Man Hit By Car While Helping Another Highway Accident

An Oakland County man was lucky to walk away after he was struck by a vehicle on eastbound I-696 west of Greenfield Road, on Monday, March 28th. The Oakland Press reported that there was a two car crash blocking the left lane and a man got out of his vehicle to attempt to help those hurt in the accident. Unfortunately, while assisting, he was struck by another vehicle which was also travelling eastbound. Fortunately, the driver of the car who hit him, stopped and checked to see if the man was okay. Miraculously, he walked away from the scene. Only one member of the original accident party was sent to the hospital. The investigation is ongoing, but all parties are currently doing well.

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It is very important for drivers to know what to do if they are involved in an accident on the highway. It can be very difficult to know what to do in the moment, especially if there are a lot of cars around. If the accident is not minor, and you feel that there may be lives at risk, it is always important to try to help, but not at your own risk. Calling 911 is usually the best and simplest way to help, if someone's life may be at risk. Never step out into traffic or put anyone in a position where you may be further injured by another vehicle. In many areas police patrol the highways diligently, so help normally is not far away.

If the accident is smaller in scope and the vehicles are in working condition, drive to a crash investigation site. These are often close by and provide an area to park damaged vehicles for inspection and also offer a waiting area for police or insurance vehicles to arrive. Never attempt to drive a vehicle that is too damaged or attempt to drive to a crash investigation site if someone is seriously injured. Emergency vehicles are never too far away and will be able to help with any injuries or car issues. 

By practicing safe driving methods drivers are less likely to get into car crashes, but accidents do happen. 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 car collisions. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

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Transportation Departments Testing The Use Of Drones

The Detroit News reported that a number of states' transportation departments are looking into drone technology to inspect bridges, monitor traffic, and even to clear car accidents. Michigan, is one of the states, along side Minnesota, Vermont, and Massachusetts, testing the use of drones for transportation purposes. In fact, to date, 33 states in total have considered the idea.

One of the biggest positive influences drones could have is on bridge inspections. A typical bridge inspection costs over $4.5 thousand. However, the same inspection can be done with a drone for about $250. The savings would be huge for states with multitude of bridges, such as Michigan, which has an abundance of rivers and lakes. Michigan also has an infrastructure system that is not doing spectacularly well, and saving money on inspecting these bridges would be a savior for overall costs. This lower cost in bridge inspection may even add up in time and create room in the budget, making way for a number of new bridges to be built. 

Michigan Drone Lawyer

Drones and other technologies are beginning to make their way into the public sector, and with the general knowledge of their existence, more and more people are using this technology to save money and to create safer environments. The usage of drones could save transportation departments hundreds of thousands of dollars, and that's just for the inspection of bridges.

If these departments can learn how to use these drones in other ways, such as traffic control or clearing car accidents, there would be even more savings. This leaves more money for these departments to do their actual jobs, keeping our transportation systems safe.

Fixing roads, bridges, and other transportation aspects is an expensive job, and with this extra money to spend on roads, drivers can expect a safer driving experience. Not only would this create a safer driving experience but it would save drivers. Potholes and other infrastructure faults cost drivers hundreds of dollars every year. Blown out tires, alignment issues, and other issues add up to cost drivers millions of dollars annually. If these infrastructure issues are fixed, in turn, this money will not be spent on the problems the infrastructure issues once caused.

Although technology is making it safer and cheaper for drivers to be on the road, accidents do still happen. If you or someone you know has been in an accident due to an infrastructure issue, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in handling all types of auto injury cases, including car crashes and motorcycle collisons. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Driver Goes The Wrong Way On The Highway, Ends In Death

Just before midnight on Thursday, March, 17, 2016, a driver drove the wrong way down eastbound I-94 in Harper Woods, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. Michigan State Police officers said that a woman driving a PT Cruiser westbound on the eastbound side of I-94 struck another vehicle that was going the correct way. The woman was quickly taken to St. John Hospital and was pronounced dead.

