June 3, 2010
In the spring and summer, many Michigan residents take advantage of the nice weather and choose to travel by foot to their destination. Although this is both economically smart and green-friendly, an increase in pedestrians on busy streets creates a much higher risk of an accident occurring, resulting in serious personal injury or death. An experienced Detroit personal injury lawyer can attest however, that those most likely to be hurt in such incidents are those that tend to be smaller in size (and therefore harder to see), such as children, senior citizens, or as seen in a recent case, the handicapped.
In the morning hours of June 1st, Emma Plair, 67, was heading to a doctors appointment in her motorized scooter, which she uses to get around. As she was attempting to cross Eastern Avenue in Grand Rapids, a white Mazda with a Illinois license plate slammed into her. As a result of the Michigan pedestrian accident, Plair sustained a broken leg and head injuries.
The driver of the Mazda, 31 year-old Jerry Pettaway Jr., fled the scene almost immediately after hitting Plair. However, he turned himself in to law enforcement officials later that evening. Although he stated in court today that he never meant to hurt Plair, and that the crash was an accident, the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office is charging him with two felonies including failing to stop at the scene of a serious accident and driving with a suspended license, causing injury. According to records from the Secretary of State, these are just the newest additions to an already extensive criminal history, including drug-related charges, assault, trespassing, and failure to pay child support.
As seen by the example of Emma Plair, even when crossing the street at designated crosswalks, a pedestrian accident can occur that results in serious personal injury or death. The situation is always made substantially worse however, when the at-fault motorist leaves the scene and does not take responsibility for his or her actions. Following a crash, a victim and their family will undoubtedly have several questions regarding their options. For answers, as well as the best legal advice and legal representation, it is essential to contact a hard-working and experienced Detroit pedestrian accident lawyer immediately. Acting quickly can help ensure that you receive the most positive outcome for your personal injury claim.
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Accidental Injuries, Auto, Motorcycle, Truck Accidents, Bicycle, Pedestrian Accidents | Tagged: Detroit Pedestrian Accident Lawyer, Detroit Personal Injury Lawyer, Legal Advice, Legal Defense, Legal Representation, Michigan Hit and Run Accident, Michigan Pedestrian Accident, Personal Injury, Personal Injury Claim | 
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Posted by abrahamslaw
May 31, 2010
Whenever behind the wheel of any motor vehicle, it is essential to eliminate all distractions that could take the motorists’ eye off the road for even a minute. Recent media statewide has been focused lately on the dangers of using a cell phone and texting while driving. However, as a dedicated Detroit personal injury lawyer, it is important to remind Michigan residents of another extreme distraction behind the wheel: alcohol.
Not only does driving under the influence greatly impair a persons’ ability to see correctly, it also hinders their reaction times, making a serious accident resulting in significant personal injury or death almost inevitable. Such are the circumstances of a case where police believe that alcohol played a factor in a recent single motor-vehicle accident in the Flint area, leaving one man dead and another seriously injured.
In the early morning hours of May 30th, two men were traveling along Wilson Road, west of Belsay Road in Genesee Township. According to law enforcement officials, the unidentified 30 year-old driver was moving at a high rate of speed and was unable to maintain control of his vehicle, causing the car to roll several times. As a result of the Michigan car accident, the driver was ejected from the vehicle sustaining serious injuries, while the passenger, David Huey, 30, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Preliminary investigations conducted by police revealed the likely cause of the accident, as well as influential factors. Numerous local media sources have reported that law enforcement officials also believe that alcohol played a factor, preventing the driver from maneuvering along the highway safely. Unfortunately, this is an all too common occurrence–of all the deadly crashes statewide in 2008, Michigan drunk driving accidents comprised 28 percent of the fatality total.
As seen by this devastating example, driving under the influence of alcohol can have permanent and life-changing consequences. Not only is the driver now listed in serious condition at Hurley Medical Center, his best friend and passenger died as a result of the accident. While accidents can happen at any time or any place, designating a sober driver is one proactive step that can be taken to avoid Michigan drunk driving crashes from occurring. If injured in a collision however, a victim and their family will have several questions regarding the next steps to take. For answers, as well as the best legal advice and legal representation, it is essential to contact a hard-working and trustworthy Detroit drunk driving lawyer immediately. Acting quickly can help ensure you receive the most positive outcome for your personal injury claim possible, getting you the compensation you deserve.
