Auto Threshold Law – A Year in Review
Tom Sinas provides a one-year analysis of Michigan's auto threshold law. …
Most Recent
Silent Crash Podcast – The Quiet Unraveling of Michigan’s Auto No-Fault
Must-listen new podcast, "Silent Crash: The Quiet Unraveling of Michigan's Auto No-Fault" sheds light on the concerning new realm in Michigan's auto related healthcare. …
Brian McKenna Recognized in 2022 “Top Lawyers” in Detroit Business Magazine
Giving Michigan’s seriously injured a voice and helping them obtain the benefits they deserve is where Sinas Dramis Partner and Metro-Detroit Personal Injury Attorney Brian McKenna has devoted his entire career. We’re extremely excited to announce that Brian was recognized for his efforts, appearing in Detroit Business Magazine’s 2022 “Top …
Sinas Dramis Earns 2022 “Best Law Firm” Recognition
Sinas Dramis Law Firm is pleased to announce once again the firm’s rankings in the 2022 “Best Law Firm” List. These rankings demonstrate our commitment to justice, Knowledge of the law, and esteemed reputation with our clients and legal community. …
Recovering Lost Income in the Wake of a Crash
In the months and years following the Michigan 2019 auto no-fault reform, there’s been a lot of talk about how it affects the coverage of medical bills, but another important piece to consider is recovering lost income under new auto no-fault laws. …
Understanding Parental Liability for Teen Drivers
It goes without saying, teaching someone to drive, especially teenagers, is no small endeavor and it requires hours of training and supervision. Under Michigan law, teenagers must go through the Graduated Driver Licensing System before they can apply for a license. In a recent appearance on Fox 17’s “Know the …
10 Warning Signs for People Injured in Michigan Accidents
Getting into a crash is never something you want to happen, but, unfortunately, crashes happen every day in Michigan. If you are injured in a crash, you must be aware of the challenges you may face under these new laws. In a recent episode of WLAJ’s “In the Name of The Law” Lansing Car Accident Attorneys Katie Tucker and Steve …
Personal Injury Misconceptions – How the Legal System Works When Injured Because of Another
Personal injury misconceptions abound. This article demystifies some of the most common misconceptions and explains how the legal system works when injured as the result of another's negligence. …
How to Spot an Impaired Driver and What to Know If You’re in a Crash with One
Here's how to spot impaired driving and everything you need to know about your rights if you were injured in a crash caused by an impaired driver. …
Sexual Abuse Laws in Michigan
Federal laws and sexual abuse laws in Michigan aim to help protect people from assault in addition to strengthening a victim's course of redress. …
Understanding an Auto Insurance Declaration Sheet and Your Coverage
Following 2019 auto no-fault law changes, Sinas Dramis is highlighting the importance of understanding an auto insurance declaration sheet and your coverage. …
Understanding the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association, Assigned Claims Plan
It's important for drivers to understand the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association versus the Assigned Claims plan, and how it affects them. …
Suing At-Fault Drivers Under New Michigan No-Fault Law
Since 2019, all Michigan motorists face significantly higher liability, and because of this has further opened the door for suing at-fault drivers under the new Michigan no-fault law. …
James F. Graves Receives Thomas E. Brennan Lifetime Achievement Award
Jim Graves received Ingham County Bar Association's 2021 Thomas E. Brennan Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition to his service and dedication in Michigan personal injury law. …
How Car Crashes Result in Criminal and Civil Cases
In some cases, car crashes result in criminal and civil cases for the at-fault driver, depending on the nature of the crash and injuries. …
New Title IX Regulations Strengthen Protections for All Students
New Title IX regulations effective in August 2020 seek to strengthen protections for all students. Our sexual assault attorneys explain more. …
NO-FAULT FIX: A Care System That No Longer Makes Sense
Changes to Michigan's auto no-fault laws in 2019 have left those injured in crashes across the state calling on the state legislature for a no-fault fix. …
Importance of Unlimited PIP Benefits and Understanding Your Auto Insurance Coverage
In this article, we spotlight several of our actual clients to help readers understand the crucial importance of unlimited PIP benefits. …
Understanding Michigan Youth Concussion Law
As kids hit the field or court for another season, it's important coaches, players, and parents understand Michigan youth concussion law. …
Does Michigan No-Fault Reform Actually Crack Down on Auto Insurance Fraud?