At the current time authorities are unable to tell whether alcohol or other drugs were a reason for the crash, but an autopsy will soon be conducted to determine the cause of the impairment they believe the driver to be suffering from. The other driver was left anonymous by CBS Detroit.

Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

This accident should come as a stern reminder to all drivers about stern awareness when on the roads, especially at night. Just because a driver chooses to be safe and not drive while impaired does not mean they cannot be effected by those who do choose to. Always be on the lookout for rogue drivers and drivers who do not follow safety instructions. Being aware that coming into contact with these drives can be the difference between life and death. Especially at night, when chances of running into drunk or impaired drivers is higher, drivers need always be aware of their surroundings.

As we have stressed many times before in our articles, never drink and drive. There is always an alternative to drunk driving and the decision to not drink and drive can be the difference between life and death. It is therefore the law, for good reason.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in handling all types of personal injury cases, including car collisions and motorcycle crashes involving drunk drivers. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Detroit Police Officer Struck By Driver, Alcohol Likely Present

An accident on Detroit, Michigan's West Side left an officer injured on the morning Friday, March 18, 2016. Fox 2 Detroit reported that the suspect made an illegal u-turn in front of a Detroit police officer around 4 in the morning, causing the crash and subsequent injury. The officer who is an 18 year veteran of the Detroit Police Department, was taken to the hospital after the crash to assess his back, neck, and knee pain. He is expected to be fully recover as he was just a little shaken up due to the crash. The driver of the car that struck the police officer was given a citation for OWI (operating while intoxicated). The car accident occurred on Joy Road near Grandmont Avenue. The officer was driving with his lights on and was headed to a domestic situation when the crash occurred.

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Police especially stressed the dangers of drinking and driving following this car crash. "In this day and age, it's absolutely ridiculous anybody would think they can drink and drive," Sgt. Michael Woody said. Police across the country and in major cities like Detroit have been taking a very strong stance on driving while under the influence of alcohol and drugs, implementing programs such as ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.’ These campaigns are working, but some drivers still choose to drive drunk or under the influence of drugs such as marijuana.

There is no way drivers are unaware of  the consequences of drunk driving, but here is a refresher. For a first offender, an OWI can land you up to a year without a license, 6 points on your driving record, potential alcohol treatment programs, up to a $700 fine, up to 180 days in jail, and up to 360 hours of community service. The terms only get worse if it is not your first offence, too. It is always smarter to not drink and drive, for your safety, wallet, and livelihood. And of course, drinking and driving can always result in death too.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident involving a drunk or impaired driver, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced helping victims of drunk driving car crashes identify and receive any benefits they may be entitled to, under Michigan Law. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Pedestrian Hit By Ann Arbor Bus

A Pedestrian faces minor facial injuries after a run in with an Ann Arbor, Michgian white bus this past Tuesday, March 5, 2016. MLive reported that the incident occurred around 12:30 P.M. when a pedestrian walked out into traffic and was struck by a bus on the corner of East Liberty Street and South Fourth Street. Although the jay-walker suffered minor facial injuries, they refused any treatment. The scene was cleared by 12:45 P.M. and no citations were issued for the incident, but police implied that the collision was the pedestrian's fault because they walked into oncoming traffic.

Car Crash Pedestrian Lawyer

Ann Arbor is known for its jaywalking culture, especially around the University of Michigan’s campus. Students can be seen crossing the road wherever they feel and whenever they feel, even around oncoming traffic. This can be especially dangerous, when there is alcohol involved or at night when visibility is low and pedestrians are unlikely to be wearing reflective clothing. 

The University of Michigan has recently began making an attempt to make crossing the street safer for pedestrians, adding two separate cross walks on major streets this past year. One is on State Street and is very well marked with reflective signs and is very well lit, while the other is on South University and has flashing lights when a pedestrian hits the cross button signaling to drivers that someone is about to cross.

