As the new year is now fully underway, the time is now for motorists to review their auto insurance policies, particularly the availability and amount of uninsured (UM) and underinsured (UIM) coverage one receives. While many motorists are lacking insurance, many more have lacking insurance plans that are unable to provide the necessarily coverage, should that driver become involved in an accident.

The State of Michigan has a No-Fault car insurance policy, which requires all motorists to carry auto insurance that will cover all reasonable expenses for sustained injuries and up to three years of lost wages. Sometimes, it is even possible to sue an at-fault motorist for other costs, such as excessive medical bills, as well as pain and suffering.

At a minimum, motorists are required to have $20,000 in liability coverage for injury or death to one person, and $40,000 or more for injuring or killing multiple people. Additionally, drivers must have at least $10,000 in liability coverage that will account for any property damage.

Often times, the auto insurance companies that offer UM/UIM coverage, do so in the same amounts. However, it becomes a problem when the at-fault motorist either does not meet the minimum insurance requirements, or in uninsured. If the driver carries no liability coverage, the injured motorist would have to turn to their own UM insurance policy to recover compensation for damages. Should the at-fault driver have the minimum liability coverage ($20,000), the injured driver will still have to cover the rest of their damages with their own policy.

To protect yourself and your family, it is a good idea to review your family’s auto insurance policy immediately. Purchasing UM/UIM coverage from your insurer that is above the minimum requirements of 20/40 can make a huge difference in an emergency car accident. It usually costs only a few extra dollars to raise significantly your policy’s coverage, but can prove beneficial should an incident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist occur.

Because insurance policies can be complex, it is easy for Michigan driver’s to become confused while choosing the appropriate policy. Additionally, in the case of an accident where one sustains severe personal injury or death, even more questions will be raised. For answers, as well as the best legal advice and explanation, it is essential to contact a hard-working and experienced Michigan injury attorney for help. Doing so immediately will ensure superior legal representation for your case, helping you receive the compensation needed for your personal injury claim. Do not hesitate to receive all the benefits you deserve!

According to web resources from the Michigan State Police, the ban prohibits motorists from reading, manually typing or sending a text message while behind the wheel of a moving car. Although violators will not receive additional points on their driving record, they will have to pay a fine. The first offense will cost a driver $100, while each subsequent violation will cost $200. Exceptions to the rules do exist, but only when reporting crashes, crimes, or other emergencies.

Despite the ban on text messaging behind the wheel, law enforcement officials across the state have found it difficult to enforce the less-than-a-year old ban. Although the law came into effect on July 1st, police in Livingston County report that they have not written any tickets for the offense. “It’s really tough to tell if someone is texting while they’re driving because there’s no device for us to tell. Everything is visual,” explained Howell police Chief George Basar.

Basar is not the only officer to find problems with implementing and enforcing the texting ban. Hamburg Township Police Chief Steve Luciano believes it’s difficult to be objective about what a person is actually doing with their phone while driving. “You would have to be driving right next to someone to even try to make the determination if they’re texting while driving,” he said. “How do we know the driver isn’t starting or ending a call, versus texting?”

Should law enforcement stop a motorist on suspicion of texting and driving, the officer can request to see the driver’s text messages. Using the time that the most recent text message was sent, an officer can determine if the motorist was texting and driving. If a serious Michigan car accident occurs, police may obtain a search warrant allowing them to conduct a review of the driver’s cell phone records and determine if texting was a factor.

Even though the ban may be tough to enforce, it was implemented for a reason: to keep motorists’ attention completely on the road, and eliminate all distractions behind the wheel. As a dedicated Michigan injury attorney, it is important to encourage all motorists to drive safely. Taking one’s attention from the road even for a second can end in disaster. It is up to us to guarantee not only our own well-being, but the safety of others as well.

To avoid the “buzz kill” of drinking and driving (and its associated consequences) many people are using limousine or party-bus services to get around safely. While riding with a sober driver is always the best choice, accidents can still happen even when the utmost precautions are taken. A sobering reminder of this fact is the recent death of a Davison man who died from injuries sustained after he and another man fell from a moving party bus.