While Michigan's new auto insurance law attempts to crack down on fraud, insurance companies gain more power for stopping auto insurance fraud while consumers are left with little protection. …
Can I Sue for Injuries from a Car Crash That Wasn’t My Fault if I Don’t Have Insurance?
This article answers a question we often receive: can I sue for injuries from a car crash that wasn't my fault if I don't have insurance? …
Car Crash Caused by Bright Headlights: Who is at Fault?
Bright, oncoming headlights make roadways hazardous, and if you were injured in a car crash caused by bright headlights, you need to understand your legal rights. …
Super Lawyers Recognizes 10 Sinas Dramis Attorneys & Names George Sinas “Top 100 Lawyer”
Ten Sinas Dramis were named to the Michigan Super Lawyers 2021 list, in addition to George Sinas' recognition as a "Top 100 Lawyer" in Michigan. …
Elisabeth Ostendorf – a Story of Love, Justice, and Complex Auto Litigation
Our client, Elisabeth Ostendorf, was tragically injured in 2014 when she was struck by an MSU employee on campus. WLNS 6 recently featured her story of love, justice, and the complex auto litigation that unfolded. …
Bryan Waldman Named 2022 “Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyers
We are pleased to share that five Sinas Dramis attorneys have been recognized in the 2022 publication of Best Lawyers in America in the area of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. This includes firm President Bryan Waldman, who has been additionally recognized as the 2022 “Lawyer of the Year” in …
Should I Seek Chiropractic Care After a Car Crash?
Many injuries from a crash require a variety of services, therapies, and treatment to fully rehabilitate, including chiropractic care after a car crash. Learn if no-fault covers this benefit. …
E-Scooter Rental Agreement: Riders Beware Language Limiting Your Rights
With electric scooters on nearly every city sidewalk these days, users are likely signing an e-scooter rental agreement that limits their rights if injured in a crash. …
Auto Law’s Alphabet Soup: PIP, MACP, and ERISA Health Plans
Tom Sinas explains Michigan auto law's alphabet soup: PIP, MACP, and ERISA health plans and which insurer is responsibility for paying no-fault benefits. …
Proving Fault in Car Crashes: What is Comparative Negligence?
In some Michigan car accidents, fault isn't necessarily 100% clear. Under comparative negligence, the conduct of both drivers is factored into potential recovery on behalf of the injured person. …
Proposed Increase to Federal Semi-Truck Liability Insurance Requirements
Infrastructure talks in Washington include an increase in semi-truck liability insurance, which could have big impacts on Michigan motorists under the new auto insurance law. …
Am I Liable if a Trespasser is Injured on My Property?
What happens if someone comes onto your property without an invite and gets hurt? This is a great question to ask - especially regarding kids during trampoline and swimming pool season. …
Does it Cost Money to File a Lawsuit?
One of the first questions potential clients ask us is what does it cost to file a lawsuit? In this article, we explain attorney contingency fees, which is commonly used in personal injury cases. …
Katie Tucker Receives 2021 Women Lawyers Association of Michigan (WLAM) Award
We are pleased to announce that firm Partner, Katie Tucker, has received the 2021 WLAM award in recognition of her exceptional leadership skills. …
A Guide to Michigan’s Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Laws
Learn about Michigan's rules, regulations, and laws for off-road vehicles (ORVs). …
COVID-19 Impacts on the Michigan Legal System
In a recent WKTV "Journal in Focus" interview, attorney Tom Sinas describes COVID-19 impacts on the Michigan legal system. …
Should I Seek Medical Treatment After a Car Crash?
