Seat Belt Regulations for Minor Passengers

A key element behind vehicle safety is the proper use of seatbelts by all passengers. A Michigan car accident lawyer at our firm can help you understand this more clearly. Unfortunately, it is sometimes assumed that seatbelts are not necessary when a passenger is sitting in the back seat of a vehicle. In fact, even though the state of Michigan legally requires that persons under the age of 16 wear seat a belt, the law does not outrightly require back seat passengers to utilize a seatbelt. This ignores the fact that rear seating in a vehicle can pose an equal amount of risk as the front seat when passengers do not make use of seat belts. Regardless of where a passenger is sitting, a seatbelt is essential for minimizing potential injuries. The categorization of seat belt laws in the state of Michigan allow police officers to pull over any vehicle where a passenger is not wearing a seatbelt.

The state of Michigan outlines different seating requirements for minors who are passengers in a vehicle. Children under four years of are required to ride in the back seat of a vehicle. Children under the age of two must ride in a rear-facing car seat. Children between the ages of four and eight must ride in a booster seat. The only exception to this is if a child is taller than four feet and nine inches.

How Do Michigan Seat Belt Laws Affect Me?

In spite of these requirements, a high number of child passengers do not ride in a booster seat, as required by law. Booster seats are imperative for child passengers, as they are designed with children in mind and help to secure them properly so as to prevent serious injuries in the event of a car accident. This is especially important in light of the fact that standard-sized car seats are not made with children in mind, and are far more likely to increase the risk of harm or injury to a child passenger. Booster seats should be fastened securely into the car, and should also be checked for any signs of damage on a regular basis. Speak with a Michigan car accident lawyer at our firm about how seat belt regulations affect you.

What Are Michigan Seat Belt Requirements for Teens?

Michigan seatbelt laws for passengers between the ages of eight and fifteen also require that they wear a seatbelt. However, while the law explicitly requires all persons below sixteen years of age to buckle up, it does not state any requirement for persons over the age of sixteen. Unfortunately, this has led some to interpret the law as meaning that those over sixteen do not need to wear a seatbelt. However, in spite of this perceived legal loophole, passengers over the age of sixteen should still wear a seatbelt. A Michigan accident lawyer can help you or a loved one file a Michigan car accident lawsuit.

Why Are Seat Belts Important in Michigan?

Regardless of where a person is sitting, a seatbelt is an imperative safety mechanism for a passenger. In the event of a vehicle accident, lack of a seatbelt could result in serious injuries or even death. It is important to note that passengers in the rear are just as vulnerable when it comes to car accidents. This means that people of all ages should always be sure to wear a seatbelt when riding in a vehicle. A car accident lawyer in Michigan at our firm can be of great value to you.

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No-Fault Coverage in Out-Of-State Car Accidents for Michigan Residents

No-Fault Coverage in Out-Of-State Car Accidents for Michigan Residents can be tricky to understand, a Michigan car accident lawyer at our firm can help you. Car accidents can happen at any time and any place due to unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, unfamiliarity with roads or other distractions. The unpredictability of accidents increases the probability of occurrence while driving out of state for business, vacation or personal errands. For most car owners, the question of the geographical scope of car insurance comes into question. Does, the no-fault insurance hold for out of state drives, who is covered by the insurance and what are its limits? According to the MCL 500.3111, Michigan drivers have extended coverage ranging from within the country and also into Canada but with limits. Speaking with a car accident lawyer in Michigan can greatly improve your chances of winning a lawsuit or success in filing a car accident claim in Michigan.

What does No-Fault Insurance cover in Out-Of-State Car Accidents?

The Michigan no-fault act covers drivers beyond the limits of the state’s borders. Drivers can rest assured that their insurance cover still offers them with the numerous benefits despite their geographical location. However, the limitation is that Michigan law does not necessitate that the insurance providers should cover accidents in rental cars, out of state vehicles or taxis. Therefore, it is important to check with the policy provider to confirm whether they offer such additional services before renting a car. If the rental car lacks insurance, it is possible that the injured may not be eligible to claim for PIP benefits in the event of an accident.

The insurance coverage also protects passengers who satisfy the criteria of being named as insured under the insurance policy, a relative of the insured who was in the vehicle involved in the accident, or anyone who has a relative at their Michigan residence with an active policy. Then again, residency may be hard to prove such as when children are frequently away for studies. For passengers, who are not named under the policy or are not relatives of the insured person, no-fault insurance benefits will only be offered if the insured party was also occupying the no-fault insured vehicle. In such cases, it is a must that the vehicle involved must also be insured in addition to the owner’s no-fault policy. Passengers who do not fit any of the above criteria may not be eligible for benefits from the no-fault insurance coverage. An auto accident lawyer in Michigan at our firm can help you understand Michigan PLPD insurance coverage claims.

What are the benefits of No-Fault Insurance in Out-Of-State Car Accidents?

Some benefits of Michigan no-fault insurance are also limited by the insurance laws practiced in no-fault states. If the driver is involved in an accident in a no-fault state, they must pursue legal action against the at-fault driver. The insurer will still provide for expenses, but the drivers are still expected to follow through with the other state’s legal requirements. Additionally, if the Michigan resident is at fault, they will be subject to the law of the state. Drivers will then lose their liability protections and may have to pay damages caused to the other drivers.

In addition to out of state driver accidents, there is also the case of out of state residents who are injured in accidents while in Michigan. Such residents are entitled to benefits only if they are driving or are passengers in a vehicle that is insured under the no-fault policy. They are also entitled to benefits from their own insurers if their insurer is licensed to sell policies in Michigan. Nevertheless, all non-residents are required to have no-fault insurance on their personal vehicles or face being charged with a misdemeanor offense as per the Michigan law. Speak with a car accident lawyer in Michigan about your auto accident here at Elia & Ponto, we always have a Michigan car accident lawyer ready to help you.

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