Celebrating a friend’s birthday, Michigan residents Sean Chapin, 26, and Jason Rodgers, 30, were among the 23 passengers aboard the County Club Limousine party bus. According to witnesses on the scene, Chapin and Rodgers were thrown from the vehicle after accidentally opening the emergency door. Both men had been drinking and were reportedly “chest bumping” before falling out. Passengers immediately notified the bus driver, who pulled over and called emergency services.

In the fall, both men sustained significant injury and received medical attention from Genesys Regional Medical Center in Grand Blanc. While Rodgers was admitted in good condition, Chapin was not as lucky. The injuries he sustained in the fall were too great, and Chapin died Monday afternoon.

Although investigators did not see any defects on the emergency exit, Trooper Robert Mossing noted how easy it is to open. “All you have to do it push that thing in, and the door pops open,” he explained. For more answers, Mossing and other investigators will take a close look at the inspection records on the vehicle from the Michigan Department of Transportation. According to law, party busses are required to be inspected at least once a year by state officials. As this is the second fatal Detroit party bus accident in recent months however, it is possible that the rules could change in order to preserve passenger safety.

As a dedicated Michigan injury lawyer, stories such as these are particularly disheartening. Even though no one was driving while intoxicated, an alcohol-related accident still occurred, causing significant injury and death. It is important that when drinking, one monitors both their alcohol consumption and environment–this is the best way to avoid serious accidents from occurring. If disaster does strike however, it is essential to seek help for your injuries. Contacting a skilled Michigan injury attorney will not only provide the best legal advice and explanation, but also superior legal representation for your personal injury claim.

Any top personal injury lawyer could point out that state transportation laws generally coincide with the behavioral trends of the people, intended to maintain the safety of all on the roads. Because most Michigan residents were auto owners and drivers in the past, lawmakers responded by creating several laws governing that particular form of transportation. However, as pedestrians and bicyclists become more common, lawmakers have enacted new laws to adapt with the changes in residents’ behavior.

The Michigan Legislature recently passed an act that requires city transportation planners to allocate for “complete streets.” Defined, this means that municipal streets are accommodating to not only cars and motorcycles, but pedestrians and bicyclists as well. It is hoped that the complete streets would result in road designs that consider every potential user, regardless of their mode of transportation, age, or ability. Likely, the changes will include wider city streets (also accommodating local businesses), with lower speed limits.

While it is unlikely that all municipal streets will immediately include these changes, this act is important because it requires public officials to consider complete streets equal in importance to highways and service drives. However, the possibility of adding a public rail system in Michigan could speed up the additions to municipal streets, using the extra space on many roadways found throughout the state.

Any dedicated Michigan injury attorney would see the new act as a step in the right direction. Not only does it require cities to become more accommodating, it also works to prevent terrible accidents on roads and sidewalks. Lowering speed limits and widening streets certainly benefits pedestrians and bicyclists, keeping them further away from motorized traffic. If involved in a collision with a car, those traveling by foot or bike generally suffer the greatest consequences, including serious personal injury or death. If injured in a similar accident, it is essential to contact a hard-working and knowledgeable Michigan injury lawyer for help. Doing so will provide the legal advice and legal representation needed to receive a positive outcome for any personal injury claim.

These “accidents” generally refer to medical malpractice mistakes made by licensed physicians who provide sub-standard or negligent care to patients resulting in serious personal injury or death. While each medical malpractice case is tragic, victims bringing these personal injury claims to court expect to hold a licensed medical care provider responsible for injuries sustained. But what if the person believed to be a medical practitioner really has no medical background at all?

Even the best personal injury attorney would be shocked to learn that cases like this are all too common, and even have occurred in the state of Michigan. The most recent case involves William Hamman, 58, a man who was fired from his position at Beaumont hospital after staffers discovered that he was not a cardiologist, as he claimed. Instead, the impostor was an airplane pilot with no medical background at all.

Throughout his 15 year tenure, Hamman lined up millions of dollars in research funding and consulting fees while directing stimulated medical expenses and training hospital workers. Open about his aviation background, Hamman posed as a cardiologist who had great emergency situation skills that could prove beneficial in the air, as well as the emergency room. In fact, the American College of Cardiology even contracted Hamman to teach doctors how to work with others during medical emergencies by working with computerized models.

