A Muskegon hit and run snowmobile accident has left one man with serious injuries and resulted in possible criminal charges for leaving the scene of an accident.  Levi Coon, 18, was struck by two snowmobiles while pushing a snowblower in the road on December 23, 2008.  He suffered a broken leg.  None of the vehicles stopped.  The drivers were later identified and could face criminal charges for their conduct.

I am very sorry this accident happened, especially since the victim is so young.  I hope he is able to experience a full and speedy recovery.

The most important thing for Levi Coon to worry about is focusing on his recovery.  Neither he nor his parents should have to worry about how they will pay for his medical bills or other costs associated with his accident.  Fortunately, they have legal rights in this situation.

Their legal rights will be determined by the type of snowmobile that struck Levi Coon.  If the snowmobile meets the definition of the term “motor vehicle” as it is used in the Michigan No Fault Act, Levi will be able to collect No Fault insurance benefits.  These benefits cover all reasonable and necessary medical expenses and provide other benefits as well.

If the snowmobile, however, does not meet the definition, the family should strongly consider filing a lawsuit against the drivers of the snowmobiles.  Unlike a criminal trial, this lawsuit will seek payment of medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other money damages instead of jail time or payment of fines to a government agency.  By speaking with a lawyer, Levi Coon could describe the snowmobiles that hit him and the lawyer could better evaluate his case.

If you would like more information about your rights after a Michigan car accident, you can order our FREE book, “The Ultimate Michigan Car Accident Handbook” by clicking on the book link.  We will send it out immediately along with other important information.

For more information about Michigan car accident cases, visit our law firm web site at www.BuckfireLaw.com.  If you would like to speak with one of our Michigan car accident attorneys about your case, feel free to call us anytime at (800) 606-1717 or simply submit this contact form and we will get back to you quickly.

A fatal Highland Township snowmobile accident may have been caused by alcohol.  David Lee Bills, 39, died on December 19, 2008 after his snowmobile crashed into a van on Duck Road.  Police believe David Bills was going the wrong way.  The driver of the van was unhurt but she was arrested for drunk driving.  Police believe David Bills may also have been drinking, but they are still investigating.

I am very sorry this accident occurred.  I want to extend my condolences to this man’s family.  I hope everyone remembers to use a designated driver, especially during the holiday season.

Because David Bills’ death occurred in an accident involving a motor vehicle, the Michigan No Fault Act applies and his family can collect No Fault insurance benefits.  A No Fault survivor loss claim would allow his family to collect a portion of the funeral cost and payments for loss of financial support (wages or salary) and loss of household services (payments for chores around the house).

In addition, the family should consult with a lawyer to determine if they can file a lawsuit for wrongful death.  To be successful, their lawyer would have to prove the driver of the van was negligent.  One important tool in helping the lawyer evaluate this is the police traffic accident report.  The family should get a copy of this report from the police station and speak with a lawyer.  A lawyer could also help them with their No Fault claim.

If you would like more information about your rights after a Michigan car accident, you can order our FREE book, “The Ultimate Michigan Car Accident Handbook” by clicking on the book link.  We will send it out immediately along with other important information. 

For more information about Michigan car accident cases, visit our law firm web site at www.BuckfireLaw.com.  If you would like to speak with one of our Michigan car accident attorneys about your case, feel free to call us anytime at (800) 606-1717 or simply submit this contact form and we will get back to you quickly.

Two teenagers were tragically killed in a dirt-bike accident near Chelsea in Washtenaw County.  Ian Charles Hughes, 18, a student at Ann Arbor’s Stone High School, was driving the dirt-bike along with a passenger, Anna Herter, 16, a student at Chelsea High School on November 7, 2008 when the bike apparently left the road by a tight corner of Sylvan Road north of Wingate Road and crashed into several trees.  The two were discovered the next morning.

This is a very tragic accident, and I am very sorry it occurred.  I want to extend my sympathies to their families and their school communities.

In an accident like this, the passenger’s estate could sue the driver’s estate.  This lawsuit would be defended by the insurance company if the dirt-bike is insured.  A wrongful death lawsuit like this one would seek damages for loss of Anna Herter’s company and for other emotional damages for her family.  It would also seek compensation for any medical or other expenses connected with her unfortunate death.  Whether Ian Hughes’s estate could file a claim with this insurance company would depend on whether the vehicle is insured and on what type of insurance policy covered the vehicle.  It is very likely that if the vehicle was insured, the Hughes family could collect some benefits to help pay for the costs of Ian’s funeral and other expenses.  Both families should contact a lawyer to help them determine what claims to file and what damages to seek.

For more information about Michigan bike accident cases, visit our law firm web site at www.BuckfireLaw.com.  If you would like to speak with one of our Michigan personal injury attorneys about your case, feel free to call us anytime at (800) 606-1717 or simply submit this contact form and we will get back to you quickly.

A Wilson Township all-terrain vehicle (ATV) accident tragically killed one child and seriously injured another yesterday. The accident occurred on a private drive off Pearsall Road in the Charlevoix County community. Danielle Palewski was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. Tiffany Eplett-Walden was seriously injured and ultimately had to be airlifted to North Flight Munson Medical Center in Traverse City and then to Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids, where she remains in serious condition. It appears that one of the girls lost control of the vehicle and went over a steep embankment. Neither girl was wearing a helmet.

This is an extremely tragic accident, especially since the victims are so young. My sympathies go out to both the families.

My firm represents injury victims and their families in similar cases. These cases are very sensitive to the victims and their families and are always very emotional for obvious reasons. As an attorney involved in these cases, I am very attuned to the emotions involved in the case.

They family of the decedent may have the right to file a Michigan Wrongful Death Claim.  The other child may  have claims for her personal injuries suffered in the accident. Either way, it seems that the person who let the children drive the ATV, especially without helmets, may bear some liability.  These cases are difficult to bring because often the families of the girl know each other well.

For more information about Michigan ATV accident cases, visit our law firm web site at www.BuckfireLaw.com If you would like to speak with one of our Michigan personal injury attorneys about your case, feel free to call us anytime at (800) 606-1717 or simply submit this contact form and we will get back to you quickly.