Detroit is often known as one of the worst off cities when it comes to the state of its infrastructure, including roadways and bridges. This news should be met with smiles from many Detroiters, because these changes are long overdue. It is important to keep roadways safe for drivers because this limits the number of accidents and allows for traffic to run smoothly in regularly congested areas. While the roadwork is going on it is important to slow down and always be weary of workers. After the construction is finished, all the time spent allowing for it to be done will be well worth it.

If you or someone you know has been involved in an motor vehicle accident, including a crash caused by construction, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in handling all types of motor vehicle accidents. They will help you get teh help that you need while you recover from your injuries. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Westland, Michigan Police Officer Buys Car Seat for Struggling Father

Here’s a heartwarming story: a Westland, Michigan police officer purchased a car seat for a struggling young father who was pulled over for a window tint violation. LeVonte Dell of Inkster was driving with his young daughter when he saw the flashing lights in his rear view mirror. “My heart dropped in my stomach. I thought I was going to get hammered with tickets, more stress, more bills,” Dell told Fox 2. 

While walking up to Dell’s vehicle, Westland police officer Joshua Scaglione noticed that Dell’s daughter was riding along without a proper car seat. “I asked him, ‘Why do you have your kids in the back without a car seat?’ and he’s like, ‘I can’t afford it,” Scaglione said. "So I took him out of the car, separated him from his family and asked him what’s going on. He’s like, ‘Bills are building up, overtaking my income, and I can’t afford a car seat right now.”

Offering to help, Scaglione had Dell follow him to the local Walmart and bought the troubled father a new car seat. Dell wanted Scaglione to be properly recognized for his charity and selflessness, but Scaglione had left before Dell could get his name or even thank him for helping him out. Dell went on Facebook after returning home from Walmart to give thanks to the anonymous police officer. Luckily, the Westland Police Department had heard about the kind act and gave Dell the opportunity to see Scaglione again and offer his deep appreciation. 

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, properly used car seats can reduce the risk of deaths of infants by 71%, and booster seats can reduce the risk for serious injury by 45%, for children ages 4-8, when compared to simply using a seat belt. While it may take extra time to get a baby or child properly strapped into a proper fitting car seat, it can be well worth the time, as it may just save a child’s life. 

Being involved in a car accident can be scary enough, but having your child in the car during an accident can be a parent's worst nightmare. If you or somebody you know has been involved in a motor vehicle accident with a child in the vehicle, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. We understand that it is difficult and expensive to identify injuries and get treatment for children's injuries. Let our experienced legal staff help you identify benefits for you and your injured children, so that your family can focus on recovering. Please call us, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

GM And The US Government Agree to Extend Oversight One More Year

General Motors Co. will continue to be under the watchful eye of U.S auto safety regulators for another year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) told GM in a letter. 

In 2014, the Detroit, Michigan based automaker agreed to a deal which included monthly meetings, enhanced regulations and transparency, as well as a $35 million fine from the NHTSA. All of this was a result of delayed action to an ignition switch defect in millions of vehicles that led to about 400 deaths and injuries. 

GM has had to pay out major money in the aftermath of the ignition switch case. Costs topped $2 billion, including a $900 million settlement with the United States Justice Department. Reuters stated that under the original agreement with NHTSA, GM is required to provide a written list every month of all safety issues under review by the automaker's investigators, even if the company decides it's not necessary to have a recall. 

In its letter this past week, the NHTSA believes the relationship with GM has been productive. "The meetings have been useful to proactively and expeditiously address potential safety-related defects and to facilitate," the letter reads. 

Car defects can be triggered by something as simple as having too much weight on a key chain or driving in extreme climates. These automobile faults may even cause drivers to lose control of the car and potentially cause injuries or fatalities. If you or somebody you know has been involved in an accident caused by a car defect, please call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Whether the accident resulted in a few broken bones or it caused head trauma, our attorneys are highly experienced in helping victims of all types of motor vehicle collisions. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM.

GM Offering Reimbursement Plans for 2016 Crossover Owners

General Motors Company (GM) is looking to make amends for overstating the fuel economy of some of its 2016 crossover models. The Detroit, Michigan based auto company will be offering between $450 and $900 or an extended warranty to owners of the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, and Buick Enclave. These vehicles featured a window sticker that overstated the fuel economy by 1 to 2 miles per gallon.  