While Hamman fooled the nation’s best doctors for several years, a hospital staffer found it strange that he never treated a single patient or did not apply for physician admitting privileges. Following up on these suspicions, the hospital worker phoned the university where Hamman claimed to have received his medical degree. Soon, it was discovered that Hamman never attended medical school and was unqualified to work in the medical business, where he remained undetected for years. When confronted about his lies, Hamman resigned from his position, and is now involved with legal proceedings regarding the whether or not he actually provided medical consultation without a license.

While it is absolutely amazing that a man with no medical background was able to pose as a doctor for such a long time, it is fortunate that Hamman never treated a patient. However, there are some fake doctors in the United States that are not only working in a medical environment, but providing unfounded, uneducated, and potentially dangerous care to unsuspecting patients. Just this week, an out-of-state man pleaded guilty to 13 felony criminal charges for providing dangerous dietary supplements without a medical license. Another example included a doctor that was arrested for involvement in a Medicare-scheme where he paid non-medical professional to pose as doctors and see patients, while raking in the funds as if he was treating people himself.

These impostor doctors not only pose serious safety and health threats for patients in their care, it also violates the delicate balance of trust between a person and their doctor. It is the responsibility of medical institutions to always check the credentials of the people they hire to practice medicine. “We do have rules in place and hospitals and universities that say, ‘Always check credentials,’” explained Dr. Leonard Fleck, a medical ethicist at Michigan State University. “There is just no excuse for not checking credentials. It’s kind of a no-brainer.”

While any experienced Michigan injury attorney would agree with Dr. Fleck, the fact that numerous fake physicians slipped through seemingly well protected cracks shows that incidents like this do happen and patients should always be prepared. Sustaining injury in a medical accident is scary enough, let alone if the person who made the error is not actually a doctor. If this situation has happened to you or a loved one, it is important to seek the advice of an experienced personal injury law attorney immediately. Doing so quickly can provide the legal advice and legal representation needed to ensure a successful outcome to any personal injury claim.

A tragic example was seen over the past weekend, where 23 year-old Fenton resident, Matthew Corey, was killed in a snowmobile accident in Northern Michigan. According to news reports, Corey was operating a friend’s snowmobile when he lost control of the vehicle while attempting to cut a sharp corner and crashed into a wooden driveway post. Although law enforcement officials are continuing the investigation, alcohol is believed to have played a role, and Corey was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. It is likely that these two factors greatly contributed to the outcome of this terrible accident.

While Corey’s skill level was not specified, it is important that all snowmobile users are informed of basic operating procedures and follow safety tips intended to keep themselves and others safe. As a dedicated Michigan injury attorney, here are the most important safety rules for all Michigan residents to keep in mind this winter.

• It is important that all snowmobile riders know their terrain, and that they have permission to be there. Riding on closed trails is not only dangerous, but trespassing–always stay on marked trails.
• Avoid all waterways. A snowmobile is not a boat, and will sink if ice breaks, taking the riders along with it.
• Maintain a safe speed at all times, traveling slower in urban areas then in rural areas and when ice is present. Even when not concerning speed, it is important that all snowmobile users obey all the rules of the trail.
• It is essential to wear the appropriate gear for snowmobiling, specifically a safety helmet. Regardless of one’s experience on a snowmobile, weather and trail conditions can change almost instantly, so it is important to be protected. Carry a fully-charged cellular phone, and always let someone know your route in case of an emergency.
• Never combine alcohol or drugs with operating any sort of motor vehicle, whether it is a snowmobile or a car. In addition to creating a hazardous situation for yourself as well as others around you, one could even be arrested for driving a snowmobile intoxicated–particularly if it causes personal injury or death to others.

Although these safety tips are simple, each is important and can work to prevent devastating and deadly accidents, such as the one involving Matthew Corey. However, even the most careful people can still become entrenched terrible accidents, resulting in serious personal injury or death. In such a case, the victim and their family will undoubtedly have several questions regarding their options. The first step is to contact the best personal injury attorney available. Doing so quickly can ensure that you or your loved one receives superior legal advice and legal representation, guaranteeing the compensation deserved for personal and physical losses incurred.

