Four Contributing Factors to Teen Driving Accidents

Wrecks of motor vehicles continue to be a leading cause of injury and even death for drivers between 16 and 19 years of age. These young adults face a likelihood to suffer a fatal crash three times more than drivers 20 years old and older. Unfortunately, these statistics resonate here in Michigan too. A Michigan car accident lawyer at our firm can help you receive Michigan no-fault benefits.

In 2017 alone, the 15-20 age group accounted for 7.8 percent of all traffic deaths in Michigan, with 57.5 percent of these deaths being the driver. Within the state, a total of 10,521 teenagers and young adults were injured due in a car accident. The cost of these accidents involving young drivers is astronomical as it can easily exceed $1.4 million.

Research conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that when a parent chooses to engage in the skill training of their teen driver, the time spent can help to reduce collisions – and – minimize the risk of road injury and death to all travelers on the road. If parents and/or legal guardians are not working with their teen driver on safe operational skills, we believe that the National Teen Driver Safety Week on October 21st is the perfect time to start. A Michigan drunk driving accident lawyer at our firm can help you if you believe your child was hit by a drunk driver in Michigan.

Recognize These Four Factors Contributing to Teen Driver Crashes

Proven triggers that increase the risks of crashes and injuries for young drivers include – greater risk exposures, immaturity, inexperience, and risk-taking behaviors. Young drivers are more likely to not wear seatbelts, speed while driving and miss important road hazards or signs as a result of these factors. Talk to your teen about these four fatal mistakes, which account for more than 60 percent of all teenage crashes.

1. Distracted and Impaired Driving: Eating, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, playing music, riding with friends, texting, and/or using apps on a device and are all factors that could distract a driver from the road.
2. Hazard Recognition: Recognition of hazards could be prolonged for young drivers due to their scanning and search skills being undeveloped and, in turn, increase their crash risk.
3. Speed and Space Management: Teenagers are more likely to speed than older drivers, allowing a shorter distance from the rear of one vehicle to the front of the next. Compared to women in the same age groups, young men involved in fatal crashes are more likely to be caught speeding at the time of the crash.
4. Vehicle Handling: To work through the physical maneuvers of day-to-day driving, motor coordination of the eyes, hands, and feed are required. Teenagers may not fully possess these skills and overestimate their driving skills beyond the technology and operating system of a vehicle.

Unfortunately, young drivers are often responsible for accidents that are otherwise preventable. Parents and/or legal guardians can play a key role in keeping everyone, including their child, safe on the road. Acting as a good role model, providing new drivers with substantial practice, and remind them that it takes time to develop safe driving skills. Speak with a car accident lawyer at our firm to help you file a Michigan car accident lawsuit. We are more than suited to help you file a Michigan no-fault insurance claim.

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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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Benefits for Drunk Driving Accidents Under No-fault Insurance in Michigan

Benefits for Drunk Driving Accidents Under No-fault Insurance in Michigan

Drunk drivers are a common cause of accidents across the globe. Most countries have a zero tolerance for drunken driving accidents with tough legal consequences for the perpetrators. In Michigan, approximately 26.9% of all accidents are caused by drunk drivers with 32% of these being under 21 years of age. These accidents have the potential to cause immeasurable damage to families in the form of injury or death to loved ones. The increased costs of medical expenses and the loss of income may devastate the families even further. With no-fault insurance, drivers can receive benefits to cover such expenses and reduce the adverse effects of drunk driving on families.

No fault insurance in Michigan provides a reprieve for families by offering insurance coverage of lost wages and medical expenses incurred when drivers are involved in drunk driving incidents. It provides coverage for both parties involved and also for any legal dependents of the injured. The main principle of no-fault insurance is that the benefits are offered by the respective insurers of the affected regardless of the driver at fault. In this way, all parties, including the drunk driver can receive the benefits covered under the no-fault insurance policy. Speak with a Michigan auto accident lawyer at our firm today, we are ready to help you now.

