Detroit, MI (March 12, 2022) – At least one person sustained injuries in a car accident that took place in Detroit on March 12. At approximately 5:22 p.m., the incident was reported to authorities in the area who promptly responded to the scene.
The wreck occurred on I-75 near M-8, according to information from officials. Vehicles were involved in a crash that closed multiple lanes of the roadway.
Numerous responders were dispatched to the scene. The total number of injured parties has not been reported at this time.
The area in which the collision occurred was closed to local traffic while emergency crews worked to clear the road. Authorities in Detroit continue to investigate the details of the incident.
We hope for the full and fast recovery of the injured parties.
Car Wrecks in Michigan
Each time you get into a vehicle to travel, unfortunately, you are putting yourself at risk of becoming injured. Most people involved in auto accidents usually suffer minor injuries, however, a percentage of them are seriously hurt or even killed. Vehicle accidents take the lives of tens of thousands of individuals per year in the United States.
In the state of Michigan, over 1,000 people suffered fatal injuries in vehicle collisions in 2020, a 9% increase from the previous year. On average, over 70,000 people sustain injuries in about 300,000 Michigan car accidents per year.
If you or a loved one of yours has recently suffered an injury due to a car crash in Michigan, read on to learn how you can collect financial compensation for the damages you may have endured due to your accident.
Car Crash Lawyers in Detroit
Being injured in a vehicle collision is never easy. If you have recently been seriously hurt in a car accident, you are familiar with the difficult consequences of an event of this magnitude. You probably had to spend time in the hospital recovering from your injuries, and, depending on their severity, may have even required one or more surgeries. You may have been forced out of work for some time, which may have resulted in financial burdening or difficulty.
If you have recently been faced with any or all of these consequences and then some, know that help is available. Especially if the wreck you were involved in was not your fault. Car accidents caused by negligence happen every single day, leaving innocent and unassuming drivers injured and feeling helpless.
The attorneys at Michigan Legal Center have been helping injured crash victims recover full and fair financial compensation for many years. We work hard to ensure that you are well taken care of in the aftermath of your collision. It is our professional duty and goal to help you recover physically, emotionally, and financially. Our trusted team of car crash attorneys in Detroit firmly believe that no one should have to pay for being injured by another person’s careless actions, which is why we work to help you recover compensation that will pay for some or all of your medical bills, lost wages, and more.
Note:Our firm utilized outside sources when creating this post. We have not independently verified the facts regarding this accident. If you find information that is incorrect, contact Christopher Trainor & Associates immediately so that we correct the post to reflect the most accurate information available about the accident. This post can be removed upon request.
Disclaimer: This information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. The photograph used in this post was not taken at the actual accident scene. This post is not a solicitation for business.
Many children learn at a young age that police officers are friendly people who are here to help. An officer may have spoken to your child’s class, or they saw friendly depictions of the police in books. These familiar figures offer a striking contrast to the officers seen on the news. Discussions about racism, police brutality and violence toward Black Americans are so widespread that children are starting to ask questions. Here are a few things to consider when speaking to your kids about police brutality.
Remember, police brutality is a civil rights violation. If you or a loved one was the victim of excessive force by police officers, contact the Michigan Legal Center. Our attorneys will protect your rights while working to seek justice on your behalf.
Ask Your Children What They Know about the Police
Young children may not know much about police officers or what they do. Asking what they know can help guide your conversation. Ask specific questions to gauge your child’s knowledge of law enforcement. It also may be helpful to describe law enforcement’s primary role in the community:
Police officers are people whose job is to keep others safe
They arrest people who break the law, which are rules we all have to follow
Sometimes, officers arrest people and take them to jail
Once kids understand what cops are supposed to do, it will help your conversation about police brutality.
Acknowledge Their Feelings
Explaining police brutality to children can be difficult. It is impossible to justify why anyone would harm another, but it becomes even more complicated when the person who is supposed to protect others harms them instead. When talking about police brutality, your children might show feelings of anger, fear, or confusion.
