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The idea of taking legal action in the midst of your grief may feel impossible. However, the compensation you recover from a successful wrongful death claim could offset the financial losses that often come from a family member’s unexpected passing. Understanding how a wrongful death lawsuit works in Michigan can…

Filing a claim for compensation after a motorcycle accident in Michigan is more complicated than you might think. That’s because the state does not classify motorcycles as motor vehicles. Injured bikers can only obtain no-fault benefits if the crash involves another car or truck. However, there are other ways motorcyclists…

Every motorist in Michigan is expected to carry auto insurance. Most believe that their policies will protect themselves and any family members who are injured in a wreck. But not so fast — if your auto insurance policy has a step-down clause, you may find that your family members have…

If your property was damaged in a car accident, you may be entitled to fair compensation for its repair or replacement. But what types of property damage are compensable, and who pays? The specific circumstances of the traffic accident, along with Michigan personal injury and auto insurance laws, determine the…

Under Michigan law, all vehicle owners are required to carry minimum amounts of no-fault insurance. If you are involved in an accident, your no-fault insurance can pay for your medical bills, your lost wages, replacement services, and damage you cause to others’ property. As its name suggests, no-fault benefits are…

Bus crashes are among the most dangerous types of accidents in Michigan. The sheer size of buses ― and the large number of passengers they carry ― increases the likelihood of serious injuries when collisions happen. Many buses also lack safety features, like seat belts, to protect occupants from harm….

When we picture a commercial motor vehicle (CMV), most of us probably think of semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, or box trucks. But a truck’s design, size, and weight aren’t the only criteria used to classify them as commercial vehicles. If you’re seriously injured in a Michigan truck accident, these classifications could be…

People purchase liability insurance policies to cover accidents they may cause. For instance, if you seriously injure someone in a car accident in Michigan, your liability policy will pay for the damage up to your policy limits. But insurance policies don’t provide blanket protection. Suppose the crash resulted in medical…

Motorcycling is a popular hobby in Michigan. If you travel on the state’s roads regularly, you’ve likely seen someone riding a motorcycle with three wheels, also called a “motor trike.” Many believe they are safer than traditional two-wheeled motorcycles while offering a similar riding experience. But are motor trikes safer…

Losing a family member or loved one is painful. It’s even harder if their death occurs because of someone else’s negligent actions. If someone dies because of another party’s careless actions, Michigan law allows certain surviving relatives to file a wrongful death action and seek compensation for their loss. If…

If you are a Michigan driver, you must carry auto insurance. This insurance includes personal injury protection (PIP), or no-fault insurance coverage. Individuals injured in auto accidents in Michigan must first turn to their PIP insurance to cover many of the bills they incur following a crash. Is Michigan a…

Anyone who endures a hard blow or sharp jolt to the head could sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Traumatic brain injuries can result in long-term or permanent brain damage, impairing a victim’s memory, personality, cognition, ability to move, and more. Traumatic brain injuries can be extraordinarily costly to treat….

Mixed Messages And Sudden Policy Changes Sow Confusion, Opposition To Covid Guidelines Sarah offers words of advice to business leaders on crisis messaging and management in today’s article in Forbes (Jan 8, 2021). Link to Forbes Article  

Commercial truck drivers are required by law to complete a Department of Transportation (DOT) pre-trip truck inspection checklist before starting every trip. However, truckers also work under tight deadlines, so naturally want to hit the road quickly to arrive at their destinations on time. Still, that’s never an excuse to…

A handful of U.S. states allow motorists to turn left on a red light. Michigan is one of them. But making a left on red is only permitted in certain situations. Motorists need to know the rules to reduce the likelihood of an accident and harming others. Below, the car…

One of the leading causes of preventable deaths in Michigan is motor vehicle accidents. Nearly 1,100 people lost their lives in car crashes in 2020, according to the Michigan Department of State Police. When a negligent or reckless driver causes a fatal collision, they can ― and should ― be…

