Michigan Personal Injury, Car Accident & Medical Malpractice Lawyer Blog

Dearborn Postal Truck Accident Causes Death

DeWitt Township Car Accident

A DeWitt Township car accident tragically killed two young men and wounded all seven members of a DeWitt family.  The accident occurred on November 16, 2008 on Clark Road where it crosses U.S. 127.  The accident happened after a pickup truck fishtailed into a minivan.  Justin "Jup" Chapman, 22, of DeWitt and Tyler McClure, 24, of Lansing, the driver of the pickup truck and a passenger, respectively, died at the scene of the accident.  The Brown family, including the parents and 5 children all suffered injuries of varying degree, with the worst being suffered by the Browns' 11-year old foster son, who is in ICU at Sparrow Hospital.

This accident is a tragedy.  I want to extend my sympathies to the everyone involved and I hope everyone in the Brown family is able to recover completely.

Everyone involved in this accident is eligible to receive Michigan No Fault insurance benefits, including the children and Justin Chapman, who arguably was at fault for the accident.  No Fault insurance will pay all medical expenses, a portion of lost wages, and other benefits.  The Chapman and McClure families will be able to collect survivor loss benefits as well. 

In addition, if Justin Chapman is in fact determine to be the at-fault driver, Tyler McClure's estate and any members of the Brown family who were seriously injured in the accident may be able to file a lawsuit seeking additional compensation for their injuries.  An experienced Michigan car accident attorney would be able to help evaluate their potential case.

Warren Hit and Run Car Accident

A Warren hit and run car accident has left a 15-year old girl in the hospital.  Breyona Nelson of Warren was hit near the corner of 9 Mile Road and Van Dyke by a car that did not stop after the accident.  The accident occurred on November 15, 2008 while the girl was crossing the street.  Witnesses say she was hit by a vehicle that may have been a mini-van and pushed into the path of another vehicle which did stop after the accident.

This sounds like it was a terrible accident.  I am sorry that it happened and I hope Breyona Nelson is able to have a complete recovery.

Breyona Nelson's family should file a claim for No Fault insurance as soon as possible.  Michigan No Fault insurance will pay for all medical expenses, including hospital bills, doctors visits, and any medical equipment such as a brace or wheel chair that is necessary because of an accident.  No Fault insurance will also pay for household replacement services if the girl ever did any chores around the house and for attendant care benefits if she requires long term care.

Royal Oak Hit and Run Accident

A Royal Oak hit and run accident has left a Detroit woman dead.  The Detroit woman was riding her bicycle in the northbound lane of Woodward Avenue just south of Twelve Mile Road when she was struck and dragged a short distance before the motorist drove off.  The bicyclist was taken to Beaumont Hospital, but unfortunately she was pronounced dead an hour later.  This is a real tragedy that should not have happened.  My sympathies are with the family of this woman.

In an accident like this one, if the woman either had or lived with someone who had No Fault insurance, her family can make a claim for survivor loss benefits, which will pay a portion of the funeral expenses and other expenses.  In addition, if the driver is ever identified, the family can bring a wrongful death action against him or her since she was at fault for the accident.  However, even if the driver is never found, if this woman either had or lived with someone who had uninsured motorist insurance coverage, her family can bring an uninsured motorist claim against her own insurance company.

Holland Car Accident

Pere Marquette Township Rollover Accident

A Pere Marquette Township rollover accident has left the driver and three passengers with injuries.  Herbert Friedrich Kuester and Irene Emma Sheer, both of Germany, Liesolette Kuester and the driver Erwin Kuester, both of Ada, were injured in a rolloever accident on Wednesday.  Herbert and Irene had to be airlifted to Spectrum Health Hospital in Grand Rapids, while Liesolette and Erwin were treated at Memorial Medical Center in Ludington before being released.  Reports are vague about the severity of the injuries involved in this case.  I hope they are not serious and that all four people experience a complete recovery.    In an accident like this, Liesolette and Erwin are entitled to receive No Fault benefits.  In addition, Liesolette may have a claim against Erwin, since he was the driver, for any injuries not compensated by her No Fault benefits.  Herbert and Irene may also have a claim for their injuries against Erwin since he was the driver.  Even though they may be family or friends, the claim will actually be against Erwin's insurance company.  As passengers, they are also entitled to No Fault benefits even though they are from Germany.  They can make a claim from Erwin's No Fault insurance provider.