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Posted by abrahamslaw
May 26, 2010
Although it is possible to sustain personal injury in a car accident, the chances of walking away from it alive are much greater if a seatbelt is worn. In fact, it is against the law in Michigan not to buckle up–a practice that Detroit personal injury lawyers and police officers would highly recommend against. Not only could the consequences of an auto crash be significantly greater, but motorists can be ticketed for failing to wear a restraining belt in the car.
Traffic and highway statistics show that choosing to buckle up can be a life-saving decision. According to state police records, almost half of the people who died in Michigan car accidents in 2009 were not wearing a seatbelt. Despite safety warnings and alarming statistics, reports show that approximately 45 million Americans do not restrain themselves at all in the car.
In an effort to enforce safety belt use and traffic safety, Michigan law enforcement officials have stepped up patrolling efforts statewide. Areas where many crashes occur or where seat belt use is low will be heavily targeted by police–one officer serves as a “spotter,” who radios in about unbelted motorists, so that an officer ahead can pull over and ticket offenders. However, motorists will certainly be notified where a “safety belt enforcement zone” begins. Farmington Hills Chief of Police Charles Nebus reported to the Daily Tribune that portable signs will be placed along the roadway to alert drivers they are entering a heavily policed area.
Michigan state law requires that all front-seat passengers (including the driver), as well as any passengers younger than 15 years-old to be restrained by a seatbelt. Despite this, the shocking death toll listed above reminds everyone of how important driving safety is, including the use of safety restraints. As a dedicated Detroit car accident lawyer, I applaud the efforts made by law enforcement officials across the state to ensure the safety of all those on the road, particularly as the aftermath is often devastating. Following any accident, a victim and their family will almost certainly have several questions regarding their case. For answers, as well as the highest quality legal advice and legal representation, it is essential to contact a hard-working Detroit personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Doing so can ensure the best outcome for your personal injury claim, getting the compensation you deserve for your medical and personal losses.
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Posted by abrahamslaw
May 26, 2010
Whenever operating a motor vehicle of any kind, it is not only important that the driver be properly trained, but also that they pay attention to their surroundings at all times. Failure to do so, even while behind the wheel of an all-terrain vehicle, can have devastating consequences, including significant personal injury or death. However, any experienced Detroit personal injury lawyer can attest, that even while taking the utmost precaution, fatal accidents can and do happen. An example of this is seen in recent news, as a young boy from Muskegon died last weekend due to injuries sustained from a ATV crash.
According to Michigan State Police, Bennett Hoffman, 11, was riding an all-terrain vehicle with a friend on private property located in Muskegon County’s White River Township. Supposedly, the boy attempted to jump off a recently excavated ramp but was unsuccessful and fell off the vehicle. Although White Lake Ambulance crews rushed to the scene, attempting to revive the boy, Hoffman died as a direct results of injuries sustained in the Michigan ATV accident.
Most people involved in similar accidents sustain extreme injury or die after failing to wear protective safety gear during their ride. However, this was not the case in Hoffman’s incident. Although the boy was wearing a helmet at the time of the Michigan ATV crash, an autopsy will determine his exact cause of death. At this time however, little else is known regarding the fatal incident. To find answers, law enforcement organizations such as the Michigan State Police, the Muskegon Sheriff’s Department, and the Rothbury Police Department have joined forces to not only figure out how this accident happened, but how to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
Being involved in any type of motor vehicle crash is a scary experience for anyone to go through, let alone a child. As seen by the example of Bennett Hoffman, accidents still can occur, even when a person is being completely careful. Unfortunately, the young boy’s case is also a reminder of how serious injuries sustained are often life-changing and even turn fatal. Following such an incident, a victim and their family will almost certainly have several questions regarding their options. For answers, as well as the best legal advice and legal representation, it is essential to contact a hard-working and trustworthy Detroit personal injury attorney immediately. Acting quickly can help ensure that you receive the compensation deserved for your injuries.