GM is offering its customers a debit card or a 48-month/60,000-mile protection plan which is designed for high-mileage customers. The debit card will carry $450 for front-wheel drive vehicle customers and $900 for all-wheel drivers. While GM declined to comment on the Detroit Free Press article regarding the cost of these offers, if all eligible owners chose the gift card option, and the average card was worth $675, the cost would be somewhere around a $90 billion loss for the company. 

GM said that the difference in the predicted vs. actual fuel economy was related to new emissions-related hardware. While testing the 2016 system, engineers found that the actual fuel economy was 1 or 2 mpg lower than the 2015 models, yet the stickers for the 2016 models remained the same.

This might not even be the first year that this type of discrepancy took place. Consumer Reports has suggested that the same type of error regarding fuel economy may have also happened on past models for the crossover vehicles. Jake Fisher, Director of Automotive Testing for Consumer Reports reviewed their own fuel economy tests from as far back as 2007 models and found that they reached an average of 15 mpg in combined city and highway driving on the Enclave and 16 mpg on the Traverse. The EPA-Certified number for that model year was 18 m.p.g for both.

GM informed its dealers of the reimbursement plan this past Friday, and owners will be receiving letters in the mail regarding their options beginning Wednesday. Potential car owners should ask their dealer about the vehicle's fuel economy and how much it will save them at the gas pump.

While crossovers are seen as a safer option compared to cars, they are not immune from getting involved in a dangerous car accident. If you or somebody you know has been involved in a car crash, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Accidents can be the result of recklessness, distracted or impaired driving, and can cause damaging injuries. Our attorneys are highly experienced and will give you the one-on-one consultation you deserve. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

German City Installs In-Ground Crosswalk Signals For Texters

Civic leaders in Augsburg, Germany are taking a stand against those who text-while-walking on sidewalks, in an effort to prevent pedestrians from walking into the street while there is oncoming traffic. To decrease the alarming number of accidents caused by pedestrians not looking up at traffic signals at intersections, crosswalk signals were installed into the sidewalks themselves. 

Thanks to this new system,“Petexrians” or “smombies” are able to walk safely while texting, and would still have a chance to stop themselves before they walk out into a busy street. The new signals are a part of a pilot program which is being tested in areas where young people are a large part of the population. 

In 2015, the Governors Highway Safety Association released a report which showed an increase in pedestrian deaths in 40 years. To no one’s surprise, cell phones were the biggest culprit for the increase. Less than 1% of pedestrian deaths were caused by cell phones in 2004, but this number rose to 4% by 2010. And, since 2005, the amount of pedestrians injured while using their cell phone has doubled. In 2013, a pedestrian was dying every two hours in the United States. 

In an interview with N-TV, Augsburg spokeswoman Stephanie Lermen said that safety measures such as traffic signals for both vehicles and pedestrians need to adapt to this era. “[The Signals] create a whole new level of attention,” Lermen said. 

While the United States has not adopted in-ground crosswalk signals, they may not be far off. According to the Pew Research Center, nearly two-thirds of Americans now own a smartphone and that number will only continue to rise. With the increase in phones, there is sure to be an increase in pedestrian collisions at crosswalks.

It is never a good idea to walk and text for a long period of time. It can become especially dangerous when a pedestrian has their head down for an extended period of time, when walking around busy sidewalks and streets. 

Nobody wants to end up like Bonnie Miller, a Benton Harbor resident, who was enjoying a nice stroll on Lake Michigan with her husband and son. She received a text message, read it, and began to reply. Miller told ABC News that she typed three words, tripped because she wasn't paying attention to where she was walking, and then fell into Lake Michigan. Luckily she wasn't hurt, but she was surely embarrassed. 

Drivers should always keep a look out when going through intersections for pedestrians entering the crosswalk whether they are supposed to be there or not. Pedestrians should always remember to make sure cars are coming to complete stops before going through a crosswalk. If you or somebody you know has been injured in an accident involving a pedestrian, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are knowledgeable on all rights belonging to pedestrians and will represent you to make sure you get the necessary help. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

How to Ride Your Bike In Michigan

Bicycling can serve many purposes: recreation, a way to save money, and can even be beneficial to the environment. Whatever the reason, riders should be aware of the rules and expectations that come with being on the road. Laws regarding bicyclists vary from state to state, and knowing Michigan state law can help protect bicyclists and drivers who share a road. 

