Teens Drinking And Speeding Before Deadly Crash

Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

On May 8, 2015, three teenagers passed away after crashing in Stony Creek Metropark, located in Shelby Township, Michigan. 

The story started after the three boys finished their school at 3:00 pm, as one of them had a fake Ohio I.D to buy alcohol from a Shelby Township party store.  According to the Detroit Free Press, the tragic evening  ended with the five teens packed into a black Jaguar going between 72 and 82 mph. when it crashed into a guardrail and rolled five times.  Manolios, the driver, went in the wrong direction at high speed likely due to the effects of alcohol. This was a serious car accident and the vehicle was heavily damaged in the crash.

Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham said "He said all five boys had alcohol in their system, with the driver, identified as Jonathan Manolios, having a 0.08 blood alcohol level."  In Michigan, the legal limit is 0.08 BAC.  In this accident, the driver was over the legal limit for alcohol consumption.  It is likely that this factor contributed to the drunk driving accident.  

The girls that were with the boys actually survived the car crash, without life threatening injuries. The girls helped the police and described the story to the Macomb County detectives. The three young men picked up each other after school, then they went to the party store with a fake ID. 

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of deaths involving a drunk driver in Michigan between 2003 and 2012 was 2912. Most of those victims were male. Additionally  Michigan has the same rate of drunk driving reports  as the rest of the U.S.  This indicates that drinking and driving can cause serious injuries from an automobile accident.

If you have involved in an accident because someone was drunk driving or speeding, contact a lawyer at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC.  Call 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation today.

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Workplace Injuries

The work environment can be a dangerous place. Especially for those who work in certain strenuous industries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2014, construction workers, law enforcement agencies, fire fighters, health care providers, and truck drivers accounted for the most work-related injuries.

Many of these work-related injuries were in the form of Musculoskeletal Disorder or MSD, which is a deteriorating disease that has inflammatory effects that cause pain and discomfort and can inhibit normal motions. In 2014 alone, there were 325,580 musculoskeletal cases which were the direct result of heavy lifting that lead to strains and sprains in workers. Certain jobs also have an inherent and often unavoidable risks which can render employees permanently disabled.

work accident lawyer

Three industries which have had workers away from their jobs for over 100,000 days, due to injuries, are the healthcare, manufacturing, and retail industries. These three industries are all hectic this time of year, with overeating and energetic holiday shoppers creating a spike in hours worked to cater to the needs of consumersOccupational hazards associated with many of these labor based industries often result in falls, slips, and trips. Falls, slips, and trips were the reason for 316,650 days away from work, according to the U.S Bureau of Labor and Statistics. Also, overexertion resulted in 384,260 cases.

Because of the enormity and seriousness of these workplace injuries, it is important that thorough guidelines are followed and routine facility improvements are made in these industries. Michigan is a state which prides itself on being a blue collar, working class, state which employs many people who work with their hands to support their families.  As such, businesses in Michigan need to keep in mind the enormous toll dangerous work conditions could have on a worker who loses his job and can't support his family because proper guidelines and safety precautions weren't implemented for his job. 

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics findings should be used as an additional indicator for employers that there is still work to be done to create safer work environments for employees who are put into potentially hazardous circumstances continuously.  

If you have been injured in a workplace accident, speak to an attorney at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our experienced attorneys are highly skilled in helping victims of work place injuries receive any compensation they may be entitled to, under Michigan law. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 



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Michigan Bike Crash Statistics

Due to the unseasonably warm weather, citizens in Michigan are riding their bikes more than ever. Though winter weather usually causes Michiganders to put their bikes away in favor of public transportation or cars, many of them are using their bicycles to travel to work, to work out, and just for fun. 

As much fun as being able to ride bikes in December is, it is just as dangerous. This is because many bicyclists tend to share road space with automobiles, which causes the danger of bike riding accidents to extremely increase. Bicycle collisions with cars are even more likely during rush hours, between 3:00 P.M. and 6:00 P.M., when the majority of commuters are heading home. In fact, 27.2% of fatal and serious bicycle crashes took place between 3:00 P.M. and 6:00 P.M. in Michigan, in 2012. Also, 21.8% of fatal and serious bicycle crashes took place between 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. and 18.5% between 12:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M.

bicycle car accident lawyer

According to the Michigan Department of Transportation, becoming involved in a bicycle crash in Michigan has a higher percentage of happening than national statistics for youths ages (5-15). In fact, the likelihood of children getting into bicycle accident is 32.4% compared to 26.8% in other parts of the nation. That means nearly one-third of all young people in Michigan are involved in a bicycle crash, one-fourth of which (25.3%) are fatal/serious. Also, men are involved in 81% of all fatal bicycle crashes in Michigan.

