Attorney Blog

Michigan Celebrates Ride to Work Day to Promote Motorcycle Safety in Grand Rapids

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

Have you ever noticed a motorcycle or scooter passing you on your way to work in the morning? Do you know that research shows that people who commute on motorcycles in Michigan get to work faster? When driven properly and safely, motorcycles help the flow of traffic and have an easier time parking.

On Monday, June 21, 2010, the state of Michigan participated in the 19th annual Ride to Work Day event in order to promote motorcycle safety and reduce the number of motorcycle accidents in Michigan. The goal of Ride to Work Day is to highlight the practical side of commuting on motorcycles and scooters by showing how they are more economical and conserve more resources than larger vehicles.

In Grand Rapids, dozens of motorcycle riders participated in this celebration by attending the event at Grand Rapids Community College. The numbers show that ridership has increased in Michigan, with 547,000 people asking for motorcycle endorsements, but fatal crashes have decreased by 17 percent. This success is due in part to rider training programs that include a safety course and a knowledge test.

In order to lessen the chance of being involved in a Michigan motorcycle crash, new riders should learn the skills and safety basics before riding a motorcycle. The Ride to Work organization explains that over eighty million commute to work in cars every day in America, and riding a motorcycle to work safely can help our environment.

Several factors can contribute to a motorcycle accident in Michigan, including poor road conditions, driver inexperience, and the negligence of other drivers. Contact an experienced Michigan accident lawyer at the law firm of Keller & Keller if you have been involved in a Grand Rapids motorcycle crash.

Michigan Wrongful Death Loss of Companionship

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

A spouse is often your best friend, your companion, your emotional support, and your partner. When he or she is taken away from you through an accident or a wrongful death, you lose more than your spouse, you lose your lifelong companion.

If your spouse hadn't been taken from you, he or she would have provided you with more years of love, friendship and companionship. Just as your spouse would have been able to provide for you or contribute to the household income, providing you with more years of economic security, your spouse would also have provided you with a lifetime of spousal partnership.

If you have lost your lifelong partner in Michigan, you may be able to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit due to your loss of spousal partnership and companionship. Most people think they can only sue the responsible party for loss of future income, but loss of companionship is emotional damage a widow or widower suffers.

Loss of companionship/wrongful death cases in Michigan are complicated due to the way damages are calculated. How do you put a price tag on a lifelong companion? You will need an experienced Michigan wrongful death attorney who can calculate the damages and will be able to win the maximum compensation for your loss of companionship.

If you have suffered the loss of a companion in Michigan, contact the law firm of Keller & Keller and speak with a knowledgeable Saint Joseph wrongful death attorney at (269) 983-7333 for a free legal evaluation.

Car Crashes Lead to Michigan Traumatic Brain Injury

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

According to the Michigan Department of Community Health, over 30 percent of traumatic brain injuries in Michigan are caused by car accidents in Michigan. A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is typically caused by a blow or jolt to the head during a car, truck, or motorcycle crash. TBIs can also be caused by falls, sports injuries, and other accidents.

Most of the accidents that produce brain injuries are nonfatal, but those who suffer these injuries require a lifetime of medical care. According to the Brain Injury Association of Michigan, 9,430 people are diagnosed with traumatic brain injury in Michigan every year, and an average of 1,551 people die each year from severe head trauma.

Studies in Michigan show that children and the elderly are more often hospitalized due to TBI than other age groups. Sadly, 167 children under the age of nineteen die each year due to TBI, and approximately 1,880 more children are hospitalized.

Drivers in Michigan who sustain a TBI are typically covered for medical care under Michigan no-fault automobile insurance. This can be confusing, however, and the limitations of coverage may have to be explained to some people in detail. It is important to have an advocate on your side to assist you with your claim, appeal denials, and help you to obtain financial coverage for a lifetime of medical care.

If you have been injured in a car crash in Michigan and have sustained a traumatic brain injury, contact an experienced Michigan accident attorney at the law firm of Keller & Keller today at (269) 983-7333. Get your legal questions answered and have a trusted advocate on your side.

Understanding Traumatic and Non-traumatic Spinal Cord Injury in Michigan

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

Spinal cord injuries can be traumatic or non-traumatic. Car accidents in Michigan often result in traumatic spinal cord injury, which is caused by a sudden blow to the spine. Research shows that more than 40 percent of new spinal-cord injuries each year result from car and motorcycle crashes. The second most common cause of this injury is falls. Studies indicate that falls occur more frequently after the age of 65, and they result in 25 percent of new claims each year.

The other common causes of spinal-cord injury in Michigan and the rest of the United States include acts of violence, sports injuries, alcohol, and diseases. Over 15 percent of new spinal-cord injury cases result from gunshot or knife wounds, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Approximately 8 percent of new spinal-cord injury cases result from recreational activities and sports injuries. Alcohol is a contributor in one out of four spinal cord injuries.

