If you ever feel that speed limits throughout the state are ridiculously low, you are not alone. In Lansing, Michigan recently, the State Senate approved a proposal that aims to raise speed limits on various roadways throughout the state. The main measure in the proposal would allow speed limits that are at 70 MPH right now to jump to 75 MPH on rural freeways within the next year. Speed limits of 55 MPH would jump to 65 MPH over 900 miles of state trunkline highways.
This measure was approved by a vote of 28-8 and will only affect sections of highways where the Michigan Department of Transportation and the Michigan State Police conduct safety and engineering studies to verify that a minimum of 85% of motorists are already driving at the new speeds. The 85th percentile rule is followed by many states when deciding to alter or set new speed limits, though the measure was not without controversy, as many believe increasing limits, leads to more crashes and accident fatalities. Many have also shown concern that higher speed limits do not mix well with the higher level of distractions drivers succumb to when driving.
The 85th percentile rule states that drivers already drive at the speed they feel comfortable, and traffic is safest when motorists drive at approximately the same speeds. It takes into consideration the fact that the flow of traffic is more important than the speed itself when it comes to highway safety. In fact, it is usually a small percentage of motorists who abide by the speed limits on highways, and when only 10-15% of motorists do, that minority poses a threat to everyone else. If 85% of drivers are already driving at speeds above the current posted speed limits, it is reasonable for the speed limits to be raised.
In Michigan, sponsoring Rep. Bradford Jacobsen acknowledged that the average driver is already going 78 MPH on the freeway, and over half the population can technically be accused of speeding. “It’s ridiculous to say that changing what the sign says is going to kill more people,” he stated.
Roads that are likely candidates for increased speed limits within the next year include:
While many motorists will celebrate the controversial new speed limits, it’s important to remember that higher speeds increase the probability of serious injury accidents and death when a highway accident takes place. If you or someone you know has been injured in a Michigan car accident, the dedicated and skilled attorneys at Christopher Trainor & Associates are ready to evaluate your case. Call 1-800-961-8477 for a free evaluation today.
Michigan has officially become the state with the highest car insurance premiums. The average cost of auto insurance is over $1,110, compared to the national average of $911. With such high premiums, it is not all that surprising that the state also has the fifth highest rate of uninsured drivers in the nation.
Over 1.5 million Michigan motorists run the risks of driving without auto insurance at any given moment, a rate that is higher in economically downtrodden areas -- as many as 50% of motorists in Detroit, Flint, and Pontiac go without auto insurance. This is a big factor in what makes car insurance premiums soar higher and higher for the majority of residents who abide by the law and remains a serious problem for all motorists in Michigan.
If you are an insured motorist in Michigan, you have a 1 in 5 chance of being struck by a motorist who goes without it. If you are seriously hurt from such an accident, your PIP coverage should pay all of your medical costs and up to 85% of the income you would have earned, though it can be a struggle to pry such damages from your insurance company after a claim has been filed. Although you can technically sue the uninsured party, you often have no source of legal recovery for pain and suffering. In this situation, a Michigan car accident attorney may come in handy.
Uninsured motorists face unique challenges in Michigan. An uninsured driver carries no personal injury protection coverage and has no legal rights to no-fault benefits, which include lifetime medical care, lost wages, and in-home nursing services. This means that if you go without auto insurance, you are not entitled to these benefits, even if you are not at fault for the accident. If, as an uninsured driver who is not at fault you were injured by a completely reckless driver, you are also barred from suing the at-fault driver.
Lawmakers throughout the state are working together to come up with solutions to make insurance more affordable for everyone and simultaneously crack down on drivers who do not purchase insurance as required by law. Until then, it is wise to increase your uninsured/ underinsured motorist coverage. The minimum required by law is $20,000 but this is a very low figure. Many drivers don’t carry any uninsured motorist coverage while having other necessary protections.
If you have been hurt by an uninsured motorist, attorneys at Christopher Trainor & Associates are ready to learn about your case. We fight insurance companies daily to protect your rights. Call 1-800-961-8477 for a free case evaluation today.
