While reading the weekend news, I read a tragic story about a Jackson County Pedestrian Accident last week. According to Blackman Township Public Safety, Michelle Thrun was jogging on North Dettman Road when she was allegedly stuck by a vehicle driven By Karen Grant. Ms. Thrun suffered a serious injury to the brain.

Police went on to say that their investigation showed that the driver of the vehicle blacked out while driving and had previously blacked out before while driving. Drugs and alcohol were not involved. Ms. Grant has been charged in Jackson County District Court with felonious driving.

I  am very sorry to hear about this tragic auto accident and wish Ms. Thrun the fullest and speediest recovery possible. I hope that she suffers no permanent deficits.

Our Michigan car accident lawyers advise accident victims their legal rights. For this type of auto accident in Michigan, the injured pedestrian can submit a claim for Michigan No-Fault insurance benefits.  No-Fault benefits will cover her medical expenses, lost wages, attendant care, replacement services, and other benefits related to injuries suffered in the accident.  The injured pedestrian can claim these benefits even if she did not have a Michigan automobile insurance policy.

Our Ann Arbor accident and injury lawyers often represent traumatic brain injury victims and their families in lawsuits that caused their injuries.  There are a number of top medical providers in the area that treat brain injury victims and assist them with their rehabilitation and recovery.  In addition to formal medical treatment, another  important aspect of brain injury treatment and recovery for traumatic brain injury survivors is often participation in support groups.  

Brain injury support groups are often very helpful for both the brain injury survivors and their families.   Meeting other survivors and their families who are experiencing or have been through the treatment and recovery process provides an excellent source of both understanding and comfort.

The Michigan Brain Injury Association has a number of support groups throughout the State of Michigan for brain injury survivors and their families.  These groups meet together, usually monthly, to offer support and advice for each other.

In Ann Arbor, Michigan, the brain injury support group meets the 3rd Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living, 3941 Research Park Drive, Ann Arbor, MI  48108.  For more information, contact James Briggs at (734) 668-6404.

For more information about our Michigan Brain Injury Lawyers and the legal rights of brain injury victims in Michigan, contact our office at (800) 606-1717.

I saw on the news last night a story about an I-94 Fatal Single Car Accident Near Dexter, Michigan that killed the driver and injured 3 passengers on the morning of August 8th. According to Michigan State Police, a 2007 Honda Civic allegedly lost control in the heavy downpour of rain and smashed into the center divider near Baker Road. 

State police believe hydroplaning of the car was involved. The three passengers suffered serious injuries and were taken to the University of Michigan Medical Center for treatment.  The accident is still under investigation at this time.

I am very sorry to hear about this tragic car accident and wish my most heart-felt condolences to the family of the deceased driver for their loss. I wish the injured passengers a complete and full recovery and hope that they do not suffer permanent injuries from this horrible accident.

Our Michigan car accident lawyers advise accident victims of their legal rights.  For this type of auto accident in Michigan, the injured parties can submit a claim for Michigan No-Fault insurance benefits.  No-Fault benefits will cover their medical expenses, lost wages, attendant care, replacement services, and other benefits related to injuries suffered in the accident.  The injured parties can claim these benefits even if he did not have a Michigan automobile insurance policy.

Also, for this type of accident, the family members of the deceased victims may be able to make a claim for Survivor Loss Benefits.  This can include payment of funeral expenses, lost wages, and loss of other services. 

In addition, the injury victims may be able to file a lawsuit against the persons determined to be at fault in the auto accident.  The insurance company for the driver must still cover any injuries. In this lawsuit, the injured pedestrians and the family of the deceased victims can claim damages and compensation for the injuries suffered in the accident.  The insurance company for the negligent driver typically pays a settlement for this type of case.  

An experienced Michigan car accident lawyer can assist the victim with this type of claim.  Accident victims should not speak with the insurance adjuster for the negligent driver before consulting with an attorney.

If you would like more information about your rights after a Michigan car accident, you can order our FREE book, “The Ultimate Michigan Car Accident Handbook” by clicking on the book link.  We will send it out immediately along with other important information.

For more information about Michigan car accident cases, visit our law firm web site at www.BuckfireLaw.com.  If you would like to speak with one of our Michigan car accident attorneys about your case, feel free to call us anytime at (800) 606-1717 or simply submit this contact form and we will get back to you quickly.

