The Michigan Court of Appeals has again denied auto insurance coverage to an individual who was injured while a passenger in a vehicle owned and operated by a family member, because the owner-operator’s no-fault policy included a “step-down” clause. The Court’s ruling is yet another setback for innocent family members
Michigan Automobile Snow Removal Laws: What Must Drivers Do?
If you live in Michigan, wintry weather and snow are a part of life. Not only are residents required to keep their sidewalks and mailboxes free of snow and ice buildup, but drivers are also required to follow Michigan automobile snow removal laws. Do Michigan automobile snow removal laws require
Michigan Winter Driving Tips
Driving in wintry conditions can be extremely challenging. Unfortunately, with Michigan winter driving comes car accidents, including roadway slide-offs and unavoidable collisions. Here are some winter driving tips from our Michigan auto accident attorneys, to help keep you safe as you venture out on the roadways. 1. Be sure your
Child Passenger Safety: Car Seat Laws In Michigan
Car crashes are a leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 13. In fact, more than 70 percent of child car seats are improperly installed, leaving our youngest passengers with little protection in a Michigan auto accident. Many child passenger deaths and car accident injuries in Michigan can
Michigan Auto Accidents: Work & Survivors’ Loss Benefits Get Adjustment
The Michigan Department of Insurance has changed the maximum amount of work loss and survivors’ loss benefits that a person injured in a car accident can receive during a 30-day period. Effective October 1, 2019, through September 30, 2020, the maximum work loss benefit and survivors’ loss benefit that’s payable
2015 Nationwide Traffic Deaths Are Highest In Four Years
Traffic deaths across the nation jumped 7.7 percent in 2015 to 35,200 — the highest number of traffic deaths since 2008 and the first increase since 2012, according to a July 1 report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Notably, the NHTSA report also revealed a 13 percent surge
Motorists: Watch Out For More Cyclists & Pedestrians During Summer
Summer is here … and that means warm Michigan days and nights. It also means more pedestrians and cyclists on the roadways. With that in mind, the Michigan Secretary of State’s Office is reminding motorists — especially teenage drivers — that they need to take extra precaution when encountering vulnerable
Appellate Court Nixes “Innocent Third-Party Rule” In PIP Cases Involving Fraud
The “innocent third-party rule” in Michigan no longer exists in cases of insurance fraud — at least until the state Legislature decides to create such a rule, the Michigan Court of Appeals announced in Bazzi v Sentinel Ins Co (Docket No. 320518). As a result, innocent third parties, including medical
Can A Car Keep You Safer By Parallel Parking Itself?
Many drivers dread parallel parking — and, unfortunately, a lot of fender benders happen during the parallel parking process. But vehicles nowadays come with safety features that can help guide drivers into parallel parking spaces. One of these safety features is called “automatic parallel parking.” This technology helps steer a vehicle into
Riding Without A Motorcycle Helmet: What Are The Costs?
The repeal of the Michigan motorcycle helmet law in 2012 is having an impact on the number of crash fatalities, as well as the severity of injuries being treated at hospitals, according to a study. The Michigan State Police reported that 138 motorcyclists were killed in crashes in 2015. This