Non-traumatic spinal cord injuries are generally the result of diseases. Diseases such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and cancer may cause spinal-cord injury in Michigan and elsewhere. Disk degeneration of the spine and inflammation or infection of the spinal cord can also contribute to this life-altering injury.

If you or a loved one have been affected by a non-traumatic or traumatic spinal cord injury in Michigan, contact the law firm of Keller & Keller today at (269) 983-7333 and get your legal questions answered by a knowledgeable Saint Joseph, Michigan injury attorney.

What every personal injury client should about Facebook and Myspace

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

Over the last 25 years the internet has grown from a secret defense department program to a window on the world accessible to all. With that has come the rise of “social media.” Facebook is only a recent phenomena staring in 2004 and has grown to over 400 million users worldwide. That is more than the population of the United States. So what does the internet, Facebook, or Myspace have to do with my case?

As you may know, any attorney with any type of case generally instructs their client to not discuss their case with anyone. There are good reasons attorneys do this. Whether you are in a personal injury case, or are prosecuting a criminal, or representing a criminal, or any other type of legal case, the reason you are instructed not to discuss your case is so that your attorney can protect your legal rights.

As with the Miranda warning in a criminal case you may have heard recited in the movies, or on TV, in person: “Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.” Well the same holds true in any civil case expect its not the State and a prosecutor who will be using the information gained but simply the other party in a civil case will use anything they can that will help them defeat your case. This is true in a personal injury case.

People like to talk about themselves and post up statements about the accident they were in, the injuries they received, photos of their car, discussions on what they did on any particular day.   You may find yourself explaining what you mean to a defense attorney someday if you are in a deposition.

In Michigan, because of the No-Fault Law threshold a plaintiff must show a serious impairment of important body function to the extent that his or her “normal” life is impaired. In this context, even the most innocent statement of a plaintiff did one year after the accident such as “having a great day” can come back to haunt someone in their injury case. For instance stating, “having a great day on August 5, 2009,” may conflict with what you told a doctor if you had a doctor’s appointment that day and don’t think a defense attorney or insurance company won’t exploit this contradiction to discredit your honesty and argue that” having a great day” means your “normal” life is not impaired.

People post these things on Myspace and Facebook all the time and many of them do not use the privacy settings to lock out the general public from viewing this information. If you don’t think an insurance company or a private investigator hired by an insurance company is not looking to see if they can access your Facebook page or Myspace page, guess again.

Its not enough just to have your privacy settings and only your “friends” having access. Even if you discuss your case with your “friends” on Facebook or Myspace you still have given away information and unnecessarily have brought them into your case now as a witness. If you are ever asked in a deposition the question “who did you discuss your accident with?” You are under oath to then include that you discussed it with that person as well. If you tell others what your attorney advised you then you may also end up waiving attorney client privilege on the issue as well.   What this comes down to is the same old message: Don’t discuss your case with anyone! That also means you don’t post anything about your case on the internet.

Michigan Medical Malpractice at a Glance

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

There are many misconceptions about what Michigan medical malpractice really is. One common myth is that a medical malpractice case can arise from side-effects caused by prescribed medicine. Many drugs, surgeries, and procedures have commonly known side-effects and risks and these side-effects (unpredictable allergic reactions, for example) seldom form the basis for a medical malpractice case because there is an acceptable margin for error in the medical field.

Poor medical treatment such as failure to diagnose, mistreatment, and negligence is grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit in Michigan.

Some of the most commonly misdiagnosed diseases are:

• Lung Cancer
• Breast Cancer
• Colorectal Cancer
• Appendicitis

If any disease is misdiagnosed or if an oversight leads to complications or death, then the doctors, nurses, surgeons, or any other involved healthcare provider may be held responsible for the patient's' outcome. Because these specific diseases can be life-threatening, financial compensation may be available.

If you feel that you or someone you love has been a victim of medical malpractice in Michigan, contact the experienced Saint Joseph medical malpractice lawyers at the law firm of Keller & Keller today at (269) 983-7333.

Changes in the Michigan Controlled Substance Law

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

Did you know that marijuana is the drug most commonly found in cars following deadly crashes? This may be because it is the most popular drug in the United States, as well as in Michigan. Marijuana can also be detected in the body for a long time after pot is inhaled.

The Michigan Supreme Court recently ruled that it is not illegal to drive a vehicle while having a byproduct of marijuana in your body. The reasoning behind this is that the body breaks down marijuana into a byproduct called "11-carboxy-THC." Experts say this byproduct can stay in your body for weeks after the effects of the drug have dissipated.