Sarah Stempky-Kime promoted to Managing Partner of Christensen Law Kime was currently serving as the Managing Attorney, a leadership role that she assumed in 2017. “We have been growing as a firm, and she’s always had a strong hand in decisions on how things might be improved,” says founder Dave…

1ST ANNIVERSARY OF JOINING THE CLAW FAMILY Aunt, cat-mom, and pop-punk princess are self-identifiers for Kay-Lynn (affectionately known as “KL”), our Social Media Manager. Peel back the onion, and you’ll find incredible depth to the multi-faceted millennial. After receiving her Advertising & Public Relations degree from Grand Valley State University…

Truck drivers in Michigan must carry auto insurance in compliance with both federal and state regulations. Intrastate truckers who only operate within Michigan’s borders must follow state insurance regulations, while interstate truck drivers who drive cross-country must also ensure they comply with federal insurance regulations. Purchasing the right amount of…

CELEBRATING STEPHANIE’S 9-YEAR ANNIVERSARY Ask any member of the firm and they’ll tell you Stephanie McPherson knows her stuff. As the Senior Litigation Paralegal, she is responsible not only for managing Dave Christensen and Sarah Stempky-Kime’s caseload, but also for training and systems. “Stephanie handles the heavy lifting on over…

For many Michiganders, motorcycles aren’t just a mode of transportation. They’re a hobby, a passion, and a way of life. And while motorcycles may be the most fun you can have on two wheels, they can also be dangerous. For bikers, safety should begin before even starting the engine. That…

The aftermath of a serious injury accident can be confusing and stressful. Many people ― particularly those who’ve never been severely injured before ― are unaware of their options for compensation in Michigan. Any search about taking legal action after an injury will turn up terms like “torts” and “personal…

FEATURING THE CHRISTENSEN LAW TEAM We’ve been excited to partner with Benny Gold, founder of of Lawyer Stories, who interviewed all our attorneys this summer! Check out Dave’s dulcet tones and story here: Sarah shares her personal experience with her baby’s son’s TBI and how it reframed her approach to…

6th Annual Distracted Driving Awareness Scholarship Contest This year, we received many really wonderful submissions — from funny to factual to highly technical and socially relevant — and they all met the challenge of raising awareness of the dangers of distracted/drunk/impaired driving.  The CLAW team thoroughly enjoyed our movie watch-party,…

Michigan moped laws outline the specific requirements that operators must meet to drive legally in the state. While riders are granted the same rights and responsibilities as other drivers, moped operators are subject to different rules regarding insurance, helmet use, and driving in various traffic situations. Understanding these rules is…

PENDING LEGISLATION WILL HURT ACCIDENT SURVIVORS – WE NEED YOUR HELP NOW TO CHANGE IT! Huge changes are taking place under the proposed No-Fault legislation due to go into effect on July 1st. There is an alternative bill that Dave Christensen helped write that would save the medical providers and…

DEB TONELLI, ATTORNEY & COUNSELOR Deb, who has 30+ years of experience as an attorney, plays a key role at Christensen Law, heading up our presuit department. All incoming cases start with pre-litigation and involve several steps prior to settlement or litigation, starting with a thorough investigation of all aspects…

It’s natural to expect full compensation if you’re hurt in an accident caused by someone else. However, many claimants are disappointed to get low settlement offers when the opposing party argues they are partly to blame for their injuries. In cases of shared fault, Michigan follows a modified comparative negligence…

The Great Lakes State is known for its picturesque beauty. For many riders, there’s no better way to enjoy Michigan’s more than 3,288 miles of shoreline than on a motorcycle. Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents occur more frequently than we’d like to think. Many times, these accidents are the result of other…

Filing an insurance claim is the primary way to obtain compensation if you’re hurt in an accident. Insurance company representatives (called adjusters) will investigate the claim to determine how much money they believe it’s worth. But be warned: An adjuster is trained and paid by the insurance company. They’re out…