The Ann Arbor accident injury lawyers of Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. recently created a comic illustration as a satire to visually depict the simple truth behind independent medical examination doctors paid for by the insurance companies.  The comic titled “Typical Opinion From Insurance Company Doctor” illustrates an independent medical examination doctor dictating that the deceased patient he is examining is able to return to work tomorrow.

Visit http://bit.ly/IMETruth to view the “Typical Opinion From Insurance Company Doctor” comic illustration.

Independent Medical Examination Insurance Doctor Comic

Independent medical examinations are very common in Ann Arbor accident injury lawsuits, no-fault insurance claims, and worker’s compensation claims.  These independent medical examinations are set up by the insurance company and performed by a doctor that the insurance company hires to evaluate the claimant.  Many of these doctors perform these evaluations in their own offices, while others see the patient at offices of a medical examination company.

“These highly paid doctors are “hired guns” for the insurance companies who main goal is to recommend the termination or reduction of important benefits. These doctors fully understand their insurance company driven mission and frequently give opinions that are simply baseless and intellectually dishonest. The sad part is that they do not understand, or perhaps do not care, about the impact that a termination of benefits will have on an injury victim and his or her family,” says Partner and Attorney Daniel Buckfire.

The accident injury accident law firm of Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. created this comic illustration not only to visually depict the truth behind insurance company doctors, but also so that others will fully understand what waits for them in the unfortunate event of an injury accident or an insurance claim.

Share this comic illustration with your family, friends, and colleagues by embedding the illustration on your own website, blogging about it, emailing or sharing this link on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or any other type of social media. Feel free to repin the comic illustration from the Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. Lawyer Humor Board on Pinterest at http://pinterest.com/buckfirelaw/ as well or pin on your own board.

About Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C.

Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. is a Ann Arbor accident injury law firm representing injury victims in all types of accident and injury cases, including auto accidents, motorcycle accidents, slip and fall accidents, work injury accidents, disability claims, and all other types of insurance claims and negligence cases.  We represent Michigan victims who have been scheduled an independent medical exam by the insurance company and have had no-fault benefits terminated  or reduced.

For more information about the award winning Ann Arbor accident injury law firm call (800) 606-1717 or visit www.BuckfireLaw.com

If you or a family member have been bitten by a dog in Ann Arbor and suffer injuries, you do have legal rights.  Serious dog bite injuries can include, but not limited to, pain and suffering, disfigurement resulting from scars, infection, bone fracture injury, rabies, nerve damage, as well as psychological damage, In fact, the most common type of dog bite injury to children is being bitten in the face by a dog. These injuries can be quite serious and very traumatic for the child bitten. Victims who suffer injuries from dog attacks may have means for a dog bite lawsuit against the dog owner.

In Ann Arbor, there are laws that apply to dog owners. These can be found in the Ann Arbor City Ordinances. Specifically, the violations are as follows (not all are included):

Sec. 9:47. Violations

The owner of any dog or other animal shall be guilty of a violation of the chapter if:

• The dog is at any time not under reasonable control.
• The animal is vicious.
• The animal has symptoms of rabies or has bitten or been bitten by another animal.
• Showing symptoms of rabies and the owner fails to notify an Animal Control Officer of that fact.
• The owner fails to omply with all the terms of a confinement order.
• A dangerous dog, whenkept out of doors, is not in a pen or kennel sufficient to restrain the dog, and
  is surrounded by a perimeter fence not sharing common fencing with the pen or
  kennel.
• The animal, other than a og, is dangerous and is not kept indoors

It is the dog owner’s responsibility to ensure that his or her dog complies with these ordinances and does not violate them. If you have been bitten by dog in Ann Arbor, if possible, try to gather as much evidence as you can once you or the dog bite victim has received appropriate medical attention. Useful evidence can include:

• The names of the dog and dog owner
• The dog owner’s address
• Addresses and names of people who witnessed the attack
• Photos and descriptions of the place where the attack occurred
• Medical evaluation of the wound by the treating physician

If you would like more information about your legal rights after a dog bite injury or attack, you can order our FREE book, “The Ultimate Michigan Dog Bite and Animal Attack Handbook” by Michigan dog bite attorney Lawrence J. Buckfire. The book explains the laws on Michigan bites and animal attacks, your legal rights after a bite, and how to get the best money settlement for you injuries.

It is important that you contact an Ann Arbor dog bite lawyer as soon as possible after the attack to give you the best chance of winning the highest settlement for your case. To learn more about our award winning dog bite lawyers and how we can help you, call our office now at (800) 606-1717 or simply submit this contact form and we will get back to you shortly.

Our dog bite lawyers have obtained significant settlements for Ann Arbor dog bite injuries, representing a wide range of clients in these cases, including children, postal workers, and utility workers.