This decision was made by the Supreme Court's liberal majority. Four of the seven justices said they don't consider "carboxy" to be a controlled substance under Michigan law, and it doesn't indicate that a driver is impaired.

Some do not agree with this decision and this ruling was opposed and blocked in 2006 when a conservative majority ruled the Supreme Court. This 2006 decision has since been reversed and the state recently put a new medical marijuana law into effect.

Justices will not allow prosecutors to charge Michigan motorists who have a byproduct of pot in their system for DUID. If they were to do so, people who need marijuana to relieve pain would be in jeopardy every time they got into their vehicles since they wouldn't have any way to know when the carboxy had left their systems.

The court is not telling drivers to smoke pot, and the law still allows motorists to be arrested for driving under the influence. Prosecutors, however, will now have to show more evidence in order to convict an impaired motorist.
Michigan car accidents can be deadly, especially when drugs or alcohol are involved. If you or a loved one have been injured in a Michigan car accident, contact experienced Michigan personal injury attorneys at the law firm of Keller & Keller today at (269)983-7333.

Black Box Information is Key in a Michigan Truck Crash

Fri, 28 May 2010 08:00:00 EST

Just as airplanes have black boxes to record data, several large trucks on Michigan road’s are equipped with black boxes as well. These boxes record electronic data and can be useful in an investigation of a Michigan semi-truck accident.

Not all trucks have these black boxes on board, but in recent years many of the large motor carriers are requiring them. They record critical information that can help determine if a truck driver was negligent. The black box will indicate speed, sudden braking, tire pressure, maintenance issues, and even information on a truck driver’s time on the road.

There was a tremendous push for these black boxed to be equipped in semi-trucks to help prevent truck drivers from exceeding regulated hours. However, if you were involved in a truck crash in Michigan, the black box on board will not be given to you. This is why it is important to have an experienced Grand Rapids accident attorney who will know how to request crucial information to support your case.

This information must be requested immediately following a semi-truck accident in Michigan. Data stored in black boxes can be overwritten, and you will want this information preserved for litigation. If you find that the black box is destroyed, there is typically another copy. The truck company should store this electronic information in a different location as a back-up copy.

If you or someone you love has been seriously injured or killed in a Michigan truck accident, and you believe the truck driver was negligent, you will want to make sure the black box data is preserved. It is critical that you speak with a Michigan truck accident lawyer as soon as possible following a truck crash in Grand Rapids. Contact the law firm of Keller & Keller at (269) 983-7333.

Michigan no-fault insurance and motorcycle injury claims

Tue, 25 May 2010 08:00:00 EST

Special laws apply to Michigan motorcyclists involved in an accident. Simply put, you need to know how Michigan no-fault insurance will affect your motorcycle personal injury claim.

Anyone who operates a motor vehicle in Michigan is required to purchase a no-fault insurance policy. A no-fault policy includes three mandatory coverages: Personal Injury Protection (PIP); Property Protection (PPI); and Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability (BI/PD). If you are injured in a motor vehicle accident, the PIP portion of the auto insurance policy pays for unlimited medical and rehabilitation expenses of any insured person, his or her family members, and any other injured persons such as pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists.

Motorcycles are specifically excluded as a motor vehicle under Michigan’s no-fault law

Motorcycle claims are paid depending on whether the motorcycle accident involves an insured motor vehicle. If the motorcycle accident does involve an insured motor vehicle, the insurance company of the motor vehicle involved will pay unlimited medical benefits for the injuries of the motorcyclist, regardless of who was at fault in the accident. If the accident does not involve a motor vehicle, the motorcyclist does not have unlimited coverage for injuries. This is because they are not eligible for, and have not purchased full PIP coverage. If optional medical treatment coverage was purchased, the amount the insurance company will pay for medical treatment will be limited to that amount.

This brief summary illustrates the complexity of Michigan no-fault insurance. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, please contact Keller & Keller for a free analysis of your claim.
. Due to this exclusion, motorcyclists are unable to purchase a no-fault policy that provides unlimited PIP coverage. Motorcyclists are only required to purchase minimal liability coverage which protects against liability for property damage, bodily injury or death suffered by another person arising out of the use of a motorcycle. Insurers that write motorcycle coverage are also required to offer medical benefit coverage. This coverage pays for medical treatment to a motorcyclists if they are injured in a motorcycle accident and no other coverage is available. This coverage is sold in increments of $5,000.00. The amount of medical benefit coverage purchased is the limit the insurance company will pay for any medical treatment due to the accident. Medical benefit coverage is not mandatory, and motorcyclists have the option of choosing whether to purchase this type of coverage.

Is the Michigan Motorcycle Helmet Law Overturned?

