09 July

Sticky

Michigan Boating Laws – A Comprehensive Guide

When you're in Michigan, you're never more than 6 miles from an inland lake or 85 miles from one of the state's Great Lakes. With more than 11,000 lakes in the state, it's no wonder boating tops the list of favorite things to do for many Michiganders. And with months of sunshine ahead, many are getting their boats back on the water this time of year. But before dropping anchor, there are important Michigan boating laws and safety tips you should be aware of. Michigan Boating Laws - Registration of All Motorized Vessels and Operator Requirements Before you put your motorized boat...

05 September

0 Comments

Sticky

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

0 Comments

Sticky

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...

20 April

0 Comments

Sticky

Tougher Michigan Distracted Driving Laws Proposed

Posted by lmurphy

in Fox 17, Michigan Laws

2020 Update: Battle Creek passes a citywide ordinance banning all handheld cell phone use when operating a car. The law was passed in 2019 and went into effect in early 2020. Tom Sinas discusses the new ordinance in first video below. 2019 Update: Tom Sinas, recently appeared on Fox 17 Know the Law to explain recent updates and HB 4181 regarding distracted driving efforts in Michigan. While the current law on the books in Michigan only applies to text messages, not other distracting apps, and only when the motor vehicle is actually moving, HB 4181 hopes to improve ambiguity of this...

11 January

0 Comments

Sticky

Nursing Home Contracts Can No Longer Require The Arbitration Of Disputes

Posted by lmurphy

in Fox 17

For decades, nursing home contracts have included mandatory arbitration clauses, often without the knowledge of patients and their families. These clauses required that claims against a nursing home be resolved through a private arbitration process, rather than through a traditional court proceeding. A new federal rule, however, now says that nursing home contracts can no longer require the arbitration of disputes. This includes claims for nursing home abuse or nursing home negligence. The rule applies to all nursing homes that receive federal funding -- which most do -- and was issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It went...

08 November

0 Comments

Sticky

Why Do We Need A 9th Justice On The U.S. Supreme Court?

Posted by lmurphy

in Fox 17

The seat of the 9th justice on the U.S. Supreme Court has been empty for more than eight months. Why? Because the 9th justice, Antonin Scalia, passed away earlier this year and the person nominated to fill the vacancy, Merrick Garland, has not been confirmed by the U.S. Senate. When the 9th justice is no longer on the U.S. Supreme Court, usually due to death or retirement, the President nominates someone to fill the open seat. The nominee must be confirmed through a hearing and a vote of the U.S. Senate. If the nominee is confirmed, he or she serves on...

01 November

0 Comments

Sticky

Can You Get No-Fault Benefits & Damages In A Michigan Hit-And-Run Crash?

Posted by lmurphy

in Auto No-Fault, Fox 17

No one ever anticipates being in a hit-and-run crash where the other driver flees the scene. If you're injured in a Michigan hit-and-run car accident, one crucial question is whether you're entitled to no-fault benefits to pay your medical bills, replacement services and any lost wages. Another important question is whether you can recover damages for your non-economic loss, like pain and suffering or loss of enjoyment, even though you don't know who hit your vehicle. No-Fault Benefits Under Michigan no-fault law, hit-and-run crash victims are treated like any other car accident victim. This means they are entitled to: allowable medical and rehabilitation...

12 October

0 Comments

Sticky

Home Sharing In Michigan: The Risks & Liability Concerns

Posted by lmurphy

in Fox 17

In recent years, ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft have exploded onto the scene, helping create what is called the "sharing economy." Now, home sharing in Michigan is also booming, with services like Airbnb, VRBO and HomeAway. Home-sharing companies basically operate like a hotel or a bed & breakfast. They help travelers who want temporary lodging in a particular location by connecting them with individuals in that location who will host them in their own home. But if you're part of Michigan's home-sharing economy, you need to be careful. In this video, Grand Rapids personal injury lawyer Tom Sinas talks about home-sharing...

15 August

0 Comments

Sticky

Step-Down Auto Insurance Clause: Every Michigan Family’s Nightmare

Posted by lmurphy

in Auto Insurance, Fox 17

Michigan drivers purchase no-fault insurance not only because state law requires it, but also to protect themselves and their loved ones in the event of a crash. When buying insurance, drivers usually think their policy will not only cover them in an accident but will also their family members covered by auto insurance who are injured while riding with them. Unfortunately, that's not always the case -- enter the step-down auto insurance clause. Here's the deal. Some auto insurance companies are inserting a "step-down" clause (also known as an "intra-family exclusionary" clause) in their policies. A step-down auto insurance clause basically says...

Michigan Boating Laws – A Comprehensive Guide

Michigan Motorcycle Laws Are Changing In October 2017

Michigan Auto Insurance Rates: How Are They Determined?

Tougher Michigan Distracted Driving Laws Proposed

Nursing Home Contracts Can No Longer Require The Arbitration Of Disputes

Why Do We Need A 9th Justice On The U.S. Supreme Court?

Can You Get No-Fault Benefits & Damages In A Michigan Hit-And-Run Crash?

Home Sharing In Michigan: The Risks & Liability Concerns

Step-Down Auto Insurance Clause: Every Michigan Family’s Nightmare

Auto Accidents

Wrongful Death

Camp Lejeune

Semi-Truck Accidents

Motorcycle Accidents

All Personal Injury