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When a Car Accident Leads to Financial Ruin

Auto accidents are usually just that: accidents. And yet, by the time motorists realize there’s an impending problem, they’re often neck-deep in trouble. A fender bender can be easily brushed aside and tended to with exchanged numbers and insurance information. Many people in that case may opt to write a check for repairs as opposed to filing a claim that may raise their premiums for the next several years. Michigan is one of the states which require every licensed driver to have no-fault insurance. And yet, serious accidents can still lead to financial ruin due to simple poor decisions. Why is this the case, and what can be done about it?

How Can an Accident Lead to Financial Ruin in Macomb County Michigan? Laws across the nation require drivers to carry the state minimum in auto insurance, yet, 1 in 7 drivers are uninsured. The lowest state threshold is Massachusetts with 4 percent uninsured drivers, while Mississippi holds the No. 1 position with 28 percent. Michigan hovers around 19 percent, which is far too high for any state. It's important to keep in mind that other drivers on the road with you might not be insured. You should, and likely do, hold the necessary insurance required to drive legally, but that does not mean that someone who hits you will. The consequences for driving without no-fault insurance are extreme. And they should be. Without owning a no-fault policy, you cannot claim the benefits of an insured driver if he or she is the cause of the accident. That means you won’t be able to claim medical coverage, wage loss, or in-home coverage. This can be a substantial loss for those living paycheck-to-paycheck. Even for those who have some financial padding, savings can be lost in an instant due to outrageous bills that are privately owed. Being under-insured can lead to even further financial ruin. One of the most recent media highlights proved that as it hit Bruce Jenner straight on…or as he hit another anyway. While he and his attorney claimed distraction and impairments were not a cause of the crash he incited which killed a 69-year-old woman, the fact that he was under-insured shocked the entire nation. Why is that the case? Because if he happened to be sued by the family of the deceased, his insurance payout of $250,000 wouldn't even make a dent in his required court-ordered remuneration. What Can and Should You Do to Ensure You’re Adequately Covered? Basic no-fault policies are a good start, but they’re limited. Unfortunately, most people in Michigan only carry the minimum required. Insurance companies encourage this as their primary goal is to make money as opposed to paying it out. They make a lot more on 100 basic policies than they do on a single large-payout policy, even though the monthly premiums are higher on the more expensive option. This is why Bruce Jenner may lose his shirt. Although he’s worth millions, he chose the wrong plan for his lifestyle. And his insurance provider encouraged this low policy so he could take advantage of the low premiums. Most people will never need more than $250,000 in auto insurance at any given point. However, that can lead to serious problems for any number of reasons including lifestyle, driving habits, and travel time. The purpose of insurance is to *insure* your personal finances and security are not threatened by a mistake or accident – either due to your negligence or someone else’s.

#car accidents #Automobile Accidents #mt clemens michigan auto accident attorney

Death and Taxes: Be Alert for Rising Auto Accidents on Tax Day

Benjamin Franklin’s famous quip regarding how nothing’s certain besides death and taxes was first cited in a letter on November 13, 1789. The original message was undoubtedly meant to be a witty vent and not intended to lump the two together as a cause-and-effect scenario. Who could have ever imagined differently at the time? Well, hundreds of years later we've managed to effectively combine the two. Read on to find out why auto accidents increase on tax day:

The Connection Between Tax Day and Auto Accidents? When one thinks of a dreadful time of year, tax time is among the first to pop up. And, interestingly, when combined with operating a motor vehicle, disaster strikes. Tax week is a high-risk time for auto accidents, but tax day itself is an especially common day to wind up in a serious or even fatal car crash. Researchers from Toronto discovered this strange trend after compiling 30 years of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration records. The team from the University of Toronto sifted through crash records and compared those falling between the day before tax day through the week after. The results were then published in The Journal of the American Medical Association. The data from the years spanning 1980 – 2009 were conclusive. Each year showed an increase in road-related accidents within the allotted time frame. More concerning was the fact that each year’s tax day deadline showed a significant rise in fatalities as well. The results averaged an extra 13 fatalities on tax day, which equates to a 6 percent increased risk. Almost all ages are included in the fatalities risks, from teen drivers to experienced adult drivers. The only age group that seemed immune was those over age 65. The main reason for this phenomena, according to researchers, is stress. This, in turn, affects life choices and can increase alcohol usage during that time of year. Fortunately, there are some easy ways to reduce your risks this tax season and every year to come. What You Can Do to Prevent Tax Day Accidents in Macomb County, Michigan As April 15th approaches, drivers are likely to be behaving more erratically. But there are some simple solutions to ensure you and your loved ones remain safe. The easiest thing to do is prepare and file your taxes early. Doing so will wipe out the last-minute stress buildup and potentially keep you out of traffic altogether. Opt to file online if the opportunity arises. Modern software is comparable to expensive accountant firms and it can save you serious time and headaches, and many tax prep businesses now offer online options as well. Chances are you’ll still have to go out sometime during the week. Realize irritability levels are at an all-time high. Avoid road rage at all costs. Be extra nice and courteous. Follow speed limits and slow down whenever possible. And avoid any forms of distracted driving. If you choose to put off your taxes until the last minute or have no option but doing so, be extra careful. Do not drink alcohol for any reason before getting behind the wheel. And, at the same time, be on the alert for those who may be drinking and driving. Practice defensive driving during this specific week, and try to limit children riding in the car. The fewer distractions, the better. Also be sure to get plenty of sleep. Lack of sleep causes headaches, altered behaviors, erratic driving, and extra stress. When mixed with alcohol, the results can be devastating. And never leave home without making sure your Michigan personal injury attorney’s number is programmed into your phone. Hopefully the other preventative care will see you home safely. But in the event of an emergency, it’s nice to know someone has your back.