Thu, 20 May 2010 08:00:00 EST

For many years, Michigan has had a helmet law in place for all age groups of motorcycle riders, making it mandatory to wear a helmet when operating a motorcycle. This is to help prevent head injuries from occurring in Michigan motorcycle accidents. On March25, 2010, the Michigan House passed bill 4747 in a 63 to 46 vote, repealing the helmet law in the state of Michigan. At this time, Michigan’s current law, which requires all motorcycle drivers to wear a helmet, is still in place.

If this bill becomes law, what will this mean? The bill would let motorcyclists age 21 and older to be able to ride without wearing a helmet in Michigan. In the past few years, Governor Jennifer Granholm has vetoed bills of this nature; however, this legislation will now move to the Senate for their vote.

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation and the American Motorcyclist Association among others have lobbied Congress on repealing helmet laws for years. Activists believe out of the 21 states that still have helmet laws, that the state of Michigan will be the next one to overturn it.

Governor Granholm is threatening to veto the bill. If the mandatory helmet law is overturned, there are concerns that injuries and insurance costs would increase. Deaths from motorcycle accidents have nearly doubled in the last decade, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Studies have shown that helmets could have saved lives. Helmets are known to help prevent head injuries and help to minimize fatalities. One NHTSA study shows that riders without helmets have a 40% greater chance of dying in a motorcycle accident than riders with helmets. Of course, helmets can’t save every life due to severe injuries to other body parts, but they are vital in preventing brain injury.

If your or a loved one has been injured in a Michigan motorcycle accident, contact the law firm of Keller & Keller, experienced Michigan injury attorneys. We will provide you with a free legal evaluation and answer your questions. Call us today at (269) 983-7333.

Fremont Motorcycle Driver Dies in Grand Rapids Crash

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

On Thursday July 1, 2010, a male motorcyclist was killed in a Grand Rapids motorcycle crash. Michigan police said the accident occurred around 8:00 a.m. on 28th Street SE in front of a McDonald's parking lot.

The man who was killed was identified as twenty-one-year-old Joshua Cook of Fremont. Authorities said that a lady pulling out of the McDonald's parking lot in a 2006 Chevy Cobalt didn't see the motorcycle, and she pulled out in front of him. The driver of the Cobalt was forty-three-year-old Kim Aguirre of Lake Odessa.

Michigan police stated the motorcycle was headed westbound on 28th Street near the I-96 ramp when the Chevy attempted to turn east, and the front left side of the car crashed into the westbound motorcycle. The driver of the Chevy received minor injuries as the airbag deployed, injuring her arm. She was traveling with a male passenger who was not injured and whose identity is unknown.

Police said the motorcyclist was wearing his helmet, which they found lying in the road. Sadly, Cook died immediately at the scene. Police don't know if high speeds were a factor, and they are still investigating this Michigan motorcycle crash.

We are sad to hear of the loss of this young man. Our thoughts and condolences are with the victim's family and friends during this difficult time.

Speed Causes Almena, Michigan Motorcycle Crash

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

On Friday, June 25, 2010, at approximately 4:35 p.m., a Michigan motorcycle crash occurred in Almena, MI. Authorities said that the crash involving a motorcycle and a car took place at the intersection of 22nd Street and County Road 375.

The police report indicated that thirty-five-year-old Amy Riegle of Paw Paw was traveling west on County Road 375 in a Chevy Malibu and attempted to turn southbound on 22nd Street when twenty-three-year-old Jacob Hatfield struck the car with his Kawasaki ZX600 motorcycle. Hatfield, also from Paw Paw, was thrown from his bike and sustained injuries.

When emergency crews arrived at the scene they found Hatfield still lying in the street. Police said he was wearing a helmet but appeared to have sustained arm and leg injuries. He was taken to Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo for medical attention. Authorities said his motorcycle was also seriously damaged in the crash.

Riegle was wearing her seat belt and was not injured in the crash. Police say witnesses came forward and stated that they had observed the motorcycle driver (Hatfield) speeding just prior to the crash, and police cited Hatfield for speeding. The day following the accident, the hospital listed Hatfield in stable condition.

Driver Causes Grand Rapids Car Wreck Trying to Flee from Police

Sat, 17 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

Early Sunday morning, at around 2:45 a.m. on the Fourth of July, a routine traffic stop sent one person to the hospital. The vehicle that was stopped was a 2010 Ford Focus that was traveling on southbound US-131. Michigan Police noticed that the vehicle was weaving in and out of traffic and attempted to pull the car over.

Michigan State Police said the driver of the Ford Focus exited the highway on Wealthy Street SW, in downtown Grand Rapids. Police said when they approached the vehicle, the driver of the Focus tried to escape.

The driver of the Focus ran a red light and smashed into a Ford Bronco at the intersection of Division and Wealthy. After the Focus hit the Bronco, the Bronco collided with another vehicle, turning the traffic stop into a three-car accident. The Focus finally came to rest after striking a light pole.