Ludington Car Accident

A Ludington car accident has resulted in a Ludington man's death.  Ted Douglas of Ludington was killed when his pickup truck veered off Dennis Road near U.S. 10 in Amber Township.  No other vehicles were involved.  Police are still investigating the causes of the accident.  This is an extremely unfortunate tragedy.  My sympathies go out to the Douglas family.  Many times, family members think there is nothing that can be done when someone is injured or killed in a car accident and no other car was involved.  This is simply not true.  Under Michigan's No Fault Act, No Fault benefits are available to all insured drivers who are hurt or killed in a car accident regardless of the number of cars involved and regardless of fault.

Kentwood Bus and Car Accident

A Kentwood accident involving a Rapid bus and two cars has left the two car drivers injured.  The accident occurred when the Rapid bus slowed to turn near the intersection of 60^th Street and Eastern Avenue.  A car rear-ended an SUV which in turn rear-ended the bus.  The car driver was hospitalized in critical condition and the driver of the SUV received medical treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.  This is a very unfortunate accident and I hope both drivers are able to experience a full and speedy recovery.

Houghton County Car Accident Kills Michigan Tech Student

A Michigan Tech student was killed in a Houghton County car accident.  Lee Drelles from Ludington was killed when a car in which he was a passenger was involved in an accident.  Other passengers, Jared Bussey and Brett Jenkins, were seriously injured.  The driver was treated for his injuries and later arrested.  The driver and passengers told police the accident occurred after the driver swerved to avoid hitting a deer south of Michigan Tech's campus.  The vehicle rolled several time.  Speed and alcohol appear to have been factors.

This is truly senseless.  My sympathies go out to the Drelles, Bussey, and Jenkins families and to the families of the driver and other passengers as well as to the entire community at Michigan Tech.  Anytime someone so young is killed or injured in a car accident, it is an especially tragic loss.

My law firm represents families of people who have been killed or injured in car accidents.  Michigan No Fault benefits are available to cover medical expenses and a portion of the funeral expenses.  There may also be other benefits available to the injured passengers depending on the severity of their injuries.  In addition, the Drelles family has a claim against the drivers for damages in excess of those provided by their No Fault insurance.  They may also have a claim against the bar which served the driver alcohol.  This kind of claim is called a dram shop claim.  The other passengers may also have similar claims, again depending on the severity of their injuries.

Van Buren County Car Accident

A Van Buren car accident has left an 86-year old Decatur man dead and his 16-year old grandson injured.  Daniel Harralson died from trauma suffered in the accident when he tried to make a right hand turn and lost control of the vehicle.  His car collided with a tree.  David Ohns was treated for minor injuries at Bronson/Lakeview Hospital in Paw Paw.  Neither were wearing their seatbelts.  This is very tragic and must be especially hard for the family.  My sympathies go out to them. In an accident like this, both the grandfather and the grandson have claims for No Fault benefits that their family can make for them.  Mr. Harralson's family can get survivor loss benefits which will pay medical expenses and a portion of the funeral costs.  The Ohns family can also get David's medical expenses paid for and possibly other benefits as well depending on the severity of his injuries.  Even if David is too young to have his own No Fault insurance policy, he is still eligible to receive No Fault benefits as long as someone he lives with has a No Fault policy.

Ann Arbor Township Car Accident

An Ann Arbor Township car accident has resulted in the death of a Plymouth woman.  Her car crashed into a tree near the entrance of Radrick Farms Golf Course in Ann Arbor Township on Monday morning.  She was not wearing her seat belt.  This is a tragedy and my sympathies extend to her family.  Under Michigan's No Fault Act, the family of this woman is entitled to receive survivor loss benefits, which will help cover a portion of the funeral expenses and other expenses.  These benefits are available regardless of the woman's fault for the accident.

