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13 August
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Michigan Court of Appeals Weighs in on Text Message Sender Liability

Posted by Steve and Tom Sinas
in Fox 17, In the Media, Motor Vehicle Crashes
text message sender liability - asphalt road with street lights

The Michigan Court of Appeals recently issued a decision regarding texting and driving. While most everyone knows that reading text messages while driving is against Michigan law, one case recently called into question whether or not the sender of a text message can also be held responsible for an automobile collision caused by distracted driving. Grand Rapids car crash lawyer, Tom Sinas, recently discussed this unique case and the issue of text message sender liability on Fox 17 "Know the Law." State and Local Distracted Driving Laws Recap First, Tom outlines current state law, which, he admits, are likely out of tune...

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11 August
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Can I Pursue a Liability Claim for Injuries Caused by Roadway Defects?

Posted by Steve and Tom Sinas
in Motor Vehicle Crashes
twisting asphalt road with patches and potholes

Michigan is known for its beautiful summers, crisp autumns, and brutally cold winters. Unfortunately, the seasons that make Michigan so unique can also cause problems for motorists. Michigan roads are subject to extreme wear and tear due to the rapidly changing weather of the state. Because of this, potholes and other roadway defects are some of the most common reasons for accidents on Michigan roads. When you're injured as the result of a highway or roadway defect, pursuing a liability claim oftentimes requires taking legal action against the governmental entity responsible for fixing or maintaining that road. Unfortunately, the governmental...

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30 June
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Motorcycles and the New Auto No-Fault Law

Posted by Steve and Tom Sinas
in Auto No-Fault, Fox 17, Motor Vehicle Crashes, Motorcycles, WLNS 6
Motorcycle handlebars riding on road

We've been talking a lot about the changes happening to Michigan's auto no-fault law. You can read all about these changes to our no-fault system here. Additionally, our firm created "Making Smart Choices" - a comprehensive guide to helping consumers make educated auto insurance decisions. Many are also wondering about motorcycles and the new auto no-fault law. This article will give you the basics. Grand Rapids Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Tom Sinas and Lansing Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Bryan Waldman both spoke to the media about the new auto insurance impacts on motorcyclists. Tom Sinas on Fox 17 "Know the Law" in West Michigan Bryan...

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17 June
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Michigan’s Cell Phone Use and Driving-While-Texting Laws

Posted by Steve and Tom Sinas
in Michigan Laws, Motor Vehicle Crashes
texting while driving and phone use laws in michigan

As soon as you see those red and blue lights in your rearview mirror signaling you need to pull over, you start analyzing what you may have done wrong to cause the stop. This is especially true if you weren't speeding, you're wearing your seatbelt, and following posted traffic signs - some of the most common causes of traffic stops. What may not immediately pop into your mind, however, is a growing cause for stops: cell phone use behind the wheel. As of right now, there is no statewide hands-free law in Michigan. However, because distracted driving accidents are on...

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23 April
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What is a Threshold Injury? No-Fault Reform Provides Further Clarification

Posted by Steve and Tom Sinas
in Auto No-Fault, Motor Vehicle Crashes
man with arm injury working on laptop

[vc_row triangle_shape="no"][vc_column][vc_column_text] Authored by Grand Rapids auto accident lawyer, Tom Sinas What is a threshold injury? If you've been injured in a motor vehicle collision, have heard this term tossed around, and are confused and wonder what it means, we have good and bad news. The bad news is, you're not alone. Threshold law has been the source of great debate in Michigan amongst practitioners and judges throughout the years. It seems that as soon as the courts settle on what constitutes a "serious impairment of body function," an appellate decision upends that definition. The good news, though, is that we seem...

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14 April
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Out-Of-State Drivers Involved in Michigan Accidents: Impacts of the Recent No-Fault Reform

Posted by Steve and Tom Sinas
in Auto Insurance, Motor Vehicle Crashes
sunset image of road and trees

Summer typically brings in a wave of tourism to Michigan as out-of-state visitors flock to our state's many shorelines and recreation sites. However, in 2020 these visitors could encounter surprises beyond just lakeshore erosion. Effective July 1st, 2020, Michigan’s auto insurance law reforms will impact out-of-state drivers involved in Michigan car accidents, as well as Michigan residents. Changes to Michigan’s No-Fault PIP Benefits Before Public Acts 21 & 22 were passed, out-out-state residents injured in Michigan auto accidents were eligible to receive PIP benefits. But under the new reformed law, unless operating a vehicle that is registered and insured in Michigan, out-of-state...

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04 February
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Risks of Using Car Insurance Tracking Devices

Posted by Steve and Tom Sinas
in Auto Insurance, Motor Vehicle Crashes
risks of car insurance tracking devices over car dashboard and person holding cell phone

You've probably seen advertisements for them everywhere. Or maybe your agent has filled you in on a "great way to save on your car insurance!" At the cost of a fractional reduction in your insurance premium, you're asked to install a device in your car or an app on your phone that tracks your every movement and "rewards safe driving!" But don't get caught up in the gimmicky marketing ploys - the risks of using car insurance tracking devices abound! Drive Safe, Save Money, Reliquinsh Privacy Every major car insurance company in the United States now has what is referred to as...

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07 November
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How Trucking Companies Fight Lawsuits and What to Look for in a Lawyer to Challenge Them

Posted by Steve and Tom Sinas
in Announcements, Motor Vehicle Crashes, Results, Semi-Trucks

Your life can change in the blink of an eye - and for one family, that's exactly what happened one morning in rural Michigan when a reckless commercial truck driver caused a completely preventable crash. But despite the immediate devastation, the trucking company's handling of the situation was further insult to the family's many injuries. The following is a tragic example of how trucking companies fight lawsuits, avoid liability, and treat seriously injured people based on simple factors like one's home address. This article also outlines the reason why it's paramount to find an attorney who will go to bat...

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02 October
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What Happens to Passengers Injured in Drunk Driving Accidents?

Posted by Steve and Tom Sinas
in Motor Vehicle Crashes
man doubled over in pain, holding his back with "injured passengers in drunk driving crashes" over it

[vc_row triangle_shape="no"][vc_column][vc_column_text]By now, we all know the dangers of drunk driving and the resulting consequences. There's quite a bit of information available, and Michigan State Police truly don't mess around with handing out DUIs. The numbers, statistics, and rates of injuries surrounding drunken crashes are downright alarming. And while most of us know what happens to drivers who cause these crashes, what about passengers who knowingly got into a drunk driver's vehicle? In this article, we review what happens to passengers of drunk driving accidents and what compensation they can pursue. Drunk Driving Injuries Not Always Driver's Fault More often than not, drunk...

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17 July
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Car Accident PTSD – Symptoms, Treatment, Resources

Posted by Steve and Tom Sinas
in Brain Injury, Motor Vehicle Crashes
anxiety-depression-adult-woman

Michigan personal injury attorney, Steve Weston, has dedicated his more than thirty-year career to advocating for and working with victims of catastrophic injuries and trauma. He is an attorney who takes his practice further than the courtroom. He actively engages in his client's recovery and care post-accident. As part of this unique care team, he understands the life-changing emotional toll that often accompanies such injuries. Because of this, he has done extensive research on the connection between injuries and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In a recently published article regarding PTSD on BestLawyers.com, Weston explains that Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is...

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