Michigan Police arrested the driver at the scene but the driver sustained a leg injury in the crash and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Two others were injured in this Michigan car crash, but no names or details have been released at this time.

Police suspect that alcohol was involved and are investigating this situation.

Battle Creek Dog Shot After Biting Man

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

A man claims he was bitten by a dog while delivering flyers door-to-door in the Springfield neighborhood of Battle Creek. He reported the dog bite to the Calhoun County Sheriff's Department of Animal Control, and they sent a deputy to the scene to investigate the claim.

The sheriff's deputy says that on June 28, 2010 he went to the door of the house and the dog charged out after him. The officer had not been planning to use his weapon and backed away but the dog still charged at him. The officer fired his gun at the dog and killed it.

The dog's owner says that her three-year-old Boxer mix, which was shot at three times, did nothing wrong. She is filing an official complaint.

Investigators say that all three shots appear to have been fired when the dog was approximately one foot away from the deputy. The police department indicated that they believe appropriate force was used in this situation.

The victim of the original dog bite in Battle Creek is having the dog tested for rabies.

Kalamazoo Drunk Driver Crashes into Police Officer

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

On June 12, 2010 at approximately 11:30 p.m. a Kalamazoo car accident involving a drunk driver and a police officer took place near the intersection of Greenwich and Kalamazoo Avenues. Authorities say a police cruiser was traveling south on Greenwich when he was struck by a car that was traveling north.

Police indicate that the other motorist was speeding and driving on the wrong side of the street. After striking the police car, the suspect fled the scene with the officer in pursuit. The suspect's car continued north on Greenwich and then drove west on W. Main St into a residential neighborhood where it came to a rest after hitting a guardrail.

Michigan police have not released the driver's name, but they have confirmed that this twenty-five-year-old driver was arrested for crashing into a police officer, fleeing the scene of an accident, and drunk driving. He is being held at the Kalamazoo County jail.

The driver was traveling with a thirty-six-year-old passenger who was not arrested. Both the driver and passenger are men from Kalamazoo and neither was injured in the crash.

Driving under the influence of alcohol in Michigan is illegal and dangerous. Thankfully, the police officer was not injured in this crash.

Teenager Dies in Kalamazoo Car Crash

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

Just after 6:20 a.m., on Friday, June 11, 2010, a fatal car accident took place involving a teenage girl from Kalamazoo, Michigan and an older man from Galesburg, Illinois. The Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office identified the nineteen-year-old girl in the crash as Britney Hatten.

Authorities stated the teenager was driving south on 36th Street in her 1996 Honda Accord when she ran a stop sign at the intersection of MN Avenue. A 2005 Chevrolet truck was traveling westbound and hit the car directly on the driver's side door. Kalamazoo Police said the pickup truck, driven by seventy-three-year-old James Roe, had no time to stop.

Authorities arrived to find that the Accord had been pushed into a tree. Ms. Hatten was transported to Borgess Medical Center where she was pronounced dead. The police do not know if she was wearing her seat belt at the time of the wreck.

The driver of the pickup truck sustained non-life-threatening injuries and is in stable condition at Bronson Methodist Hospital. Authorities did confirm that Roe was wearing his seat belt at the time of the crash.

Police are still investigating this Michigan car accident and are asking anyone with information to call the Kalamazoo Sheriff's Office.

We offer our condolences to the family and friends of Britney Hatten during this tragic time.

Ambulance Involved in Holland Car Crash

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

On Wednesday, June 2, 2010 an American Medical Response ambulance was involved in a traffic accident in Holland, Michigan. The three-car crash occurred just after 4:30 p.m. on East 16th Street and Columbia Avenue.

The two ambulance drivers were transporting a patient to Holland Hospital when the crash occurred. Michigan Police said they have not yet determined if the lights and sirens were operating on the ambulance at the time.

Holland Police stated that both airbags in the ambulance deployed at the time of the crash, and that no one riding in the ambulance was seriously hurt, although the patient had to be transferred to another emergency vehicle.

The other two cars involved in this crash were a Saturn Ion and a Ford Bronco. Authorities believe the Saturn ran a stop sign and ran into the Ford Bronco that was traveling eastbound on 16th Street. No one is exactly sure how the ambulance came to be involved in this accident.

An older woman, the driver of the Saturn, was injured in the accident. Holland firefighters had to extract her from the car and she was taken to the hospital for medical treatment. Her injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. A passenger in the Bronco was taken by ambulance to the hospital for injuries he received in the accident. The extent of these injuries is not known at this time.

Michigan Police are continuing an investigation into this crash. Michigan car crashes can result in serious, even life-threatening injuries. We wish everyone involved in this car wreck a full and speedy recovery.