There are several factors that go into determining what a fair settlement is for a dog bite attack victim in Ann Arbor. These include:

• How the dog bite attack occurred
• Where the dog bite attack occurred
• Whether there was any provocation for the bite attack
• Whether the dog owner has insurance coverage for the attack
• The amount of the insurance policy limits for the case
• The type and location of the injuries (arms, face, legs)
• The seriousness of the injuries and the type of medical treatment
• The permanency of the scars and disfigurement
• The age and sex of the victim
• The amount of medical bills related to the dog bite attack

Using the factors listed above, our Ann Arbor dog bite lawyers will evaluate your dog bite injury case and discuss a realistic settlement range. We have obtained significant settlements for Ann Arbor dog bite injuries and attacks. We have listed some of these settlements below.

• $225,000 dog bite injury settlement for a young girl who was bitten in the face by a neighbor’s dog
• $122,000 settlement for woman bitten in the face by a dog
• $62,500 settlement for a woman attacked and bitten by a dog. She suffered physical injuries, including scars and psychological damages due to the dog attack.
• $55,500 dog bite settlement for young girl who suffered a facial scar

If you would like more information about your legal rights after a dog bite injury or attack, you can order our FREE book, “The Ultimate Michigan Dog Bite and Animal Attack Handbook” by Michigan dog bite attorney Lawrence J. Buckfire. The book explains the laws on Michigan bites and animal attacks, your legal rights after a bite, and how to get the best money settlement for you injuries.

It is important that you contact a dog bite lawyer in Ann Arbor as soon as possible after the attack to give you the best chance of winning the highest settlement for your case. To learn more about our award winning Ann Arbor dog bite lawyers and how we can help you get the best settlement for your dog bite injuries, call our office now at (800) 606-1717. We will represent you under our No Fee Promise, meaning you do not pay any legal fees until we win or settle your case.

Our pedestrian accident injury attorneys represent victims of Washtenaw County pedestrian accidents. Many of these accidents have catastrophic results, including traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, internal injuries, neck and back injuries, spinal cord injuries, cuts, and gashes. In some instances the victim that sustains one or more of these injuries will never heal completely, which may result in a disability that can affect the rest of their life and their family’s life. Unfortunately, many people are killed in pedestrian accidents as a result of someone else’s negligence on the road.

Washtenaw County Pedestrian Accident Statistics

Washtenaw County is a county in the state of Michigan. As of the 2010 census, the population was 344,791. According to the 2000 census, the county has a total area of 722.53 square miles, of which 709.94 square miles is land and 12.59 square miles is water. Nearby counties include: Livingston, Oakland, Wayne, Monroe, Lenawee, Jackson, and Ingham.

According to the Michigan Traffic Crash Facts, there have been 98 deaths or serious injuries due to pedestrian accidents in Washtenaw County from 2007-2010. Other alarming statistics include:

• Washtenaw County ranks 6^th among all Michigan Counties during this time span for the number of persons seriously injured or killed in Pedestrian accidents.
• Washtenaw County ranks 4^th in percentage of all persons killed or seriously injured in a bike accident.
• Just over 10% of all deaths or serious injuries in Washtenaw County are accounted for by Pedestrian accidents.
• The average of county rank for percentage of persons killed or seriously injured in Washtenaw County Pedestrian accident is 5.00.

Washtenaw County Pedestrian Accident Lawsuits

Pedestrians injured by a motor vehicle have the right to pursue claims for injury damages against the person responsible for causing the accident. This would include an injury claim against a negligent motorist or truck driver who caused the accident with the pedestrian. In Michigan, a claim for personal injury damages can be filed against the party that was operating the vehicle in a negligent manner and caused the accident. When a pedestrian dies as a result of an accident, the family can file a Michigan Wrongful Death Lawsuit.

Pedestrians Struck by motor vehicles are also entitled to Michigan No-Fault insurance benefits. These benefits include payment of medical bills, hospital bills, lost wages, and other benefits. An injured pedestrian does not need to own a car or have an auto insurance policy to receive these benefits.

Contact a Washtenaw County Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Individuals injured in a Washtenaw County pedestrian accident should contact the law firm of Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. to schedule a free initial consultation. To speak with an experienced Michigan pedestrian accident lawyer, call us now at (800) 606-1717. Our office will start working on your case immediately and begin gathering the witness statements and evidence to prove and win your case.

Being a pedestrian attempting to cross a street or even just walking alongside a busy road may tend to be a bit frightening. However, it is probably good if pedestrians are a little paranoid given it is not uncommon for pedestrians to be involved in motor vehicle accidents. To help lower the number of pedestrians involved in accidents, Ann Arbor has an ordinance in place giving the right of way to pedestrians at a cross walk when there is no signal at the intersection. The ordinance is listed below:

Ann Arbor Ordinance (Chapter 126:10:148a, Pedestrians crossing streets): When traffic-control signals are not in place or are not in operation, the driver of a vehicle shall stop and yield the right-of-way to every pedestrian approaching or within a crosswalk.