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Posted by abrahamslaw
May 22, 2010
Upon flipping through the Detroit Free Press’ latest editorials, one instantly stood out. Initially, the piece did not seem to be one that most experienced Detroit personal injury lawyers would agree with–the author, Alex Koroknay-Palicz, generally argues that enforcing strict graduated driver’s license programs would be counterproductive and result in an increase in car accidents involving young adults. However, after reading on to discover the true message of the editorial, his emphasis on the importance of driver’s education is a point that all can agree with.
Koroknay-Palicz and many other teens statewide, he received his learner’s permit at 15 years-old. However, before learner’s permit holders can hit the open road, they must go through two separate sessions of driver’s training, including both classroom and on-road instruction. Additionally, extra hours behind the wheel are required with a licensed driver (generally a parent) to practice. Finally, after taking both written and on-road tests, a 16 year-old is granted a driver’s license allowing them to operate a motor vehicle alone.
However, there are many teens who choose to wait until their 18th birthday to become a licensed driver–ultimately bypassing the important training received by those who undergo driver’s education. Although they do not have to sit through hours of training, those that skip driver’s education are more likely to be the inexperienced driver’s on the road, and ultimately become involved in devastating Michigan car accidents.
Recently updated legislation enforcing additional training and requirements before licensure, Koroknay-Palicz argues, only encourage more young adults to “skip the extra restrictions and extra instruction by waiting.” The number of licensed teens in Michigan have been decreasing over the past quarter century, meaning that fewer motorists receive driver’s educational training in their formidable years. “If all these laws accomplish is lowering the number of drivers who go through driver’s training, the GDL requirements, and the essential training period of having a provisional license, then this law is flatly counterproductive.”
To avoid this problem, the author argues that Michigan adopts systems similar to other states. Koroknay-Palicz suggests that enforcing the graduated drivers’ license program for every driver, regardless of when they start driving, can help ensure that each motorist undergoes the training period necessary to make them a safe driver.
Although implemented safety legislation is placed to protect those on the road, there can often be unintended side-effects. While it is important to be strict on drivers attempting to receive their license, it is also essential that each motorist receives the appropriate training and education necessary to be a safe driver. Inexperienced drivers are the ones at the highest risk for a serious car accident, resulting in serious personal injury or death. If involved in a crash, a victim and their family will almost certainly have numerous questions regarding the possible options. Contacting an aggressive and hard-working Detroit car accident lawyer can help ensure not only superior legal advice and legal representation, but also the most positive outcome for your personal injury claim.
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Posted by abrahamslaw
May 22, 2010
It is municipal governments’ responsibility to field the complaints of local citizens, particularly safety concerns around school and playground areas. Failure to appropriately respond to requests made by city residents can have grave consequences, and cause severe personal injury or death to a child in the area. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon as an experienced Detroit personal injury lawyer, to witness several examples of accidents that occurred after local officials neglected to answer residents’ concerns. An example is seen in the recent case of a girl who tragically died in a bus accident, even though parents had requested weeks ago that traffic safety improve in the area.
On May 20th, Phoenix Multicultural Academy student Tiffany DiCicco-Ross was riding on a local school bus when she stuck her head outside of the window for an unspecified reason. According to Detroit Public Schools, as the vehicle pulled out the fifth-grader’s head was smacked on a tree. Although Tiffany received prompt medical attention, she tragically died of traumatic brain injuries sustained in the Michigan bus accident.
In addition to being devastated over the loss of young Tiffany, parents and school administrators are outraged that action regarding traffic safety was not looked at before. Concerned citizens, who filed a request weeks ago for updates to traffic signs and markers around the school, stormed into the Young Municipal Center on Friday morning, demanding that the mayor, City Council, and Department of Public Works immediately tend to the problem.
Finally, by Friday afternoon, Detroit city officials acknowledged that concerns were taken in the past month, despite residents claims that complaints have been flowing for over a year. “(Detroit Public Works) is in the process of reviewing a May 5 request from the parents of Phoenix Multicultural Academy to review signage and speeding around the school,” City Mayor Dave Bing admitted in a statement.