#Automobile Accidents #car accidents #mt clemens michigan auto accident attorney #michigan personal injury attorney

How Pothole Problems Can Ruin More Than Just Your Morning

If you've driven in the Midwest at all, you’re undoubtedly familiar with potholes. These deep craters are formed as rock, concrete, and asphalt erode. The erosion is generally caused by water and the sudden change of weather, but rock salt and heavy traveling over the decaying materials can further the damage. In fact, once cracked or worn roads are heavily ridden, even relatively freshly laid roads can become landmines for your vehicle and personal well-being. While this is especially true during winter time, the holes are often exposed once snow and ice melts. What remains is an obstacle course that’s just waiting to destroy your property and sanity, not to mention threaten much more in the way of accidents. But what types of accidents do potholes cause, and what recourse do drivers have if personal damage results from their daily trek?

What’s the Big Deal about Potholes and What Problems Can They Cause? You may see those orange barrels all summer long and wonder what in the world your tax dollars are going for once winter hits and the potholes appear. Well, the problem is, the roads don’t really cause the potholes – harsh weather does. Pavement sits atop a sub-base (usually rock, gravel or porous materials) which in turn is laid over soil. In cold climates, the soil freezes and expands. Once that occurs, the sub-base and pavement is lifted. When the ground thaws, the pavement sinks back into the sub-base and the remaining broken pieces of pavement create a crater. This can happen multiple times on the same road. And when the craters fill with water or debris, they’re often hard if not impossible to notice at normal speeds. When cars travel over these holes, the uneven weight distribution causes further cracks and holes to form. It’s practically impossible to repair the roads during the brutal Midwest winters, but once real spring arrives, you may wonder why the road crews aren't out 24/7 so you can get where you need to go. But here’s the rub: chances are they are working around the clock. There’s just so much damage that they’re unable to get to your roadways as of yet. The year 2014 saw the coldest and most damaging winter in years. As such, large metropolitan cities such as New York and Chicago received complaints of hundreds of thousands of potholes once the thaw hit. In Michigan, a single street can contain 33 pot holes. That leads to a lot of property damage, especially on high speed roads. Popped tires, bent rims, faulty shocks, and entire vehicle misalignment issues can be caused by pot holes. But a lot more than car damage can occur. One-third of the auto accident-related fatalities in America can be traced back to poor road conditions – at least partly. Fortunately, there may be some legal recourse for pothole damage in Michigan. What Can You Do About Pothole Damage in Macomb County Michigan? Michigan drivers must carry basic no-fault insurance. But that doesn't cover collision damage on your end. To ensure that’s not an issue, you must carry extra collision coverage. However, pothole damage is still a gray area that is often fought by insurance companies. In most cases, simply claiming damage done by hitting a pothole will cause your provider to treat it as an at-fault collision. Insurance providers insist on reminding drivers that they alone have full control over their vehicles. Some companies may have a forgiveness clause where they overlook one claim. Others may not be as lenient. Regardless, MDOT – Michigan Department of Transportation – allows drivers to log claims via their website. Few people are eligible for payment, however, as there are specific deadlines and situations in which coverage is granted.

#Automobile Accidents #mt clemens michigan auto accident attorney

Keep Your Teen Driver Safe this Prom Season

If you think back to your teenage years, chances are your behavior and experiences were quite different than those of your kids, but many similarities remain. Dances are still popular activities for teens, and prom stands out as a popular rite of passage. But for teen drivers, prom season not only provides a social remedy… it also can spell disaster when combined with peer pressure and poor choices.

How Likely Are Auto Accidents to Ruin Prom Season? The risk of being involved in a motor accident is more likely for teen drivers than for any other driving age group. Drinking and driving is especially likely if they've learned such behavior from their parents. Even without that type of emulation, peer pressure is exceedingly common in inexperienced driving-related issues. Adolescents and young adults between the ages of 15 and 24 make up 14 percent of the U.S population, but they comprise 30 percent of male-caused motor accidents and 28 percent of female caused accidents. While the joke-laden stereotypes call out females as poor drivers, the truth is that male drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 are twice as likely to be involved in a road-related fatality. Twenty-five percent of these fatalities, on average, are caused by drinking and driving. Forty-nine percent of these crashes occur between 3 p.m. and midnight, and 53 percent of the accidents surround the weekend. Twenty-two percent of teens admitted to riding in a car with a driver who had been drinking before getting behind the wheel. And 10 percent of teen drivers admit they've gotten behind the wheel themselves after consuming alcohol. It doesn't just begin in high school, however. According to MADD, 30 percent of 8th graders have at least tried alcohol, and nearly 50 percent of 10th graders drink alcohol. Those who start drinking at a young age are seven times more likely to be involved in an alcohol-related accident. Drinking and driving is an epidemic which kills an estimated 1,150 kids annually and costs every American taxpaying adult an extra $800 a year. And if that’s not bad enough, driving while intoxicated causes an unnecessary roadside injury every two minutes. These statistics are in full swing around prom season when socializing and peer-pressure alcohol use go hand in hand. Fortunately, there are some simple measures you can take to ensure your teen drivers get home in one piece. What Can You Do to Keep Your Macomb County Michigan Household Safe During Prom Season? Many parents think it’s okay to have alcohol at a party as long as they’re there to chaperon. Drinking and driving is the No. 1 killer of teens in the nation. Someone’s guaranteed to get behind the wheel of the car when you’re not looking. Instead, host a substance-free post-prom party. If a limo is reserved, check the limo company’s policy regarding alcohol consumption. Do not permit hotel reservations or vacation rentals for prom night. Instead, demand your kids come home that night and stay up to ensure they safely return. Communicate plans and schedules with the parents of the other kids involved in the night’s festivities. Make sure all teens know the house rules, road rules, and school rules, as well as the consequences for breaking them.