Seeking medical treatment after a car crash is important for not only identifying possibly serious injuries, but also preserving your rights to access auto no-fault PIP benefits. …
Press Conference: Bipartisan Concerns Over No-Fault Retroactive Application
On Wednesday, June 9, a group of bipartisan legislators who signed a memo of support regarding the concerns over no-fault retroactive application participated in a press conference in Lansing. Sinas Dramis Law Firm attorney George Sinas spoke at this event. …
HB 4809 Seeks to Close Loophole for Michigan Motorcyclists
HB 4809 pends before the Michigan legislation, seeking to fix issues created by the 2019 no-fault reform for Michigan motorcyclists. …
Attorney Jon Homa Transitions to Grand Rapids Office
We are pleased to announce that Michigan personal injury lawyer, Jon Homa, is transitioning his work from Lansing to Grand Rapids. Jon joins our Grand Rapids personal injury team and now works out of our Fulton street office. This recent development will allow us to continue to best serve our …
Can Unlicensed Drivers Receive No-Fault Benefits?
A recent Court of Appeals decision answered an important no-fault disqualification question: can unlicensed drivers receive no-fault benefits? …
The Problem with Michigan’s New PIP Choice Auto Insurance Options
In Part 2 of his WKTV Journal in Focus interview, Grand Rapids car accident lawyer, Tom Sinas, explains the problem with Michigan's new PIP choice options. …
Don’t Ignore These Delayed Symptoms of Injuries Following a Car Crash
Sometimes people write off aches and pains after an accident, but these symptoms of injuries following a car crash can indicate something serious is going on and shouldn't be ignored. …
Auto No-Fault Medical Provider Changes Under New Car Insurance Law
Tom Sinas interviewed recently with WKTV Journal in Focus to discuss several topics including the upcoming changes for medical providers under the new auto no-fault law which going into effect July 1. …
LP Gas Safety – Preventing Residential Fires and Explosions
As a Kalamazoo personal injury attorney of over 35 years, I have represented many individuals and families who have suffered serious and catastrophic burn injuries as the result of LP gas system leaks. In virtually every case, a lack of application of basic and required safety rules caused these fires …
Michigan Supreme Court Response to COVID-19
Stay up-to-date on how the Michigan Courts are responding to the coronavirus pandemic. …
Car Insurance Phone Apps: Beware the Convenience Temptation
With the digital world at our fingertips, insurers are trying to get us to do more and more via mobile devices, but using car insurance phone apps could come with dire consequences. …
George Sinas and Joel Finnell Publish The No-Fault Tort Threshold: A Comprehensive Survey of the Law
George Sinas and Joel Finnell have recently written "The No-Fault Tort Threshold: A Comprehensive Survey of the Law," which is now available for purchase through the Michigan Association for Justice. …
What is Alternative Dispute Resolution in Civil Lawsuits?
Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is a means of resolving a legal matter outside the courtroom. With jury trials postponed significantly due to COVID-19, Michigan is experiencing a high rise in ADR. …
Recent Appellate Decisions Dismantle Weapon Used by Insurers to Take Away No-Fault Benefits
Since 2014, no-fault insurers have been deploying a ruthless weapon against people injured in a motor vehicle accident: identifying what insurers believe to be false statements in the processing of PIP claims and then seeking to void the entire underlying insurance policy. This has resulted in terminating all auto no-fault …
Justice for All – Initiative to Help Those Representing Themselves in Civil Cases
The Michigan Supreme Court recently announced “Justice for All” – a new initiative that hopes to help people handle their own civil claims. …
Struggle for Accountability in Cases of Sexual Assault – Michigan AG Closes Nassar/MSU Investigation
On the eve of the 2021 Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Michigan Attorney General, Dana Nessel, announced her office was forced to close its investigation into the MSU and Larry Nassar scandal that rocked the Michigan State University campus and nation. Accountability in cases of sexual assault is crucial to survivors, …
Katie Tucker – Only Lansing Personal Injury Lawyer Recognized as a Top Woman Attorney
We are pleased to announce that Sinas Dramis Partner, Katie Tucker, has received the incredible distinction as the only Lansing-based personal injury attorney recognized on the Super Lawyers’ Top Women Attorneys list for 2021. This recognition further signals Katie’s deep commitment to both the community and her clients in Lansing …
Do I Still Get Michigan No-Fault Benefits if I Was in Car Accident in Another State?