Biking In The Streets 

Bicyclists riding at a normal speed of traffic are expected to ride as close as possible to the right-hand curb or edge of the road, under Michigan law. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule: 

  • When passing another bicycle or a vehicle proceeding in the same direction. 
  • When preparing to turn left. 
  • When conditions make the right hand edge of the roadway unsafe for the rider. 

Biking on Sidewalks 

Bikes may be ridden on the sidewalks in Michigan, but riders must remember to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and are required to give some type of audible signal to let them know they are going to be passed. 

How to Signal A Turn  

When riding a bike, cyclists are required to signal with their arms. By doing so, they can ensure that drivers know that they are about to turn. 

  • A left turn by extending their arm horizontally. 
  • A right turn by extending their left arm vertically. 
  • A stop or decrease in speed by extending their arm downward. 
  • Signal 100 feet - 200 feet before you are about to turn, so that drivers are aware of your intended action and have adequate time to react appropriately. 

Safely Parking Your Bike 

Bike theft has become a huge problem for riders. In fact, according to City Lab, over half of all active cyclists have had their bike stolen. Most occurrences take place in heavy populated places downtown area of a city where the act of stealing a bike blends in with the crowd. It is important to always lock your bike to a secure, visible location, which makes it tough for a thief to pick up and walk away with your bike. 

While only 1% of all transportation in the United States is via a bicycle, the frequency of bicycle-related accidents is alarming. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 900 bicyclists were killed in the United States in 2013 with an additional 494,000 emergency room visits due to bicycling-related injuries. While riding a bike with a helmet is not currently required under Michigan law, bicyclists are highly encouraged to take the necessary safety precaution to prevent potential head injuries. 

If you or somebody you know has been injured by a car while riding a bicycle, call The Michigan Law Firm PLLC. Car drivers have a tendency to neglect bicyclists' right of way. Don't let automobiles bully you. Our attorneys are experienced in handling bicycle-related collisions, and will get you the help you need. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

Stop-Start: Fuel Efficiency of the Future

Car companies are always looking for a new feature to advertise to potential customers, and a popular selling point is saving drivers money by improving fuel efficiency. One of the newest features for cars is the stop-start technology. Stop-start helps customers conserve fuel by automatically turning off the engine when a vehicle comes to a complete stop, such as stopping at a traffic light. When the driver takes his or her foot off the brake or applies the accelerator, the engine will automatically start back up again. According to a press release from Chevrolet, their 2016 Chevrolet Malibu’s city fuel economy improved 14% because of stop-start. While this new system has appealed to customers who are looking to save at the gas tank, there are still outlying questions about the overall impact stop-start has on a car. 

Some are asking if the constant stopping and restarting of the engine will damage the vehicle long-term. Gerhard Arnold, who is responsible for designing cars at Federal Mogul, says “A normal car without automatic stop-start can be expected to go through up to 50,000 stop-start events during its lifetime. With automatic stop-start being activated every time the car comes to a standstill, the figure rises dramatically, perhaps to as many as 500,000 stop-start cycles over the engine's life.” 

Potential car buyers may also be asking themselves if the extra wear and tear on the engine is worth the fuel savings in the first place. A test done by Edmunds involved a 2014 BMW 328i being driven around for 80 miles in three hours, once with the stop-start system engaged and once with it turned off. With the system off, the BMW used 3.1 gallons and 2.8 gallons with stop-start turned on. That results in a savings of about 91 cents saved every 80 miles. One of the factors that may have affected the results is having the air-conditioning system on while driving. It has been suggested that the stop-start system can run more efficiently in mild climates.

There has been resistance to the technology in the United States despite its popularity in European countries. Some drivers have complained about the jerking feeling that is experienced once the engine restarts, which may also lead drivers to believe that their car has stalled. Despite the resistance, North American Powertrain Forecaster, Devin Lindsay, told The Detroit News that stop-start will only grow from here. “It’s just a matter of time before the technology gets featured on more vehicles. From some of the stories I’ve been told, it’s kind of a slightly weird transition, especially if the customer isn’t aware,” Lindsay said. 