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Even with this new technology it is very important for drivers to always check for pedestrians diligently when driving in areas like Ann Arbor, especially around peak class times when students are out and about. On the other hand, it is also very important for pedestrians to make use of the many crosswalks that the University has put in place for walkers, instead of jaywalking. Using crosswalks allows pedestrians a far more likely chance at being spotted by a car and therefore a far more likely chance to avoid being hit by a vehicle. It is also important for pedestrians to control the volume of any music or audio that they maybe listening to if they have headphones in, especially when crossing the street. Not being able to hear an approaching car or a changing signal can easily result in a pedestrian-automobile collision.

Drivers in cities like Ann Arbor which have a similar jaywalking culture need to be very diligent to ensure they are always looking out for pedestrians and bicycle riders. Pedestrians, in turn, need to ensure they use cross walks and also should not jaywalk unless it is completely necessary, and should always look out for vehicles no matter where they are crossing the street.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an auto accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in handling all types of personal injury cases, including pedestrian collisions. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Mackinac Bridge Sees Closures Due To Wind

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One of the world’s largest suspension bridges has been seeing closures to certain vehicles this past week, due to high speed wind conditions. The Mackinac Bridge, the bridge that connects the lower peninsula of Michigan to the upper peninsula, is the world's longest suspension bridge between anchorages. This makes it very susceptible to weather advisories such as wind.

WILX reported that the bridge was closed this past Wednesday, March 16, 2016 to all vehicles except passenger cars, passenger vans and empty pickup trucks. This was due to high wind speeds in the area at the time. More closures are on the forefront however, as high wind speeds are supposed to be in effect throughout this weekend and into next week. 

The Mackinac Bridge Authority has kept a very keen eye out for high winds ever since a woman died after her 1987 Yugo flew over the railing and was thrown off of the bridge. The Yugo is a very small vehicle and reports stated that the woman was driving far too fast for the given weather conditions. The blame was given to high wind speeds and speeding. Though that is the only recorded case of a car blowing off of the bridge, drivers can never be too cautious when it comes to driving in extreme weather conditions.

Mackinac Car Accident Lawyer

As such, it is very important for drivers to always monitor weather conditions when driving, and to always check the weather report before heading out. High wind speeds, heavy rain, and snow are all very threatening to drivers, especially those who drive smaller vehicles.

Bridges similar to the Mackinac Bridge, such as the Ambassador Bridge between Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario, The Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron, Michigan, and other tall bridges or bridges over large bodies of water are all susceptible to higher winds than recorded on the ground. Drivers need to always pay attention to the weather and keep an eye out for any developing weather if they are taking a longer trip. It is a safety issue more than anything, because the weather can have a huge impact on any given drive, especially in a state like Michigan where the weather is moody. By monitoring their drives and keeping updated on the weather report, drivers can help prevent car accidents.

While keeping up on the weather is a good way to help avoid motor vehicle accidents, it doesn't eliminate automobile accidents completely. If you or someone you know has been injured in a car crash or any other time of vehicular collision, contact The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. One of our highly experienced attorneys can help you find out what benefits you may be entitled to under Michigan law. Contact us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM, for a free consultation. 

The QLINE: Detroit’s New Light Rail System

This past week it was announced that the new light rail that will take over Woodward Avenue sometime in 2017 will no longer be named the M-1Rail, but the QLINE instead. The Detroit Free Press reported that Quicken Loans, the key investor in the project, announced the change. More than the name however, citizens of Detroit, Michigan want to know what the QLINE is.

The people of Detroit may recall that there have been talks about creating something like a light rail, stretching from New Center through downtown Dertoit for years. Well, the QLINE will finally do just that. The 3.3 mile streetcar line will take pedestrians from New Center to Downtown and vice versa, something that has been difficult to do without a car since the New Center area started being built in the 1920’s and 1930’s.

Detroit’s public transit system is extremely lacking by modern standards. Other than the slow bus system, which is currently being worked on, and the Detroit People Mover, which only caters to a very small portion of downtown, Detroiters are pretty much out of luck in the public sector when it comes to transportation. The QLINE project will connect parts of Detroit that were not connected before and there are hopes that it will someday run significantly further down Woodward Avenue into the suburbs of Detroit.