What happens if a Michigan driver is in a car crash in another state? Do they still get Michigan no-fault benefits? Tom Sinas recently answered these questions in a "Know the Law" segment. …
MSU Center for Survivors and MSU Sexual Assault Healthcare Program
Sexual assault attorney, Jackie Dupler, recently had the honor of touring the new MSU Center for Survivors of Sexual Assault Healthcare Program and is pleased with the innovative services not available for greater-Lansing residents. …
Women’s History Month – Exploring and Celebrating Women in the Law
As March nears its end, and another Women’s History Month comes to a close, we at Sinas Dramis Law Firm wish to take a moment to not only recognize the tireless efforts of the many women that make up the Sinas Dramis team, but to explore the larger topic of …
Distracted Driving Michigan – Where We’re At, Where We’re (Hopefully) Going
This article provides an overview of Michigan's current distracted driving laws, as well as the proposed bills to strengthen those laws and protect the people of Michigan. …
First Responders Injured in Car Accidents
The past year has brought more tragic instances of first responders injured in car accidents by careless drivers in Michigan. The rights of those injured or tragically killed in these collisions are complex. …
Bryan Waldman Earns American Board of Trial Advocates Membership
Bryan Waldman was recently accepted into the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), a prestigious invitation-only national group of attorneys committed to the preservation and promotion of the 7th Amendment. …
Snowy Sidewalks, Cars, and the Michigan Snow Removal Law
Michigan winters come with a lot of snow, ice, and slush. Understanding state snow removal laws, including clearing snow from vehicles, is essential. …
Dram Shop Law – Social Host Liability and Liability for Retail Licensees
Michigan's dram shop laws prohibit the serving of alcohol to minors and those visibly intoxicated. In fact, people injured in accidents caused by serving alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person may have the right to bring a claim against the restaurant or bar that provided the alcohol. …
Michigan Snowmobile Laws – Keeping Riders Safe This Winter
Snowmobiling is big in Michigan - this article explains the laws in our state surrounding the sport as well as additional safety tips. …
New Auto Liability Insurance Limits, New Complexities
2020 was so dizzying that it is hard to keep track of the many changes in our lives. You are thus in good company if you did not notice that automobile liability insurance limits underwent a historic change, courtesy of the auto no-fault overhaul known as Public Acts 21 and …
Obtaining Compensation for Vehicle Damage Claims in Michigan
Effective July 2020, Michigan's mini-tort maximum for vehicle damages will increase from $1,000 to $3,000. It is important to note that fault is imperative in these types of cases. …
New Auto No-Fault Law Significantly Impacts Uninsured Children
A recent tragedy involving a family riding in a horse-drawn buggy and a motor vehicle bears the question - where do children whose parents don't have a no-fault policy turn to for no-fault benefits? …
What are the Laws Pertaining to Skiing in Michigan?
Michigan has enacted certain laws to keep skiers safe and set forth rules skiers and ski hills must follow in order to skiers safe. …
Won’t My Health Insurance Cover My Car Accident Injuries?
Recommended Michigan Car Insurance and the New No-Fault Law Michigan Auto Insurance Changes – What Buyers Need to Know Should I Opt-Out of PIP Coverage if I Have Medicare or Medicaid? …
Tom Sinas Receives “Best of Grand Rapids” Distinction by Grand Rapids Magazine
Tom Sinas received the best personal injury attorney in Grand Rapids distinction by readers of the Grand Rapids Magazine! …
Welcoming New Partners Brian McKenna and Catherine Tucker
We are pleased to announce the welcome addition of two new partners at Sinas Dramis Law Firm – Brian A. McKenna and Catherine E. Tucker. McKenna and Tucker join George T. Sinas, Michael E. Larkin, James F. Graves, Bryan J. Waldman, Stephen H. Sinas, and Thomas G. Sinas, making up …
Personal Injury Solicitation and Illegally Obtaining Police Reports
Federal prosecutors in Detroit recently announced guilty pleas and indictments of lawyers and others engaged in the alleged illegal solicitation of personal injury clients and selling of police reports. …
Address Confidentiality Program Legislation Passed to Protect Victims
Legislation for an Address Confidentiality Program was recently signed into Michigan law by Governor Whitmer after passing in the state House and Senate to protect victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking. This legislation plan allows for victims to obtain alternate identification (ID) numbers and a substitute …
