State Policeman, "What To Do When Police Pull You Over?"

When flashes of red and blue appear in the rear view mirror and the piercing sound of a siren soon follows, many drivers begin to panic as they realize they are being pulled over by the police. Drivers start thinking back on all of the bad things they ever done while behind the wheel of the car - that time when they were speeding to make it to work on time, another time when they didn't use a turn signal when changing lanes, or all those times they were texting while driving. Rather than freaking out, motorists should keep a level head, and remember the following information on how to handle a police stop. 

Michigan State Police Lieutenant Rob Davis recently spoke with an MLive reporter in order to supply the public with, what he calls, proper traffic stop etiquette. Lt. Davis warns that his advice is not to be taken as a "how-to-guide" for traffic stops, since no two traffic stops are the same. Nonetheless he has supplied the public with a general rule of thumb of what to do when being pulled over.

What To Do When Pulled Over By Police

1. Acknowledge That You Are Being Pulled Over

Drivers can do this by simply turning on their turn signal to alert not only the officer that they intend to pull over to the side, but other drivers as well. “I can’t speak for everyone else but this simple gesture always held a lot of weight in my decision making,” Lt. Davis said. 

2. Get To A Safe Location

What Lt. Davis means by finding a safe spot is that the driver should find an area on the roadway where they can be easily seen by passersby. Make sure the area is well lit not just for the safety of the driver but for the officer as well. That means avoiding sharp curves or bends, dark intersections, deserted roads, etc. 

3. Roll Down Your Windows

Once a safe area is found and the motorist has put their car in park, Lt. Davis states that rolling down both side windows, especially if they are tinted, and if need be, turning on the interior lights of the car, is a good idea. "It makes it easier for both parties to see." Lt. Davis said.

4. Police Are Naturally Cautious, Don't Be Offended

This advice goes to those motorists who instantly respond with hostility or offense at the officer's cautious approach. The officer who signaled for you to pull over is trained to be vigilant and to be prepared for anything. It's nothing personal. Just as the motorist may not know the officer, the officer doesn't know the driver or how they may react.

5. "Identification and Proof Of Insurance, Please"

First, Lt. Davis warns that if a driver must go digging for their documentation, they should wait until the officer signals them to do so. Secondly, drivers should refrain from removing their seat belt unless the officer wants them to step out of the vehicle.

6. "Did You Know You Were Doing 10 Over The Speed Limit?" 

This is the point in the traffic stop that many drivers hate, because depending on their response they will either be walking away with a citation or a simple warning and a promise to the officer to never do it again. Lt. Davis said, “Hopefully the officer will advise you whether you're receiving a ticket or not prior to returning to his car."

7. You Are Free To Go

The end of a traffic stop is once again decided by the officer. Drivers should have their documentation returned back to them, a ticket, or not, and a verbal confirmation given by the police deputy. 

8. Safely Merge Back Into Traffic

Once again, drivers shouldn't be offended by the officer remaining behind them with their lights on. More than likely the officer wants to make sure that the driver is safely back in traffic or is finishing up paperwork or even answering another call.  

Whether a driver agrees with the ticket or not, they should accept the officer's judgement and wait to argue the ticket in a hearing rather than confronting the issuing officer. Try to keep from making the situation worse by physically or verbally showing anger. The officer is simply doing their job by making sure the roads are safe for everyone. 

These tips are just that, tips. They are not rules to follow and do not guarantee that you won't get a ticket. Instead, these are polite pieces of advice to follow to ensure that a traffic stop goes over smoothly and respectfully on both the officer and the driver's end.

Traffic stops are not enjoyable and can be quite nerve wrecking, but hopefully Lt. Davis' advice will help relieve the pressure in how to properly conduct one's self in case a traffic stop happens. Is there a traffic ticket you want to argue in court? Call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC today for a free consultation at 844.4MI.FIRM.

Michigan House Eliminated $80 Million Tax Credit to Insurance Companies

Back in May 2016, the Michigan House of Representatives approved a measure which would eliminate an $80 million tax credit accidentally awarded to auto insurers. The elimination of this tax credit would be a major boost for the current and future state budgets, which have been impacted by lower than expected state revenue lawmakers told MLive. According to the latest estimates, state revenues are projected to be $174 million lower than expected this fiscal year and $159 million lower in 2017.  

The notable drop in revenues for the state was the deciding factor that really brought the proposal of eliminating the tax credit to the forefront. “I think this creates a real incentive for folks to understand we just can’t have a corporate 80 million handout giveaway. And that needs to get fixed. So I think it puts a little more urgency on that,” House Appropriations Chairman Al Pscholka said. 