As parents and guardians, we must acknowledge those feelings and help our children work through them. Do not force them to hide their emotions, and be sure to help them identify ways to express their feelings in a healthy way. You might even have similar feelings, saying something such as: “I know it’s upsetting to hear about these things happening. It upsets me too.”
It is even more troubling to hear your child voice concerns over cops killing them. Your response will vary depending on their age. If it’s a younger child, you can be reassuring and say something such as: “You don’t have to worry about that.” However, as children get older, you may have to have a more serious conversation about it. Black parents often refer to this as “the talk” to increase the odds that their child will survive an interaction with police officers.
Regardless, you do not want to respond in a way that will scare them, but you should still be honest. Remember, most police officers work to protect themselves and the community.
At the end of the conversation, remind kids that many people are working to change the system, and that leaders and protesters across the globe are trying to make things better and fairer for everyone. Many police departments throughout the country are making changes to their policies to ensure officers are more careful, safe, and fair. Most importantly, these changes seek to make cops more accountable for their actions.
Contact a Police Brutality Lawyer in Michigan
If your child was the victim of police brutality in Michigan, it is vital to contact a police brutality attorney. The longer you wait, the more time law enforcement will have to build a case against them. At the Michigan Legal Center, we have more than 20 years of practice fighting on behalf of Michigan residents and will work tirelessly on your behalf. Speak with one of our police brutality lawyers today by calling 1 (800) 961-8447 or completing our contact form today.
Body-worn cameras have been deployed across Michigan and the United States by many law enforcement agencies. In a world where police are often accused of harassing citizens, planting evidence, or using excessive force, this camera usage is highly beneficial in creating and fostering accountability from police.
However, despite the requirement of body-worn cameras by police, instances of police brutality still occur. If you or someone you know has been the victim of excessive force or brutality by police, you may feel relief in knowing that your situation was recorded by a police body cam; however, you will need the assistance of an experienced police brutality attorney to ensure that your rights are adequately protected.
Police Body Camera Laws in Michigan
In January 2018, the state of Michigan enacted new rules and regulations regarding the use and disclosure of video and audio recordings taken by law enforcement officers with a body-worn camera. These new guidelines state that the recordings are private and are generally to remain exempt from public records requests, even during ongoing criminal or internal investigations. The only people who are now allowed to request police body cam footage in Michigan include:
A lawyer representing a client recorded on a body cam
The parents of the minor recorded on a body cam
A legal guardian of someone recorded on a body cam
Any individual recorded on a body cam
All body camera footage must also be preserved for a minimum of 30 days. However, if a body camera recording includes anything that could pertain to a complaint against law enforcement, the tapings are required to be held for at least three years.
How Could Police Body Cams Benefit You?
The obvious advantage of police body cams is that everything should be recorded, including any occurrences of police brutality or misconduct against civilians. This collection of evidence could be vital in an investigation, allowing the public, the media, and elected officials the ability to hold officers accountable for their actions.
It is important to note that police officers are within their rights to use a certain amount of force during an arrest, but that they are not allowed to use force in a way that is disproportionate to the force that is being used against them. If a law enforcement officer uses excessive force while making an arrest and the victim sustains injuries, body cam footage could be vital in determining whether the officer, or the agency as a whole, could be liable.
Obtain an Experienced Michigan Police Brutality Lawyer
If you or someone you love has been a victim of police brutality, don’t wait to contact a lawyer. The longer you wait, the longer law enforcement will have to build a case against you. Contact Michigan Legal Center and speak with one of our skilled police brutality attorneys today.
At Michigan Legal Center, we have over 20 years of practice fighting on behalf of Michigan residents. Call 1-800-961-8447 or complete an online contact form to schedule a free, confidential legal consultation today.
As more police brutality videos surface on the internet, many depict police officers at the scene watching the incident unfold. While there may be only one officer using excessive force, others in the area allow it to happen. This leads to the question of whether other police officers are responsible for stopping police brutality.
If you are the victim of police brutality, reach out to a skilled Michigan attorney right away. They may be able to help protect your rights and seek justice on your behalf.