Injured in a Rideshare Accident – No-Fault Benefits, Liability Claims
Rideshares - such as Uber and Lyft - are a popular way to get from point A to point B without the hassle and maintenance of owning your own vehicle. But in the unfortunate instance of becoming injured as a result of a rideshare crash, many people don't know if …
Delivery Person Injuries – Dangerous Properties, Dog Bites, and No-Fault Benefits
More than ever, Americans are doing much of their shopping online. Even prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, delivery jobs had become one of the fastest-growing jobs for Americans. Now over the past year, with more people across the country staying home and opting to avoid traditional brick and mortar retail …
Drunk Driving Laws in Michigan
Michigan has strict drunk driving laws in order to keep residents safe. Read up on these laws, as well as the financial repercussions of doing so. …
Tom Sinas Recognized as Top-Rated Grand Rapids Personal Injury Lawyer Second Year in a Row
The Grand Rapids Magazine and the Grand Rapids Business Journal recently announced their 2020 Top Lawyers List. For the second year in a row, Tom Sinas has been included on this distinguished list as a top-rated Grand Rapids personal injury attorney. Grand Rapids Top Lawyers List Every year, the Grand …
Do’s and Don’ts of Social Media After a Car Accident
While social media platforms are a popular way to share our daily lives with friends and family, they can also pose a danger to your auto accident injury claim. Posting about damage to your vehicle, the injuries you sustained or venting about the accident being “the other driver’s fault” might …
Michigan Court Rules on Youth Sports Concussion Liability
A recent Michigan Court of Appeals ruling represents a major victory regarding the rights of youth athletes throughout Michigan. In a unanimous ruling in the case of Randall v MHSAA, the Michigan Court of Appeals held that youth sports leagues that violate Michigan’s Youth Concussion Protection Statute by failing to …
Motorcycles, Company Cars, and the No-Fault “Choice” Fallacy
Proponents of the auto no-fault insurance overhaul known as Publics Acts 21 & 22 heralded the era of “choice.” The pitch went like this: since everyone loves choices, everyone will benefit when consumers can choose various monetary limits on allowable expense no-fault PIP benefits. While it makes for good marketing, …
Click it or Ticket – What is the Seat Belt Law in Michigan?
It should come as no surprise to learn that study upon study show that seat belts save lives. In fact, 39% of victims killed in motor vehicle collisions last year were not wearing their seat belt, and car crashes are sadly the leading cause of death in children ages 1-13. …
Don’t Get Hurt Twice – New Publication “Protecting the Injured”
The Michigan Legislature recently enacted major changes to the Michigan Auto No-Fault Law. The most important of these changes went into effect in July 2020. These new laws will have a substantial impact on the legal rights of people seriously injured in motor vehicle collisions, as well as the medical …
Winter Driving Tips – Sharing the Road with Semi-Trucks
As the temperatures continue to drop, it is becoming even more apparent that winter weather is on the way. While winter weather means holidays, bundling up by the fire, and crisp white snow, it also signals dangerous roadways. In particular, winter weather can produce dangerous conditions such as low visibility, …
Sinas Dramis Attorneys Play Key Role at Annual No-Fault Institute
For the 17th consecutive year, Sinas Dramis Managing Partner, George T. Sinas, co-moderated and presented at Michigan’s premier auto no-fault legal symposium—the MAJ No-Fault Institute. This annual event, sponsored by the Michigan Association for Justice (MAJ), is an intensive two-day seminar that focuses on the representation of injury victims and …
Sinas Dramis Listed Among State’s Best in Personal Injury Law
Sinas Dramis Law Firm, a statewide legal presence serving all of Michigan, has once again been listed as one of Michigan’s “Best Law Firms” in Plaintiffs personal injury litigation. This designation recently appeared in the 2021 edition of the U.S. News—Best Lawyers publication, Best Law Firms. This is the tenth …
What to do if You’re in a Car Accident While Pregnant
A person never plans to be in a car crash, and these types of accidents never discriminate. Crashes can involve both new teen drivers and experienced older drivers, small cars and semi-trucks, and insured and uninsured vehicles. It doesn’t matter who you are, how experienced a driver you are, where you’re …
What Drivers and Walkers Should Know About Grand Rapids Pedestrian Ordinances
