Injured in a Crosswalk? Why New Crosswalks Can Still Create Serious Safety Risks

Many communities are investing in new pedestrian crossings and bicycle infrastructure to improve safety. While these improvements are often well-intentioned, new crosswalks can sometimes create unexpected dangers for pedestrians and cyclists when roadway design, traffic patterns, and driver behavior are not fully considered.

Common causes of bicycle and pedestrian accidents include distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield, poor visibility, and confusing roadway layouts. Even when a pedestrian is using a marked crosswalk or a cyclist is following traffic laws, serious injuries can occur when drivers fail to recognize or react to their presence, or is unfamiliar with the new crosswalk.

One local example is the new signalized crosswalk being installed at Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park as part of a major renovation project. The crossing will replace the existing pedestrian bridge over U.S. 31, connecting the campground and beach areas at street level. While transportation officials have stated that the project is designed to improve accessibility and safety, some residents have raised concerns about requiring pedestrians to cross a busy highway corridor rather than using a grade-separated bridge.

The discussion highlights an important reality: a newly constructed crosswalk does not automatically eliminate risk. Drivers may be distracted, unfamiliar with new traffic patterns, or traveling too fast to stop safely. Crosswalk placement, visibility, lighting, and traffic control measures all play critical roles in protecting pedestrians and cyclists.

When a bicycle or pedestrian accident occurs, investigators may look beyond driver negligence and examine whether roadway design, traffic controls, or municipal planning contributed to the crash. In some cases, liability may extend to government entities, contractors, or other responsible parties.

Injuries from bicycle and crosswalk accidents can be severe, including traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, spinal injuries, and long-term disabilities. Anyone injured while biking or crossing the street should seek medical attention, document the scene, gather witness information, and consult an experienced personal injury attorney to understand their rights.

As Traverse City and other communities continue investing in pedestrian infrastructure, safety must remain the top priority. New crosswalks can improve access and mobility, but they must also be designed and implemented with real-world traffic conditions in mind to effectively protect the people who use them. If you have been injured as a pedestrian or cyclist, contact us for a free consultation to learn your rights at (231) 486-6556.

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What should you do after an uber rideshare accident?

Three tips if you're injured in an Uber or other rideshare:

1. Get medical care immediately. Even if you feel okay, some injuries (such as concussions or soft-tissue injuries) may not be obvious right away. Often it takes weeks to get proper treatment and diagnosis of injuries. Prompt treatment also creates important documentation that you can use in the future to help pay for medical care.

2. Preserve evidence. Save screenshots of your Uber trip, take photos of injuries and vehicle damage, obtain witness information, and request a copy of the police report.

3. Report the crash and understand insurance coverage. Notify Uber through the app and be aware that multiple insurance policies may apply, including Michigan No-Fault benefits and Uber's commercial liability coverage, depending on the circumstances of the crash.

Michigan's No-Fault system can provide medical and wage-loss benefits, while more serious injuries may support an additional claim for pain and suffering against the at-fault party.

What should you do after a boating accident?

What should I do after a boating accident in Northern Michigan?
Seek medical attention immediately and document the scene if possible. Boating accidents often happen quickly, especially during busy summer months or while using boat rentals.

Who is responsible for a boating injury?
Liability can fall on a boat owner, operator, rental company, or even a commercial provider, depending on the circumstances.

What insurance covers boating accidents?
Coverage may come from boat insurance, homeowners insurance policies, umbrella policies, or commercial insurance if the accident involved a rental or business-operated vessel.

Can I recover compensation after a boating accident?
Yes. Injured victims may pursue significant monetary recovery for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Why is it important to review all insurance policies?
Boating claims often involve multiple layers of coverage. Identifying every available policy—including homeowners and commercial insurance—can make a major difference in the outcome of your claim.

Contact the lawyers at Hanley & Hodek, PLC for a free consultation at 231-486-6556.

Injured by an ATV, four-wheeler, or golf cart?

After an ATV, 4-wheeler, or golf cart accident, many people immediately wonder who is responsible and whether insurance will cover their injuries. These accidents often happen on private property, trails, campgrounds, or neighborhoods where standard auto insurance may not apply. What many victims don’t realize is that homeowners insurance policies frequently provide liability coverage when an off-road vehicle causes an injury.

If you or a loved one were hurt in an ATV, 4-wheeler, or golf cart crash by someone’s negligence, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. Homeowners policies can sometimes cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages when the driver or property owner is negligent.