New car buyers should ask the dealer which cars have stop-start technology, as well as discuss the pros and cons of the system. Potential buyers are also encouraged to take a test drive in vehicles they may want to drive, in order to get a feel for the effects of stop-start, so that there are no surprises after they’ve purchased the vehicle.

Unfamiliar car features can make for unexpected car accidents. If you or somebody you know has been involved in an accident, including collisions caused by car defects, call The Michigan Law Firm PLLC. Our attorneys are experienced in handing all types of car, motorcycle, and bicycle collisions. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

"Taxibots" Could Eliminate 9 out of 10 Cars

Self-driving cars might have a bigger impact on traffic congestion than previously thought. More specifically, autonomous taxis are changing the way companies such as Uber and Lyft want to do business.  A group of transportation experts at the Organization for Cooperation and Development discovered results from a trip in Portugal, which showed that the mainstreaming of self-driving cars will eliminate cars by 90%, acres of land will open up, and will decrease commute times by 10%.

These “taxibots,” as described by the researchers, will be a combination of mass carpooling and UPS delivery intelligence. These vehicles will navigate through cities and match compatible carpool routes based on a mathematical algorithm. Under this type of system, 9 out of 10 cars would no longer be necessary and eliminate the need for public transportation. 

The evolution of taxibots would also open up large chunks of space in cities, which would allow for more development in downtown areas. The study finds that without the need for individual ownership of cars, a city like Lisbon, Portugal would have around 210 football fields worth of extra space. There would also be significant savings for consumers in the area. The mere presence of parking spaces can increase the cost of construction, which leads to development costs getting passed on to consumers, in the form of steeper prices on goods and rent. A taxibot system would eliminate the need for parking spaces, thereby decreasing consumer costs. 

One of the leading companies looking into driver-free taxis is Uber. The ever-popular taxi service has recently opened a new facility dedicated to mainstreaming this technology, which would completely automate their workforce. General Motors Company and Lyft Inc. will also begin testing electric driver-less taxis for public roads. The Wall Street Journal reported that GM invested around $500 million in Lyft in order to compete with the Silicon Valley minds in a battle to own the driver-less taxi industry. 

Driver-less cars are the way of the future which will virtually eliminate car collisions. For now, drivers must be extra cautious while driving, as accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. If you or somebody you know has been involved in an accident of any scale, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Accidents can lead to problems down the road, such as trouble paying medical bills, loss of employment, and lingering injuries. Our attorneys can help get you the answers and help you need taking care of these issues. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consulation. 

Ford "Drugged Driving Suit" Teaches Teens Lesson

Ford Motor Company is allowing students to experience what it’s like to drive under the influence of drugs. Thanks to Ford’s new “Drugged Driving Suit,” teens are able to see the many effects that drugs can have on their ability to drive, and also face the severe consequences that can follow them for the rest of their lives. 

The suit was developed in partnership with the Meyer-Hentschel Institute in Germany to simulate effects of drugs such as cannabis, cocaine, heroin, and ecstasy. Teens wearing the suit will experience slower reaction time, distorted vision, hand tremors, and poor coordination. “We know that some drugs can cause trembling hands, so we incorporated a device into the suit that creates just such a tremor,” Gundolf Meyer-Hentschel, CEO of the Meyer-Hentschel Institute said. “Drug users sometimes see flashing lights in their peripheral field, an effect recreated by our goggles, while imaginary sounds are generated by the headphones. Additionally, the goggles distort perception, and produce colorful visual sensations.” 

 The suit will be part of Ford Driving Skills for Life, which is an award-winning young driver program which provided training to more than 500,000 people worldwide, since it began in 2005. “Driving after taking illegal drugs can have potentially fatal consequences for the driver, their passengers, and other road users,” Global Program Manager for Ford Driving Skills for Life said. According to the most recent study from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 18% of all motor vehicle driver deaths involve drugs other than alcohol. Another NHTSA survey showed that 22% of drivers tested positive for illegal, prescription, or over-the-counter drugs. 