Ionia County Car Accident Lawyer

A fatal Ionia County car accident has resulted in the death of one woman.  Marie DeBaldo, 72, was driving west on Portland Road near Berlin Center when she failed to stop at a stop sign.  A northbound car hit hers, sending both vehicles into a nearby field.  The occupants of the other car were injured but not seriously.  This is a very tragic accident, and I have nothing but sympathy for the DeBaldo family and others coping with this loss.  At least it is fortunate that the people in the other car will hopefully be ok.  Michigan No Fault benefits are available to everyone involved in the accident.

Monroe Rollover Accident

A Monroe rollover accident has tragically killed one man and injured another.  Timothy Woods was killed when he was driving his pick up truck through a field and the truck rolled over.  His passenger, Robert Reed, was taken to Monroe Mercy Hospital.  This is a tragic loss, and my sympathies extend to the Woods family.   I hope that Robert Reed has a full recovery, and my thoughts are with his family as well.  If I were working on this case, I would advise my clients that both of these men will have claims for No Fault insurance, which will pay for medical expenses and a portion of funeral costs and possibly other expenses.  Robert Reed may also have a claim against Timothy Woods for his injuries, depending on how severe they are.  Although passengers are often hesitant to sue their friends or family members who were driving when the accident occurred, I always advise them not to worry since the lawsuit is really against the driver's insurance company.

Kalamazoo Car Accident Lawyer

A Kalamazoo car accident has resulted in injuries and damage to the public library.  A man driving a pickup truck reportedly suffered from a seizure and lost control of his vehicle.  He then crashed into a lamppost and a pedestrian before hitting the wall of the library.  No one inside the library was hurt, but both the driver and the pedestrian were taken to a local hospital for treatment.

I am very sorry this accident happened.  I hope both of these people experience a complete recovery.

My law firm represents people who have been injured in car accidents.  The first thing the Michigan car accident attorneys at my law firm do when they begin working on a case is to determine all possible legal claims our client may have.  In a situation like this, both the driver and the pedestrian can make claims from their No Fault insurance provider.  No Fault Insurance will pay for things such as medical expenses and lost wages as well as other benefits depending on the severity of injuries.  In addition, depending on how severely the pedestrian was hurt, he or she may have a claim against the driver since the driver was at fault in causing the accident.

Michigan Car Accident Lawyers| Deer Accidents

October and November are the two highest months for car-deer accidents.  There are well over 60,000 such accidents each year in Michigan, costing at least $130 million annually.  That averages about $2100 per vehicle.  In 2007, 11 people were killed and 1614 people were injured.

To avoid damages from striking a deer, drivers can:

• Drive cautiously and slowly in peak months especially between dusk and dawn when most accidents occur
• Do not swerve into other lanes of traffic or off the road if you are about to hit a deer
• Brake firmly and keep both hands on the wheel
• Guide the vehicle to a controlled stop and then steer off the road

If you are injured after hitting a deer, Michigan No Fault benefits will cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and provide you with other benefits just like the policy would for any other car accident.  If you "The Ultimate Michigan Car Accident Handbook" by clicking on the book link.  We will send it out immediately along with other important information. 

Michigan No Fault Lawyer | $3.5 Million Dollar Jury Verdict

A jury in Pontiac, Michigan delivered a $3.5 million dollar verdict against Auto Owners Insurance in a Michigan No-Fault lawsuit.  The case was heard in Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Kumar's courtroom and involved a car accident that occurred in 1997, over eleven years ago.  The jury award involved benefits for residential care and included penalty interest.  Since the case was filed eleven years ago, the award also included pre-judgment interest from that time.

Lansing Car Accident Lawyer

A student was injured in a Lansing car accident yesterday.  The child suffered minor injures near Riddle Elementary School from a car accident involving a car and a Consumers Energy truck.  The accident occurred at the intersection of Allegan and Huron streets.  The child was taken to Sparrow Hospital for precautionary reasons.

This is a very unfortunate accident.  I hope this child is able to experience a full and fast recovery.

My law firm frequently represents children injured in car accidents.  In an accident like this one, the child's family should submit a claim for Michigan No Fault benefits to pay for the child's medical expenses.  Although the initial reports made it sound like the student's injuries were minor, if after examination by a doctor more serious injuries come to light, the child will qualify for additional benefits from the No Fault insurance policy.  In addition, if the child's injuries were very severe, the family may be able to pursue a legal claim against the driver who was at fault in this accident.