Drunk Driver Arrested After Grand Rapids Crash

Sat, 19 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Michigan traffic accident occurred involving a gravel hauler and a passenger vehicle near Grand Rapids on Thursday, May 27, 2010 at approximately 12:15 a.m.

Michigan state police stated that the twenty-three-year-old driver of a passenger vehicle rear- ended a gravel hauler that was working on a construction project on M-37 near M-6. Police stated that it appeared the left lane of M-37 was closed due to construction; at the time of the accident, however, the gravel truck was not traveling in the closed-off lane.

The driver of the gravel hauler was traveling north on M-37 after having just completed a left turn when the crash occurred in the construction area. Police stated that the driver of the passenger vehicle received minor injuries.

The identity of the driver of the passenger vehicle has not been released at this time, but it was confirmed that he resides in Grand Rapids. Police suspected that the driver was drunk and arrested him on suspicion of drunken driving.

There was no word on whether the gravel-truck driver sustained any injuries in this Michigan car crash. Traffic accidents can be serious especially when someone is driving while intoxicated.

Our thoughts are with everyone involved in this accident, and we wish them a full and speedy recovery.

Road Rage Causes a Kent County Five-Car Crash

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

Police say two drivers involved in an alleged road-rage incident caused a five-car crash in Michigan on M-6. The April 16, 2010 accident occurred in Kent County near Kalamazoo Avenue, as a 2004 Envoy and a 1997 Dodge Ram pickup truck entered M-6 from the Kalamazoo on-ramp.

Michigan police said both drivers were traveling westbound on M-6 and were speeding, tailgating, and involved in improper lane use. The driver of the Envoy lost control of his vehicle and went across the median into the eastbound lanes of traffic, colliding with a semi truck. The truck driver tried to avoid the accident and swerved into a Saturn that was also traveling eastbound. Two other cars behind the semi were unable to stop in time and collided with each other.

The driver of the Dodge Ram left the scene, and the critically injured thirty-six-year-old driver of the Envoy was taken to a local hospital. The forty-two-year-old driver of the Dodge Ram later called 911 to report himself. Police drove out to the Holland area to question the driver regarding his involvement.

No charges have been filed, but police say they will forward this case to the Kent County Prosecutor's Office for investigation and possible charges.

Our thoughts are with all the people involved who have been injured in this Michigan car crash.

Single Car Accident Leaves Michigan Driver Seriously Injured

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

On May 2, 2010, a one-car accident occurred in Eckford Township on D Drive South at the corner of Homer Road. This Michigan car crash occurred around 2:30 p.m. on Sunday afternoon.

The Calhoun County Sheriff's Department arrived on the scene and indicated that a twenty-two-year-old male driver from Marshall, Michigan was driving southbound on D Drive when he lost control of his pick-up truck. Authorities found the pick-up truck lying on its passenger side, and believe the pick-up truck rolled at least once before it came to a stop.

Officials reported that Fredonia Township Fire Department had to help free the driver from his vehicle due to the seriousness of the crash. The driver sustained serious head injuries and was flown by helicopter to Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo.

The unidentified man was driving with his dog in the truck when the accident occurred. Officials indicated that the dog was not hurt.

The name of the 22-year-old male driver was not released, and police are still investigating this one-car accident.

Car accidents in Michigan can lead to serious injuries. Our thoughts are with the victim, and we hope he makes a full recovery.

Unoccupied Vehicle Involved in Niles Car Crash

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

On Friday, May 14, 2010, a car crash in Niles, Michigan occurred at around 2:00 a.m. Police said that the Michigan car accident happened on 11th Street in front of Jay's Lounge, located at 3025 South 11th Street.

This early -morning crash occurred when a moving vehicle headed southbound on 11th Street collided with a parked, unoccupied vehicle. Authorities indicated that this vehicle had been left deserted in the street.

The driver of the car has been a identified as sixty-nine-year-old Janice Caldwell of South Bend. Police said the driver was taken to Memorial Hospital for medical treatment because she was seriously injured in this crash.

South Bend Police had their K-9 units search the area as witnesses advised them that people had been spotted fleeing
the scene of the car crash.

Police reports indicate that they have contacted and questioned the owner of the unoccupied vehicle. There is no word at this time why the car was left unoccupied, but the crash is still being investigated.

Michigan car accidents can lead to serious injuries. Our thoughts are with Janice Caldwell as she recovers from her injuries. We hope she makes a full and speedy recovery.

SUV Involved in Fatal Michigan Rollover

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

A fatal car crash occurred on May 30, 2010, in Nelson Township, Michigan. Police say it was a single-vehicle accident involving a 2000 Ford Explorer. Reports show that this tragic accident took place on US-131 near 22 Mile Road, just before 10:00 p.m. Sunday night.