What Is Police Brutality?
Police brutality is the use of excessive force by law enforcement. It’s an extreme form of police misconduct and a civil rights violation under the Fourth Amendment. The use of excessive force can result in broken bones, wrongful death, and psychological trauma. In general, police brutality is when an officer uses more power than is reasonably necessary to apprehend a suspect.
What Is Excessive Force?
Police officers can use whatever power they deem necessary to protect themselves and others when making an arrest. Unreasonable measures are what constitute police brutality. For instance, officers who beat a suspect who is complying with their demands are using more force than necessary. Some other examples are:
Physical violence toward a person already detained
Using a weapon against an unarmed suspect
Threatening someone to give a statement or confession
Finding an officer guilty of excessive force depends on the facts surrounding the case. In court, a judge will typically instruct a jury to determine if a reasonable person would have used a similar amount of power if they were in the officer’s situation.
Can I Sue for Police Brutality in Michigan?
You can sue a police officer for using excessive force in a Michigan civil court. In a civil case, you and your attorney must prove liability by a preponderance of the evidence, meaning it is more likely than not that it occurred. Conversely, the officer must prove by the same standard that they had justification to use as much force as they did.
Proving this on your own will be hard, and you’ll need substantial evidence to back up your claim. Evidence can come in many forms, such as witnesses’ videos or photos, police body cams, or security footage. You might have to subpoena the footage, so it will be in your best interest to hire a Michigan police brutality lawyer.
Should Police Officers Hold Each Other Accountable for Misconduct?
Officers are not required to be responsible for others’ actions, but they should hold fellow officers accountable for misconduct and brutality. Law enforcement serves a vital role in the community, and for too long, they have not been held responsible for severe mistakes, bias, and unnecessary violence. This lack of accountability has deteriorated trust in police in communities across the country, causing people to fear officers rather than depend on them.
Officers should also step in when they notice another using excessive force. When officers step into a situation, they’re showing the local community and country that the officer does not represent the majority of police who want to protect citizens.
Seek Legal Assistance from a Skilled Police Brutality Lawyer in Michigan
If you feel that your Fourth Amendment rights have been violated, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Michigan Legal Center for assistance. Our police brutality lawyers have over 20 years of experience handling these cases and will work tirelessly to defend your rights. We’ll investigate your case and determine the best course of action moving forward.
Call 1 (800) 961-8447 or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation.
There are countless videos online of police officers using excessive force toward suspects, particularly Black people. Cops are allowed to use force, but it must be reasonable. Unfortunately, some officers abuse this power and use more force than necessary to apprehend individuals.
If you’re a victim of excessive force by police officers, contact a Michigan police brutality lawyer. They may be able to explain your legal rights to you and fight for justice on your behalf.
What Is Excessive Force?
Police officers are allowed to use whatever force is strictly and reasonably necessary to make an arrest or defend themselves. In police brutality cases, a judge will instruct jurors to consider what a reasonable person would have deemed necessary under the circumstances.
For example, an officer can use more force to detain a person resisting arrest than they could with someone being compliant. They might also use a weapon if the subject is threatening them with death or significant bodily harm.
Whether the incident was an officer abusing their authority or not, excessive force is police brutality.
Examples of Police Misconduct and Brutality
It seems the most common example of police misconduct is officers using excessive force when detaining suspects, but it can also include:
Abuse of power
Undue restraint
Racial profiling
Physical violence
Police shooting
Unnecessary and degrading strip searches
Can I Sue for Police Brutality in Michigan?
You can sue for police brutality in Michigan if the officer violated your Fourth Amendment rights, and the unreasonable force harmed you. The success of your case may also hinge on whether or not the officer has a history of power abuse.
For a successful case, you’ll need substantial evidence that the officer was in the wrong. This can come from cell phone video or police body cameras. If the incident occurred in a parking lot or other public space, your attorney might be able to subpoena video surveillance.