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The project is estimated to cost roughly $140 million, and Quicken Loans paid an additional $5 for the rights to name the line. Currently, the fare will cost $1.50, but passes will also be available. It is estimated that somewhere between 3,000 and 5,000 riders will use the line daily. These are great numbers for the City of Detroit, but what exactly does it mean for the citizens of Detroit?

The QLINE is expected to do a lot of things. It will allow Detroiters to get from New Center to Downtown and back quickly and cheaply. It has been estimated to bring in almost $3 billion in economic development, which will in turn bring more jobs to Detroit.

The QLINE will also offer a service to drivers. With more and more people being able to use competent public transportation in Detroit, there will be significantly less commuter traffic in the city, which means getting around will be quicker and easier. Not only will driving be easier, but it will also be safer. With less cars on the road, there is also less chance that any one given driver will get into an accident with another driver. Another aspect of the QLINE that is helpful to drivers, is the ability to get around in Detroit after having consumed alcoholic beverages. There are many bars, restaurants, clubs, and casinos all around Detroit and without a service such as the QLINE, it is very hard to get from one to the other especially when a patron has been drinking. With the availability that the QLINE offers, drinkers and party-goers will have a cheap, legal, and far safer alternative to drunk driving.

Detroit Accident Lawyer

Overall, the QLine will offer citizens and visitors of Detroit something new and improve the failing public transportation system Detroit currently has. It will also offer an alternative for drivers who commute to Detroit and make downtown roads safer, and will hopefully cut down on everyday traffic.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in handling all types of personal injury cases, including auto accidents, bus accidents, and rail accidents. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

3 Car Crash Leaves 4 Injured In Detroit, Michigan

4 are injured after an accident at Plymouth Road and Memorial Street in Detroit, Michigan. Local 4 reported that the accident happened just after 7:30 P.M. on March 27th. A police report stated that a silver Ford Taurus was speeding north on Memorial Street and ran a stoplight, striking a black SUV which was heading west on Plymouth Road, then striking a parked Lincoln which had a driver inside it.

The driver of the Lincoln walked away from the scene, but the other four were not so lucky. The driver of the Ford Taurus was listed in temporary serious condition, the passenger of the Taurus was listed in critical condition, the driver of the SUV was listed in stable condition, and the passenger of the SUV was listed in temporary serious condition. All those who were injured were taken to a local hospital while police further investigated the scene. All three cars saw damage, but the Taurus and SUV received the brunt of the damage.

Car Crash Lawyer

Multiple vehicle collisions such as this one are a brutal reminder to always pay attention while driving. We have posted articles in the past about driving while distracted. Whether it be texting, eating, drinking, or other distractions/impairments, driving without sole and complete focus on the road is dangerous and in some situations, illegal. Texting while driving, for example, is illegal in Michigan. And, drinking while driving is illegal anywhere in the US.

It is never wise for drivers to do anything that distracts from the road, because drivers are far more likely to get into an accident if they are not fully concentrating on the road around them. To create a better and safer driving environment for everyone, always pay attention to the road, and only the road. It may be the difference between getting home safely and landing yourself in the hospital, jail, or worse, a grave.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in handling all types of personal injury cases, including motor vehicle accidents. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

How To Interact With Motorcyclists

Thousands of accidents every year involve motorcyclists. Due to their small size and lack of protection these accidents are often serious and even life threatening. Although driver's education courses teach drivers how to interact with our two-wheeled friends, this knowledge is often forgotten or just simply neglected. Here are some friendly reminders to ensure motorcyclists are kept safe.