“It’s not retroactive, so it doesn’t take the money back, but they (auto insurers) can’t claim the credit in this year,” Gideon D’Assandro, spokesman for House Speaker Kevin Cotter said. The problem first began in the 2011-2012 legislative session, when the House approved what came to basically be an administrative charge for the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan. MLive reports that it was reassigned from the Secretary of State to the Michigan Automobile Insurance Placement Facility, which then opened a tax credit worth somewhere around $60-80 million for insurance companies. 

Representative Jim Townsend, a Democrat from Royal Oak believes that the tax credit aided auto insurers and at the same time hurt middle class families. “Passing these bills shows that Republicans are listening to our message of tax fairness, and understanding that we need to help the working families who are carrying an increasing share of the state’s tax burden,” Townsend said in a statement. 

Insurance companies can be tricky and it can be difficult to face them alone. If you or somebody you know has been involved in an accident and has been having a difficult time getting help from your insurance company, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are experienced in working with insurance companies in order to get our clients the best help available. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

Detroit To Downriver I-75 Closure

The two-year closure on I-75 has been underway since February 2017. The repairs come in light of a 50-year-old crumbling bridge over the Rouge River and will cost the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) up to $165 million. The Detroit News reports that the closure is 8 miles long down the southbound side from Springwells in Detroit to Northline in Southgate. MDOT expects to disrupt over 100,000 motorists a day until the project is completed in October 2018. 

Rouge River Bridge

The bridge is stated to be in such disrepair that concrete has been seen falling from it and in certain spots the damage is visible through the deck. That is why The Detroit Free Press says that, "All 20 football fields' worth of concrete" is planned on being removed. MDOT plans to install electronic sensors, cameras, and message boards on the newly renovated bridge.

“The I-75 Rouge River bridge is vital to the flow of commerce and commuters in Southeast Michigan,” said Kirk Steudle, director of MDOT. “We know the bridge deck replacement will cause some inconvenience, but safety is our top priority, and this work will extend the life of this heavily traveled bridge..."

Alternative Routes

For those motorists who don't frequently travel on southbound I-75 or for those searching for alternative routes, MDOT has some suggestions:

  • Local traffic is encouraged to take Fort Street or Jefferson Avenue since they run parallel to I-75. Other southbound streets that run parallel to I-75 are also a good option. 
  • Truckers are advised to take westbound I-96 to southbound I-275 and back to southbound I-75. 
  • Despite it not being the first choice due to already heavy traffic, drivers can take I-94 to I-275 or Telegraph Road.  
  • Drivers can also choose to head west on Northline Road in Southgate and merge onto I-75 from there or take Dixie Highway south.

No matter which route drivers chooses to take, they should remember that abiding by speed reduction signs and other construction signs are a must. Traffic fines in construction areas more common but they are usually doubled and come with a severe penalty. More importantly however, it's easy to get frustrated in backed up traffic, but road rage can lead to car accidents. Shaving five minutes off of drive time by honking, yelling, and cutting off other vehicles is not worth crashing your truck into a construction sign, getting stuck in a construction ditch, or rear ending someone who isn't moving fast enough through an active construction zone for your liking. Drivers are instead encouraged to leave earlier to get to their intended destinations if they are planning to drive through any areas affected by the closure.

The renovation to Rouge River Bridge has been a long time coming and will hopefully improve the flow of traffic and commerce within Michigan. While the bridge is under construction however, drivers should beware of both construction accidents and motor vehicle accidents, as both are common occurrences in the case of road construction. If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident due to road rage or construction, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC today. We offer free consultations to help guide you on how best to handle your car accident. Contact us at 844.4MI.FIRM.  

A Majority of Americans Practice Risky Driving Habits

Distracted Driving Car Crash Lawyer

Risky driving behaviors are on the rise as drivers find more ways to multitask while they are behind the wheel. A study done by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) revealed that almost 80% of crashes and 65% of near-crashes involved some form of driver inattention within three seconds before the event. Risky driving habits can include texting or calling while driving, dealing with children in the backseat, playing with the controls, and eating. According to a Washington’s Top News survey, more than 40% of drivers admitted to reading text messages or emails while behind the wheel, and over a third acknowledged that they responded to those messages.

The survey uncovered some other worrisome data as well. Over half of the drivers surveyed reported going more than 15 miles per hour over the speed limit within the past month, and almost half had sped in a residential neighborhood, something that is especially dangerous due to low speed limit postings. Another shocking piece of data emerged about impaired driving as well, showing that 13% of drivers reported driving an automobile when their blood alcohol content (BAC) was over the legal limit within the past year, and around 9% admitted to doing this more than once in the past year.