You’ll also want to preserve the evidence. Take pictures of any injuries and write down as much information about the altercation as possible. Don’t wash or discard any clothing, either. Your attorney might need it for evidence in court, so preserve it in a plastic bag. Finally, take names and contact information for any witnesses at the scene.
Keep in mind that if criminal charges were filed against you, you’ll want an attorney who is skilled in both criminal and civil cases.
What Kind of Compensation Can I Receive for an Excessive Force Lawsuit?
While all cases are different, your attorney might be able to secure financial compensation for the following losses:
Medical expenses
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Therapy costs
Psychological care
In some rare cases, a judge may award you punitive damages. These damages may be awarded when the defendant acted in such a manner that was extraordinarily negligent and to deter similar behavior by others in the future.
Contact a Skilled Police Brutality Lawyer in Michigan Today
If you or someone you love is a victim of police brutality, reach out to the Michigan Legal Center attorneys. For more than 20 years, we have been fighting on behalf of Michigan residents and protecting their rights. We’ll do everything possible to pursue justice against the responsible party.
Call 1 (800) 961-8447 or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation today. Our knowledgeable team of attorneys will work tirelessly to fight for you and your case.
The tragic deaths of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and many others saw a reinvigorated and intense debate over policing, especially in relation to Black people. Shortly after Taylor’s killing, Greg Fischer, mayor of Louisville, Kentucky, announced that the city would pay her family $12 million and began a city-wide police reform that highlighted the financial impact police misconduct has on cities and taxpayers.
Being the victim of police brutality can be a traumatizing experience, but you must remember you still have legal rights. If you believe that law enforcement violated those rights, contact a Michigan personal injury attorney immediately.
What Is Excessive Force?
Excessive force refers to situations where a police officer uses more power than needed to diffuse an incident or protect themself or others from harm. Excessive force can come up in different contexts, but one of the most common is during an arrest. The Fourth Amendment protects citizens from unnecessary force during a reasonable search and seizure.
Police Misconduct Settlements Become a Burden on Taxpayers
Cities and states face hundreds of lawsuits each year regarding police officers using excessive force, and many times the details of the cases are hidden behind confidentiality. Many people may not realize that the money used to settle claims is part of state and local tax.
Sometimes jurisdictions have to borrow more money and issue bonds to spread out settlements. Add in extremely high bank fees and the interest paid to investors; the costs quickly add up with taxpayers forced to cover the expenses.
Alternatives to Taxpayers Paying for Police Brutality Settlements
Many activists argue that police brutality incidents would decrease by tying misconduct funds into law enforcement’s overall budget. Their thinking is that the more settlements they have to pay out of their own pocket, the less likely these instances will occur.
Activists also want to see police officers who use excessive force, especially repeat offenders, held financially accountable. Most states shield officers from those costs. Recently, Colorado State Representative Leslie Herod pushed legislation that would drop this protection and require officers found guilty in court to pay up to 5% of the settlement, capped at $25,000. Other states may soon follow this in a hybrid model where cities and police officers split the settlement cost.
Should I File a Claim for Police Brutality?
As mentioned, police officers who use excessive force violate your Fourth Amendment rights. Someone who thinks their rights were violated may be able to file a lawsuit against the responsible officer and even the municipality.
Your constitutional rights are precious, and you should fight to protect them. It should be worth noting that filing an excessive force claim can quickly become physically and mentally exhausting, so it may benefit you to hire a police brutality lawyer. While it may be a lengthy trial, you deserve to receive financial compensation for the pain—both physical and mental—you endured.
Contact Trusted Police Brutality Lawyers in Michigan
If you or someone you love is the victim of excessive force by police officers, do not hesitate to reach out to the police brutality lawyers at the Michigan Legal Center. We have more than 20 years of experience handling these types of cases and will do everything possible to protect your legal rights.
Each attorney with Michigan Legal Center cares deeply about our clients and believes that no case is more important than the next. For that reason, we do whatever it takes to help them succeed. A free consultation may be what you need to win the justice you deserve. To schedule one, call 1 (800) 961-8447 or complete a contact form today.