#mt clemens michigan auto accident attorney #teen drivers

4 Tools to Monitor Your Teen Driver

Driving is one of the biggest joys in a young person’s life.That slip of paper stating they’re legally able to drive with a licensed driver present is often the most thrilling moment in adolescence. By the time they get their permanent driver's license in Michigan, they have all the knowledge and experience they need to function at the highest safety expectations and requirements, right? Not quite. Knowing the rules is quite different than having the experience necessary to avoid disaster. The biggest worry of a teenage parent’s life is often associated with their road safety. Fortunately, there are some basic tips to keep track of your most precious cargo when they’re on the road.

#1—Take Advantage of Your Teen Driver’s Technological Devices Auto accidents are the top cause of teenage fatalities in America. As such, parents need to take a firm stance and insist their kids’ eyes stay where they need to be—on the road. Teens today are glued to their tablets and smart phones. While that technology is immeasurably helpful, it is a serious distraction in a moving vehicle. Tracking apps, such as GPS Location Tracker, Star Urgent Response, Canary and eZoom, let you program safe zones, boundaries, and curfew times that send alerts to your own phone or computer when met or missed. #2—Install a Global Positioning System Many cars today have a built-in GPS. You may have one for your main vehicle, but have you taught your teen how to use it? If they have their own vehicle, do they have one installed? And if so, have you set the ground rules on how to use it? Some of the new models can work with your mobile phone. Even the basic no-bells-or-whistles versions can be useful tools for tracking your teen’s vehicle usage to ensure they stay within the limits and meet curfew. (Keeping track of the odometer is always a smart move as well.) #3—Use a Governor to Avoid an Unnecessary Call to Your Michigan Personal Injury Attorney A major concern for parents is whether or not teen drivers are speeding. While you can’t be in the car with them every time they get behind the wheel, a Governor can. No, not your political head of state. A Governor a speed monitoring device that is designed to restrict fuel output, which in turn keeps speeds below a certain point. If you don’t want to install a device in your vehicle, various speed tracking apps can do the job instead. #4—Use Old School Tactics We know this may sound silly, but sometimes the oldest tricks in the trade are the most useful ones. So before trying anything else, sit down with your kids, look them in the eye, and have an actual conversation with them. Set the rules. Establish the boundaries. And alert them to the consequences of breaking those rules—which should mean no more car privileges. It’s vital to be a parent during this challenging life stage. Your effort will ensure they’ll want to be your friend once they reach adulthood.

#teen drivers #mt clemens michigan auto accident attorney

Two Big Driving Dangers: Drinking and Distraction

Auto accidents can happen at any time, in any place, and during any weather condition. You can implement all safety protocols, drive defensively, and still wind up involved in a fender bender or worse. Adding alcohol or unnecessary distractions to the mix is a one-way ticket to the emergency room. Quite often, those who chance the dangerous combination bypass the hospital altogether and end up behind bars or in a pine box. But how likely are alcohol and distraction-related driving accidents likely to happen anyway? And is one worse or more common than the other?

Why Is Alcohol-Related Driving an Issue for You in Macomb County, Michigan? Car accidents are the number one killer of teenagers. Whether caused by distraction or impairment, it’s a preventable disaster for friends, families, and communities alike. While many teens see driving as a gateway to adulthood, many also see the same in alcohol or other chemical enhancements. Alcohol usage is illegal under the age of 21. Even if you are of drinking age, there’s a huge difference between drinking responsibly and binge drinking with either the intent or follow-through to drive. The year 2011 saw a 25 percent decrease in the amount of alcohol-related accidents from the previous two years. The year 2013 carried on in that same vein as 31 states saw significant decreases in alcohol-related fatalities. Ohio was the top state (sorry blue and gold), with almost 120 fewer fatalities than the previous year. Seventeen states, however, saw an increase – Texas ranking at the top of that list. Even though alcohol fatalities are at a steady decline, they still affect the safety and security of all motorists and travelers on the road. But unsurprisingly, statistics now show distracted driving is an even bigger danger than impaired driving. Why Should You Keep Your Michigan Personal Injury Attorney on Speed Dial? Distractions are now the number one cause of driving-related fatalities. The term "distracted driving" covers an enormous amount of situations, including eating while driving, talking while driving, fiddling with the radio, having extra passengers in the car, child distractions, and road rage. But the most common distraction issues today deal with technological devices. It takes an average of 5-8 seconds to reply to one text. That’s the equivalent of driving the entire length of one football field. Try doing that while driving the speed limit on a highway and you’re bound to be the star on the evening news – but not because you scored the winning touchdown. While technology has its all-important place in modern lifestyles, it has no business being used while operating a motor vehicle. That’s the easiest and most likely way to end up in prison, the hospital, or the morgue. Fourteen states now forbid all drivers within the boundaries from using handheld devices of any kind while driving. Michigan has tight cell phone laws, but the state is not yet one of the 14. This means the concept of using a cell phone “in an emergency” may still occur without legal ramifications when performed in the right situations and with correct precautions. Unfortunately, most texting drivers are not doing so because of an emergency. More than 50 percent of drivers believe texting while driving poses no difficulty or difference to their driving. And yet, teenagers who text while driving end up spending an average of 10 percent of their driving time outside of their lane of traffic. That certainly says otherwise. In truth, texting or playing on the phone for any reason affects one’s driving at a rate similar to that of drinking four beers before getting behind the wheel. The best thing you can do for you and your loved ones is to stop the bad driving habits before they stop you. Permanently.

#distracted driving #mt clemens michigan auto accident attorney

5 Common Causes of Skiing Accidents

Extreme sports enthusiasts love the feeling of the windwhipping across their face, free-style performance art, and the burst of adrenalin caused by the excitement of it all. Of all of the extreme sports, skiing is one of the most popular and adaptive options. It’s an outside-only adventure that can be performed freestyle, cross-country, or under strict guidelines within specific boundaries. It’s a great fitness and social event for family members of all ages – from tiny tots to great-grandparents. Of course, as with any activity, there are safety rules to follow in order to avoid catastrophe. Over the past 10 years, 415 skiing fatalities have been reported across America. That’s still 415 too many, which beg the questions: what are the most common causes and how can they be avoided?