A lot of attention is placed on drinking and driving, and rightfully so, but the effects of driving while being under the influence of drugs can get pushed off to the side at times. This issue has become even larger around this time of year. With prom and graduation season, along with summer parties every weekend, teens can find themselves making poor choices after a night out. Many times the teen is not even in the right mindset to consider the potential consequences of driving under the influence, and how it could affect their loved ones and the other drivers on the road. 

Driving while under the influence can lead to serious and permanent damage, including death. If you or somebody you know has been in an accident involving a drunk driver, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are experienced in handling all types of collisions, including drunk driving car crashes. We help victims of drunk driving identity and receive any benefits they may be entitled to, under Michigan law.  Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

Most Common Bicycle-Automobile Fatality Accidents

Although not as common as auto accidents involving only motor vehicles, accidents do occur between automobiles and bicycles. These accidents are very dangerous due to the lack of protection while riding a bicycle and the raw power and force cars posses. According to the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center, in 2013 alone almost 750 bicyclists were killed in car crashes. In that same year, about 48,000 bicyclists were injured in crashes. These numbers are slightly up from 2001, but not radically different, showing that these statistics are staying somewhat stagnant over time. 

Bicycle Car Crash Lawyer

The 4 Types of Bicycle Crash Scenarios

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), there are four typical bicycle crash scenarios which involve automobiles.

  1. The first is an accident in which the car and the bicyclist are travelling the same way on the same roadway, and the automobile strikes the cyclist.
    • This type of crash accounts for 9% of crashes, but a staggering 45% of deaths to bicyclists.
  2. The second scenario is when a car is travelling down one street and a bicyclist is travelling down a perpendicular street, and without seeing the cyclist, the driver makes a turn or pulls through the intersection, thereby striking the cyclist. 
    • This scenario accounts for 29% of crashes and 22% of deaths.
  3. The third scenario is when a bicyclist is riding against traffic and is struck by a vehicle going the other way.
    • This type of accident accounts for 3% of crashes and 6% of deaths.
  4. The last scenario is when a driver pulls out across traffic, to turn, and a bicyclist is travelling down a perpendicular road from the driver, unseen by the driver, and is struck by the vehicle.
    • This scenario accounts for 22% of crashes and 2% of deaths.

Although these scenarios are the most common, they only account for 63% of crashes and 75% of deaths, leaving a lot of wiggle room when it comes to the variety of accidents bicyclists may be involved in. It is always very important for drivers to pay special attention to the road for bicyclists, because collisions involving automobiles and bicycles are often fatal.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a bicycle accident or has been struck by a vehicle while riding a bicycle, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in handling all types of motor vehicle accidents accidents, including those involving bicylces. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Google Now Offering Jobs to Self-Driving Car "Babysitters"

In search of a cool job? Do you know somebody that enjoys getting paid well while exerting minimal effort? Google might be the place to look. The company is looking to pay individuals $20 an hour to "babysit" its self-driving cars and provide feedback.

"Vehicle Safety Specialists" will be hired to sit inside the car, take notes on the driving experience, and report back. The Drive wrote, "the babysitters will work in teams, with one occupant behind the wheel and a second vehicle safety specialist sitting shotgun and taking notes on a laptop." 

Google's Brian Torcellini, the self-driving program head of operations has said the job positions are so new that there is no one type of person they are looking for. "We've hired people from all types of backgrounds, from English teachers to orbital welders. In general, they need to be excellent drivers who pay really close attention to the road and can predict the social aspects of driving," Torcellini said. 

While this cool opportunity is currently only being offered in the Phoenix, Arizona area, it is expected that similar programs will begin to pop up all around the country. Google has said that the self-driving cars need to be tested in different climates and terrains. The Detroit Free Press reports that Google's self-driving cars have traveled about 1.6 million miles in autonomous mode without being involved in an accident that resulted in deaths or major injuries. 

