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Common Insurance Tactics Used to Reduce Michigan Injury Claims

Insurance representative reviewing claim paperwork related to reducing a Michigan injury claim

Insurance companies often reduce Michigan injury claims by disputing injury severity, challenging causation, requesting early recorded statements, shifting fault to the injured driver, and minimizing whether injuries qualify as serious under Michigan law. Recognizing these tactics helps injured people avoid mistakes that can limit compensation. After a car accident in Michigan, injured people often assume that insurance companies exist to fairly evaluate claims and provide compensation when injuries are serious. In practice, insurance companies are businesses whose primary goal is to limit financial exposure whenever possible. For accident victims, understanding how insurance companies evaluate and defend injury claims is just as important...

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How to Prove “Serious Impairment of Body Function” in Michigan (and Why Insurers Dispute It)

Reviewing injury claim documents to prove serious impairment of body function in a Michigan insurance case

To prove “serious impairment of body function” in Michigan, you must show (1) an objectively manifested impairment, (2) of an important body function, that (3) affects your general ability to lead your normal life. Strong proof usually includes medical documentation and testing, records of functional limitations, and clear before‑and‑after life impact evidence - because insurers often dispute seriousness, causation, or “normal life” impact. After a Michigan car accident, you may hear the term “serious impairment of body function” and wonder what it means for your case. Under Michigan’s No‑Fault law, this threshold often determines whether an injured person can pursue pain...

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Distracted Driving Accidents in Lansing: Who Is Liable Under Michigan Law?

Driver texting on phone while driving on a Lansing roadway, illustrating distracted driving risk

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in Lansing and throughout Michigan. On busy roads like Grand River Avenue, I‑496, and near Michigan State University, even a brief moment of inattention can result in devastating consequences. In our experience representing injured motorists, many serious crashes occur not because a driver was speeding or impaired, but because they took their attention off the road for just a few seconds. When distraction causes a crash, determining who is legally responsible is not always straightforward. Michigan’s no‑fault insurance system adds complexity that often leaves injured victims confused about their rights,...

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What Is “Serious Impairment of Body Function” Under Michigan Law?

Judge’s gavel and legal documents representing Michigan’s serious impairment of body function standard.

If you were injured in a Michigan car accident, you may hear a phrase that sounds confusing but matters a lot for your case: “serious impairment of body function.” Under Michigan’s No‑Fault system, this legal threshold is a gatekeeper - because it determines whether you may pursue pain and suffering (non‑economic damages) from the at‑fault driver. For many people, the most frustrating part is that this isn’t just a medical question. You can have real pain, real treatment, and real disruption - and still face arguments from the insurance company that the injury “doesn’t qualify.” The key is understanding what Michigan...

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Sinas Dramis Law Firm’s New Commercials Highlight Commitment to Injury Victims in Lansing and Grand Rapids

Sinas Dramis Law Firm logo and partners

Sinas Dramis Law Firm is excited to announce the launch of our new television commercials airing in Lansing and Grand Rapids—two of the five cities that are home to our offices. These messages highlight our long-standing mission of serving as Michigan's advocates for the injured and working to make Michigan better. [vc_row content_aligment="center" triangle_shape="no"][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_video link="https://youtu.be/YKFjx8T_5Ak" align="center" css="" title="Lansing"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_video link="https://youtu.be/1bkEoa2RmTI" align="center" css="" title="Grand Rapids"][/vc_column][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row] We Put People First Over the course of our 74-year history, Sinas Dramis has earned a reputation as trusted car, semi-truck, motorcycle, bicycle, and pedestrian accident attorneys for people in Lansing, Grand Rapids, and beyond. The people we...

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Boating Safety in Michigan: Laws, Tips, and Requirements Every Boater Should Know

Boating safety in Michigan requires a boat with life jackets and following Michigan's boating laws

With more than 11,000 inland lakes, boating in Michigan is a favorite summer pastime. Unfortunately, boating accidents happen—many of which are preventable. Understanding Michigan’s boating safety laws can help keep you and your loved ones safe while avoiding costly fines or legal trouble. Katie Tucker, a personal injury attorney at Sinas Dramis Law Firm in Lansing and a boat owner herself, recently shared important boating information on WILX Studio 10’s “The Legal Answer,” to help you stay safe and compliant this summer. That information is summarized below. Life Jackets: Michigan Boating Law’s #1 Requirement Before you leave the dock, make sure every...

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Gearing up for Independence Day Celebrations: Fireworks Safety Precautions and Michigan Law

Take fireworks safety precautions and follow Michigan law to prevent injuries

As the Fourth of July approaches, the skies of Michigan begin to fill with color and sound—fireworks are a favorite tradition. With excitement also comes responsibility, however. Whether you're planning to set off your own fireworks or just wondering what your neighbors are legally allowed to do, understanding fireworks safety precautions and Michigan law is essential. Personal Injury Attorney Tom Sinas of Sinas Dramis Law Firm recently shared some important insights on this topic, on Fox 17’s “Know the Law.”  They are summarized below. When Are Fireworks Legal in Michigan? Under Michigan law, consumer fireworks are legal on certain holidays and specific...

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What You Need to Know After a Grand Rapids Car Accident – Does Your Injury Meet the Threshold for a Claim?

injury caused by a car accident

Car crashes are, unfortunately, a daily occurrence. While many are minor, others cause life-changing injuries. If you or a loved one has been seriously hurt in a motor vehicle accident, it is in your best interest to talk to a personal injury lawyer. Tom Sinas, an expert Grand Rapids car accident attorney with Sinas Dramis Law Firm, has been advocating for injured people in West Michigan for over a decade. He will help you understand your rights following a Grand Rapids car accident and determine if you meet the complicated legal standard of threshold injury law—a first step in any...

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Precautions for Preventing Michigan Semi-Truck Accidents

Michigan semi-truck accidents

Every day, thousands of semi-trucks travel Michigan highways, from Grand Rapids and Detroit to Kalamazoo and Traverse City. These large vehicles are essential for transporting goods and supporting the state’s economy. However, due to their size, weight, and limited maneuverability, semi-trucks pose unique hazards on the road. Understanding how to stay safe around these commercial vehicles is crucial, as is knowing what law firm to call in the unfortunate event you’re involved in a Michigan semi-truck accident. Sinas Dramis Law Firm has unmatched success handling semi-truck accident cases, and we’re dedicated to guiding our clients through the complex legal process...

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Child Injured in a Car Accident? What Parents Need to Know

child riding in the back seat, passenger in a motor vehicle

Every hour in the United States, nearly 150 children under the age of 19 are treated in emergency departments for injuries sustained in car accidents. What's more, transportation-related injuries are the leading cause of fatal injury for children ages 1-18 in Michigan. At Sinas Dramis Law Firm, our attorneys are experts in advocating for victims of car accidents caused by an at-fault driver, and we understand how devastating it is to watch your child suffer due to someone else’s negligence. That’s why it’s important for parents to know their child's rights under Michigan law, in the event they are severely...

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