Although Mayor Bing also expressed his sadness regarding Thursday’s fatal accident and assured the public that safety was a top concern, it certainly should not have taken the death of a child to get the attention of city officials. As seen by the example of Tiffany DiCicco-Ross, devastating accidents can and do happen when safety concerns are not responded to immediately, resulting in severe personal injury or death. Following a collision, a victim and their family undoubtedly is left with many questions regarding their options. For answers, as well as the best legal advice and legal representation, it is essential to contact a hard-working and aggressive Detroit bus accident lawyer. Acting quickly can help ensure that you receive the most positive outcome for your personal injury claim, receiving the compensation deserved for your losses.
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Posted by abrahamslaw
May 19, 2010
Being involved in a car accident is a terrifying experience for anyone to go through, as it can change lives permanently. Paying attention to the road and obeying traffic signals is not enough–it is still possible to become entangled in a gruesome crash resulting in significant personal injury or death. This scenario is seen all too often by experienced Detroit personal injury lawyers, and unfortunately, most of these incidents are caused by driver error by one or both parties. Such are the circumstances of a recent crash involving a local police officer and another vehicle, resulting in the death of a Dearborn Heights woman.
In the morning hours of May 17th, Dearborn police and fire units were responding to an emergency call for a fire in the area. One of the law enforcement officials answering the call was traveling southbound on Outer Drive, in the outermost left lane with his sirens and lights activated. While trying to cross the intersection, his cop cruiser collided with a 1994 Ford Explorer driven by Deborah Hodges, 55, who was traveling in a perpendicular direction after pulling away from a stop sign.
The impact was so great that Hodges’ SUV rolled over instantly. Responding emergency medical teams transported her to Oakwood Hospital and Medical Center for treatment. Despite their best efforts, the physicians were unable to revive her and Hodges was pronounced dead. Additionally, as a result of the Michigan car accident, Hodges’ 20 year-old daughter, a passenger in the vehicle, as well as the officer was also taken to Oakwood Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
Although Dearborn Police Chief Ronald Haddad publicly stated that it is inappropriate to place blame at this time, the Michigan State Police are nonetheless conducting a full investigation to discover the cause of this tragic accident. It was also requested that once the investigation is completed, the data would be sent to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office for review.
Regardless for who is to blame for this tragic accident, it serves as a perfect example of how quickly horrifying crashes can occur. To avoid great personal injury or death, it is essential to pay attention to one’s surroundings at all times while behind the wheel, as well as be aware of all public safety officers and their signals. For those injured in car accidents, it is important to be proactive in securing the best legal representation for your personal injury claim. By contacting a hard-working and trustworthy Detroit car accident lawyer, you will not only ensure the highest quality legal advice, but also the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
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Posted by abrahamslaw
May 19, 2010
While operating any motor vehicle near train tracks, it is essential to pay attention to one’s surroundings, including traffic signals altering drivers that a train is coming. This is particularly true if the vehicle crossing the track is particularly large, such as a 18-wheeler, as it takes longer for the entire car to cross safely. Any experienced Detroit personal injury lawyer almost certainly has witnessed many train crashes that resulted in significant personal injury or death. In 2009 alone, there were 48 Michigan railway crossing accidents, including 12 fatalities.
Unfortunately, many of these incidents stem from driver error or malfunctioning traffic signals. However, discovering the true cause of a train accident can be quite difficult, as seen in the recent case of a Detroit 18-wheeler that was struck by a train as it crossed the tracks, causing personal injury to four.
Last week, Alco Transportation employee Asqari Veizag, 59, was driving en route to Lansing transporting steel coils in the early morning hours. His trip was cut short however, as when he crossed the train tracks on Mellon, a Norfolk Southern Railway train slammed into the side of Veizag’s 18-wheeler. As a result of the Michigan train accident, four people sustained personal injury and were transported to a local hospital. The train’s conductor, his assistant, and an engineer all sustained numerous contusions, as well as extreme back pain. Veizag, on the other hand, sustained an unspecified injury to his forehead.
Although the cause of the crash is currently under investigation, both parties have different stories regarding the situation. Veizag allegedly insisted that he did not see any traffic signals alerting motorists to the train when he began to cross the tracks. However, spokespeople for Norfolk Southern state that warning signs were not only evident, but in working order at the time of the collision.