These statistics are more then scary enough to warn Michiganders of the importance of bicycle safely. By paying attention to traffic, avoiding roads during peak hours, and by practicing bicycle safety procedures such as wearing protective gear, citizens of Michigan can avoid becoming bike crash statistics themselves. People or Michigan need to be aware that drivers of cars don't always pay attention to bicyclists or even slow down for them. Therefore, to avoid being hit by cars and facing serious bodily harm or even death, bicyclists need to take every precaution to cycle safely. Society Today should be more careful on the road, exclusively when there is  a biker in front of them. 

If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident while riding a bicycle, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in handling auto accidents including bicycle collisions. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

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Man Killed In Lenox Township, MI Crash

On Friday, December 18, 2015,  around midnight a man was a victim of a head on crash when he was on his way home on 26 Mile Road at Place Road in Lenox Township, Michigan.

Two cars crash lawyer

Lenox Township police reported a 38 year old woman from New heaven smashed hard into another man's vehicle killing him on the spot. The female apparently was driving erratically before the collision, and alcohol might be the factor around this accident.

Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham said "the woman was driving a Dodge Journey eastbound on 26 Mile Road when she crossed into the westbound lanes and crashed head on into a Hyundai sedan.'' Also, he indicated that witness approved on the woman that she was speeding and swerving moments before the collision. Moreover, the detective pointed out that alcohol could be the reason behind this careless driving, as he was waiting for the blood test results from both the hospital and the medical examiner’s office to make a conclusion regarding the reason for the crash.

According to CBS Detroit, the injured female was "initially trapped" until help arrived.  Fire crews had to help her escape from the seriously damaged car. Reports indicate that the woman suffered injuries, but is in stable condition after visiting a local hospital.

If you or someone you know was involved in an accident, contact our lawyers at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our accident lawyers specialize in all types of auto accident cases, including those involving injuries from a drunk driving accident. Calls us today for free consultation at 844.4MI.FIRM

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Factors of Michigan No-Fault Insurance Pricing

Cars are a part of the American experience. The majority of Americans rely on cars to transport them to anywhere they what to go. But what also comes along with the experience is high insurance rates and dangerous drivers. Incidents of drivers performing dangerous maneuvers on the road that potentially endanger everyone else on the road, are commonplace nowadays. Bad driving is a catalyst for road rage. Roadways have become an influx of money spent based on accidents and coverage in case of accidents.

Insurance rates have several factors that should make drivers think twice before attempting questionable driving practices. Age is a major contributor that creates disparity in insurance pricing. Individuals between ages of 16 and 25 often have the highest rates.  Another factor that contributes to driving that often comes with a certain amount of controversy is gender. Many studies have shown that men are more likely to have more hazardous driving practices that lead to accidents than women. Marital status is another factor that has some people stumped in why this matters but it is a part of the current insurance system. An additional determinant for insurance premiums is whether a person is a college graduate or not. All these attributes that directly affect insurance rates still are not enough to make people drive better.

Top Ten Most Dangerous State Drivers

A recent list compiled by Car Insurance Comparison showcases the top ten worst states for drivers. Believe it or not, Michigan did not make it on this particular list.  Montana is the worst state when it comes to several criteria. The dangerous driver criteria included:

  • Fatalities Rate per 100 Million Vehicle Miles Traveled

  • Failure to Obey (Percentage of Fatal Crashes that involved Traffic Signals, Not Wearing Seat Belts, and Driving with an Invalid Driver’s License)

  • Drunk Driving (Percentage of Fatal Crashes that Involved Alcohol)

  • Speeding (Percentage of Driving Fatalities that were Speed-Related)

  • Careless Driving (Pedestrian & Bicyclist Fatalities per 100,000 Population)

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Motorcycle Safety Tips

Motorcycles are often unseen by drivers on the road. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, In 2012, motorcycles made up 3% of all registered vehicles in the United States and accounted for only 0.7% of all vehicle miles traveled. Yet, despite these small numbers, motorcyclist fatalities accounted for 15% of total vehicle related fatalities.   Motorcyclist fatalities increased from 4,612 in 2011 to 4,957 in 2012; and injuries also increased from 81,000 in 2011 to 93,000 in 2012.

motorcycle accident lawyer

This data makes it clear that motorcyclists are at a higher risk of getting into automobile accidents. Therefore, it is important that motorcycle riders take preventive measures to ensure that they are well prepared for roadways which are not always biker friendly.
 

