What to do if hit by uninsured driver?

A recent study of Michigan driver’s found that 25.5% of Michigan drivers were uninsured, the second highest percentage in the country. So, how do you protect yourself when hit by an uninsured driver?

  1. Call the police. Uninsured drivers have little incentive to stop or give correct information since it is against the law to driver without insurance.

  2. Look for witnesses. Get the names and phone numbers of witnesses who may be able to assist you with identifying the driver.

  3. Don’t accept money from the uninsured driver.

  4. Report your accident to your insurance company. You can collect No-Fault benefits and often pain and suffering damages from your own insurance company even if the other driver is uninsured. Your policy should have limits of what you may collect in certain instances and we suggest you have at least $500,000 in uninsured/undersinured motorist benefits.

    For further information, please call our attorneys at 231-486-6556.

Court Rules No-Fault Benefits Time Extended

If your insurance company has failed to pay you No-Fault benefits as a result of a car or truck accident, you should be aware of the new law that may allow you additional time to file a lawsuit against the insurance company for wrongfully withheld medical and other benefits.

While you generally have one year to file a lawsuit to recover No-Fault first-party benefits, the Michigan Court of Appeals recently ruled that an insurance company must formally deny the request for benefits in order for the time to file a lawsuit continues to accrue.

If you have been injured in a car or truck accident, please contact our attorneys for a free consultation at 231-486-6556.

Supreme Court Rules to Help Those Injured

The Michigan Supreme Court issued a significant ruling to help those injured in an auto accident recently. The Court concluded that the No-Fault fee schedule and 56-hours-per week limitation on in-home, family provided attendant care did not apply retroactively.

The Court additionally ruled that the Legislature could not retroactively change the benefits to those injured before the new law's effective date.

This is the right decision to protect those who paid for and should receive No-Fault insurance benefits.

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in an auto accident and would like a free consultation, please call us at 231-486-6556.

Is Your Trustee Giving You Information You Deserve

What if I ask for information from a trustee and they don’t give it to me?

The Michigan Trust Code requires trustees to provide information regarding the trust early and as often as trust beneficiaries reasonably request it. Trustees must notify Michigan trust beneficiaries within 63 days of becoming trustee and when a trust becomes irrevocable. The beneficiaries also are entitled to make reasonable requests for information regarding the trust, the trustee’s actions, and the trust assets. If the trustee ignores you or only provides limited information, it may be best to contact an attorney to discuss why they may not be providing information and what you can do about it. Contact Matt Hanley at 231-486-6556 to discuss your trust case today.

Attendant Care After A Car Accident

If you’ve been injured in a car or motorcycle accident, you may need in-home care for your activities of daily living from a trusted friend or relative. Insurance companies don’t often tell you this benefit is available or provide you with directions on how to claim this benefit. We regularly sue insurance companies for failure to pay these and other No-Fault benefits. If you have been injured in a Michigan car accident, call our attorneys for a free consultation at 231-486-6556.

Car Accidents and Daylight Savings Time

Daylight Savings Time has been found to increase car accidents throughout the country as people have increased sleep deprivation and a change in light conditions. While “falling back” does not show the same level of increase in accidents, it is important to be aware of the increased darkness in the evening as both cars and people become harder to see. Remember safe driving tips: get plenty of rest, don’t drive distracted, reduce speeds and following distances, watch for deer, use your headlights and remember to yield.

If you have any questions regarding your or your family’s car accident or treatment, please call us for a free consultation at 231-486-6556.

No-Fault Car Insurance Changes Begin July 1, 2021

As a result of a major car insurance overhaul enacted in 2019, Michigan now limits the amount of in-home attendant care that is covered by car insurance. This is a large reduction from the previous law that allows 24/7 care for persons injured in automobile, truck or motorcycle accidents. Medical providers will also be under a new fee-schedule that limits the amount doctors and other doctors can charge for medical care.

If you have any questions regarding your or your family’s car accident or treatment, please call us for a free consultation at 231-486-6556.

RHH Partner Named Super Lawyer Rising Start for 2020

Matthew T. Hanley has been named a Rising Star of the 2020 Super Lawyers in the field of Plaintiffs’ Personal Injury Law.

No more than 2.5 percent of lawyers are named to the Rising Stars List. Super Lawyers is a research-driven rating system of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.

Recently, in 2020, after oral argument by Mr. Hanley, the Michigan Supreme Court upheld an appellate court’s reversal of a trial court order defining the attorney-client relationship. This decision resulted in a favorable settlement to his clients.

Mr. Hanley is a partner at Ranieri, Hanley & Hodek, PLC, a Traverse City law firm experienced in personal injury litigation, trust and estate and appellate law.

 

Know Your Rights As A Beneficiary of an Estate or Trust

Have you received an Application for Informal Probate or other probate documents in the mail? Please be aware that you may have a limited time to reply or object to how property of an estate may be distributed. While people often expect a loved one’s wishes to be followed, the probate court documents will explain what is actually going to happen. Please contact RHH LAW, PLC at 231-486-6556 if you have any questions regarding a probate estate or trust administration.