Until robots completely take over the steering wheel, drivers still have to be cautious when out on the road. As the summer approaches and the economy continues to rebound, more vehicles will be out on the road at once, which means an increase in accidents. If you or somebody you know has been involved in a collision, including auto, motorcycle, or bicycle accidents, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in handling accidents of all levels, from minor to life-threatening injuries. The Michigan Law Firm will get you the help you need. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

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Takata Feels Pressure to Replace Defective Air Bags

Despite poor financial reports out of Tokyo, Japan this past week, Takata’s urgent need to replace more than 65 million potentially deadly airbags looms overhead. The world’s largest air bag maker, for 17 automakers, announced a net loss of $120.5 million for 2015. The anticipated losses caused the company’s stock to fall by 11%. “If, for some reason, Takata falls out of the equation, the manufacturers of the cars are still on the hook to make sure that the recalls happen,” U.S Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said. 

Many car owners who have been contacted about their potentially defective air bags have been told by their dealers that it could be weeks or even several months before their air bags are replaced. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced that the recall will take place in phases which will be based on the age of the inflators and the scale of exposure to high humidity and fluctuating high temperatures.

NHTSA warned Takata that the company could be fined up to $200 million: $70 million for mishandling the recall of the air-bag inflators and an additional $130 million if it violates the settlement agreement with NHTSA. Smaller air-bag manufacturers are hesitant to increase production without assurance from the auto industry that factories and employees won’t be abandoned once the replacement requirements are met. 

Foxx has stated that the government will continue to apply pressure to Takata, despite their financial situation. “Frankly, if that went into our calculations, I don’t think we would deserve to be called a safety agency. I think progress is being made, but we’ve got to keep our finger on it,” Foxx told The Washington Post. 

Takata’s air bags must be replaced because of the small metal canisters which trigger the airbag inflation when a car collides with something. Takata uses ammonium nitrate in those inflators, unlike most air-bag makers. Independent studies revealed that when Takata inflators are worn down by age and hot climates, they are prone to explode, sending shards of canister metal towards the driver and passengers. 

As a result of the defect, 11 Americans have died and over 100 have been injured by the inflator explosions. With little to no choice, Takata announced that they would be phasing out the use of ammonium nitrate in their airbags by 2018. 

The Michigan Law Firm blog followed up on this Takata recall, as we previously wrote a blog post on the topic when the recall was first announced. 

The last thing drivers expect to happen while they are driving is for their air bags to randomly deploy. Not only can the impact of the air bag injure the driver and passengers, it can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle. If you have been involved in an auto accident caused by defective air bags or other car equipment, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are educated on all of the different auto recalls and will work with you to get the necessary help. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Michigan QLine Headquarters Have Been Opened

The Penske Tech Center, which will be the northern tip of the QLine and will serve as a service center for the entire streetcar system, opened on May 3, 2016, according to reports from The Detroit Free Press.  Maintenance, storage, and other operations of the QLine will all occur within this facility. It is expected that this ‘car barn’ will staff over 40 workers when the rail becomes fully operational in the Spring of 2017. The total cost of building the center ran investors $10.6 million after labor, supplies, land, etc. While, the QLine will not be operational until Spring of 2017, the service center has been open since Tuesday, May 3, 2016, to cover operations for the coming months until the service is up and running.

Dan Gilbert QLine Detroit

Dan Gilbert is a major investor in the M-1 Rail Project, which was recently given the name ‘QLine,’ an abbreviation that many believe is to brand Quicken Loans to the streetcar system. Quicken Loan is of course the company of which Dan Gilbert is currently the CEO. The tracks of the QLine will run from downtown around Campus Maritus all the way to New Center and The North End neighborhood, where the new Penske Tech Center will reside.

The QLine is very important for a number of reasons. First, it offers those without cars an alternative to the often criticized Detroit bus system. The addition of better public transportation would also encourage people with cars to use public transportation instead of worrying about the hassle of finding and paying for city parking, thereby reducing the number of cars on the road. Decreasing the number of cars sharing the crowded streets of Detroit would result in far fewer automobile accidents. 

Overall, the QLine project has many positive outcomes. It also will service all of the sports stadiums after the completion of the new Red Wings Arena, a project that is expected to be finished just after the QLine. This project has already created jobs for the citizens of Detroit, as people are needed to build the system. In the future, the QLine will help boost the economy which Michiganders hope will only create more jobs. 