Here are ten tips given by the Business Insider which guarantee bikers “ have the time of your [their] life and come back in one piece”:

 1.  Wearing a helmet - Protection from head injuries should be a motivating factor for motorcycle riders everywhere.

2. Wearing gloves - Falling off a motorcycle is a possibility and in that moment it would be a good idea to have on gloves which can minimize the damage to hands.

3. Wearing proper boots - Riding on a motorcycle requires footwear that provides protection from unexpected movements such as driving over your own feet.

4. Look where you want to go - Be mindful of where you want to go. Visualize where you plan on going, and turn your head. Your bike will follow.

5.  Go slow on turns - Decelerate going into a turn to avoid spinning out and crashing.

6. Watch out for sand and debris - Motorcycles do not have as much traction as cars, so it's important to look out for hazardous obstacles.

7. Do not drink - Alcohol can be detrimental to your reaction time and can cause an accident.

8. Act like nobody has a mirror - Be cautious when driving, keep in mind most car drivers are not expecting you on the road.

9. Roll into it - Never brake too hard or accelerate too fast.

10. Never use the front brake first - This is very important when riding at high speeds. Never use the front brake first unless you want to fly off.

If you have been injured while riding a motorcycle, contact The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our experienced accident attorneys can help you ease the pain of dealing with insurance companies and piled up bills so that you can focus on recovering from your accident. Call us today at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.


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Distracted Drivers Like Food

The automobile has become an enormous fixture in the lives of almost everyone. The car is often not only a mode of transportation but becomes an extension of someone’s home. When time is of the essence and hunger strikes with vigor, people often eat and drive. Although this is not as negativity stigmatized as drinking and driving, it is just as dangerous.

distracted driving car accident

Distractions while driving are mostly food related when someone is involved in a collision or near collisions. Roads are continuously filled with hazardous conditions that effect drivers, and as such, eating should definitely not be a part of anybody’s driving routine. According to Virtual Drive, nearly 80% of all collisions were the direct result of distracted drivers. When drivers have their eyes off the road, they are more likely to not follow traffic signs and increase their chances of losing control their vehicle. Also, distracted drivers' hazardous behavior further endangers roadways and has the potential to increase insurance rates.

The debate of whether eating while driving should be illegal is gaining traction in many communities. Recently, in Marietta, Georgia, a driver was cited for eating and driving. It does not seem like such a bad idea when you think of the amount of money and heartache you potentially save by just focusing on the roads not your stomach. It took years for lawmakers to begin to strictly regulate and punish people for texting and driving, so eating is the next logical major disruption that needs to be eradicated from roadways. Michigan roads are typically bad this time of year due to pot holes and slick road conditions. Therefore, it would be beneficial to everyone to drive safely and to wait until they arrive at their destination before eating.

If you have been involved in a car accident because of someone's distracted driving, contact a lawyer at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Call 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation today.

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Tell a lawyer at  The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC about your case. Our experienced lawyers will fight to ensure that you get the benefits you are entitled from being in an auto accident.

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Bad Weather Season Is Here, Drive Safe

     The past Thanksgiving weekend ended with multiple car accidents thanks to the abundance of bad weather present this time of year. And, even though Thanksgiving has passed, the holiday season is just beginning. As most Michiganders know, the roads are treacherous with rain one day and snow the next. It is important to understand how to drive in these uncertain conditions.

bad weather driving

According to the Detroit Free Press several of the Thanksgiving collisions occurred due to “slick highways… causing a few traffic backups on I-75.” However, these accidents don't just happen on the highways. Car crashes due to weather conditions can happen on any road facing the impact of bad weather conditions. 

