Flint resident, Andrew Sheppard, was injured in a Flint hit and run car crash on May 2, 2009 on Mission Street in Flint.  He was a passenger in a vehicle driven by Christofer Leavitt at the time of the accident.  Mr. Leavitt allegedly left the scene of the accident and has been arraigned on three felonies and 2 misdemeanors in connection with the crash, including opertaing a vehicle while intoxicated, fleeing the scene of an accident, felonious driving, operating while intoxicated and reckless driving.

Andrew Sheppard sustained serious injuries in the accidenet.  According to reports, he was left comatose in a Genesee County hospital with possible head injuries, several broken ribs and a collapsed lung as a result of the crash.  I am very sorry hear that this accident happened and I hope that he is able to recover completely from his injuries.

Michigan car accident victims have a number of legal rights.  For this type of accident, the injured passenger can  submit a claim for Michigan No-Fault insurance benefits.  No-Fault benefits will cover his medical expenses, lost wages, attendant care, replacement services, and other benefits related to injuries suffered in the accident.  The injured passengers can claim these benefits even if they did not have an automobile insurance policy.

In addition, the injury victims may be able to file a lawsuit against the person driving the car.  In this lawsuit, he can claim damages and compensation for the injuries suffered in the accident.  The insurance company for the negligent driver typically pays a settlement for this type of case.  Another possible claim would be a potential Michigan dram shop case against the seller or furnisher of the  alcohol before the accident.

An experienced Michigan car accident lawyer can assist the victim with this type of claim.  Accident victims should not speak with the insurance adjuster for the negligent driver before consulting with an attorney.

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.

An Imlay City car accident has resulted in the deaths of two teenagers and injured a third.  Frank Palermo, 19, and Jeremy Steeghs, 17, were found dead at the scene of the accident, which took place on Newark Road near Summers Road on November 28, 2008.  Brandon Bissett, 18, a passenger in the same car, was treated for injuries at Lapeer Regional Medical Center and later Hurley Medical Center, where he is in stable condition.  Police are still investigating the accident.

This is a very tragic accident, especially because the victims are so young.  I want to extend my sympathies to the families of Frank Palermo and Jeremy Steeghs.  I hope Brandon Bissett is able to have a full and speedy recovery.

In an accident like this, where the investigation into fault is still on-going, the families do not need to wait for a final conclusion before submitting a claim to their No Fault insurance company.  In Michigan, No Fault benefits are available regardless of fault.  For Frank Palermo and Jeremy Steeghs, their families can submit a No Fault survivor loss claim for a portion of the funeral cost and payments for loss of household services.

For Brandon Bisset, his No Fault benefits will pay for his medical expenses, including his hospital bills and bills for any follow-up treatment that is reasonable and necessary in relation to the accident.  No Fault insurance will also pay for lost wages and may pay for household replacement services and attendant care, as well as other benefits depending on the severity of his injuries.

Depending on the circumstance of the accident, the passengers may be able to file a lawsuit against the driver.  This will depend on whether their injuries are severe, although is clearly severe enough, and whether the driver was negligent in anyway.  The best way to determine if the passengers can file a lawsuit is to speak with a lawyer.

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 seriously hurt in an Atlas Township car accident.  The accident occurred when Leah Springsteen, 18, of Atlas Township drove her car off Hill Street and onto State Street.  She collided with Trevor Troop, 16, of Goodrich.  Leah Springsteen remains in critical condition at Hurley Medical Center, while Trevor Troop is in serious condition at Genesys Regional Medical Center.  It is not clear which driver was at fault in the accident.

This is extremely tragic, especially because the victims are both so young.  I hope they are able to recovery fully and quickly.

Although their families are certainly very distraught right now, the best thing they can do is file a claim for Michigan No Fault benefits.  Their insurance will cover all the medical expenses incurred because of this accident.  Other benefits may also be available to the victims, depending on the severity and duration of their injuries, their work histories, and other factors.  One thing that is important to note is that both drivers are eligible for Michigan No Fault benefits even if they do not yet have a policy in their own name and even though it is not clear who caused the accident.  As long as someone they live with has a No Fault insurance policy, they will be able to receive No Fault benefits regardless of fault.  In addition, the driver who is determined to be free of fault may have a claim against the at-fault driver, but this will depend on the severity of that person’s injuries.

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.