Winter road conditions can become hazardous with very little warning. Follow these precautions to help make sure you and your family arrive safe every time you set out on the road.
Let the road conditions dictate your speed. Remember that speedlimit signs only present guidelines for dry surfaces when visibility is ideal. When the road has water, ice, or snow on it,or when snow is blowing and making it hard to see, you should slow down until you can be certain to retain control of your vehicle at all times. In the winter, this will be much slower than the posted speed limit.
Leave more room between vehicles. Winter roads require much greater stopping distances, and just because you can stop, you can’t be sure the other drivers will be able to. Make sure there is enough space between your vehicle and the others on the road to allow you to stop when traffic or road conditions change unexpectedly.
Change lanes or directions slowly. When you change the position of your car to the left or right, or make a turn, it requires extra friction to stay on the road. When the roads are wet, icy, or snowy, make gradual changes and signal to other drivers well in advance.
Do you know when to pump the brakes or not? If you have anti-lock brakes, DO NOT pump the brakes when stopping. Pumping the brakes IS recommended for vehicles without anti-lock brakes.
Use extra caution on bridges and overpasses. When the cold winter winds blow, bridges and overpasses develop ice more quickly than other road surfaces. Make sure to carefully assess the conditions of bridges and remain attentive of the road surface.
Keep an eye out for deer. During the winter months, deer congregate together in large groups. If one is near the edge of the road, or crosses in front of you, more are certain to be close by. In rural areas, they are especially active during hunting season. Do NOT assume that a deer will get out of the way of your car. Slow down, flash your lights, and wait to proceed until the deer is out of range.
Show your good spirit. Frustration can cause tragic consequences with unsafe driving. Keep your cool, take a deep breath, and remember that everyone needs to get back home safely.
Don’t let your holiday be cut short by an auto accident. Stay awake, aware, and in control of your car.
If you are the unfortunate victim of an accident, learn what you should do after an auto accident to get help, protect your rights, and ensure the safety of as many as possible.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Michigan Social Security Benefits Backlog
At a time when the Michigan economy is declining, its residents are under financial strain. Those waiting on an answer about their Michigan social security benefits are feeling a heightened sense of financial and emotional pressure. The backlog of social security disability claims decisions across the country exceeds 3 years in some cases. Those with Michigan social security claims can expect to wait at least 2 years.
It is not uncommon for initial requests to be refused. Although 2/3 of those who appeal their rejection end up getting approval for social security benefits in the end. However, the time and energy involved in the appeal process can be overwhelming and many applicants give up after the first rejection. Most successful appeals have the support of a specialized social security lawyer who can assist in gathering key medical information required to prove a case is valid. Making an appeal within 65 days of the denial date is critical to any hope of receiving benefits.
Meanwhile, bills and financial obligations continue to accumulate. Even the financially prudent find themselves at risk for bankruptcy and losing their homes before their benefits are paid. Proof of an eviction notice often brings a social security benefits case higher on the decision priority list, but by that time, it is often too late to keep the home. Some hopeful social security benefit recipients facing terminal illness don't even live to see their benefits fulfilled.
The addition of new appeals judges may provide some relief from the backlog, but comes at a price of over $100 million beyond the amount requested by the president to support administrative costs. Any improvement on shortening the length of delays will come at significant cost.
If you are facing a social security benefit claim, your best ally is knowledge. Read all you can, and get reliable answers from an experienced social security lawyer.
It is not uncommon for initial requests to be refused. Although 2/3 of those who appeal their rejection end up getting approval for social security benefits in the end. However, the time and energy involved in the appeal process can be overwhelming and many applicants give up after the first rejection. Most successful appeals have the support of a specialized social security lawyer who can assist in gathering key medical information required to prove a case is valid. Making an appeal within 65 days of the denial date is critical to any hope of receiving benefits.
Meanwhile, bills and financial obligations continue to accumulate. Even the financially prudent find themselves at risk for bankruptcy and losing their homes before their benefits are paid. Proof of an eviction notice often brings a social security benefits case higher on the decision priority list, but by that time, it is often too late to keep the home. Some hopeful social security benefit recipients facing terminal illness don't even live to see their benefits fulfilled.
The addition of new appeals judges may provide some relief from the backlog, but comes at a price of over $100 million beyond the amount requested by the president to support administrative costs. Any improvement on shortening the length of delays will come at significant cost.
If you are facing a social security benefit claim, your best ally is knowledge. Read all you can, and get reliable answers from an experienced social security lawyer.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Welcome!
Welcome to the Personal Injury Legal Matters blog, where you can get helpful information on important issues related to Michigan personal injury law.
The impact that a serious injury accident can have on an individual's life can be devastating. It not only limits the ability to work or handle normal activities of daily living, but also can result in huge medical bills and severe financial hardship.
For families already living on the financial edge, a serious injury can push them past the tipping point, into bankruptcy and foreclosure. Needless to say, these extraordinary economic pressures only add to the emotional pressures of trying to recover.
This blog is a way for us to communicate about current issues related to personal injury law. I hope you find it thoughtful and helpful.
Welcome to the Personal Injury Legal Matters blog, where you can get helpful information on important issues related to Michigan personal injury law.
The impact that a serious injury accident can have on an individual's life can be devastating. It not only limits the ability to work or handle normal activities of daily living, but also can result in huge medical bills and severe financial hardship.
For families already living on the financial edge, a serious injury can push them past the tipping point, into bankruptcy and foreclosure. Needless to say, these extraordinary economic pressures only add to the emotional pressures of trying to recover.
This blog is a way for us to communicate about current issues related to personal injury law. I hope you find it thoughtful and helpful.
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