Collisions with Other Skiers Collisions of any kind will cause a skier, veteran or novice, to potentially take a tumble. Experienced sportsmen and women may be able to stay on their feet and even assist the initiator. But new skiers aren't likely to be as lucky. Following the proper safety guidelines, staying with your party, and paying attention to your surroundings will help prevent unnecessarily painful experiences on the slopes. Collisions with Immovable or Stationary Objects Unlike people, trees and electrical poles don’t usually move when you hit them. Fences, signs, and other barriers may, but your body may suffer in the process. Downhill skiing speeds can reach 80 miles an hour. So if you’re not especially defensive in your approach to safety, disaster can turn your day of fun into a day of danger. When alcohol use is combined with outdoor fun, trouble is just around the corner. To avoid brain injuries, always wear a proper ski helmet and avoid imbibing until you’re off the skis. Improper Skiing Instruction Can Lead to Accidents It’s a great idea to enlist a qualified instructor to teach the proper mechanics of skiing right. However, not all instructors are worth their salt. Many push the limits of their students to reach their own personal instructional goals. Opting for a certified coach employed by the hill itself which puts your personal safety first is a good plan. The lessons may cost a little more upfront, but they’ll save a mint in the long run. Improper Care of Ski Hill Equipment Can Cause Accidents Ski lift accidents are relatively uncommon, but they do happen. They’re often assisted by loose apparel and unzipped jackets getting caught on the handle or mechanism. But sometimes the issue is the direct fault of the business. If the latter is the case and injury occurs, you may be eligible for financial and medical reimbursement in Michigan. Improper Grounds Maintenance Can Lead to Accidents Ski hills require a lot of ground maintenance. Customer traffic can create impacted ice, slush buildup, and uneven terrain. Ski businesses are expected to keep their grounds maintained constantly during business hours to prevent serious injury, which frequently includes concussions. When head trauma is involved, it’s essential to be prepared. Contacting your Macomb County personal injury attorney can help offset stress and worry associated with faulty business-related ground conditions.

#skiing injuries #michigan personal injury attorney

How Testing Simulators Can Make Your Teen a Better Driver

Since the early days of driver education courses, screen-basedsimulation tactics have been used. If you ask your parents or grandparents, they may reminisce about a time when they sat at a special one-person desk that was hooked to a media device in a darkened classroom. A driver appeared on the screen and started his car. Each desk was set up with the technology of the day, which allowed the students to follow along and “simulate” driving. As they pressed certain buttons in front or around them, the desk moved accordingly. If the desk shook or a screeching sound emitted from their giant headphones, they "crashed," and the lesson was over. Of course, issues such as major component bugs and system-wide equipment malfunctions were all too common. Modern simulators are quite different—and here's how they can help your younger driver become proficient:

What Are Modern Day Simulators? Today, driving simulators are connected to mobile devices to ensure the best education and instructional options possible. A mobile simulator, by definition, is software or a computerized application which turns a mobile device into a virtual machine. The mobile device can be a smart phone, iPhone, tablet, or any other computerized item. A simulator is also often called an emulator. Modern driving simulators are modular designed devices which often fit right over the eyes of the driving trainee. But they do more than simply provide a training aid to teen drivers. Certainly driving basics and even critical driving concerns are covered. But modern simulators also are perfect aids for physically impaired users. And they go beyond the simulators of yesteryear by analyzing the user’s basic driving behaviors, response to critical driving situations, and overall performance, preferences, and habits. How Can Driving Simulators Help Avoid a Call to Your Michigan Personal Injury Attorney? Learning to drive in Michigan is a rigorous, ongoing process designed to create responsible and experienced drivers. The lure of technology, however, is so strong that far too many people are still willing to chance their safety, and that of others, to check the cause of the blinking light on their smartphone. When 82 percent of teens between 16 and 17 own cell phones, 52 percent admit they've talked on the cell while driving, and 34 percent admit to texting and driving, there’s a big problem. Teens emulate their parents. And since 77 percent of adults believe they can text safely, a false sense of security is passed on to teen drivers. Over 55 percent of young adult drivers report that it’s “easy” to text when driving. But texting teens spend 10 percent of their driving time outside legal their traffic lane. The time it takes to send one text takes your eyes off of the road for the length of an entire football field. Chances are several vehicles will enter your teen’s path in that distance, regardless of what speed is involved. Testing simulators put new drivers right in the path of traffic to see first-hand exactly what’s at stake. Unlike the past options, kids today aren't just looking at a screen 20-feet ahead. They’re entering the Matrix in a way. Simulation headgear puts your pride and joy in the center ring without worry of physical, mental, or legal harm when the worst happens – because it will happen. This is a learning experience that every future driver needs and deserves.

#teen drivers #auto accidents #mt clemens michigan auto accident attorney

Protect Yourself from Snowboarding Injuries

The 1960s were an era of love and freedom. And, in 1964, asurfing enthusiast by the name of Sherman Poppin had a dream that would forever change the future of winter extreme sports. His dream involved "surfing" over the wintry landscape of the Colorado Rockies. A year later, he invented the first ever “snurfer” – snow surfboard as a toy for kids. But it didn't stay child’s play for long. In fact, as any competent Mt Clemens snowboarding accident attorney knows, treating snowboarding as a kid's game can be a deadly move.

