There was a story in the paper today where a driver crashed into a bicyclist in Ann Arbor yesterday. According to Ann Arbor Police, Paul Miller was bicycling to work when a motorist allegedly ran a red light and struck him in the crosswalk at the intersection of Platt Road and South Huron Parkway. Miller suffered a broken arm. Police are still investigating this accident.

I am very sorry to hear about this injury to Mr. Miller and wish him the fullest and speediest recovery possible. I hope there is no permanent damage from this accident.

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

In addition, the car accident injury victim may also have claims for personal injuries against any driver determined to be at fault in this auto accident. The insurance company for the negligent driver typically pays a settlement for this type of case. In this lawsuit, the injured victim can claim damages and compensation for the injuries suffered in the accident.  At the very least, the injured parties should hire the best possible lawyer to look into these possibilities.

An experienced Michigan car accident lawyer can assist the victims with this type of claim.  Auto 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.

I saw a story on the news today about an Ann Arbor Truck Accident on I-94. According to the Michigan State Police, the accident happened near Dancer Road, between Ann Arbor and Chelsea, when a gravel hauler pulled out of the construction lanes into the path of an oncoming vehicle. The driver of the vehicle was seriously injured and taken to the University of Michigan Medical Center where he is in critical condition. Police are still investigating this accident.

I am very sorry to hear about this accident and wish the driver a speedy and full recovery. I hope that he has no permanent deficits from this accident.

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

In addition, the injury victims may be able to file a lawsuit against the persons determined to be at fault in the auto accident as well as the company that owns the gravel hauler.  The insurance company for the driver must still cover any injuries. In this lawsuit, the injured party can claim damages and compensation for 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 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.

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.

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.

In fact, on many occasions, an injury victim can receive these benefits even if he or she did not own a car or have their own auto insurance policy.  This is especially true in injuries to vehicle passengers, pedestrians, and bicyclists.  The type of benefits are significant and include payment of medical expenses, regardless of the amount or how long they last.  This includes hospitalizations, surgeries, physical therapy, and even prescription expenses.

Other benefits include household service benefits, service attendant care benefits, and wage loss benefits.  A persona disabled from work due to the accident can recover up to three years of lost wages after the accident at 85% of the wages.  Injury victims who are seasonal employees or were not working but still actively seeking employment can still receive wage loss benefits.

There are very specific time deadlines for filing claims and it is important to contact an experienced lawyer as soon as possible after the accident so that you do not lose out on benefits.  For more information on your rights after a Michigan car accident, you should request our FREE BOOK, “The Ultimate Michigan Car Accident Handbook” and call us at (800) 606-1717.

In all cases,

As Michigan accident and injury lawyers, we often represent family members of a person who died or was killed as a result of the negligence of another person, corporation, or other entity.   A case seeking damages for the loss of a family members is  filed as a Michigan Wrongful Death Lawsuit.

A Michigan wrongful death lawsuit asserts that the victim was killed or died as a result of the negligence of an individual, city, business, or doctor/hospital.  If this can be proven, the victim’s relatives are entitled to money damages resulting from the death. These damages include loss of earnings, loss of services, loss of society and companionship, and other types of damages.

In a wrongful death case, the family member has a Personal Representative appointed who hires a lawyer to bring the lawsuit on behalf of the family.  If the family cannot agree on who should be appointed, the probate court judge makes the decision.  When the lawsuit settles, all family members have the opportunity to agree to the manner in which the settlement money will be shared amongst themselves, but if they cannot do so, the court makes the final determination.

It is important to hire an attorney who specializes in Michigan Wrongful Death Lawsuits.  The laws for these cases are complex and technical and the failure to specifically follow those requirements can destroy your case.

While the majority of carbon monoxide poisoning cases in Michigan seem to occur in the winter, the summer months also see their share.  In the winter months, defective furnaces and water heaters are the most common source of this poisoning.  In the summer months, carbon monoxide poisoning injuries are often seen in campers and even in swimmers who have been around the motor of boats.  In all cases, carbon monoxide can cause death or significant injuries.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas-a by-product of incomplete combustion that interferes with the delivery of oxygen in the blood to the rest of the body. As a result, it is often referred to as the “silent killer.”

Carbon monoxide interferes with the distribution of oxygen in the blood to the rest of the body. Depending on the amount inhaled, this gas can impede coordination, worsen cardiovascular conditions, and produce fatigue, headache, weakness, confusion, disorientation, nausea, and dizziness. Very high levels can cause death. The symptoms are sometimes confused with the flu or food poisoning.

Victims of carbon monoxide poisoning often have the legal right to compensation.  In many cases, the injury is the result the negligence of another person or business.  In those cases, the victim can seek legal compensation through the court system.  Poisonings that result in death can lead to a Michigan Wrongful Death Lawsuit.

We represent individuals injured in Ann Arbor area car accidents.  These include cases for auto accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, truck accidents, moped accidents, pedestrian accidents, bus accidents, and hit and run accidents.  We also handle cases throughout Washtenaw County. 

For virtually all car accidents in Ann Arbor, a police report (UD-10 report) is completed by the investigating police department.  This is true for both injury accident cases and property damage cases.  For each of these cases, it is necessary to obtain a copy of the traffic crash report to file an insurance claim.

 Ann Arbor Car Accident Police Reports

These reports are available to you by through the investigating police agency.  For reports completed by City of Ann Arbor Police, you can obtain the report at the below address.  There is usually a small fee for the report.   

Ann Arbor Police Department

100 N. Fifth Ave.

Ann Arbor, MI 48107

(734)-994-2871

 If your accident was investigated by the Michigan State Police, you need to request the report directly from that agency.  You can download the Michigan State Police form here that you must complete and submit to obtain the Michigan State Police report. 

FREE CAR ACCIDENT BOOK

 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. 

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The Summer months are a busy time of year for dog bite injuries and the most likely victims are children.  This is true, especially in cities like Ann Arbor, where children are outdoors and parks and riding their bikes and dogs are frequently unleashed and roaming the streets. 

The injuries from dog bites and attacks are often serious and include 44,000 cases of facial injuries each year.  Dog attacks account for approximately one percent of all emergency room visits a year in the United States and the warm months account for a majority of those visits.

Researchers and animal behavioral  specialists offer parents some precautions to prevent dog bites and attacks on children.  These include:

•NEVER leave a baby or young child alone with a pet.
•Start teaching young children to be careful around pets.
•Wait until children are older than 4 years of age before getting a dog.
•Select your family pet carefully and be sure to keep your pet’s vaccinations up-to-date.
•Leave animals alone when they are eating or caring for puppies.
•Keep pets on a leash when in public.
•Avoid sick animals and animals that you don’t know.
•Do not try to separate fighting animals.
•If you are threatened by a dog, remain calm; do not scream or turn and run.
•If you fall or are knocked to the ground, curl into a ball with your hands over your head and neck.

 First and foremost, it is essential to get prompt medical attention after a dog bite.  Many times, the severity of the injury can be minimized with good, competent medical care.  Bites to a child’s face can lead to disfiguring scars and a plastic surgeon can address those issues right away.

Victims of dog bite attacks do have legal rights.  For more information on Michigan dog bite laws and lawsuits, order our FREE BOOK, “The Ultimate Michigan Dog Bite & Animal Attack Handbook.”  You can also call us at (800) 606-1717 to discuss your case.