The Michigan Department of Transportation has some vital keys to prepare drivers for the Michigan winter, which we got a taste of with the cold and wet conditions on Thanksgiving weekend.  MDOT insist drivers:

  • Always wear a safety belt when in a vehicle, and be sure children are properly buckled as well
  • Slow down when visibility is low and/or when road conditions are snowy or icy – in Ice and Snow Take it Slow!
  • Give snowplow drivers plenty of room to plow and salt/sand the roads – Snowplows Need Room to Groom!
  • Be extra cautious on bridges because they can be icy when roadways are dry
  • Accelerate and brake slowly and avoid abrupt steering maneuvers, especially when merging or changing lanes
  • Don't pump anti-lock brakes
  • Don't use cruise control when roads are icy
  • Remember, don't text and talk while driving

The importance of following these guidelines cannot be overstated.  Every winter, bad weather and drivers' negligence account for a lot of heartache and stress for many drivers on the roads. MDOT further cautions drivers about the dangers of “treacherous temps” which can lead to a decrease of effectiveness of salt on roadways. Also “watch the slush” is more useful advice for upcoming winter months.  Drivers have the responsibility to be alert and mindful of road conditions.

If you have been injured in a car accident as a result of driver’s negligence, contact a lawyer at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our experienced attorneys can help you navigate the insurance system. Call 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation today.

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Cars On Fire In Royal Oak, Michigan

On Monday, December 1st, 2015, three automobiles and one house were found engulfed in flames in a four-block radius of Royal Oak, Michigan.

The first two fires were noticed in the early morning, around 3:08 A.M., on the 900 block of Whitcomb Avenue and at 3:24 A.M. on the 1100 block of Bauman Avenue. Both vehicles were standing on the street. The Royal Oak Police Department and Fire Rescue answered the call at 3:38 A.M. and said that the inferno was instantly suffocating.   

car accident fire lawyer

Also, on the same day, there was another fire in Royal Oak, Michigan on the 600 block of Millard Avenue. This fire started in a home but also buried a car, which was standing in the driveway, in the blaze. Officers quickly evacuated the house before the entire house burned down. Luckily, due to their quick actions, no injuries were recorded from this incident. 

Investigators are still working on the case, and as of yet, they have not found the reason behind the conflagration. 

Although the cause of these automobile fires in unknown, there are many cases in which car accidents cause vehicles to catch fire. In fact, the number of car fires is on the rise. According to the NFPA, 33 car fires are reported every hour across the country, with one person per day dying in a car fire accident in the years between 2002 and 2005. This is no small number and as such, Michiganders need to be aware of the fact that car accidents can result in fires.

If you or anyone you know has been injured in a fire caused by a car accident, contact a lawyer at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Attorneys at the Michigan Law Firm, PLLC are highly experienced in handling automobile accident cases. Call 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation today.

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Right Turn On Red Car Accidents

On February 12, 2015,  a woman who was crossing the road at a crosswalk was hit by a truck which came out of nowhere. While the driver of the truck initially stopped obediently at a red light, he began to turn right because he didn't notice anyone crossing the road.  

right turn on red car accident

According to an MPR review of 2007-2011 crash data, most car crashes occur due the driver's failure to stop.  This indicates that more people get injured from the vehicle operator's mistakes than from not following road rules.

Another study from 2002 showed that there were 1,166 crashes involving people on foot or bicyclists in Minnesota and Illinois combined between 1985 and 1998/9, because of drivers who turned right on red. This indicates that pedestrians and people riding a bicycle are more likely to get killed crossing a road than they are to cross safely, even if they don't jaywalk and wait for a signal.

Society today does not respect pedestrians right of way. Even when a sign clearly states that there is no turn on red, cars still turn. Turning on red is even more dangerous in Michigan where drivers make a Michigan U-turn and turn left on red. This makes the cross way a dangerous place for people to walk or ride their bikes. Michiganders should be more aware while they are driving, especially when they are turning at a red light, so they can avoid collisions with pedestrians.

If you or someone you know has been  hit by a car while crossing the street, contact our counselors at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our counselors specialize in all types of sidewalk and automobile accidents.  Calls us today for free consultation at 844.4MI.FIRM.

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Wheelchair Users In Car Crashes

People who have disabilities have a greater chance of passing away in a car accident than people without disabilities. According to the British Medical Journal (BMJ), people who use wheelchairs have three times the chance of getting killed in road traffic collisions than non-wheelchair users and most of these chances occur at crosswalks. The BMJ's study also showed that handicap males, especially between the ages of 50 and 64 are five times more expected to be involved in fatal car accidents than handicap females. 

wheelchair car crash

From 2006 to 2012, 528 wheelchair users were killed at intersections across the U.S. This statistic points out that the handicap community's chances of passing away from car accidents are 36% percent than non-wheelchair users.