The affected parties benefit from the recovery of all expenses incurred during the recovery and care of the injured person. The insurer will cover expenses such as medical mileage, help in addition to treatment expenses. Replacement services will also be covered to help the injured cope with changes in their mobility. Moreover, up to three years of lost wages resulting from the injury will be reimbursed.

Benefits for Drunk Driving Accidents Under No-fault Insurance in Michigan

An interesting part of Michigan’s no-fault insurance policy is that loved ones are also entitled to make claims from the insurer for survivor loss benefits. However, eligible family members have to prove that they are legal dependents of the deceased by falling under the category of children, or spouses. With adequate proof of relationship, family members can claim benefits in the form of income that would have otherwise been provided after tax deductions. Additionally, the insurer will also cover burial and funeral expenses together with a fraction any replacement services necessary to support the changed livelihood. A Detroit car accident lawyer at our firm can help you better understand your options after being hit by a drunk driver.

However, these benefits are still subjected to the timelines stipulated under the no-fault policy guidelines. Under the one year rule, all claims whether by the insured or their family members have to be made within one year of the accident. The insurer has to be notified of the accident and any resultant injuries within this timeline. Moreover, the injured can only recover benefits and expenses that date back one year from the date of filing of the lawsuit. Failure to follow the stipulated timelines may result in rejected applications and unpaid benefits. Therefore, it is necessary to file claims as soon as possible and work closely with an auto attorney to receive full PIP benefits.

Michigan auto attorneys provide guidance on the value of claims to be made and any additional legal steps to be followed. For instance, insurance adjusters usually try to defraud drivers by giving settlement offers in advance. Additionally, drivers can pursue legal claims against the drunk driver in a civil court even after filing for insurance claims. In some cases, the affected parties may even sue bar and restaurants who served the drunk driver. Speak with a Michigan car accident lawyer at our firm to learn about how you can file a Michigan car accident lawsuit.

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Distracted Driving In Michigan Communities

Distracted Driving In Michigan Communities

Two of the leading causes of accidents on the road either fall in the category of distracted driving or driving under the influence of Alcohol. Researchers from the University of Michigan found that accidents caused by distracted drivers were double those of drunk driving in the year 2017. Accidents from distracted drivers are becoming more common and resulting in injuries and damage to property. Therefore, it is evident that distracted driving is a significant issue in the state of Michigan.

In Michigan, 24% of distracted driving cases were primarily caused by distractive electronic equipment such as phones or car radios. Statistical analysis reveals that approximately 23% of all cases occur on highways and 27% of the victims sustained at least one injury. A total of 73 deaths resulted from 60 distracted driving accidents involving pedestrians, cyclists, passengers, drivers and a snowmobile operator in the year 2017.

A distracted driver survey done by AAA in Michigan revealed that most residents highlighted texting as their main worry when driving. Most drivers admitted that they read text messages when they are driving despite the laws in place against such practices. In Sec. 257.602.b of Michigan’s anti-texting law, drivers are not permitted to read, type or deliver text messages through any communication device in their possession when driving a vehicle in the state. Offenders will be culpable for a fine of $100 for first-time offenders and $200 for subsequent offenses. A Car accident lawyer at our firm can help you understand Michigan No-Fault Insurance.

The Michigan communities with the highest rates of distracted driving were Detroit, Grand Rapids, Bloomfield Township, Sterling Heights, and Lansing. In terms of counties, Wayne County topped the list having the highest number of distracted driving cases together with Oakland, Kent, and Macomb respectively.  Being at the top of the list, Wayne county also recorded the highest number of deaths in 2017. If you or a loved one was recently injured in an auto accident, speak with a Michigan car accident lawyer at Elia & Ponto.