News sources across Michigan have reported a number of terrible car accidents caused by winter weather, often ending in severe personal injury or death. Driving in the snow is dangerous, but should not end in disaster. As a concerned Michigan injury attorney, here are some essential extreme weather driving tips that every motorist should keep in mind this winter:

• Before getting on the roads, make sure that your vehicle is completely cleared of snow and ice, especially on the car’s lights and mirrors.
• Make sure that your vehicle is fully prepared for the icy weather. Refill your windshield wiper fluid, and keep a winter safety kit in your car for emergency situations.
• To make your vehicle more visible to other motorists, drive with the headlights on low beam.
• Drive at slower speeds, especially when the roads are icy, wet, or filled with snow. Keep in mind that bridges and overpasses tend to freeze quicker than other surfaces and can be particularly dangerous.
• To avoid rushing on the roads, leave earlier and allow yourself extra time to arrive at your destination. If the weather is really bad, consider delaying your travel all together.
• Keep an eye on the roads at all times, especially at the traffic ahead. This allows you more reaction time should a driver ahead of you stop quickly, or problems be encountered on the road. If workers are using snow removal equipment to clear the highways, allow them plenty of room while passing by.
• When braking, it is important to apply gradual and steady pressure instead of pressing the brake suddenly. Likewise, it is not a good idea to accelerate quickly. Even though four wheel drive cars provide extra traction needed to get going, it does not help a motorist stop faster.
• If you are involved in a car accident, attempt to move your vehicle to the side of the road and turn on your emergency lights. Immediately phone law enforcement officials and medical teams so that they can tend to the incident and injuries, if there are any.

Keeping these simple, but important safety tips in mind while on the roads this winter can help keep every motorist safe while traveling to their holiday destinations. Unfortunately however, even the most careful driver is not exempt from unexpected and tragic accidents–driving at all during snowy and icy winter weather is a risk in itself. If injured in an auto accident, the consequences can be life-changing and result in significant personal injury or death. For victims and their families, many questions will undoubtedly arise regarding the next steps to take. The most important one is to contact immediately the best personal injury attorney available. Aside from superior legal advice and legal representation, a knowledgeable and skilled Michigan injury lawyer will ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your personal, financial, and physical losses.

The origin of this example comes from a wrongful death lawsuit brought to a Federal Court in Michigan by Gary Weinstein, a Oakland County jeweler who lost his wife and two sons in a tragic car accident years earlier. In 2005, Thomas Wellinger, a former sales executive for UGS (now Siemens), rear-ended the vehicle that they were in killing the passengers inside. Police that arrived on the scene performed several sobriety tests on Wellinger, eventually determining that his blood-alcohol content was 0.43–well over the legal limit in Michigan of 0.08. For his role in the auto accident, Wellinger pleaded guilty no contest to second-degree murder and is currently serving a 19 to 30-year prison sentence for it.

While it seems that this tragic accident has found a legal conclusion, this case is far from over.

A Michigan federal jury is currently rehashing the details of the 2005 accident, as a new lawsuit is being brought against Wellinger’s employer at the time of the accident, UGS. The Michigan injury attorney for Weinstein maintains that Wellinger was within the scope of his employment at the time of the crash, therefore making his employer liable for the outcome.

When Wellinger crashed into the Weinstein’s vehicle, he was on his was from work to a doctor’s appointment to be treated for alcoholism. As the psychiatrist appointment was a condition of his employment, the Plaintiff’s state that the company knew or should have known that Wellinger was intoxicated. However, even though Wellinger’s boss knew and required that he sees a doctor, the boss claims that he thought it was for depression, not alcohol abuse. Additionally, Wellinger’s coworkers maintain that they saw no visible signs of intoxication on the day of the crash and that he alone is to blame for the consequences.

Although it is unknown what the jury will decide, this case could set many precedents throughout the state both in the law and the workplace. If the jury finds UGS liable, it would redefine how responsible a company really is for its employees. Likewise, it would prompt employers to reexamine and make changes to their policies dealing with workers who have known alcohol or drug problems.