Michigan State Police arrived on the scene and determined that the driver had been traveling southbound on US-131 when he veered off the road and flipped the vehicle. The SUV rolled multiple times, ejecting the driver from the car.

Sadly, the driver died at the scene due to his severe injuries. Police said the driver of the Ford Explorer was not wearing his seat belt at the time of the accident.

The driver was identified as fifty-one-year-old Ronald Gangwer of Grand Rapids, Michigan. The cause of this crash has not been determined, and the Michigan State Police are still investigating the accident.

Michigan car crashes can lead to serious injuries or even death. Our thoughts and condolences are with the victim's family and friends during this difficult time.

Child Dies in Ionia Bicycle-Car Crash

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

An eight-year-old girl was killed in a bicycle -versus -car crash in Ionia, Michigan at around 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 25, 2010. Authorities said the girl was riding her bicycle, playing outside, and enjoying the summer weather when she missed a turn, veered off the sidewalk and rode into the street.

Sadly, she accidentally steered her bicycle in front of an SUV and was hit by it. The little girl, identified as Kelsie Henning, was taken to DeVos Children's Hospital, where she later died from her injuries.

Officials said that prior to the accident Kelsie was riding her bike south on Pleasant Street when she tried to make a left turn onto the sidewalk of Washington Street and missed the turn, ending up in the roadway. The driver of the SUV is a thirty-four-year-old woman and resident of Ionia.

The victim's mother, Jessica Randall, told authorities that her daughter had gotten a new bike as a birthday present in August, just a few months prior to the accident. She indicated that her daughter loved her two-wheeled bike and enjoyed riding it.

The victim was in third grade at Jefferson Elementary School, where crisis counselors were available to talk with Kelsie's friends and peers.

Our thoughts are with the victim's family and friends during this sad time, and we offer our condolences.

Police Chase Ended in Grand Rapids Car Crash

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

Early Monday, May 31, 2010, an out -of -control vehicle was spotted driving erratically through the streets of Grand Rapids. The Kent County police tried to pull the recklessly driven truck over around 1:00 a.m., but the driver of the vehicle failed to stop. The Grand Rapids police officer declined to chase the vehicle at that time.

Over the next several hours, the Kent County police received many complaints and reports of this vehicle being driven negligently. The reports indicated the driver was speeding, failed to stop at stop signs, ran red lights, and was weaving in and out of traffic.

Kentwood police spotted the vehicle crossing into their territory and pursued the driver. As the car chase continued, the driver of the pick-up truck crossed back into Grand Rapids. Grand Rapids police and Kent County Sheriff's deputies joined the Kentwood police in the car chase.

The chase finally ended at around 3:15 a.m. in a Grand Rapids car crash involving the Kent County police and the out -of -control truck driver. The car accident took place on 28th Street near Kalamazoo SE. The roads were closed for cleanup and investigation for a few hours following the crash.

Neither the police nor the other driver received any injurieswere injured; however, the police noted that the driver had previously been diagnosed as suffering from mental illness. The driver's name has not been released at this time.

Thankfully, neither the police nor the driver of the truck were injured in this car chase and Michigan car accident.

Battle Creek Car Crash Leaves Boy in Good Health

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

On May 4, 2010, at approximately 1:20 p.m., a traffic accident occurred in Battle Creek, Michigan. Police reports indicate that the car crash took place on Dickman Road at the intersection of Forest Street.

Police reported that twenty-four-year-old Staci McKee of Battle Creek was driving a passenger vehicle westbound on Dickman Road when she was stuck by a pick-up truck. According to authorities, the pick-up truck was driving northbound on Forest Street at the time of the accident. The driver of the pick-up truck has been identified as thirty-five-year-old Eric Moore of Battle Creek.

Police say that Moore failed to yield the right of way to the passenger vehicle driven by McKee. McKee's four-year-old boy, Cameron McKee, was also in the vehicle, and sustained minor injuries. He was taken to Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo for treatment, and is reported to be in good condition.

Michigan police cited the driver of the pick-up truck for failure to yield.

Driving in Michigan can be dangerous, and can lead to car accidents and injuries . We are glad to hear that no one was seriously injured in this accident.

Teenager Died in Early Morning Benton Township Crash

Fri, 28 May 2010 08:00:00 EST

On Sunday, May 16, 2010 at approximately 5:30 a.m. a deadly car accident occurred in Benton Township. Authorities say that the early morning crash happened near East Empire Avenue on M-139.

Police said there were four teenagers in the car together, and it appeared they had left the YMCA and were traveling north on M-139 when the single car accident occurred. Officials said the car veered off the road and crashed into a utility pole.

The front seat passenger, a 13-year-old girl, died from her injuries she received in the car crash. Both backseat passengers, two 12-year-old girls, were injured in the crash. One sustained injuries to her head and face, and the other girl’s injuries are unknown. They were admitted to Lakeland Regional Medical Center, but the last victim was later taken by helicopter to Bronson Hospital.