The gruesome Michigan train-truck accident described above only reinforces the importance of safety around train tracks. Not only is it important for warning signals to be present and functioning, it is also imperative that the motorist pays attention to their surroundings at all times. Failure to do so will result in devastating crashes, causing significant personal injury to drivers and passengers alike. Because of the massive nature of such an experience, a victim and their family will undoubtedly have many questions regarding their options. For answers, as well as sound legal advice, it is essential to contact a hard-working and aggressive Detroit train accident lawyer. Not hesitating to do so will not only ensure the superior legal representation, but the most positive outcome possible for your personal injury claim.
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Posted by abrahamslaw
May 17, 2010
Springtime is here again in Michigan, and that only means one thing: it is construction season. The warmer temperatures create ideal conditions for improvements to be made to highways and streets across the state, putting more construction workers on the side of the roads. Although this is a good time for projects to be completed, an increased number of workers on the highways also creates a higher risk for a serious accident to occur. A dedicated Detroit personal injury lawyer is likely to see many examples of this throughout their legal career, much like the recent example of a Lansing construction worker who was seriously injured after being hit by a motorist.
In the early morning hours of May 16th, Juan Blancas-Lopez, 22, was working at a construction site located on eastbound M-6 in Gaines Township. Despite warning signs altering drivers to the construction zone, around 2:15 a.m., a motorist entered the two-lane construction zone and struck Lopez. As a result of the Michigan construction site accident, the Lansing man sustained serious injuries, and was transported to Saint Mary’s Health Care located in Grand Rapids. Police arrested the at-fault driver at the scene of the crash.
Although the incident remains under investigation, Michigan State Police believe that alcohol played a factor in this case. Driving while intoxicated not only makes motorists less aware of public safety notices alerting them to construction zones, drunk drivers have much slower reaction times and are much less aware of their general surroundings. Not only is this dangerous for the person behind the wheel, it poses a great risk to others on the roadway, particularly construction workers on the shoulder.
As seen by the example of Juan Blancas-Lopez, being involved in a construction site accident is life-changing. Not only will significant personal injury be caused, the person’s livelihood is directly affected as a result. Such an incident certainly leaves a victim and their family with many remaining questions regarding possible options. In order for the best outcome, it is essential to be proactive in securing the highest quality legal representation. Contacting an experienced Detroit construction site accident lawyer immediately can not only provide sound legal advice, but also can help make sure your personal injury claim receives the best outcome.
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Posted by abrahamslaw
May 17, 2010
Being under the influence of alcohol can automatically intensify situations, including heated arguments. However, no matter how outraged a drunk person may be, they will still be held liable for all consequences should they operate a vehicle intoxicated. Any experienced Detroit personal injury lawyer would recommend against this practice, as it greatly increases the likelihood of an accident occurring, resulting in serious personal injury to either a driver, passenger, or another person on the road. Such an example is seen in the recent case of a Michigan woman who was hit by a drunk driver last week after being involved in a domestic dispute with the driver.
According to police, 21 year-old Megan Noorman of Kentwood was walking down Highland Avenue when she was hit by the driver of a Hyundai who was exiting a parking lot. An investigation of the incident revealed that Noorman knew the motorist, 23 year-old Matthew Gozner, and was involved in a verbal argument with him in the parking lot of North Central College moments before the Michigan pedestrian accident.
Although both were intoxicated at the time of their argument, because Gozner chose to get behind the wheel, he is being held liable for the Michigan drunk driving accident. Police officers arrested him at the scene, charging him with drunk driving, failure to exercise due care, as well as failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident. While Gozner sustained no injury in this case, Noorman was seriously injured and transported immediately to Edward Hospital in Naperville for medical attention.
The example of Megan Noorman highlights the importance of sober driving, as well as the consequences of drunk driving. Not only is getting behind the wheel of any vehicle while intoxicated dangerous, it is also illegal and will result in significant legal repercussions. For the injured person, the outcome of an accident will change their lives permanently as well, as severe personal injury or death can be sustained by a pedestrian struck by a car. Undoubtedly, a victim and their family will have numerous questions regarding their options. For answers, as well as the highest quality legal advice and legal representation, it is essential to contact a hard-working and trustworthy Detroit drunk driving lawyer immediately. Acting quickly can help ensure that your case receives the proper attention it deserves, and that you are justly compensated for your injuries and losses.
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Posted by abrahamslaw