These accidents are most likely the a result of people driving without paying attention to what is around them. In a previous blog post regarding turning right at red lights, we mentioned exactly how common pedestrian fatalities are, when drivers don't notice pedestrians and bicyclists crossing at crosswalks and turn into them. Michiganders and Americans need to look before turning or driving and be patient and give pedestrians, bicyclists, and wheelchair users the time they need to cross the road. One minute of waiting is the end of the world and could prevent a fatal car crash. 

If you or someone you know is a wheelchair user who has been injured in a car crash, contact our lawyers at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our lawyers specialize in all types of accident cases, including wheelchair crashes and pedestrian and bicycle collisions. Call us today for free consultation at 844.4MI.FIRM.

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Semi Truck Causes Car Accident

On Saturday May 30, 2015 in Portage, Michigan an accident closed down 1-94. For more than four hours the eastbound section of 1-94 was closed down during the afternoon. A tandem wheel/tire assembly from a tanker trailer on an 18-wheeler going westbound, came off its axle and bounded over the median.The incident happened around 1:53 P.M.

The wheel hit a 2013 Honda Accord which was occupied by three people. The names of the people were not released, but MLive reported that one woman lost her life and the other two were transported to Bronson Methodist Hospital in critical condition. The woman who died at the scene was sitting in the back seat and was 67 years old. 

semi truck accident lawyer

 

All three women were not from Michigan, but were residents of Illinois visiting Michigan. The accident remains under investigation. 

At any given time, there are 15.5 million semi trucks operating in the United States and 1.2 million trucking companies. Nearly 5,000 people are killed every year in accidents involved with larger vehicles and out of those 5,000 deaths, there is only a 16% chance that it is the fault of the truck driver. That means that more than 3 out of 4 times, it is something that the other driver did that causes the accident.

It is easy to forget how large trucks and semis actually are when driving by them. The larger the car, the harder it is to stop and the harder it is for them to see other cars around them (this is why they are required to have special mirrors). Commercial trucks are only involved in 2.4% of all the accidents accounted for in a year, but they do happen. These accidents are more likely to happen during the early morning hours on the weekend, as these are peaks working hours for commercial drivers. Therefore, Michiganders need to me more cautious when driving during these hours and when there are large truck and semis on the road, so as to avoid car accidents.

If you have been injured in an accident involving a semi-truck, or any other type of car crash, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our experienced auto accident lawyers are ready to help victims of car crashes deal with insurance companies, pay for medical bills, and ease your road to recovery. Call us today at 844.4MI.FIRM or click here for a free consultation.  


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Updated - Port Huron Woman Mauled By Two Dogs


We previously wrote a story about a Port Huron, Michigan woman and mother named Rebecca Lillian Kay-Hardy who was mauled to death by two dogs on Thursday, December 3, 2015. Ms. Hardy was found by police with extensive injuries to her neck and face shortly after 4:45 P.M. in the backyard of a residence at 1721 10th Street. 

Police originally said that Ms. Hardy had left her home, which was a few houses down, after a disagreement with her fiance, and was cutting through a neighbor's yard on the way back to her own house, when she was fatally attacked. 

However, new evidence has been uncovered by Port Huron PD and Ms. Hardy's death has now been ruled a suicide by the Oakland County Medical Examiner's Office.

dog bite lawyer

Police say that Hardy jumped the gate and entered the fenced-in backyard of the home where a pit bull dog and a husky dog were being kept. The pit bull attacked Hardy first, when she entered the yard, according to The Detroit Free Press. 

"These were attack dogs. These were vicious dogs in an enclosed space," Oakland County Medical Examiner Ljubisa Dragovic said. "She obviously was aware of that, because she climbed over the fence to subject herself to this threat."

A witness attempted to help her, but was unsuccessful. The witness then entered the home in attempt to get help from the owner of the dogs. Finally, the witness and owner were able to get the dogs away from Hardy and called 9-1-1. Hardy was taken to Lake Huron Medical Center and was later flown to Beaumont Hospital, where she unfortunately passed away from her injuries.