Detroit Car Accident Lawyer | Monroe Rollover Accident

A Monroe rollover accident has tragically killed one man and injured another.  Timothy Woods was killed when he was driving his pick up truck through a field and the truck rolled over.  His passenger, Robert Reed, was taken to Monroe Mercy Hospital.

This is a tragic loss, and my sympathies extend to the Woods family.   I hope that Robert Reed has a full recovery, and my thoughts are with his family as well.

My law firm represents people injured in roll over accidents frequently.  These cases can be very severe and often result in death or serious injury, as was the case here.  In an accident like this, the Woods family is entitled to survivor loss benefits through their No Fault insurance, which will pay a portion of the funeral expenses and may cover other expenses as well.  In addition, Robert Reed is entitled to No Fault benefits as well, which will cover his medical expenses and may cover other expenses.  He may also have a claim against Timothy Woods for his injuries, depending on how severe they are.  Although the passengers my firm represents are often hesitant to sue their friends or even family members who were driving when the accident occurred, I always advise them not to worry since the lawsuit is really against the driver's insurance company.

Jackson Car Accident

A Jackson car accident that occurred at the intersection of Seward and Michigan Avenue sent two women to the hospital.  Police have gotten conflicting reports of what happened, but it appears that one of the cars involved ran a stop sign and collided with the other car.  One of the cars, a Jeep, rolled over and landed upside down.  Both women were transported to Allegiance Health but their injuries were non-life-threatening and both women were conscious.

Although I am very sad to read about this, I have to recognize that it is very fortunate neither woman suffered more severe injuries.  While any car accident can severely disrupt an accident victim's life, this one could easily have been fatal or resulted in serious bodily harm.

I would encourage each woman to submit a claim for Michigan No Fault benefits.  These benefits are available to both drivers regardless of fault and regardless of the severity of the accident.  No Fault benefits will pay for medical expenses and lost wages and may also pay for other services, depending on the severity of each driver's injuries.

Northfield Township Car Accident

A Northfield Township car accident has left a South Lyon woman dead after shutting down North Territorial Road for hours on Wednesday.  An elderly South Lyon couple were apparently lost and turned their vehicle onto Beverly Lane to turn around.  The accident occurred when the driver pulled his vehicle out too far into the path of a pickup truck traveling down North Territorial.  Both were taken to Ann Arbor area hospitals.  The wife died later that evening while her husband remains in critical, but stable, condition.

This is very tragic and I have nothing but sympathy for this family.  I hope that the man is able to recover from his injuries.

My law firm represents people injured in car accidents, and I can tell you this situation is more common than one might think.  The family of this couple should file a claim for No Fault insurance which will cover all the hospital bills and other medical expenses.  In addition, the survivor loss portion of the No Fault claim will give a payment to cover a portion of the funeral costs for the deceased.  Other benefits may also be available.  Finally, the family should seriously consider suing the at-fault driver for wrongful death on behalf of the deceased.  Although the news reports made it sound like her husband was at fault, a full description of the accident, including the police report would be needed to make this determination.  Even if the at-fault driver is determined to be her husband, the wife's estate still has a valid claim because of the driver-passenger relationship.  Although it may be awkward for a child or grandchild to sue a family member, this situation is quite common and I always remind my clients that the lawsuit is really against the insurance company.  Of course, the decision to sue belongs to the client, not the lawyer.

Grand Rapids Hit and Run Car Accident

A Grand Rapids hit and run car accident happened when a woman became frustrated with traffic on Saturday morning near an Elks Lodge on Linden Avenue.  The woman backed her car up, but she clipped one pedestrian and struck another.  That person was dragged under the car while the car crashed into a building.  The woman fled the scene but subsequently turned herself in.  Both victims of the accident suffered non-life-threatening injuries.  Alcohol is believed to be a factor in the accident.

This seems like it was a brutal accident, and I hope that both victims are able to recover fully.  I want to remind everyone that leaving the scene of an accident violates state law and many municipalities have separate hit and run ordinances.