Our Ann Arbor accident lawyers represent victims of Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Accidents and All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) accidents.  Many of these accident victims are children and teenagers and their injuries are often serious, and even catastrophic.

Restrictions are in effect on the operation of the ORVs by children under the age of 16.  There are also specific obligations that fall upon the parents or legal guardians of ORV riders under the age of 16, and upon the owners of ORVs.

• A. No person under the age of 16 may operate any 3-wheeled ATV
• B. No child the age of 10 may operate any 4-wheeled ATV, EXCEPT on private land while performing farm related work operations.
• C. Children who are 10 and 11 years old may operate 4-wheel ATVs only when ALL of the following conditions exist:
• Must be on land owned by the child’s parent or guardian;
• Must be under visual supervision (see definition) of an adult;
• Must possess a valid ORV safety certificate
• D. Children who are 12-15 years old may operate 4-wheeled ATVs only when BOTH of the following conditions exist:
• Must be under visual supervision of an adult;
• Must possess a valid ORV safety certificate
• E. Children under 16 may operate other ORVs (trail bikes, for example) only when BOTH of the following conditions exist:
• Must be under visual supervision of an adult;
• Must possess a valid ORV safety certificate
• F. No child under the age of 12 may cross any street, highway or county road while operating any ORV.
• G. Children who are at least 12 years old may cross streets and roads (only at right angles)

 Visual supervision is defined as having direct observation with the unaided eye and the ability to come to immediate aid of another ORV operator.

The parents and legal guardians of a child under the age of 16 are legally responsible if they permit the child under their care to violate any of the above.  The owner (or person in control) of an ORV is also responsible if his or her ORV is operated by a youngster.

Victims of these accidents do have legal rights and should contact an experienced Ann Arbor accident and injury lawyer as soon as possible after the accident.

I read in the newspaper today a tragic story about biker seriously injured in a Jackson County Motorcycle Accident that occurred on Wednesday, August 4th. According to police, the biker was northbound on Cooper Street when a pick-up truck allegedly turned left in front of him. The biker was rushed to the hospital with non life-threatening injuries. Police are still investigating the accident.

I  am very sorry to hear about this Michigan motorcycle accident and wish the biker a speedy and complete recovery.

Our Michigan motorcycle accident lawyers advise bikers of their legal rights.   Because this Michigan motorcycle accident involved contact with another motor vehicle, the biker should be eligible for Michigan No-Fault Insurance benefits.  This will provide for payment of medical expenses, lost wages, attendant care services, and other benefits.  For a complete explanation of the rights of injured bikers in Michigan, you should request our FREE BOOK, “The Ultimate Michigan Motorcycle Accident Handbook.”

The no-fault insurance laws are complex and confusing and it is imperative that the injury victims and their family members contact a Michigan motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible so that the claims process can be started.  There are strict deadlines for filing claims and submitting bills and if not met, the insurance company may be legally entitled to refuse payment for these claims.

The traumatic brain injury lawyers at our firm represent closed head injury victims and traumatic brain injury victims in cases against negligent persons, businesses, and government entitites.  The damages in these cases are often significant, and even catastrophic, and it is essential that the brain injury victim or their family member choose an attorney with expertise in this type of injury.

Our lawyers have represented brain injury victims for the last twenty years.  We extensive knowledge of the different types of injuries, the different treatments, the the long term outcomes.  We understand how this type of injury impacts not only the victim, but the entire family. 

Attorney Daniel L. Buckfire is a member of the Michigan Brain Injury Association and is on the Michigan Brain Injury Providers Council.  He is often an invited speaker at hospitals and to nurse case managers on the Michigan No-Fault Laws and how they can help brain injury victims.

For more information about our Michigan Brain Injury Lawyers and the legal rights of brain injury victims in Michigan, contact our office at (800) 606-1717.

If you would like more information about your rights after a Michigan brain injury, you can order our FREE book, “The Ultimate Guide To Injury Cases In Michigan” by clicking on the book link. We will send it out immediately along with other important information.

For more information about Michigan brain injury cases, visit our law firm web site at www.BuckfireLaw.com. If you would like to speak with one of our Michigan brain injury attorneys about your case, feel free to call us anytime at (800) 606-1717 or simply submit this contact form and we will get back to you quickly.