Brutal Midwest winters are no secret. Since the first winter storm of the season, the city of Detroit has had its share of tragic car accidents, with one 40-car pile-up taking the lives of three people as early as December 8th. Reduced visibility and slippery roads are among the top hazards motorists face when driving in the wintertime. Winter car accidents are responsible for over 1,300 fatalities a year and over 116,000 injury accidents.
Regardless of how many winters you’ve weathered, driving on slick, icy roads doesn’t become safer with experience. This year, Detroit is taking a few key precautions to keep drivers safe during what is looking like a long, snowy winter season.
Icy roads present a significantly dangerous threat throughout the heavily-populated Detroit metro area and are responsible for dozens of injury car accident cases a year. The Michigan Department of Transportation has issued warnings alerting drivers to expect the slick conditions, but no matter how much you anticipate driving on slippery roads, there is always the possibility of losing control of your vehicle. To help drivers get through another rough winter, MDOT has issued 44 drivers to check icy roads, salting as necessary per the conditions present. MDOT also advises drivers to be extra focused on their driving in these conditions, by using two hands to steer at all times and put technological distractions away.
As early as November, Detroit was anticipating a long, white winter. The city purchased 29 snow plows to combat the heavy snowfall and replace some old snow plows that were not effectively collecting snow. The city invested 160,000 in each of these snow plows to ensure clear and well-salted roadways. Old snowplows are to be retired as the new ones are fully capable of not only scraping snow but spreading salt and pre-treating roadways for snow.
To protect citizens of Detroit, the city is operating over 50 snow trucks on the 673 miles of major streets and 1884 miles of residential streets whenever there is significant snowfall.
The city of Detroit would also like to warn residents that parking may be restricted throughout the city in areas where plowing takes place. If you have been injured in a Detroit winter car accident, the experienced attorneys at Christopher Trainor & Associates are eager to take your personal injury case. Call 1-800-961-8477 for a free case evaluation.
A good Michigan DUI attorney will take the time to educate you in the relevant areas of DUI law. He will make sure you understand the DUI charges against you, as well as the possible implications and penalties related to those charges. The more you know about the charges against you, as well as the legal process of dealing with them, the better your chances are in avoiding a DUI conviction.
What You Need To Know About the DUI Process
Should you choose to acquire legal representation, here is a list of important items your Michigan DUI attorney will explain to you:
Your Michigan DUI attorney will not only provide you with more details as your DUI case progresses, but help you with every obstacle along the way.
Contact Us for More Information
If you have been charged with a DUI, you need to hire an experienced Michigan DUI attorney to protect your legal rights and put together a strong defense on your behalf. If you need legal representation, you can schedule a complimentary consultation with a Michigan DUI attorney by calling the Law Offices of Christopher Trainor & Associates at 800-961-8477.
One may assume that the prosecution has a right to admit into evidence any chemical tests in a DUI case, and that their results are objective and largely inarguable. This is what the prosecution wants you and the jurors to think, but the truth is that your Michigan DWI lawyer can call into question the results of such testing based on a number of factors.
Correct Standards
The admissibility of chemical test results largely depends upon whether correct standards were used. For a blood or urine test, your Michigan DWI lawyer will investigate the laboratory to determine whether any errors were made, including:
In essence, then, the entire test and chain of custody of the sample will be examined. If any errors are found, they can be used to argue that the test results should not be admitted into evidence.
For a breath test, your Michigan DWI lawyer will take into consideration much of the above criteria as well as how, when, and under what circumstances the test was administered.
If You Refused to Submit to a Test
The arresting officer may tell you that any refusal to submit to a chemical test will be used against you. While strictly speaking this is true, your Michigan DWI lawyer may be able to argue successfully that your refusal was done in good faith because you desired to consult with counsel. This is not to suggest that you refuse testing, however. That is a matter only you can decide, but keep in mind that such a refusal will need to be overcome in your defense.
For Further Questions
If you have further questions, or need the assistance of a Michigan DWI lawyer, call the Law Offices of Christopher Trainor & Associates today for a free consultation: 800-961-8477. We are a dedicated and experienced team and may be able to help you with your case.