Why Do People Love Snowboarding? Advertised as a combination surfboard-sled-skiing-skateboarding activity, the original snowboards sold for $15 a pop and found their way under many Christmas trees across America. But the low price point soon proved disastrous to the manufacturer. Jake Burton took over the almost bankrupt company in 1977, made his own adjustments. By 1985, only 600 ski resorts opened their hills to snowboarders due to concerns over safety and legal responsibility for potential injury claims. But as competition and professional interest steadily grew within the sport, snowboarding itself caught on so heavily that by 1998 it earned its own place as a Winter Olympic event. Snowboarding has since become one of the most popular cold-weather extreme sports for professionals and novices alike. It’s estimated that 30-50 percent of all activity on ski hills is now snowboard-related. Unlike simple skiing, snowboarding (also known as “shredding”) combines the smooth glide of cross-country skiing with skater-style tricks. Freeriding and racing are among the basic simple-glide ride options, while trick shredding includes jibbing, rail jam, slope style, half-pipe, and freestyle. These tricks— performed on pipes, rails, concrete pillars, ramps, and various terrain—draw in thousands of new snowboarding enthusiasts every winter. They also happen to be a leading cause of snowboarding injuries and fatalities. Is Snowboarding a Big Deal in Macomb County, Michigan? Snowboarding is, by nature, a freestyle activity. Professional instruction is available (and encouraged), but many enthusiasts opt to learn as they go. The board, bindings, and a foot strap are generally the only required parts of the product itself. However, extra items such as proper winter weather gear, proper snowboarding boots, a set of sports goggles, and a good quality helmet are essential safety elements that can mean the difference between walking away from the hill or being taken away in an ambulance. Improper care on your part (such as loose bindings, lack of safety equipment, shredding off-trail, and attempting tricks beyond your level of expertise) is the most common cause of snowboarding accidents. Each year, thousands injuries such as joint pain, sprains, fractures, and traumatic brain injuries are reported. Interestingly, the most common snowboarding injury is a wrist fracture. American snowboarding and skiing injury totals vary from state to state and usually result from human error or neglect. But sometimes, facility issues play a part in snowboarding injuries. Michigan’s "Ski Area Safety Act of 1962," the oldest winter sports act in the country, provides leniency for statewide ski hill owners. But courts also take into account the cause and effect behind the accident to assess fault and claim potential.

#skiing injuries #snowboarding accidents #michigan personal injury attorney

Avoid Being the Victim of an Expired Personal Injury Claim

Accidents can occur at any time and for any reason. That’swhy they’re accidents. And when an accident leads to serious complications, further steps may be necessary. One of those steps involves contacting your Michigan personal injury attorney… delaying too long can present serious problems.

Why Do People Put Off Contacting Their Mt Clemens Attorney? Road-related incidents – automobile, pedestrian, motorcycle – are the most common causes of serious injury claims, yet many of the injuries go unreported because of insurance red tape and human error. Ninety percent of insurance companies now use computer programs to file and deal with accident claims to process them as quickly and as cheaply as possible. The majority of people have no clue what their policy covers or what is expected on their part if an accident is reported. If you accept the payout without consultation, you may be missing out on extra benefits that the company is required to pay. This simple but unmet step leads to fear, and fear causes human error. How many times have you been involved in a close call? Perhaps you've looked up from the radio to almost hit the back of a truck. Or maybe you've been involved in a few fender benders. To avoid the struggle and stress of dealing with insurance red tape and rising premiums, some people opt to handle matters themselves. Upon seeing both parties are injury-free, the responsible driver may offer to pay for physical damages outright. While that may seem like a reasonable option, you really should put your own welfare first. Traumatic brain injuries, particularly concussions, are quite common with auto accidents. But the symptoms of a concussion — lightheadedness, headache, vertigo, nausea — can take days or even weeks to develop. Jumping the gun by taking the quickest and easiest option can lead to a lot of headaches down the road. Of course, road-related accidents aren't the only cause of personal injury claims. Improper medical care leading to malpractice is the third-leading cause of death in America. According to the Journal of Patient Safety, improper care leading to harm is responsible for anywhere from 220,000 to 400,000 deaths annually. Delay filing your claim for too long, however, and you might not be able to file one at all. How Long Do You Have to File Your Macomb County, Michigan Personal Injury Claim? Filing a claim for financial reimbursement can help offset life stress as you heal from your own injuries or the injuries or fatality of a loved one. But waiting too long can destroy all chances of restitution—a statute of limitations is applied to injury claims across the country. In general, a blanket time limit of two years is considered feasible for accepting a claim, but each state has its own firm requirements and cut-off times. As a rough guide, Michigan usually permits up to a three-year limit for personal injury or property damage claims, but the laws are continually changing.

#michigan personal injury attorney #auto accidents

Distracted Driving A Hot-Button Topic for Car Makers

Auto accidents have become such a pivotal part of daily life that one can barely go a week without hearing of potential fatalities, and that includes here in Mt. Clemens, Michigan. The most deadly accidents continue to center around distracted driving—a situation which has become an epidemic among drivers of all ages. The top form of distraction is texting which, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, is six times more likely than alcohol to cause a driver to crash than alcohol, causes 23 times as many crashes than non-distracted driving and, overall, is responsible for 25 percent of all driving-related accidents. As drivers become more and more reliant on technology and gadgets, car makers and IT companies are working together to implement campaigns to stop the unnecessary carnage caused by distracted driving. The following campaigns are among some of the best recent efforts.

