Careless driving can mean serious business

People do all sorts of things while driving. Eating, putting on makeup or talking on your phone while driving can be dangerous business. Take this accident that happened on Sunday for example, where a driver, who was talking on the phone, left the roadway and struck a local municipal building sign. In addition to any damages caused to your vehicle, you can be ticketed for distracted, reckless or careless driving.

In the state of Michigan a careless driving ticket can come with a hefty fine and the possibility of points being added to your license.

In some cases, you may even need to appear in court. If you are facing a traffic violation such as Careless/ Reckless Driving, Suspended or Revoked Driver's License or Disobeying Traffic Signs call the offices of Attorney Erwin F. Meiers, III.

Some fireworks injuries may not be result of operator error

In my neighborhood fireworks have been going off constantly. Noon, or midnight, light or dark, it doesn't seem to matter, someone is hosting a backyard firework display. Now, with the Fourth of July holiday finally wrapped up for 2012 I'm wondering if the bangs and crackles will start to subside? I'm doubtful, though.

The new firework law in Michigan has opened the doors to new business opportunities but has also brought along with it, injuries and of course lots and lots of noise. Just last week three Michigan residents were severely injured while operating fireworks. One incident involving fireworks led to a Mid-Michigan church being burned down.

Exercising caution and good judgement should be a priority when using fireworks or other flammable novelties such as sparklers and bottle rockets. Improper use could lead to injury. This article from Reuters has valuable tips for firework safety.

In some cases, injuries resulting from fireworks are the fault of the manufacturer due to some defect in the product. If you or someone you know has been injured due to a defective firework, seek legal representation, you may have rights to a liability case.

Attorney Erwin F. Meiers, III can help.

Automatic Stays and your bankruptcy

What is an automatic stay? An 'Automatic Stay' is put in place once a bankruptcy claim is made. An automatic stay puts a hold on pesky phone calls from collection and repossession agencies.

According to the senate report relating to Automatic Stays: "The automatic stay is one of the fundamental debtor protections provided by the bankruptcy laws. It gives the debtor a breathing spell from his creditors, stopping all collection efforts, all harassment, and all foreclosure actions. It permits the debtor to attempt a repayment or reorganization plan, or simply to be relieved of the financial pressures that drove him into bankruptcy. Notes of Committee on the Judiciary, Senate Report No. 95-989"

While the automatic stay is temporary it may give you the relief you need to get through the bankruptcy process. As with any legal matter you should discuss all of your options with your attorney and make a fully informed decision.

If you are struggling with bankruptcy or harassing collection calls, contact the offices of Attorney Erwin F. Meiers today.

"Click It or Ticket" campaign underway in Michigan

As you head out for Memorial weeked festivities and on into the summer, be aware of increasing seatbelt enforcement zones. Law enforcement officers will be stationed throughout Michigan now through June 3 specifically to crack down on unbelted drivers. Since Michigan has a primary seatbelt law, if you get stopped, you're in for a $65.00 ticket. Michigan law requires any passengers 8-15 years old to be buckled and all drivers and front seat passengers to be buckled.

Whats the catch with bigger fireworks?

A state law enacted recently will allow Michigan residents to purchase and use "in the air" fireworks. The state legalized the fireworks earlier this year in hopes that the profits from firework sales would stay in state and aid in creating more jobs. In the past, Michigan residents have been known to drive to surrounding states such as Ohio and Indiana to purchase the fireworks. So why is this a legal matter? The state enacted the Michigan Fireworks Safety Act to regulate fireworks in Michigan and there are fines if you are caught selling fireworks without a license, selling fireworks to minors, or setting off fireworks on public property without permission of the property owner. 

If you find yourself in trouble this summer contact us!

Drivers license restoration after a drunk driving incident

Recently lost your drivers license? Arrested on drunk driving charges? Not sure what to do next?

There are many levels of driving offenses in Michigan and it can be confusing to know what is what. Especially following the new 'Super Drunk' law that applies to drivers with an excessive blood alcohol content, specifically anything above .17%. The consequences of a higher BAC can lead to double the amount of jail time, higher fines and mandatory treatment programs. Seeking legal counsel immediately is important in making sure that an accurate account of the situation is recorded and allows your attorney determine what can be done to restore your drivers license.

The state of Michigan doesn't take drunk driving lightly, but you may be able to get your license back. If you have questions regarding your rights and steps that can be taken to restore your drivers license contact Attorney Erwin F. Meiers III.