Because these claims involve unique insurance issues, it’s important to investigate all available coverage sources. A careful review of homeowners insurance policies, umbrella policies, and other liability coverage can make a major difference in the outcome of a claim.

Victims of ATV and golf cart accidents often face serious injuries, mounting medical costs, and time away from work. Understanding your legal options and identifying available insurance coverage can help you pursue the maximum monetary recovery available under the law.

If you’ve been injured in an ATV, 4-wheeler, or golf cart accident, exploring your legal rights and potential insurance coverage may be the first step toward recovering the compensation you deserve. Call us at 231-486-6556 for a free consultation.

Mesothelioma - Where Did I Get It?

Mesothelioma isn’t just “bad luck.” It’s strongly tied to asbestos, and pinning down the exposure source often determines whether a family has financial options.

The tricky part: exposure can come from specific jobsites and tasks (shipyard repair, power-generation maintenance, industrial plants) that happened decades ago—yet studies show those workplaces carry measurable excess risk (Sandén 1992; Otte 2024).

In Michigan, exposure can also occur due to demolition of plants with asbestos or that made brake pads or fire brick. Even if the employee didn’t work with asbestos, research still supports serious risk from take-home exposure among family members (Ferrante 2007; Goswami 2013).

That’s the problem: evidence gets lost over time (records disappear, coworkers move, memories fade). Calling a mesothelioma lawyer early is often about locking down the work/exposure timeline before deadlines and missing documents close the door: 231-486-6556.

Will Insurance Take Care of Everything After a Car Accident?

You bought insurance, now use it.

After a car accident, many people assume insurance will “take care of everything.” Unfortunately, that’s rarely true.

Michigan’s no-fault law covers certain expenses, but serious injury victims may still qualify for additional compensation. But this doesn’t mean an insurance company will voluntarily pay you every benefit you deserve or even give you a call back.

We often see drivers dealing with:

• delayed symptoms

• denied insurance claims or reduced payments for wage loss and attendant care.

• confusion about medical benefits

If you’re unsure what your insurance covers after a crash, getting legal guidance early can make a major difference. Please call at 231-486-6556 for a free consultation regarding your benefits and rights after a car accident.

Prepare for February Driving

February in Michigan creates some of the most dangerous driving conditions of the year. Snow, freezing rain, and hidden black ice lead to a sharp increase in winter car accidents, leaving many drivers with serious injuries, costly medical bills, and missed time from work.

If you are injured in a Michigan winter crash, understanding your rights is essential. Michigan’s no-fault insurance law is designed to help accident victims recover money quickly without waiting to prove who caused the collision. Through Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits, your own auto insurance may cover medical treatment, rehabilitation, lost wages, prescriptions, and household replacement services while you recover.

Winter accidents are often severe, involving multi-car pileups, high-impact collisions, or vehicles sliding into trees and guardrails. These crashes can result in back and neck injuries, brain injuries, broken bones, and long-term pain. When injuries are serious or permanent, victims may also pursue additional compensation from the at-fault driver for pain and suffering and other long-term damages.

Insurance companies may try to delay or reduce valid claims, which is why taking immediate action matters. Seeking prompt medical care, documenting the accident, and speaking with an experienced Michigan car accident professional can protect your right to full compensation.

If you or a loved one was hurt in a Michigan car accident this February, you do not have to handle the financial stress alone. Michigan’s no-fault system exists to provide fast access to medical and wage loss benefits so you can focus on healing. Contact a trusted Michigan car accident attorney for a free consultation today at 231-486-6556.

Do I Need A Northern Michigan Car Accident Lawyer?

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Northern Michigan, you may have legal options you haven’t considered yet. From icy winter crashes in Traverse City to high-speed collisions near Gaylord, Petoskey, Alpena, and Cadillac, auto accidents across Northern Michigan present unique risks and legal challenges.

A knowledgeable Northern Michigan car accident lawyer can help protect your rights and pursue compensation while you focus on recovery.

Why Car Accidents Are Different in Northern Michigan

Car accidents in Northern Michigan often involve factors not seen in urban areas, including:

• Snow, ice, and whiteout conditions

• Rural highways with limited lighting

• Tourist traffic unfamiliar with local roads

• Delayed emergency response times

• Inability to get timely medical care

Insurance companies often use these conditions to dispute fault or downplay injuries. Having a local Michigan car accident attorney who understands these realities can make a major difference in the outcome of your case.