Although these plans will be very helpful to Detroiters in the near future, many citizens are currently left in the dark when it comes to public transportation. You may be entitled to benefits if you are involved in a public transportation accident. If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident while riding a city bus or any form of public transportation, call The Michigan Law Firm PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in handling all types of motor vehicle accidents, including bus collisions and rail accidents. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

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Pedestrian Struck By Vehicle On Ann Arbor, Michigan Crosswalk

A car accident landed a 21 year old man in the hospital on Monday, April 25, 2016. MLive reported that the man was struck while crossing a crosswalk in the area of Plymouth Road and Willowtree Lane around 8:24 A.M. Police arrived on the scene not long afterwards. The Adrian, Michigan native was taken to the University of Michigan Hospital via Huron Valley Ambulance and was said to be in stable condition according to EMTs. The driver who struck him was a 42 year old Belleville, Michigan resident. Police cited the driver with a ticket for failure to yield. However, there is still no word on whether or not the man will press charges against the driver.

Ann Arbor Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

While driving, it is always very important to check crosswalks, especially in cities. Not only should drivers be on the lookout for other drivers and road obstructions but for bikers and pedestrians as well. Although this particular case did not end in death, car accidents involving walkers, bicyclists, or runners often end in serious injury or death. By looking both ways and by looking for pedestrians at crosswalks, it is very easy to save lives. Most times the driver is responsible for hitting pedestrians, and an accident like this may bury a driver in fines and jail time.

Pedestrians, although having the right away, also always need pay attention to traffic as well. Even if a pedestrian has a green arrow to walk, checking for traffic is always a good idea. Noticing a distracted driver can be the difference between life and death. Looking both ways can save your own life.

Taking chances with the odds of being struck by a vehicle at a crosswalk is an unsafe idea. Accidents always happen. Pedestrians and drivers alike need to check the flow of traffic and need to check whether or not a crosswalk is clear, before passing through. If you or someone you know has been involved in a motor vehicle accident involving a pedestrian or has been a pedestrian struck by a vehicle, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in handling all types of motor vehicle accidents, including those involving pedestrians. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Fiat Chrysler Recalls 1.1 Million Vehicles Worldwide

Chrysler Recall Lawyer

Fiat Chrysler is recalling over a million vehicles worldwide, due to a gear shifting defect. CNN Money reported that the issue stems from the gear shifter allowing drivers to leave the car without putting the car in park, or forgetting to put the vehicle in park, causing the car to still be mobile. The shifter makes it very hard to tell what gear the car is actually in, which might seem like a small issue, but has lead to a recall of over 1.1 million vehicles worldwide.

The car does have warning signs, but this still has allowed for drivers to leave the vehicle without putting it in park. The remedy for the issue is to place more warning lights, and also make changes to stop the vehicle from moving even if it isn’t in park. The vehicles have been recalled are the model year 2012-2014 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 sedans. Model year 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs are also included in the recall. So far, there have been 41 injuries that are potentially related to making this mistake. Those who are affected by the recall will be informed by Fiat Chrysler and the issues will be fixed at no charge to the owners.

Michigan Car Crash Lawyer

Typically an owner of a vehicle is informed by mail if their car has been recalled. It is also very easy for drivers to check whether their car has been recalled at safecar.gov. Simply enter the vehicle's VIN and the site will pulls up any active recalls the vehicle may have. Ensuring that a car is recall free is important because recalls are typically safety related and leaving a car unchecked is very dangerous for drivers. Cars which are operated despite having safety problems are likely to injure the driver and put everyone on the road in danger of a car crash.

If you or someone you know has been involved in an auto accident, call The Michigan Law Firm PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in handling all types of motor vehicle accidents, including those involving cars with recall notices and safety problems. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Tesla Puts "Bioweapon Defense Mode" to the Test

Tesla Motors has gained a reputation for producing safe cars that may prevent major injuries from taking place in an auto accident, but they have started to focus on making the environment safer as well. The car company has been testing their HEPA filtration system, "Bioweapon Defense Mode," which is able to remove at least 99.97% of pollen, bacteria, and pollution from the outside air before they enter the vehicle. 