“I, in no way, shape or form believe that she was looking to hurt herself on that day,”said Hardy’s fiancé, Matthew Grattan. “She had a little girl. … She wanted us to be a family.” Grattan finds it hard to believe that she would do anything to harm herself.

Hardy had recently been kicked out of her house and had attempted suicide in the past; a toxicology report is still pending. The two dogs a pit bull and a husky mix puppy were euthanized the next day.

If you or someone you know has been attacked by a pit bull, a husky, or any dog, contact our lawyers at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our lawyers specialize in all types of injury cases, including dog bites and attacks. Call us today for free consultation at 844.4MI.FIRM. 


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Crash Test Ratings Toughened In U.S.

On Tuesday, December 8, 2015, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), proposed revising the current crash test ratings system from a single overall score of 1 to 5 into a multifaceted scorecard. The scorecard would include the score on crash-avoidance systems and a mark for pedestrian safety. U.S. regulators are taking over the process of assigning safety ratings to new vehicles by proposing requiring more crash-avoidance technologies to achieve a perfect score.

As reported by The Detroit Free Press, this strategic shift makes way for the auto-safety industry to not just simply measure what happens to vehicles during collisions, but to determine how well vehicles can avoid accidents in the first place.

car crash lawyer

The changes include:
•A new rating to gauge a vehicle's use of nine advanced technologies, such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning.
•New advanced test dummies with improved sensors to better predict injuries.
•A new frontal oblique crash test to address what NHTSA described as a type of angled crash "that continues to result in deaths and serious injuries despite seat-belt use, airbags and crash-worthy structures of late-model vehicles."

William Wallace, policy analyst for Consumers Union, the advocacy arm of Consumer Reports, said, “These updates will create a powerful incentive for automakers to make the latest life-saving technologies available on more vehicles more quickly, and that’s great news for consumers." 

NHTSA currently ranks cars simply based on crash-worthiness and a five star rating is a perfect score. The new system will retain an overall score, based on three sub-ratings: pedestrian safety, crash-worthiness and crash-avoidance systems.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx says, “The overhaul is part of the agency's strategy to spur the development of more safety technologies. When the seat belt was required, there was probably a lot of bellyaching about the cost then, but we now have that across the board, and it’s enhanced safety.”

Mr. Foxx makes a great point. With increased safety measures in every future car, the number of car accidents will significantly decrease, just as the number of injureis sustained in car crashes decreased after the implementation of the seat belt. 

If you have been injured in a car crash, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC today.  Our experienced and trustworthy personal injury lawyers are standing by to speak to you about your case. Our firm offers free consultations and honest and fair representation.  We work hard to recover the maximum compensation permitted by Michigan law including, in most cases, pain and suffering compensation. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM, for a free consultation.


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Tail Lights For Horses

Consider the fact that in the United States, nearly 30 million people ride horses, every year. An according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention the "rate of serious injury per number of riding hours is estimated to be higher for horseback riders than for motorcyclists and automobile racers."

A new product that can potentially decrease the amount of collisions for horse riders is called Tail Lights. The company is currently raising funding on Kickstarter and has surpassed its goal of $18,500. The product aims to warn drivers of automobiles that they are not alone on the road and that there are horses on the road too. The device includes front and rear view lights that can change color and pattern to give ample warning to any cars in the vicinity. The Tail Lights Rider Safety System also includes some other useful features, like a hand held remote and a nine hour battery charge.

horse accident lawyer

Equestrian activities, in many cases, have inherent risk that are sometimes out of the rider's control. Horses, in many cases, can be  unpredictable. Their size can be a major factor in many injuries suffered while riding. The Tail Light Systems focuses on collisions where visibility between horses and automobiles and other horses is an issue.  A good safety tip that should always be apart of any horse rider's trip is a helmet, and now maybe that should include the Tail Lights System. 

The Michigan based company aims to stay as local as possible. On their Kickstarter campaign, they state the importance of manufacturing in the U.S. and employing veterans. As a company which aims to make roadways and pathways safer, Tail Lights could potentially be a godsend for horseback adventure seekers everywhere. 

If you have been involved in a equestrian accident due to someone's negligence, contact a lawyer at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Attorneys at the Michigan Law Firm, PLLC are skilled in dealing with automobile accident cases and injuries caused by horse riding accidents. Call 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation today. 