Regardless of the outcome, this case serves as a cold reminder of how dangerous drinking and driving can be–whether one is on the job or not. Victims of these devastating accidents are left with not only physical and mental scars, but also financial burdens, as medical bills can quickly pile up. Because of the many consequences associated with these incidents, it is essential for victims to seek the best personal injury attorney available. Doing so immediately will ensure the legal advice and legal representation needed to recover compensation for your personal injury claim. Contact a knowledgeable and hard-working Michigan injury lawyer today.

In an effort to prevent Michigan pedestrian accidents from occurring, cities across the state have taken measures to help both those on foot and behind the wheel share the roads. The city of Ann Arbor recently implemented a new High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk signal (HAWK) to help pedestrians cross the street at one of their busiest intersections downtown, the corner of Huron Street and Third. Influential factors in the signal’s location: its direct or close proximity to the Ann Arbor YMCA, senior center, bus stop, and residential areas.

The first of its kind in Michigan, the HAWK signal is activated by pedestrians by pressing a button. This will cause the traffic signals above the crosswalk to turn to a solid yellow light, altering motorists to slow down. After a few moments, the signal will turn to a solid red, allowing the pedestrian to cross the street safely. Once the light turns to a blinking red, drivers can proceed when the coast is clear. If the HAWK signal is not in use, the light will not flash and motorists can travel through the intersection without stopping.

According to Michigan Department of Transportation spokeswoman Keri Arend, the new technology is one that both those on foot and behind the wheel need to familiarize themselves with. “This will take a little bit of an educational campaign to get pedestrians and motorists used to the signal,” she stated. Despite the expected adjustment period, city managers are already noticing improvements in pedestrian safety.

Because of the positive results seen from this trial period, it is likely that more HAWK signals will be placed throughout the city. However, the changes will not be implemented immediately. When commenting on the question of additional pedestrian signals, Ann Arbor transportation program manager Eli Cooper explained, “The question of how many and where becomes an issue of resources.” Resources, likely meaning financial backing, can be hard to come by in Michigan today. However, it is also important that those who cross Michigan streets are as well-protected as possible.

With more people on city sidewalks and crossing the street, there is a much higher risk of a devastating accident occurring, causing great personal injury or death. However, as more HAWK signals (and other similar prevention measures) are implemented across the state, one can hope the amount of auto pedestrian accidents will significantly decrease. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident or a pedestrian accident, it is likely that several questions will arise. For answers, as well as the best legal advice and legal representation, it is essential to contact an experienced and skilled Michigan injury attorney for assistance. Doing so quickly is the first step to ensuring a positive outcome on your personal injury claim, as well as the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

This medical malpractice case began when an unidentified 49 year-old Michigan woman decided to undergo a low-anterior colon resection. However, the woman maintains that the anesthesia assistant gave her an unapproved epidural and induction medications that ultimately dropped her blood pressure and caused cardiopulmonary arrest. However, neither the anesthesiologist nor the assistant was present to treat appropriately this urgent issue. In fact, despite the severity of her condition, the anesthesia assistant attempted to treat the woman alone, waiting ten minutes before calling the anesthesiologist.

Although she was completely resuscitated, the cardiopulmonary arrest caused “significant hypoxic injury” to her brain, ultimately leaving her with permanent disabilities. Though both anesthesia providers deny any wrongdoing, because the patient will require “long-term care as a result of her injuries,” the hospital agreed to pay over $3 million in settlement.

Originally, the epidural was placed in the PACU to manage post-operation pain control, and was tested approximately one hour before surgery. The assistant claimed that it was appropriate for him to test the patient to figure out whether the epidural was dislodged, however the anesthesiologist never approved the second epidural. Even though the anesthesiologist did not approve the assistant’s action, the plaintiff maintained that he was also responsible for the patient’s anesthesia care and should have known what was going on.

As seen by the extensive injuries sustained by this Michigan woman, medical malpractice can change the lives of patients forever. Doctors and their associates are the ones trusted to provide the best care for patients–breaking that trust can cause significant personal injury or even death. If you or a loved one has been injured because of a doctor or physician’s negligence, it is important to proactively seek the best legal assistance available. Contacting an experienced and skilled Michigan injury attorney is the first step to ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Using superior legal advice and legal representation, a medical malpractice lawyer will be able to provide the best outcome for your personal injury claim.