Rochester Law Blog

You may not always think of it this way, but your children are trusting you with their lives every time you take them in the car. It is very important to take the proper steps to keep them safe. Remember that you cannot predict accidents, no matter how good of a driver you are.

With that in mind, here are five key steps you should take:

1. Until children turn 13, they should not sit in the front of the car. An air bag can save an adult's life, but it can seriously harm a shorter child.
2. Only transport children in cars known for safety, with high crash-test ratings. Some risks may be fine on your own, but not with the kids.
3. Always use seat belts and proper car seats for children, based on their size and how old they are. Keep an eye on them to make sure they use the belts as instructed.
4. When installing car seats, take your time and check the instruction manual. Many injuries happen when parents accidentally use car seats improperly. Even if you think you got it right, double check.
5. Always watch the children when they are near the road, in the driveway or in the car. Do not leave them alone. Constant supervision is required because it only takes a split-second for a catastrophic accident.

All parents dread the idea of their child suffering even a minor injury even though that's just part of childhood. However, a study just released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that over 1.8 million American children (approximately 2.5 percent) suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI) before they reach their 17th birthday.

The data in the survey was based on the National Survey of Children's Health from 2011 and 2012. It reflected parental reporting of their children's TBI for which they sought emergency room treatment. Therefore, the actual numbers could be significantly higher.

A man from the Grand Rapids area was sentenced to a jail term after a life was lost under his charge. The hunting safety instructor plead no contest to the charge of careless discharge of a firearm resulting in injury and death.

The man was teaching a 13-year-old boy to hunt in Oceana County when the boy was struck in the back of the head by a bullet fired from the man's rifle. He originally claimed the shot was a ricochet while firing at a squirrel, and a trial on the original misdemeanor charge resulted in a mistrial.

If you look at your Michigan auto insurance policy documents, then you'll notice that you have personal injury protection (PIP) coverage listed on it. It's also known as no-fault insurance and it's mandatory that all drivers have it in the state. It's intended to cover medical bills that either you or your passengers may amass if you're involved in a car crash.

In the event that you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, you're probably wondering what your no-fault insurance coverage can be used to pay. It can be applied toward any unmet health insurance deductible. It can also be used to pay any amounts, such as co-pays, that are beyond your plan's limits.