 


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Semi Truck Involved In Road Rage Accident

On Tuesday, December 1, 2015 Michigan State Police reported a semi involved in a hit-and-run accident on I-69 near N. Drive in Calhoun County's, Convis Township, Michigan. Troopers said the crash is part of a road-rage incident between two drivers that happened around 11:30 A.M. Both trucks were travelling northbound when the unnamed driver of one of the trucks became aggressive towards the other driver, who was also unnamed. Words were exchanged between the drivers and the suspect became violent.

truck accident lawyer

According to The Detroit Free Press, the suspect pulled his truck ahead of the victim and swerved to the right, causing the victim to drive off the road and into a nearby ditch, flipping over his truck. The driver of the flipped car, a 39 year old man from Otsego, Michigan, sustained minor injuries and was treated at Oaklawn Hospital in Marshall, Michigan. 

Troopers are seeking help identifying and capturing the driver of the truck which caused the collision. A video was taken from a dashboard camera in the victim's truck and can be seen on The Detroit Free Press website. 

As stated in a previous blog post, using common courtesy on the road can potentially help prevent road rage and ultimately save lives. According to Deadline Detroit, since 2012, the Michigan State Police have issued 60,90 tickets for improper lane use, with around 763 already being issued in 2015. 

It’s easy to get angry while driving; it happens to everyone. However, it is important that drivers remain as calm as possible while on the road, so as to avoid car crashes. Many people joke about road rage but it is a serious problem. No amount of anger is worth losing a life. 

If you have been injured in a car or motorcycle accident as a result of road rage or aggressive driving, contact a lawyer at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our accident attorneys are experienced in handling all types of car and motorcycle crashes. Call 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation today.

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Rear View Cameras To Be Mandatory for Automobiles by 2018

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has added a new rule to save lives on the roads. The new law will force car manufactures to add rear view cameras to automobiles under 10,000 pounds by May of 2018.

Automobile technology would need to  "come equipped with rear visibility technology that expands the field of view to enable the driver of a motor vehicle to detect areas behind the vehicle to reduce death and injury resulting from back over incidents. The field of view must include a 10-foot by 20-foot zone directly behind the vehicle. The system must also meet other requirements including image size, linger time, response time, durability, and deactivation."

The vast number of collisions that occur every year are a major reason for this new law. According to the NHTSA there are 210 causalities and 15,000 injuries caused by back-over accidents every year. The U.S. Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx spoke about the importance of protecting those most "vulnerable" in these situations "our children and our seniors." The NHTSA found  "that children under 5 years old account for 31 percent of back-over fatalities each year, and adults 70 years of age and older account for 26 percent."

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   Saving lives has been the main objective of this new law. Manufactures have already began installing rear view cameras into many models on the roads already.People even have the option to install a rear view camera onto their older model cars without the feature. Lawmakers wanted to ensure that the law was feasible for manufactures to accommodate the massive amount of cars on the road. The new ruling is projected to save 58 to 69 lives each year. 

   Increasing rear view visibility for automobiles will ensure safer roadways for everyone. Rear view cameras will decrease a drivers blind-spots thus creating a more informed drivers. The feature will be a godsend for many and for those who have suffered as a result of back over collisions its a much needed improvement.

If you have been involved in a back- over accident due to someone's negligence, contact a lawyer at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Attorneys at the Michigan Law Firm, PLLC are skilled in dealing with automobile accident cases. Call 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation today.

Contact Us | Michigan Accident Attorneys | The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC

Tell The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC today about your injury case. We handle car accident, slip and fall, dog bite lawsuits throughout Michigan.  We offer free consultations

 

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A Helmet Alternative That Can Make Bicycling Safer

Detroit, Michigan is quickly becoming a city filled with a substantial bike culture. As more and more people decide to find alternative forms of transportation for various reasons, biking continues to be a heavy favorite, with its main rival being car sharing apps. As the trend continues, it is important for bicyclists to have safety equipment that gives them adequate protection and makes them visible to drivers on the roads.

bicycle accident lawyer

 

Roadways in Detroit, Michigan, like many other cities, are increasing in traffic and congestion. Cities are dealing with collisions from pedestrians, automobiles, and an increasing amount of bicyclists. Many of these collisions involving bicyclists are the result of limited visibility.

A new product called Lumos, aims to rid roadways of these occurrences. Lumos is a helmet that includes a LED display which more clearly showcases bike riders and has turn signals. This is another Kickstarter product which has the potential to save lives and create a sustainable line of communication between cars and bicyclists on the road. 