The driver, a 17-year-old teenage boy, sustained minor injuries and was taken to Lakeland as well. Police are still investigating this crash, but they don’t believe alcohol contributed to this Michigan car accident. It is unknown if the driver has been ticketed or cited for this accident at this point.

We hope the injured victims are able to make a full recovery. We are sad to hear of this loss of a young life. Our thoughts and concerns are with the deceased victim’s family and friends.

Driver Died in Cheshire Township Auto Accident

Thu, 20 May 2010 08:00:00 EST

On the evening of Saturday, May 8, 2010 a deadly Cheshire Township car accident occurred after the driver lost control of her car. Driver, 19-year-old Nicole Cowling was driving north on 44th Street in Cheshire Township, Michigan, when she drove through standing water.

Police say Cowling lost control of her car and hit a tree, leaving her pinned in her vehicle. Sadly, the driver died before police even reached the scene. She was traveling with two passengers whose names have not been released. A 19-year-old Portland woman and 18-year-old man from Bangor were both taken to the local hospital where they were treated for their injuries and released.

Unfortunately, no one in the car was wearing their seat belts. Allegan County police are investigating the crash and have yet to provide an official determination at this point. However, police did say the water did not flood or cover the street. They are suspecting that speed and driver error could have played a part in this tragic Michigan car accident.

We are sad to hear of this deadly accident and our thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends during this difficult time.

Burlington Township Vehicle and Semi Truck Collide Head-On on M-60

Thu, 20 May 2010 08:00:00 EST

An early morning Burlington Township car accident at approximately 12:16 a.m. on Saturday, April 10, 2010, left one man in critical condition. Driver, 21-year-old Jeremy Garcia was traveling westbound on M-60 near Nine-Mile Road when he hit a semi truck head-on.

The accident took place in Burlington Township, Michigan, and the Calhoun County Sherriff’s Department says the car driven by Garcia crossed the center line and hit the semi-truck head-on. The 18-wheeler was traveling eastbound on M-60, driven by 45-year-old James Frampton from Buchanan. The truck’s front wheels were torn off as it was forced off the road and into a field. The truck’s tanker was full of diesel fuel, but thankfully it did not explode.

The truck driver was not hurt but Garcia, the driver of the passenger vehicle, had to be flown by helicopter to a Kalamazoo hospital for medical treatment. Although Garcia is critically injured, he is expected to live and to recover from his injuries.

M-60 was closed to all traffic until approximately 6 a.m. on Saturday. This Michigan head-on collision is under investigation by the Accident Reconstruction Team with the Michigan Sherriff’s Department.

We wish the injured victim a speedy recovery.

Grand Rapids Homeless Man Killed in Hit-and-Run Acciden

Thu, 20 May 2010 08:00:00 EST

On Monday evening May 10, 2010 at approximately 8:30 p.m. a pedestrian was hit and killed. The accident occurred near the corner of Grandville Avenue and Weston Street southwest in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Police say two cars actually struck the victim as the pedestrian was attempting to cross the street.

The first vehicle that hit the pedestrian left the scene. The second driver of a Cadillac also made contact with the victim, but stopped and called the police. The second driver, who reported the accident, is a male from Grand Ledge. He told police that the car that fled was an SUV.

The 49-year-old pedestrian was homeless and was known as “Mike” to his friends. He had been staying at Degage Ministries and living in the downtown area for over five years.

The intersection at Grandville and Weston was closed for a couple hours in order for police to complete their investigation of this fatality caused from a Grand Rapids car accident. Police are still looking for the driver who left the scene.

Our thoughts and condolences are with the victim’s family and friends during this sad time.

Michigan Became the 24th State to Adopt No Texting While Driving Ban

Tue, 18 May 2010 08:00:00 EST

On Friday, April 30, 2010, Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm signed a bill banning texting-while-driving in the state of Michigan. This legislation would prohibit drivers of all ages from reading, writing or sending text messages or emails from a wireless communication device.

There are already 23 states that have banned texting from behind the wheel, and the state of Michigan became the 24th state to support this ban. This legislation will go into effect on July 1, 2010.

After this law takes effect, drivers may get pulled over and fined for illegal behavior of texting behind the wheel. This bill does not include GPS systems that are attached to the car. Also, drivers can use their cell phones to call in a traffic accident, road hazard, crime, or report an emergency.

Michigan police and government officials are hoping this bill will lessen accidents in this state since alert drives can avoid accidents much more than distracted drivers whose eyes are not on the road.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a Michigan car accident due to a distracted driver, contact the law firm of Keller & Keller today at (800) 253-5537. We are experienced Michigan injury lawyers who will fight for you.