Detroit Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
  • Motorcycles can hide in blind spots. Because of their small size it is very easy for a motorcyclist to be hidden in areas drivers do not always check. To ensure that they do not hit a motorcycle, drivers need to always double check blind spots for cars, motorbikes, and obstructions.
  • Motorcycles cannot stop as quickly as other vehicles can. This means that it is very important for drivers to ensure that their stopping distance is significantly longer than that given to a car. This is important because if something obstructs the road or a motorist brakes quickly, a motorcyclist may need more time to brake than the cars around it.
  • Just as manual cars often shift gears to slow down, motorcyclists often slow down by downshifting. This means that their taillight will not illuminate as it would if the brakes were tapped, so drivers behind the motorbike may not be initially aware that the bike is slowing down. This goes hand in hand with keeping a longer following distance behind cyclists.
  • Rain effects motorcyclists far more than it effects car drivers. Motorcyclists are out in the elements and do not have a windshield, making it far harder for them to see and be seen. It is important to always use caution when interacting with motorcyclists when the weather turns for the worst, because they often are just trying to make it to their destination as quickly and safely as possible, to ensure their own safety and the safety of those around them.
  • Just because someone chooses to ride a motorcycle does not mean they are reckless. Motorcyclists are as legally entitled to the road as any vehicle is. Sharing the road with motorcyclists is the law.
  • Always be on the lookout for motorbikes, for the safety of everyone on the road!

Feel free to check out MSN’s article on interacting with motorcycles on the road, published in 2015, for more information.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a motorcycle accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in handling all types of motor vehicle accidents including motorcycle crashes. We help victims of motorcycle and car collisions deal with insurance companies and medical bills so that they can focus on recovering instead of handling frustrating legal issues.  Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

The Risks Of ‘Car-Hacking’ And What To Do About It

Many news outlets have been publishing stories recently about a new phenomenon called ‘car-hacking.’ This practice essentially allows a hacker to take control of a vehicle without having to touch it. By hacking into the main-computer of a car, hackers can change the radio, control certain aspects of the car’s functionality, and even turn off the car mid-drive. This was proven a few months ago when researchers hacked into a 2014 Jeep Cherokee and shut it down on a busy highway.

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Wired recently reported that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Department of Transportation (DOT), and the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) released a statement that warned drivers of the threat and risks of car-hacking into consumer cars and trucks. Although there were not many cases of car-hacking last year, the FBI wants to ensure drivers that they are working on fixing the problem. They are also offering to help anyone who feels their car has been hacked. The FBI, DOT, and NHTSA suggest that drivers ensure that their vehicles's technology software is always up to date and advise consumers to constantly stay aware of any potential recalls that their vehicle may have fallen victim to.

Recalls are often simple for manufacturers to fix, but if drivers are not informed of them, they may be susceptible to car hacking. Following the Jeep Cherokee hacking last year, Chrysler issued a recall of 1.4 million vehicles and mailed out USB drives with proper software upgrades to fix the issue, to all those affected by the recall. However, Chrysler was not the only car manufacturer to be effected by hacking. A few months later after the Chrysler hacking, researchers at the University of California-San Diego found that with a simple insurance issued dongle, hackers were able to enable or disable the windshield wipers and even cut out the brakes in some Chevrolet Corvette models.

Car Hacking Lawyer

The FBI warns the public of giving access to consumer vehicles to any drivers who are not known personally, as this leaves the possibility for something to be installed in the vehicle that would allow it to be hacked or driven remotely. Although this notice from the FBI comes late for some, overall it is very informative and a good way for drivers to become knowledgeable on the issue. Cars are becoming more and more technologically advanced and with that comes more and more opportunity for this technology to be hacked.

If a driver feels that their car has been hacked, they can contact the FBI or local authorities, which will hopefully lead to stricter regulations and the discovery of who is trying to hack these vehicles.

Although it seems far fetched, car-hacking is a real issue that drivers may face more and more as automobile technology advances. Car-hacking is very dangerous, because if a car is hacked and the brakes are made inactive or the vehicle is turned, it could be deadly for the driver. Drivers should heed the FBI’s warning and continuously check for new updates for their vehicle's technology and ensure they tend to any recalls as soon as possible. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

If you or someone you know has been injured an motor vehicle accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in handling all types personal injury cases including auto collisions and motorcycle crashes. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a  free consultation.

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