BMW Goes to School With American Teenagers When the CDC asked car makers to help reduce distracted driving incidents across the nation, BMW was among the first car manufacturers to step up to the plate. And the luxury car maker really hit the ball out of the park. In June 2011, BMW of North America began a year-long campaign called "DON'T TEXT AND DRIVE: When the Engine Starts, the Texting Stops." Using the power of peer pressure, various versions of the campaign were incorporated at 100 teen driving schools across America. Hangtags and static-cling decals were also used in car showrooms throughout the year. The simple, but effective, campaign helped get the point across that major car makers are putting personal safety over profits. Life360 and Ford Are Helping Drivers Avoid Unnecessary Calls to Their Auto Accident Attorney Life360 is an app developed in 2008 by Chris Hulls and Alex Haro. The purpose of the app is to connect family and friends via its locator-based service. By allowing members to share each other's locations with one another at any given moment, it acts as a “family-oriented private social network.” The app is a fantastic tool for teens and parents, as well as anyone who wants to ensure they’ll always be a touch away from safety. When partnered with Ford Motor Company and synched with Ford SYNC AppLink, the app morphs into drive mode. The apps work together through Bluetooth and benefits thousands by saving lives that might otherwise be lost to distracted driving. When a driver enters their Ford vehicle, Bluetooth informs family and friends listed on Life360 that the person is driving and message response is temporarily on-hold until the driver reaches his destination. The app can also tell when the car has stopped and be programmed to inform contacts that calls and texts can resume. Nissan’s Red Thumb Campaign Captures the Nation's Attention Nissan used an old-school technique to get the nation’s attention and put an end to distracted driving. How? Through good old-fashioned brain conditioning. Nissan opted for a non-tech approach to combat the more than 1.6 million auto accidents resulting from distracted driving. The Red Thumb Campaign is as simple and brilliant as it can be. Pictures have been posted on Instagram with hashtags of the campaign name to create a viral effect. The picture: a simple red thumbnail. The Red Thumb Campaign merely involves painting your right thumbnail (or whichever one you use to text in your vehicle) bright red as a reminder to STOP TEXTING! The original concept may have seemed absurd, but its popularity is proving otherwise.

#auto accidents #mt clemens michigan auto accident attorney

Boating Accidents and Your Personal Injury Attorney

When spring and summer hit MacombCounty Michigan, everything from the Great Lakes to backyard creeks will be jam-packed with families and friends enjoying the warm weather and recreational boating activities. And that means it's time to be on alert. Accidents can happen with any vehicle—on the road, air, or water. But what are the most common boating incidents, and do those really affect Michigan residents?

The Most Common Incidents Handled By A Mt. Clemens Boating Accident Attorney As of 2013, there were just over 11,993,000 recreational water vessels registered across the nation (down from 12,102,000 vessels in 2012). As warmer months lead to partying and partying includes alcohol, many boat-related injuries and fatalities involve impaired operators or passengers. The most common type of boat accidents involve two or more vessels crashing into one another. This is more common than one might imagine in narrow crossings or when chemical enhancements are involved. For some reason, many boaters believe that since they’re in the water, serious injuries and even fatalities won’t occur. But that cannot be further from the truth. In 2013 alone, open and cabin motorboats, personal water crafts, canoes, and pontoons were the five top water vessels involved in accidents. The top accident types included collision with another vessel, flooding of the watercraft, collisions with a still object, electrical issues, and skier accidents. Of the 2,535 nationwide accidents from the main vessel types, 1,639 resulted in injuries and 185 in fatalities. Boating-related injuries and fatalities have steadily declined over the past seven years, not only across the country but in Michigan as well. The state saw 12 fatalities in 2012, down 14 percent from the three years prior. Does This Mean Macomb County, Michigan Residents Are Risk-Free on the Water? Any type of activity requires proper planning and safety measures. Follow basic safety guidelines and your adventure will be less risky. But recreational boating will never be completely risk-free. Just as you cannot control what other drivers decide to do on the open road, the only control you have on the waterways is that of your own vessel and behavior. Alcohol usage is the top contributing factor in boating fatalities, with an average of 1 out of every 7 boaters impaired to some degree. Operator inattention, inexperience, machine failure, and speed all play a huge role. Seventy percent of fatalities are drowning victims, and 84 percent of these do so from not wearing a life jacket or other flotation device. Even with proper boating instruction, 14 percent of deaths occur on properly manned vessels due to a combination of the other errors. As such, the U.S. Coast Guard encourages all boaters to be responsible. Wear a life jacket. Stay up-to-date with boating instructional courses. Get your vessel checked prior to boating season. And, just as you’d avoid drinking while driving a car, avoid alcohol for boating activity as well.

#boating accidents #michigan personal injury attorney

Who's to Blame for Your Skiing Accident?

Skiing has been a staple of American winter recreation forgenerations. Surprisingly, the recreational activity originally stemmed from need. The first skis were invented around 8,000 BC, after the last Ice Age. Stone Age hunters strapped 8-foot-long slabs of wood to their feet to help them glide over snow and ice in search of wild game—survival of the fittest in its truest form. Each century or era has had its own version and need for skis. Today’s skis are aerodynamic wonders made of lightweight carbon and fiberglass materials. But even with the promise of top performance in the crisp wintry air, keeping your Mt Clemens skiing accident attorney on speed dial is a smart move.

When Is a Skiing Accident Your Fault? Anyone can fall on ice and snow. But when you’re racing down a steep snow-covered hill on fiberglass slabs, chances of injuries increase dramatically. Ski injuries range from mild to life-threatening to fatal. Knee injuries, leg fractures, and joint sprains are exceedingly common. But traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and even comas can easily occur on the slopes as well. An estimated 200 million skiers hit the slopes annually, and that leads to a lot of injury claims. The most common issues arise from skier collisions, equipment failure, ski area or operator negligence, and ski lift accidents. Obviously, if your accident is due to your own negligence, the fault is clearly yours—inexperience, inebriation, improper attention, loose bindings, and weather conditions are not the fault of the ski center. Sometimes, however, injury is due to improper business conditions. And in these cases, a competent Michigan personal injury attorney can help ensure you receive appropriate remuneration for your suffering. When Can You File a Skiing Accident Claim in Macomb County, Michigan? Michigan winters can supply a wealth of outside activity opportunities. The state’s 50 public ski areas provide limitless enjoyment for day or night winter sports enthusiasts, but the state has minimal safety requirements for the popular sport. Still in existence, Michigan’s "Ski Area Safety Act of 1962" is not only the oldest ski safety act in the nation, but it also provides the weakest mandates for skier safety. As such, Michigan law has often rejected claims against ski operators due to the poor statewide legal standards. While Michigan’s current mandates don’t come close to complying with other winter sports states, the law still recognizes and demands certain safety requirements on the business end. According to the National Ski Areas Association, only 13 fatalities have been linked to riding in a chair lift since 1973. That’s not to say dozens of accidents don’t occur from improper handling and usage annually. But the fatality aspect for that alone is a rarity. When serious issues do arise from improper care and control on the business end, it’s usually related to ground care. Equipment neglect, inactive snow combing or grooming, and improper management can lead to unexpected pain and suffering. If and when that happens, a competent personal injury attorney can help you to avoid unnecessary stress as you heal enough to once again enjoy next year’s ski season.