Tom Sinas discusses the changes to the 2018 Grand Rapids pedestrian ordinances as well as how Michigan's no-fault reform impacts pedestrians injured in motor vehicle collisions who don't have insurance. …
Court System, Meet the No-Fault Choice Mess
Branded as "choice," Michigan's recent no-fault reform has left a wake of uncertainties, which are just now beginning to hit our court system. …
George Sinas Recognized as Lansing’s Only “Top 100 Lawyers” in Personal Injury Law by Super Lawyers
George T. Sinas is one of only five attorneys from the Greater Lansing area to make the Michigan Top 100 list. George was also the only personal injury attorney from the Greater Lansing area to be so designated. …
Auto No-Fault Lawsuit Challenges New Medical Provider Fee Schedule
Several developments, in this case, occurred in late 2020 and early 2021. An integral member of the legal team handling this case, Lansing auto accident attorney, Lauren Kissel, provides further updates on the auto no-fault lawsuit here. We recently wrote about our current lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Michigan’s recent …
Guardianship and Conservatorship in Personal Injury Law
In our many educational and informational efforts, we often discuss the unique role our court system plays in American life. However, one court we don’t often cover is the Probate Court, despite the integral role it plays. One of the many important functions of the Probate Court is granting guardianship …
Parent’s Guide to Insuring a Teenage Driver in Michigan
Have a teen in driver's training? This guide walks parents through the licensing process and which steps in that process trigger insuring a teenage driver. …
How is a Supreme Court Justice Appointed?
The recent death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has caused the process of how our Country selects Supreme Court Justices to become a focal point of public discourse. The significance of this process and the importance of an independent judiciary justifies the thought and attention of all U.S. …
Differences Between Service Dogs and Emotional Support Animals
Dogs are not just "man's best friend" but go by a range of names and perform a variety of useful functions, from service dogs or guide dogs to emotional support animals. Obtaining one of these animals can be a life-changing experience for a person who truly needs their specialized support, …
Auto No-Fault Lawsuit Challenges Limits on Family Provided Attendant Care
Michigan's auto no-fault system was majorly overhauled in the name of "driving down auto insurance rates" in 2019. As a law firm representing people catastrophically injured in motor vehicle collisions day-in and day-out, we felt this reform was not what was good for Michigan. …
Michigan Car Modification Laws – Lighting, Mufflers, Tinting, and More
You might notice cars out on the road with added lighting features, tinted windows, or noisy acceleration. While auto enthusiasts may enjoy having these fancy features on their vehicle, the Michigan Vehicle Code outlines car modification laws that must be followed for the safety of the driver and others out …
People’s Law School 2020 Goes Virtual!
We are pleased to announce that this year's People's Law School is going completely virtual! This free, legal educational series is an opportunity for Michigan residents to connect with some of the leading authorities in the legal field, including judges and lawyers, to learn important and timely legal topics relevant …
Recommended Michigan Car Insurance and the New No-Fault Law
Michigan’s new auto no-fault law is now in full effect, and many new car insurance options are available for consumers to purchase for the first time since the 1970s. The choices many people will make in response to the new auto insurance law will be dictated by the harsh economic …
Making Smart Choices: A Summary Guide to the New Auto No-Fault
Michigan consumers are facing choices they've never had to make before regarding their no-fault and liability coverages due to Michigan's new auto no-fault law. …
“Empowering Survivors Bills” Seek to Expand Sexual Abuse Survivors Rights
Legislation introduced in Lansing on Wednesday, September 16, 2020, proposes to expand the legal rights of survivors of campus sexual abuse, including those claiming abuse by the late University of Michigan physician Robert Anderson. These bipartisan bills – also known as the Empowering Survivors Bills – seek to dismantle the …
Super Lawyers Recognizes 10 Sinas Dramis Attorneys in 2020
We are proud to announce that 10 of our attorneys have been included in the Michigan Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists in 2020! Additionally, and of notable mention, this year’s Michigan Super Lawyers list includes newcomer, Lansing personal injury attorney Kevin Komar! This is Kevin’s first time being listed …