What it means: If you’re driving a vehicle (car, bus, truck, delivery van, bike) and you see someone trying to cross the street at a crosswalk or already crossing the street, STOP. Wait until they’re across the street and proceed.  The fine for not following the law is $100.

To help pedestrians ensure they are less likely to be involved in motor vehicle accidents, www.wbwc.org has compiled a list of safety tips pedestrians should adhere to which is listed below:

• Drive cautiously – Reduce speed when encountering cyclists, in inclement weather, give cyclists extra trailing and passing room, and recognize situations that may be potentially dangerous to cyclists and give them space.
• Yield to cyclists – Cyclists are considered vehicles and should be given the appropriate right of way. Cyclists may take the entire lane when hazards, road width or traffic speed dictate. Also, Motorists should allow extra time for cyclists to traverse intersections.
• Be considerate – Scan for cyclists in traffic and at intersections, don’t blast your horn in close proximity to cyclists, and look for cyclists when opening doors.
• Pass with care – Leave at least three feet of space between your car and a cyclist when passing, and wait until road and traffic conditions allow you to safely pass.
• Watch for children – Children on bicycles are often unpredictable, and be aware that most children don’t have adequate knowledge of traffic laws.
• Be Patient – If you encounter a cyclist riding poorly, don’t take out your frustration on the next cyclist you come upon. Cyclists, unlike drivers of motor vehicles, typically don’t receive any training and they’re operating a roadway typically designed with the needs of cars first.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an Ann Arbor pedestrian accident, you should contact our lawyers immediately to learn your legal rights. You are automatically entitled to receive Michigan no-fault insurance benefits even if you did not own a vehicle or have your own auto insurance policy.  These benefits will pay all of your medical expenses and lost wages resulting from injuries suffered in the pedestrian accident.  There are a number of other benefits that you can receive also.

You may also be entitled to a substantial settlement for your injuries.  We help our clients receive the maximum possible compensation for their injuries, which includes settlements for your pain and suffering, disability, and scars or disfigurements that resulted from the accident.  In cases involving a fatal pedestrian accident, we file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the surviving family members.

When you call Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C., you will speak with directly with an experienced attorney who is friendly and eager to answer all of these questions for you.  You may even have more questions and concerns and we will spend however long it takes to make sure you have a full and complete understanding of your rights.  We will also explain how we can help you.

Contact Our Ann Arbor Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

Want to know the settlement value of your Ann Arbor pedestrian accident case?    Tell us your story and we will evaluate your case.  We charge absolutely no legal fees unless you receive a settlement and we pay all of the case costs and expenses.  If your case is unsuccessful for any reason, you owe us nothing.  We put that in writing for you.

• Toll-Free Phone                               (800) 606-1717
• Contact By Fax                                (248) 569-6737
• Contact By E-mail                           Larry@Buckfirelaw.com

You can also contact us initially through our website Free Case Review Box. If you prefer that type of contact initially, we will review your case and get back to you quickly with our initial opinions. Our goal is to learn as much as possible about your case and then provide you with your best legal options.

If you have been injured in a car accident in Ann Arbor, you need to know your legal rights so that you are not shortchanged by the insurance companies.  Victims of auto accident have a number of possible claims that can be pursued for their accident related injuries.  These include claims for pain and suffering and also for Michigan No-Fault Insurance benefits

Common injuries from Ann Arbor car accidents include:

• Broken Bones and Fractures
• Herniated disks in the back and neck
• Traumatic brain injuries and closed head injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Knee injuries
• Shoulder injuries
• Scar and disfigurement
• Psychological injuries such as depression or PTSD
• Fatal accidents causing wrongful death

If you have experienced any of these injuries as a result of an auto accident, you may be eligible to file for Michigan No-Fault Insurance Benefits.  These benefits include payment of medical expenses, lost wages, household services, and attendant care services.  In cases involving fatal accidents, there is partial payment for funeral and burial expenses.

Often times, the insurance company will voluntarily pay the benefits you seek to receive without seeking the services of a lawyer once you have submitted your application for benefits. However, the insurance company may not pay the full amount that you are owed.  Don’t expect the adjuster to tell you exactly how much money you are entitled to receive because the law does not require them to disclose that information to you.

Play it smart and contact our Ann Arbor car accident lawyers to learn about all of your benefits and your rights to a fair settlement against the negligent drive that caused your injuries.  We answer all of your questions and advise you of your legal rights.  If we can help you, we will handle the case under our NO FEE PROMISE, which means there are no legal fees until you win a settlement.  Call us today at (800) 606-1717 to speak with an experienced auto accident lawyer and to get started on your case.