Smith & Johnson, Attorneys PC is the largest law firm in Northern Michigan dedicated solely to representing those who have been injured or killed by the negligence of others.
Before getting into an “Uber” car in Michigan, or for that matter becoming an Uber driver in Michigan, it would be prudent to thoroughly investigate the idea before proceeding with either plan. There are several inherent insurance related risks associated with doing so when it comes…
The Michigan Court of Appeals has just reaffirmed a boat owner’s duty and resulting liability to his/her passengers while boarding. The case is Lenhoff v Rechter, an unpublished per curiam opinion (Docket No. , dated May 12, 2016). In Lenhoff, the plaintiff was injured when she fell…
The Michigan Court of Appeals issued a published decision affirming the basic rule that an injured claimant’s generic notice of injury constitutes sufficient notice to a liable no-fault insurer. The case is Dillon v State Farm Mut Auto In Co, ___ Mich App ___ (May 3,…
Medical service providers must carefully adhere to the procedures and administrative guidelines set forth in participating provider agreements with primary health insurers. Failure to do so will prove fatal to any secondary no-fault claim. That is exactly what happened to a medical provider in a…
Jesperson v Auto Club Ins Ass’n, ___ Mich ___ (2016)(Docket No. 150332, dated March 21, 2016). In Jesperson, the injured person never submitted to the liable no-fault insurer, written notice of his no-fault PIP claim. Notwithstanding the foregoing, more than a year after the accident,…
The Michigan Court of Appeals recently published a case that holds that a person who is injured while occupying an uninsured vehicle that is not operable may recover no-fault PIP benefits. The case is Shinn v State of Michigan Assigned Claims Facility, ___ Mich App ___ (Docket No. 324227,…
On February 9, 2016, the Michigan Court of Appeals issued a Published Opinion that restricts certain reimbursements for chiropractic care under the no-fault act. The case is Measel v Auto Club Ins Co. The basic facts are that Ms. Measal was injured (neck, upper back…
The Michigan Legislature is, again, debating a proposal to raise the speed limits for state and county roadways. The package of bills (HB 4423 thru 4427) have been passed by the House Transportation Committee (Chaired by Republican, Peter Pettalia, District 106) and will now be considered and deba
Winter has finally arrived with piles of fresh powder. And for snowmobilers across the State of Michigan, the trails of northern Michigan are increasingly becoming more populated. In Michigan, it is illegal to operate a snowmobile with a blood alcohol level equal or greater than .08. The newly re
It may seem obvious. It may seem an unnecessary public service caution to express. Especially for us northern Michiganders. But for whatever the reason, once winter returns the local news is ripe with car crashes occurring in our area, most often because a driver was…
Smith & Johnson’s partner, L. Page Graves, argued a case of first impression regarding liability against the MDOT for failing to maintain parallel parking spaces in reasonable repair for the safety of pedestrians exiting their motor vehicle, before the Michigan Supreme Court, dated December 9,…
Several ski resorts in Northern Michigan have already opened and several more have announced their season will begin this weekend. With that in mind, it is time to re-check and make sure your and your child’s ski or snowboarding helmet fits properly and is not cracked or damaged,…