In order to test the capability of the filtration system, Tesla pumped levels of pollution said to be 200 times higher than the world’s current highest levels in Beijing, China, into a bubble which held a Tesla Model X vehicle. It took all of two minutes for the system to completely neutralize the levels of pollution around the vehicle. Tesla told The Next Web that “you could literally survive a military-grade bio attack by sitting in your car.” In the graph below, published on Tesla's blog, you can see how the quality of air changed both inside and outside of the car, once the doors were closed and the Bioweapon Defense Mode was activated. 

Tesla Bioweapon Defense Mode

 

To be sure that its filtration system was up to the test, Tesla decided to take it into the real world. The Model X was taken through California freeways during rush hour, smelly marshes, landfills, and cow pastures in the central valley of California, according to Tesla’s website. Sure enough, it not only cleaned the air that was coming into the vehicle, but it was also cleaning the air around the vehicle. 

As pollution becomes a larger issue for developed nations such as the United States, car companies will begin to put a heavier emphasis on air quality for the vehicles they produce. According to the World Health Organization, air pollution can now be considered “the world’s largest single environmental health risk,” as it now claims the lives of more than three million people every year, more than twice the number of deaths due to car accidents. 

Tesla's Other Safety Benefits

Air quality is not the only safety feature that Tesla has become known for, as their technology pertaining to preventing and sustaining collisions has become a selling point. Tesla has boasted a 5-star safety rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a rating that approximately one percent of all cars tested by the federal government receive. 

Brian Martel, a Texas resident, was driving a Tesla Signature Red Performance Model S when he was T-boned at an intersection by another driver. While there were some minor bumps and bruises, there were no substantial injuries. Martel said that “any other car would likely have rolled over and possibly caused severe injury to someone in my family.” 

When choosing a new vehicle, it's important to ask about the safety features that are included. Keep in mind the environmental impact the car may have, as well as how it may hold up when involved in a collision. As Brain Martel can attest to, it can be the difference between life and death. 

In a move to protect Michigan-based auto companies, Tesla vehicles are currently banned from being sold in the state, as a result of October 2014 law that was passed by the Michigan legislature. 

Auto accidents take place everyday. If you or someone you know has been in an auto accident, including accidents involving electric cars, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are experienced with handling all types of motor vehicle accidents, and will get you the help you need. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

Tips for Parents: How to Prevent Underage Drinking this Prom Season

With prom and graduation season right around the corner, both teens and parents should be aware of the dangers associated with driving under the influence. While teenage drunk driving has decreased by 54% since 1991, in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, car crashes remain the leading cause of death for teens. Additionally, about a third of teen crashes are alcohol related, according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving. 

Teen Drunk Driving Car Crash

Even if a teen gets away uninjured after a night of drinking and driving, there may still be costly legal consequences. On a teenager’s first conviction, there are fines that can be upwards of $1,500 and jail time up to 93 days. Other alcohol-related charges that a teenager can see are distributing alcohol to other minors, minor in possession, possession of false identification, and potential moving and vehicle maintenance violations. More information about underage drinking offenses can be found on the Michigan Secretary of State website. 

Students are not the only ones that can face legal ramifications, parents can be affected as well. Parents can be held liable for property damage and/or personal injuries, even if they were not aware of the party or alcohol being consumed on their property.

Too often students get behind the wheel of a car after celebrating and do not consider the potential damage they can be doing to themselves, as well as the damage they can inflict on other drivers and their loved ones. 

Tips for Parents and Preventing Underage Drinking: 

Here are some tips from PreventionLane on how parents can prevent underage drinking during prom and graduation season:

  • Set a good example - Drink responsibly and NEVER drink and drive.

  • Talk WITH your kids - Know where they are going, who they are going with, and when they will be home. Let your kids know that you are just looking out for their safety and the safety of others. Often kids will feel like they are being talked to by their parents, but it is important for them to feel like their parents are having a conversation instead of a lecture. 

  • Remove temptation - Limit and monitor the alcohol in the fridge and lock the liquor cabinet.

  • Talk to your kids’ friends and their parents - Let them know your rules and that you expect your child to follow them no matter where they are.

If you or someone you know has been involved in an auto accident caused by drunk driving, call The Michigan Law Firm PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in handling all types of motor vehicle accidents, including those that are alcohol related. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

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