My law firm represents people injured in car accidents.  The best thing the two pedestrians can do is to have a family member submit a Michigan No Fault insurance claim.  This will cover their medical expenses and lost wages if they have to miss work because of the accident.  They may also be eligible for other benefits depending on the severity of their injuries.  Finally, if the pedestrians were very seriously hurt in the accident, they may also have a legal claim directly against the driver for damages not covered by the No Fault Act.

Grand Rapids Car Accident

A Grand Rapids car accident has resulted in serious injuries for a 29-year old Grandville man.  Kevin Vangilder was seriously injured in a car accident that occurred at Eastern and Colbrook early morning on October 26, 2008.  He was riding in the backseat of a car involved in an accident and was not wearing his seatbelt.  He was thrown into the car's windshield and is being treated for head injuries.  The driver, a 39-year old woman from Grand Haven, suffered non-life threatening injuries.  A front seat passenger was not injured in the accident.  It is unclear what caused the accident, and police are still investigating, although alcohol is believed to be a factor.

It is a real tragedy that this accident happened and that the injuries were so severe.  I hope that Kevin Vangilder and the driver are able to experience a full recovery from their injuries.

My law firm represents people injured in car accidents.  Both people injured in this accident are eligible for Michigan No Fault insurance benefits.  No Fault insurance will pay for all medical expenses and a portion of any wages lost because of the accident.  No Fault insurance may also provide them with additional benefits depending on the severity of their injuries.  Additionally, if Kevin Vangilder's injuries are very severe, he may be able to sue his driver for additional damages.  Although my clients are sometimes hesitant to sue someone they know, I always remind them that the lawsuit is actually against the driver's insurance company.  Finally, if alcohol was in fact involved, Kevin Vangilder may be able to sue a bar or restaurant that served the driver alcohol.

Livingston County Car Accident Lawyers

A Livingston County car accident on I-96 near Fowlerville Road has resulted in multiple injuries.  The accident occurred on November 9, 2008 as a car driven by a 66-year old driver from Grand Rapids struck a car driven by a 17-year old from Waterford.  After this contact, the Grand Rapids driver apparently lost control of the vehicle, went into the median, and rolled over.  The occupants of this vehicle were taken to Sparrow Hospital in Lansing for treatment on undisclosed injuries.

This sounds like it was a very serious accident.  I am very sorry it happened and I hope everyone is recovering from their injuries.

My law firm represents people injured in car accidents.  Many of the people I represent know they should submit a claim like this to their Michigan No Fault insurance company but often, they do not know all the different benefits they qualify for.  No Fault insurance pays a variety of benefits including medical expenses, lost wages, and attendant care, but there are other benefits as well, such as household replacement services, medical transportation benefits, and others.  The car accident lawyers at my law firm would be happy to review your No Fault claim before you submit it to your insurance company to ensure you are claiming every benefit you are entitled to.

In addition to No Fault benefits, people who have been killed or seriously injured in car accidents may be able to sue a negligent driver.  In an accident like this, many people do not know whether the passengers can sue the driver.  In Michigan, passengers can sue their own drivers for negligence, even if they are friends or family members.  People are sometimes hesitant to sue someone they know but I always explain to them that the lawsuit is really against the drivers' insurance company.

Order of Priority | Michigan No-Fault Insurance Claim

Muskegon County Motorcycle Accident Kills Motorcyclist

A fatal Muskegon County motorcycle accident has left the driver of the motorcycle dead.  Edwin Ackerman of Sheridan Township in Newaygo County was killed when his motorcycle was struck by a car pulling out of the Alibi Bar’s parking lot.  Mr. Ackerman apparently veered to avoid the car but was not able to escape the crash.  He was taken to Mercy Health Partners Hackley Campus and then to Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids.  The car driver was taken to Muskegon County jail for drunken driving causing serious injury or death.  This is a very tragic accident and my sympathies extend to the Ackerman family.  This is a truly senseless loss.  No Fault benefits will pay for all the medical expenses and the family can also receive a portion of the funeral expenses as part of their survivor loss coverage.  The family may also have a claim against the other driver since she appears to have been at fault and possibly the bar that served her alcohol.  This kind of claim is called a dram shop claim.