Generally, distracted driving is defined as any activity that deviates the attention of a driver from safely driving. It includes activities such as using a mobile phone, heated conversations with passengers, distractive in-car entertainment or looking at the navigator and maps. Consequently, the distractions can either be categorized as visual, cognitive or manual. Fundamentally, the reduced attention increases the probability of an accident occurring. A Michigan auto accident lawyer at our firm can help you file a car accident claim if you were involved in an auto accident.

How to avoid distractions when driving in Michigan

Due to the potential for harm and damage to property, it is essential for drivers to avoid distractions as much as possible. Some of the recommendations on how to avoid distractions revolve around prior preparation and self-control when driving. For instance, drivers should always be familiar with all the necessary equipment in the vehicle before proceeding to drive. All equipment such as radios or controls should be set when the vehicle is not in motion. Additionally, all loose items should be secured to prevent unnecessary movement during driving. A Detroit car accident lawyer at our firm can help you today!

Drivers should also express restraint by avoiding activities such as watching videos, playing games, texting, drinking, eating or using distractive equipment when driving. If it is necessary, the driver should ask for the assistance of a passenger or safely pack the vehicle. Additionally, distractions can also be reduced by having breaks to refresh when driving long distances. The driver should have sufficient rest before the drive and avoid medication of substances that are known to induce drowsiness. Practicing these behaviors will go a long way in reducing the possibility of accidents caused by distractions.

 

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Michigan Uninsured Motorist Insurance in 2018

Michigan Uninsured Motorist Insurance in 2018

Uninsured motorists make up a significant percentage of the driving population in Michigan. Approximately 20% of motorists lack valid insurance for their vehicles, and the number is potentially higher in communities such as Flint and Detroit. Most residents cite the high costs of insurance in the state to be the leading factor that hinders them from acquiring coverage. Nevertheless, the high number of uninsured translates to a higher probability of Michigan drivers getting into an accident with uninsured drivers. Some of the leading Michigan car accident attorneys work at our firm.

Lacking insurance is both illegal and risky for the driver and any passengers. Apart from the hefty fines and the potential for a jail term, the driver misses out from the benefits that come along with insurance covers. For instance, uninsured drivers cannot claim the benefits of Michigan’s no-fault insurance or make legal claims against the at-fault driver for monetary compensations. The driver will not be entitled to have any form of financial support that is directly related to the incidences of the car crash.

However, there is the case of being involved in an accident with an uninsured driver. Due to the high probability in Michigan, this is an issue of high concern. Insured drivers can get into accidents with uninsured drivers that may result in harm to passengers and damage to property. Additionally, there is the case of hit and run where the driver cannot be identified. In such cases, uninsured motorist insurance gives the victims an opportunity to claim compensation for suffering and damages. A leading Detroit car accident attorney at our firm can help you with filing a Michigan car accident insurance claim.

What does Michigan Uninsured Motorist Insurance Cover?

Uninsured Motorist insurance tries to cover the damages that arise from accidents with uninsured motorists. Drivers can acquire this type of insurance from their insurers to cater for compensation in the event of damage, injury or loss from an uninsured driver. Since the coverage is not mandatory for all, drivers have to make a conscious decision to purchase the policy to be part of their insurance. The coverage is either a minimum of $20,000, or $40,000 and varies upwards according to the coverage purchased. Most covers are inexpensive while still offering extensive coverage over some months. Speak with some of the leading Michigan car accident lawyers at our firm today. 

How to make Michigan Uninsured Motorist Claims

The procedure for initiating uninsured motorist claims is straightforward. Once named as a beneficiary of an insurance policy, making a claim is as simple as contacting your insurance provider. Unnamed individuals who can benefit are those who were passengers in the insured vehicle at the time of the accident with an uninsured driver. If the individual can prove their occupancy of the vehicle, they can claim the insured driver’s provider. Driving uninsured in Michigan is not a good idea as Michigan police can check your insurance using your license plate.

