11 December

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Letting A Dog On Your Lap While Driving May Soon Be Illegal

We've all seen it (and have possibly been guilty of it ourselves): letting a dog sit on our lap while driving. Problem is, having a dog on your lap while driving is a distraction that takes your eyes off the road and may cause a Michigan car accident. This is why House Bill 5277 has been introduced in the Legislature. The measure would prohibit dogs on the laps of Michigan drivers. The proposal is straightforward and says, "An individual shall not operate a motor vehicle while a dog is sitting on his or her lap." If the bill ultimately passes, this...

20 November

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Semi-Truck Side Guards: Do They Reduce Crash Fatalities?

Posted by lmurphy

in Motor Vehicle Crashes, Safety Information, Semi-Trucks

Michigan semi-truck accident injuries can be devastating, and are often fatal. This is not only due to the sheer weight and size of the trucks, but also because smaller vehicles can slide underneath these large trucks, resulting in even more catastrophic injuries. There are, however, ways to help reduce this type of tragedy, including the use of semi-truck side guards. Right now, long-haul commercial trucks in the United States are only required to have rear under-ride guards. These devices (also called "Mansfield bars" after the death of actress Jayne Mansfield in a rear-end collision with a semi-truck) are designed to keep...

09 November

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Using An Auto Accident Case Manager? Here’s What You Need To Know

Posted by lmurphy

in Motor Vehicle Crashes

Under the no-fault law, persons who are injured in motor vehicle collisions can use the services of an auto accident case manager. Basically, a case manager helps injured individuals coordinate their medical care during their recovery. It's crucial that Michigan car accident victims understand the nuances of using an auto accident case manager. Why? Because some insurance companies lead their insureds to believe that they must use a case manager selected by the insurance carrier, or else risk jeopardizing a claim for no-fault PIP benefits. This simply is not true. Here's why. Auto Accident Case Manager Services And The No-Fault Law The services of...

26 October

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Traffic Accident Deaths Spike For Pedestrians, Motorcyclists, Bicyclists

Posted by lmurphy

in Motor Vehicle Crashes, Motorcycles, Wrongful Death

Last year, there were more than 37,000 traffic accident deaths in the United States -- an increase of 5.6% over the previous year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). What stands out among these latest NHTSA findings? In 2016, there was a noticeable uptick in traffic accident deaths involving pedestrians, motorcyclists and bicyclists. Traffic Accident Deaths: Pedestrians, Motorcyclists And Bicyclists There were 5,987 traffic accident deaths involving pedestrians across the United States in 2016 -- an increase of 9%. This is the highest number since 1990. The spike in pedestrian accidents can be attributed to many factors, including more speeding motorists, distracted...

09 October

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Beware: AAA Insurance Is Using “Step-Down” Clauses In Its Auto Policies

Posted by lmurphy

in Auto Insurance

For some time, we've been cautioning Michigan consumers about "step-down" auto insurance clauses. Step-down clauses are a nightmare for families because they drastically limit coverage for relatives who are injured while riding in the insured's vehicle. The companies that use these repugnant clauses are GEICO, USAA, Progressive, Farm Bureau and Grange. Now, we're adding AAA Insurance to the list. Warning: if you have a policy with AAA Insurance, pay close attention when you get your renewal notice. Based on information that we've received, AAA no-fault policies issued as of August 1, 2017, will include a step-down provision (also called an "intra-family...

02 October

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Michigan Accident Victims May Face Lawsuits Over Unpaid Medical Bills

Posted by lmurphy

in Motor Vehicle Crashes

"[H]ealthcare providers do not possess a statutory cause of action against no-fault insurers for recovery of personal protection insurance benefits under the no-fault act.” ~ Michigan Supreme Court, Covenant Medical Center v State Farm [hr_shadow] A few months ago, the Michigan Supreme Court issued a decision that could affect thousands of Michigan drivers with auto no-fault insurance. How so? Because the Court's decision involves who can -- and cannot -- be sued for unpaid medical bills after a Michigan car accident injury. Covenant: Medical Providers Can't Sue Insurers For Unpaid Bills In Covenant Medical Center v State Farm, the Michigan Supreme Court held that...

22 September

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I-96 I-69 Accidents In Lansing Average Nearly 100 Each Year

Posted by lmurphy

in Motor Vehicle Crashes

[vc_row triangle_shape="no"][vc_column][vc_column_text]The I-96 I-69 interchange in Lansing is a major artery through which hundreds, if not thousands, of motorists travel every day. As such, the interchange has its fair share of fender benders, as well as serious collisions. In the last five years, there were a total of 437 crashes along the interchange, an average of 87 per year. While the number of fatal crashes in the area remains low at the interchange an I-96 I-69 accident in 2015 killed a 13-year-old boy and injured several of the boy's family members, who were thrown from the SUV in which they were...

05 September

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Michigan Motorcycle Laws Are Changing In October 2017

Posted by lmurphy

in Fox 17, Michigan Laws, Motorcycles

The cost to ride a motorcycle in Michigan is about to go up -- but for a good reason. On Oct. 25, 2017, several new Michigan motorcycle laws go into effect. Here's the rundown. First, the cost of an original motorcycle endorsement, as well as the fee for a renewal, is going to increase. An original endorsement has been $13.50, but will now cost $16. A renewal has been $5, but will now cost $7. Where will this extra money go? Into a "Motorcycle Safety & Education Awareness Fund," administered by the Michigan Department of Treasury. It’s estimated that an additional $250,000...

31 July

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George Sinas Named A “Top 10” Michigan Personal Injury Lawyer

Posted by lmurphy

in Recognition

George Sinas has been recognized by Leading Lawyers as a “Top 10" Michigan plaintiffs' personal injury lawyer. He is one of only two personal injury attorneys outside the metro-Detroit area to be listed in the Top 10. “I am humbled to receive such recognition,” said George, who is managing partner at the Sinas Dramis Law Firm. “This is especially true considering the other outstanding personal injury lawyers who are listed. It’s an honor to be in their company.” George has also been named by Leading Lawyers as one of Michigan’s "Top 10 Consumer Lawyers." Attorneys who are recognized by Leading Lawyers are recommended...

31 July

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Michigan Auto Insurance Rates: How Are They Determined?

Posted by lmurphy

in Auto Insurance, Fox 17

If you drive a motor vehicle, you already know that Michigan auto insurance rates are reportedly among the highest in the nation. Why is this? Many place blame for costly auto insurance in Michigan on the state's no-fault system, which pays a car accident victim's medical expenses for as long as needed, in addition to other benefits that help with the victim's recovery. However, it's important to recognize that various other factors also influence Michigan auto insurance rates. One factor that affects how much consumers pay for car insurance in Michigan -- and one that isn't often discussed -- is that insurance...

Letting A Dog On Your Lap While Driving May Soon Be Illegal

Semi-Truck Side Guards: Do They Reduce Crash Fatalities?

Using An Auto Accident Case Manager? Here’s What You Need To Know

Traffic Accident Deaths Spike For Pedestrians, Motorcyclists, Bicyclists

Beware: AAA Insurance Is Using “Step-Down” Clauses In Its Auto Policies

Michigan Accident Victims May Face Lawsuits Over Unpaid Medical Bills

I-96 I-69 Accidents In Lansing Average Nearly 100 Each Year

Michigan Motorcycle Laws Are Changing In October 2017

George Sinas Named A “Top 10” Michigan Personal Injury Lawyer

Michigan Auto Insurance Rates: How Are They Determined?

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