Drunk Driving Car Accident Lawyer

The survey results don't come as a huge shock to anyone, mainly because we are all guilty of some form of distracted driving. However, these results should still serve as a harsh reminder of the consequences that can come with driving without having undivided attention on the road. It is important to remember that texting and driving (including other services such as emailing, Snapchatting, etc.) is illegal, and taking calls while driving can also be dangerous. New studies have shown that even hands-free capabilities do not dramatically increase the safety of a driver. 

It is also illegal for drivers to drive with a BAC over .08%, and it is never wise to drive after consuming any alcohol. There are many other ways for people to get home besides driving themselves, so there is never a good excuse for getting behind the wheel. Speeding while driving is one of the leading causes of death in car accidents and distracted drivers may not only injure themselves but those around them-this could include children if driving in a residential area. By adhering to all safety regulations and laws of the road, drivers can reduce their chances of being involved in an accident.

Distracted driving can lead to serious injury or even death. Answering a call or taking a driving selfie is not worth your life. If you or someone you know has been involved in an auto accident involving a distracted driver, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in handling all types of car crashes including those caused by distracted driving. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Pothole Season Descends on Michigan Roads

When Spring arrives in Michigan, the snow and ice has melted, birds begin to chirp, flowers start to bloom, and dreaded potholes make themselves known. Potholes are caused when melting snow and ice trickle into cracks in the roads and freeze overnight, thereby expanding and causing the pavement to rise and eventually break from the weight of motor vehicles driving over these divots. Not only are these craters unsightly, but they can also damage cars leading to expensive repairs. Luckily, The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) provides some useful tips on how to deal with potholes, and even reminds you to report potholes so that they can be fixed.

MDOT's Tips For Dealing With Potholes

1. Maintain Your Vehicle

Maintaining simple vehicle repairs can potentially limit damages caused by potholes. Keeping tires properly inflated can prevent them from being heavily worn and potentially blowing out on the roadway. Motorists should get the suspension, struts, shocks, springs and steering on their vehicles checked by a certified mechanic. Checking that these few parts are in working order should assist the vehicle in driving over or through minor potholes on the road.   

2. Keep Your Eyes Open And Both Hands On The Wheel

It can be easy to mistake a pothole as a shadow, a shallow dip, or a simple puddle if rainfall recently occurred, but with proper head-lighting and clear windows drivers should be able to identify potholes. Also, by keeping the windows and mirrors on the vehicle clean, drivers can better discern potholes on the road. When a pothole is spotted, it's best to avoid hitting a pothole if you can, in order to prevent damage to the vehicle. Some potholes are small and easy enough to maneuver around if a driver is cautious and not engaging in aggressive driving habits like tailgating. Another tip for drivers is to place both hands on the wheel of the vehicle - preferably at 10 and 2, since potholes can cause a vehicle to suddenly change directions which can potentially cause a car accident. 

3. How To Drive Through A Pothole

If a pothole is unavoidable, it is best to slow down and then release the brakes just before hitting it. This helps reduce the speed at impact and gives the suspension time to absorb the shock. It’s also a good idea to straighten up the wheel to prevent bending the rim of the tires and to avoid any excessive damage to the vehicle.

4. Help MDOT Take Care Of The Road

MDOT urges drivers to report a pothole whether they hit it or not. This could prevent future motorists from damaging their car or from causing a car accident. If a pothole is located on a city street or county road, it is best to report it to that city's public works department or county road commission. If the pothole is located on an interstate, US route, or a Michigan highway, please submit a complaint to MDOT’s Report A Pothole website or call their pothole hotline at 888.296.4546.

5. What If You Did Hit A Pothole?

If you hit a pothole that was unavoidable of if you damaged your car while trying to avoid hitting one, MDOT has tips for that too. Take notice if the vehicle is pulling in one direction or if the car is constantly swaying or bouncing. These are signs that you may need to get your vehicle serviced and potentially need a wheel alignment or new suspension.

While these tips aren't guaranteed to help drivers avoid potholes and thereby damage to their car, they may help prevent a car crash caused by losing control of a vehicle when trying to maneuver a pothole. After all, a flat tire is better than a flipped car. 

Potholes, especially ones that take up the entire width of the road can cause serious damage to vehicles and may even cause drivers to lose control of their cars and become involved in an auto accident. If you or someone you know has been involved in a motor vehicle collision due to a pothole, construction, or any other bad road conditions, call The Michigan Law Firm. Contact us at 844.4MI.FIRM today, for a free consultation. We understand that accidents caused by damaged roads are sometimes unavoidable but are always dangerous.