However, the claims made are subjected to the specific terms outlined in the insurance policy. Different insurance contracts may have varying obligatory clauses that must be adhered to before the claims are approved. The obligations involve the time limits for making the claim which when ignored can disqualify a claim. Moreover, only no-fault individuals are allowed to make a claim. In special cases where there is shared fault, for a claim to be valid, the driver has to have less than 50% of fault.

Nevertheless, uninsured motorist benefits offer a much-needed reprieve for motorists against the ignorance of other drivers. It is recommended that drivers add insurance to their basic coverage to protect against harm and or damage from uninsured drivers. An elite Michigan car accident attorney at our firm is standing by to help you immediately with any issues you may be having regarded an auto accident. 

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Police use license plates to check insurance in Michigan

Police use license plates to check insurance in Michigan

One of the items the police check when stopping motorists is insurance. Therefore, before getting behind the wheel, motorists are required by law to have valid insurance. Lack of insurance or falsifications of documents is considered to be misdemeanor offenses that may result in one year of jail term or fines according to the type of offense. Lacking proof of insurance results in a fine of $143 while driving an uninsured car attracts a fine of up to $500 together with a $500 responsibility fee that must be paid in two years. Hence, lacking insurance is a rather costly affair. A leading Michigan car accident attorney at Elia & Ponto can help you or a loved one was injured in an auto accident. 

Being a common practice in traffic law enforcement, police officers check for insurance many times each day. To ease the process, Michigan managed to give police the upper hand by providing a tool for easier insurance check without pulling over motorists. Previously, police officers used to ask for proof of insurance after stopping motorists. Such a technique raised the issue of the potential for fake cards or hoax insurance companies. As from September of 2015, the state police together with other law enforcement agencies in Michigan have been using license plates to check insurance on the go. The police officers directly run a car’s license plate through their onboard computer to verify insurance records before approaching the motorists. We understand that you are going through a tough time, an experienced Michigan car accident lawyer at our firm is always standing by to help you.

To support the system, insurance companies are also mandated to send updated information on the 1st and 15th of every month to the office of the Secretary of State. The information details the names of the insured and the duration of the coverage. Once updated, it is available for all agencies through the Law Enforcement Information Network. When a license plate is run through the system, the police officer will be able to determine whether or not a driver is insured instantly. A highly trained Michigan car accident lawyer at our firm is standing by to help you now.

The system offers the advantages of being more accurate and reducing the number of stops made by police officers. Police officers have an opportunity to assess the validity of insurance covers by looking up the license plates rather than asking for physical proof. In this way, police officers are better placed to crack down on the use of fake insurance cards. The success of the system in coping fake cards is seen in how the number of citations offered to uninsured drivers rose from 8,664 in September 2013 to 10,009 in 2014. A car accident lawyer in Michigan at Elia & Ponto can be a very valuable resource to anyone injured in a motor vehicle accident.

One of the limitations of the system is that it does not display results for motorcycles or commercial vehicles. Officers will be required to confirm the availability of insurance in such cases manually. Moreover, since information is only updated every two weeks, the information on the system is not real time. The officer has to verify an indication of lack of insurance with the physical proof provided by the driver before a ticket is given. Nevertheless, it has still helped ease the regulation of insurance coverage. Understanding the role of the police officer in a Michigan auto accident is critical.

While the system only targets to give officers more flexibility and faster access to information, drivers are still required to carry proof of insurance cover within their cars. It also does not mean that drivers will constantly be targeted for insurance violations. Lack of insurance is regarded as a secondary violation and is not a sufficient cause to pull over a driver. Moreover, pulling a driver over for lacking insurance will render any other identified ongoing criminal activity to be invalid since the initial cause of pulling over was invalid.

Elia & Ponto Law Firm

The Elia & Ponto law firm is one of the leading Michigan car accident law firms based in metro Detroit. We have a dedicated team of paralegals and experienced Detroit car accident attorneys standing by to help you right away. 

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