The U.S Department of Transportation found that "bicyclist and pedestrian injuries and fatalities have steadily increased since 2009. The 5-year trend for bicyclist fatalities rose to 726 fatalities in 2012—the highest in 5 years. Additionally, 76,000 pedestrians and 49,000 bicyclists were injured in 2012. As a percentage of the total motor vehicle-related deaths in 2012, pedestrian fatalities represented 14.1 percent and bicyclist fatalities represented 2.2 percent, for a total of 16.3 percent of the total." This data showcases that there is a needed for safer roads for bicyclists. The Lumos helmet just might be the remedy which allow bikers to enjoy themselves without worrying about automobile driver negligence.

If you have been involved in a bicycle accident due to a driver's negligence, contact a lawyer at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Attorneys at the Michigan Law Firm, PLLC are highly skilled in helping victims of car accidents receive the highest amount for pain and suffering they may be entitled to under Michigan law. Call 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation today.

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Tell The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC today about your injury case. We offer free consultations.

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Semi Truck Driver Killed On I-275

On Thursday afternoon, December 3, 2015, around 2:00 P.M., a semi truck driver passed away after hitting a crew of road workers on I-275 in Canton Township, Michigan. 

Michigan State Police still don't know the exact number of victims who were wiped out by the big truck. Along with the state force, The Canton Fire Department also arrived at the location of the accident to help the multiple victims.

semi truck accident

The Michigan State Police also have not yet reported the semi truck driver's name or the names of the workers who were hit by the big rig.

The accident involved so many people and took up so much space that the freeway was shut down on Michigan Ave, Exit 22. Canton PD said that this lane and exit closure will impact traffic delays in the area through the afternoon rush hours. Gridlock was moved toward Haggerty Road to get around it.

This motor vehicle accident reminds us that people should be careful driving near semi trucks on the roadway. The massive size of these trucks makes it difficult for the drivers of semis to make turns, merge lanes, or to look out for small cars in traffic. Because it is possible that an operator of a big rig can't see his blind spot, it's important for drivers to try to move away from the eighteen wheeler lane or give him the space he needs, specially on the freeway, so as to avoid car crashes.

If you been injured in an accident involving a semi truck, contact an attorney at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorney specialize in automobile accidents, including freeway accidents. Call us today for free consultation at 844.4MI.FIRM.

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Smart Driving in Extreme Weather

Michigan State Police reported a massive traffic pileup on Saturday, January 10, 2015. The pileup was caused by an accident which happened Friday morning on I-94, west of Battle Creek, Michigan. Officials say that a whiteout snow storm may have been the cause of the accident. Drivers on the road were evacuated by bus due to the extreme weather conditions, according to The Detroit Free Press. 

Extreme weather conditions are the main cause for many car accidents. Fog, rain, hail, and whiteouts are all hazards faced by Michigan residents. A lot of the accidents are due to the visibility of the road being impaired and the inability to brake when needed. 

extreme weather accident

 "On average, there are over 5,870,000 vehicle crashes each year. Twenty-three percent (23%) of these crashes—nearly 1,312,000—are weather-related," according to Road Weather statistics. 

A majority of crashes also happen due to rain. Rain causes slippery roads and if the temperature is right, fog and ice can occur. And although many accidents happen due to ice and rain, strong enough winds can even cause auto accidents to occur in Michigan. During the majority of rainfalls, oil from the road rises to the top of the surface leading to less surface friction with car tires. Once a tire loses traction, it is sometimes nearly impossible to stop when trying to brake. 

Water and ice can also cause structural damage to the roads and streets, including, cracks in the pavement, potholes, sometimes missing pieces of pavement, and other road obstructions. Roads in Michigan are well known to residents as already being in bad condition. After a few tough winters, a smooth ride quickly turns into a bumpy road. The best thing to always do is to always practice safe driving by maintaining a safe distance from other cars, making sure to use proper turning signals, using high beams when appropriate, and avoiding distracting actions while driving, when attention to the road is most needed. 

Driving in Michigan weather can be unpredictable. If you or someone you know has ever been involved in any type of car accident resulting from extreme weather conditions such as black ice, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in dealing with all types of personal injury accidents. We will work to ensure you obtain all benefits you are entitled to under Michigan law. Call us today at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.    




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