#skiing accidents #skiing injuries #michigan personal injury attorney

How the Price of Gas Impacts Driving Fatalities

Americans rejoice as gas prices continue to plummet acrossthe country. In fact, from Mt Clemens, to Muskegon, state gas prices are the lowest they’ve been in years. Averages range from $2.19 – $2.52 per gallon, nearly a dollar less per gallon versus this time last year. Southernmost states have recorded even lower prices, many at less than $2 per gallon. Some experts expect these prices to remain steady or even fall further over the next several months, perhaps longer. As exciting as this is for the majority of drivers who live paycheck-to-paycheck, economic experts warn that there is a major negative issue surrounding the falling prices.

How Can Falling Gas Prices Be a Bad Thing? Shankar Vedantam of NPR recently reported findings of an analysis between the falling gas prices of 144 countries. He found a serious downside to cheaper gas: more accidents, more injuries, and more fatalities. South Dakota State University sociology professor, Guangqing Chi, put the result of his study on the impact of gas prices on traffic safety in layman’s terms. The professor analyzed the connection between gas prices and traffic fatalities for two different extended periods of time: 1998 to 2007 and 2004 to 2012. Crash data statistics from three southern states – Alabama, Minnesota, and Mississippi – showed clear and unshakable relations between vehicle fatalities and lower gas prices. Comparing the fatality-to-gas price stats in Minnesota, the professor estimated that a $.20 drop in gas price led to 15 more state-wide deaths annually. That seems a small number until it's extrapolated to a price drop of day, $2 per gallon, at which the fatality total jumps to an extra 9,000 per year. And any auto accident attorney can tell you that is a scary potential reality. Chi’s study is not the only one noted for finding the connection. States all across the nation have reported similar concerns. And America isn't alone – not by far. Auto accidents are the cause of almost 1.5 million deaths worldwide daily. According to Australian economists, another worldwide study dated between 1991 and 2010 shows a solid connection between global deaths and 20% blanket fall in fuel prices. Falling gas prices especially affect the driving behaviors of teenagers and inexperienced drivers who wind up on the roads more often when gas prices are reasonable. As teenagers comprise both groups and are responsible for the majority of vehicle-related fatalities, the connection is irrefutable. What Can Be Done to Decrease the Risks of Injury or Fatality on the Road? There are always ways to reduce the risks of dangerous driving behavior, and AAA provides many wonderful tips to improve safety on the road, including preparing your vehicle and planning in advance. The fewer trips needed and better your car is running, the more likely you are to make it home safely. Keep your vehicle as light as possible. This means limiting cargo and passengers to improve gas economy. Drive the speed limit, and lighten up on the accelerator and brake pedals. Gently accelerating and being respectful on the roads can increase fuel efficiency by up to 33 percent. Of course, it’s also important to understand that what improves fuel efficiency also improves our driving.

#Automobile Accidents #mt clemens michigan auto accident attorney

Distracted Driving A Hot-Button Topic for Car Makers

Auto accidents have become such a pivotal part of daily lifethat one can barely go a week without hearing of potential fatalities, and that includes here in Mt. Clemens, Michigan. The most deadly accidents continue to center around distracted driving—a situation which has become an epidemic among drivers of all ages. The top form of distraction is texting which, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, is six times more likely than alcohol to cause a driver to crash than alcohol, causes 23 times as many crashes than non-distracted driving and, overall, is responsible for 25 percent of all driving-related accidents. As drivers become more and more reliant on technology and gadgets, car makers and IT companies are working together to implement campaigns to stop the unnecessary carnage caused by distracted driving. The following campaigns are among some of the best recent efforts.

BMW Goes to School With American Teenagers When the CDC asked car makers to help reduce distracted driving incidents across the nation, BMW was among the first car manufacturers to step up to the plate. And the luxury car maker really hit the ball out of the park. In June 2011, BMW of North America began a year-long campaign called "DON'T TEXT AND DRIVE: When the Engine Starts, the Texting Stops." Using the power of peer pressure, various versions of the campaign were incorporated at 100 teen driving schools across America. Hangtags and static-cling decals were also used in car showrooms throughout the year. The simple, but effective, campaign helped get the point across that major car makers are putting personal safety over profits. Life360 and Ford Are Helping Drivers Avoid Unnecessary Calls to Their Auto Accident Attorney Life360 is an app developed in 2008 by Chris Hulls and Alex Haro. The purpose of the app is to connect family and friends via its locator-based service. By allowing members to share each other's locations with one another at any given moment, it acts as a “family-oriented private social network.” The app is a fantastic tool for teens and parents, as well as anyone who wants to ensure they’ll always be a touch away from safety. When partnered with Ford Motor Company and synched with Ford SYNC AppLink, the app morphs into drive mode. The apps work together through Bluetooth and benefits thousands by saving lives that might otherwise be lost to distracted driving. When a driver enters their Ford vehicle, Bluetooth informs family and friends listed on Life360 that the person is driving and message response is temporarily on-hold until the driver reaches his destination. The app can also tell when the car has stopped and be programmed to inform contacts that calls and texts can resume. Nissan’s Red Thumb Campaign Captures the Nation's Attention Nissan used an old-school technique to get the nation’s attention and put an end to distracted driving. How? Through good old-fashioned brain conditioning. Nissan opted for a non-tech approach to combat the more than 1.6 million auto accidents resulting from distracted driving. The Red Thumb Campaign is as simple and brilliant as it can be. Pictures have been posted on Instagram with hashtags of the campaign name to create a viral effect. The picture: a simple red thumbnail. The Red Thumb Campaign merely involves painting your right thumbnail (or whichever one you use to text in your vehicle) bright red as a reminder to STOP TEXTING! The original concept may have seemed absurd, but its popularity is proving otherwise.