Local Experience Matters After a Crash

A lawyer familiar with Northern Michigan courts, insurers, and medical providers knows how to:

• Handle insurance adjusters pushing quick settlements

• Document injuries from rural or delayed treatment

• Work with local doctors and accident experts

• Build strong cases for serious injury claims

This local insight is especially important in smaller communities like Charlevoix, Kalkaska, and Emmet County, where insurers take a different approach than in large metro areas.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident?

If you were hurt in a Northern Michigan car crash:

1. Get medical care immediately

2. Report the accident and document the scene

3. Avoid recorded statements with insurance companies

4. Speak with a Northern Michigan car accident lawyer

Free Consultation With a Northern Michigan Car Accident Attorney

If a car accident has disrupted your life, legal guidance can help you move forward with confidence. A trusted Northern Michigan car accident lawyer can explain your options, handle insurance negotiations, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today! 231-486-6556

Understanding Michigan’s Dog Bite Law and Your Rights After an Attack

Dog bites can happen anywhere — a neighborhood walk, a friend’s home, or a public park. Because these injuries often occur when you least expect them, it’s important to understand what Michigan law says about dog attacks and what victims can do to protect themselves. Michigan has one of the strongest dog bite laws in the country, and knowing how it works can make a major difference if you or your child has been injured. We have represented dog bite owners for decades, litigating cases and helping injured victims received compensation.

Michigan’s Strict Liability Dog Bite Law

Under MCL 287.351, Michigan follows a strict liability standard for dog bites. This means the dog’s owner is responsible when their dog bites someone who is lawfully on the property. Unlike many states, Michigan does not require a previous history of aggression. The first bite is enough.

You do not need to prove:

• Negligence

• Prior attacks

• That the owner knew the dog was dangerous

If the bite occurred and you were legally allowed to be there, the law generally supports your right to compensation.

Common Injuries Caused by Dog Attacks

Dog bites are far more serious than most people assume. Victims often suffer:

• Deep cuts and puncture wounds

• Nerve damage or limited mobility

• Infection requiring antibiotics or hospitalization

• Permanent scarring or disfigurement

• Emotional trauma and anxiety around dogs

Children are especially vulnerable, both physically and emotionally, making early legal action crucial.

Available Compensation for Dog Bite Victims

Most dog bite claims are paid through homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. Compensation may include:

• Medical bills

• Plastic surgery or scar revision

• Lost wages

• Pain and suffering

• Emotional distress

• Long-term care for severe injuries

Because scarring and trauma can evolve over time, proper documentation and medical follow-up are important.

When to Speak With a Dog Bite Lawyer

Even with strict liability, insurance companies often try to lower payouts by shifting blame or minimizing injuries. A dog bite lawyer helps by:

• Proving liability under Michigan law

• Gathering medical evidence

• Documenting long-term effects, including scarring

• Negotiating with insurers

• Ensuring victims and children receive full compensation

Legal guidance early on prevents mistakes that can reduce your claim later.

Final Thoughts

Dog bites can leave lasting physical and emotional scars. If you were injured, understanding your rights under Michigan’s strict liability law can help you take the next steps with confidence. A qualified dog bite lawyer can guide you through the process and protect your right to fair compensation. Call 231-486-6556 to speak with an attorney today.

Questions to Ask an Injury Lawyer

People often wait too long before getting advice, sometimes because they think the situation will “sort itself out.” In Northern Michigan, waiting can make everything harder because of short deadlines and quickly disappearing evidence.

It’s usually time to talk to an attorney if:

• You’re still hurting days or weeks after the accident

• You missed work or can’t do your regular job

• Insurance is slow-walking or denying benefits

• The other driver is blaming you

• The crash involved tourists, out-of-state drivers, or rental vehicles

• Your injuries involve the neck, back, shoulder, knee, or head

• You feel like you’re doing everything on your own

Most injury lawyers in Northern Michigan offer free consultations, so asking questions doesn’t cost anything.

A simple conversation can reveal a lot. Try asking:

• “How often do you handle cases in Northern Michigan?”

• “What do you see most often with accidents in this area?”

• “How will you deal with my insurance company?”

• “What’s your experience with No-Fault issues like PIP disputes?”

• “Do I pay anything upfront?”

If the lawyer doesn’t regularly handle injury cases in Northern Michigan, you’ll notice right away. Give us a call today: 231-486-6556.