#auto accidents #mt clemens michigan auto accident attorney

Watching Your Every Move: The Auto Little Black Box

Until recently, when one thought of little black boxes, airtravel usually came to mind. Today, however, the black box technology has been implemented into road vehicles. Surprisingly, black boxes have been randomly inserted into vehicles since the 1970s. They became commonplace additions by GM and Ford in the mid 1990s. And through 2013, all new vehicles containing airbags also included black boxes. Overall, at least 85 percent of all automobiles on the road contain black box technology.

How Do Black Boxes Help Control Auto Accidents in Mt. Clemens, Michigan? Implemented within the airbag deployment unit, a little black box – roughly the size of a deck of playing cards – records all information regarding your driving experience from the moment the ignition turns over. If the trip goes smoothly and a collision does not occur, the information is erased when the car stops. If a collision does occur, however, vital info is saved to serve as potential verification of your responsibility or lack thereof. The black box information aids in discovering the cause of the crash and supports the need of vehicle recalls, so that everyone on the road can get back to their lives. And the recorded information can help your auto accident attorney in the event that financial or medical compensation is needed on your behalf. In 2012, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration made a proposition that black boxes be installed in all light passenger vehicles. That has since been made a federal law, ensuring that all passenger vehicles of any size carry the Event Data Recorders or EDRs. However, while EDRs are intended to improve safety and explain the cause-effect of auto accidents, many people and groups doubt the innocent nature of these modern technological wonders. But why? What Are the Negative Issues Regarding Black Boxes for Cars? It sounds like a good idea to have reliable technological backup in the event human memory falters. And when that information remains reliable, it’s wonderful. But challengers of the black box law see the flaws in the system and are sharing those concerns. Regulations have been set to ensure as much privacy as the government deems appropriate, but some drivers disagree with these privacy limits. The EDRs collect information based on the car, not necessarily a specific driver. This can be troublesome if someone else besides the owner of the vehicle is driving at the time of the collision. The law also allows information to be collected without a court order. (Fifteen states have thus far demanded statutes that require warrants before black box data can be released for legal purposes). Courts stand on both of this issue, and manslaughter cases have already been overturned due to mishandling the evidence according to state ruling. How much privacy are we entitled to when we're behind the wheel of the car? And how much control should the government have over this aspect of our private lives? Currently, EDRs deal strictly with auto accidents, but many people realize how easily technology could advance to enable the police, license bureaus and insurance agencies to cash in on the technology at the expense of licensed drivers. The fact remains, however, that EDRs are here to stay. As long as strict rules are imposed to use them for their original purpose, the little black boxes can be beneficial.

#mt clemens michigan auto accident attorney #auto accidents

Are Truck Drivers Putting You in Danger?

Truck drivers are a valued and important part of ourexistence. From food to technology, almost everything we need is obtained with the aid of professional truck drivers and delivery personnel. But driving a truck is one of the most underappreciated and dangerous jobs in the nation. Tracy Morgan’s summer accident (and traumatic brain injury) resulting from a collision with a Wal-Mart truck alerted the public to the issue of overworked drivers. Morgan's story certainly wasn’t the first of its kind, nor will it be the last. Whether you live in Los Angeles, California, or Mt. Clemens, Michigan, you’re likely to see, hear, or read about auto accidents and lawsuits involving truck drivers or trucking companies.

Why Is Truck Driving Such a Dangerous Profession? American is a nation of immediate gratification. We want stuff, and we want it now. But the things we covet don’t just materialize out of thin air. The ever-increasing demand for goods and services causes an increasing need for skilled and qualified truck drivers. Unfortunately, there aren’t enough federal regulations for full and proper training. Oftentimes, training is cut short or streamlined in order to fill a company's need to get its drivers on the road. Ask a regulator, an auto accident attorney, an industry professional, and an injury victim about the cause of a trucking-related fatality, and you’ll be presented with a variety of conflicting answers. And all of those answers will be correct. Most truck-related accidents are caused by human error. Eating while on the road, fishing for directions or a schedule while behind the wheel, and other types of distracted driving are serious issues which affect all drivers. Long nights away from family cause many a driver to multitask, using cell phones to connect while working. And tight schedules lead to lack of sleep and exhausted truckers, which is the main culprit of most truck driving accidents. These dangerous situations have led to an increasing number of lawsuits for trucking businesses and employees alike. Cell phone usage behind the wheel is completely outlawed for truckers, and those who break those laws can cause serious liability lawsuits for their employers. A major nationwide lawsuit was filed in September 2014 over the DOT's and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s lack of uniform CDL standards for training and instruction. And private businesses, such as Pilot Flying Travel Centers, are being hit hard for cheating trucking companies out of fuel rebates and other price breaks originally promised. These individual and widespread failures all lead to continuous deadly accidents that result from tight schedules and unreasonable demands of human workers. How Common, Really, Are Trucking Accidents? According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 3 million truck drivers drove almost 10,650,000 trucks for almost 163,360,000 U.S highway miles in 2012. That same year saw 3,921 truck crash fatalities and 104,000 injuries. That averages out to be 10 fatalities and more than 280 injuries per day. Compare that to the idea of a jet crashing every week with total onboard fatalities. An almost 20 percent increase in truck driving-related accidents tops the cake and confirms this profession as one of the most dangerous in the country. Why, then, isn’t the nation screaming for justice for these overworked souls? Because the incidents are so far alienated from one another that it’s easy to ignore or assume the problem is nowhere near as bad as it appears to be.

#auto accidents #mt clemens michigan auto accident attorney

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