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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…

It’s safe to say that ridesharing services have changed the face of transportation in Michigan. When companies like Uber and Lyft came on the scene a decade ago, they were marketed as a convenient commuter option and a safe alternative to drunk driving. They are also valuable services to help…

Michigan’s no-fault insurance system was established to help motorists quickly get the money they need to cover medical bills and lost income after a collision. It’s good in theory, but the no-fault system can, unfortunately, make getting full and fair compensation a challenge. At Christensen Law, our dedicated Southfield no-fault…

DUSTIN HOFF CELEBRATES 6-YEAR ANNIVERSARY WITH CHRISTENSEN LAW This month marks the sixth year since Trial Attorney Dustin Hoff joined CLAW.  Admitted to the bar in 2014, he joined the firm after spending his first year as an associate at a small firm in Sandusky – his hometown – where…

If you were seriously injured in a Michigan motorcycle accident, you’re probably wondering how you’ll pay for the medical bills and other losses that you incurred. Depending on the nature of the crash and who was at fault, you could have grounds for one or several types of personal injury…

Truck accidents account for some of the worst accidents on Michigan roads. Many of these collisions are caused by carelessness — or, in legal terms, negligence — on the part of one or more parties in the trucking industry. Typically, that means they violated strict state and federal trucking laws….

Let’s be honest: we’re all probably guilty of distracted walking. The smartphone alone has given Americans no shortage of diversions while walking. But is it contributing to more pedestrian accidents and deaths? The research is unclear. There’s no question that distracted walking is dangerous. The National Safety Council reports that…

Some of the losses caused by an accident are easy to calculate. Medical bills, rehabilitation expenses, lost wages, and other accident-related expenses can be quantified with proof of your monetary losses. But what about damages that can’t easily be assessed? Pain and suffering does not come with a price tag….

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can impact a person’s daily functioning in many ways. Memory, concentration, speech, motor planning, emotional regulation, and organizational skills can all be disrupted by a brain injury. Even a concussion — the mildest form of TBI — is linked to forgetfulness, confusion, delayed response to…

The moments after a car accident are often upsetting and disorienting, so you may not know what to do or who to call. Below are recommendations from the auto accident attorneys at Christensen Law. To protect your chance of recovering damages, you must report the crash and start documenting the…

Michigan Lawyers Weekly Announces Hall of Fame Winners “21 for 21.” This special award recognizes esteemed members of the legal profession who have been in practice for at least 30 years or have reached the age of 60 or older. These lawyers truly are legends, making their mark in the…

When whiplash occurs due to an automobile accident, you may experience jaw pain and limited movement that can easily be overlooked and undiagnosed. You may have a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) injury that can have long-term consequences. It’s best not to assume that the pain will resolve on its own. Getting…

Detroit area personal injury trial attorneys Christensen Law are celebrating the 7th anniversary of the firm’s founding. It has been 7 years since the launch. Recently, the original five employees sat down to reminisce about the early days, what progress has looked like, and what they are looking forward to…

The students of Christensen Academy, the on-site education facility launched by Detroit personal injury lawyers Christensen Law, presented their research on important figures in black American history this past month. Led by the Academy’s educator, Mrs. Marsha Carreker, the intent of the segment was for students to gain a better…

claim means going to trial. That’s a myth. The truth is that the majority of personal injury cases are resolved through a settlement with an insurance company or through a process known as mediation. Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) that occurs before a case reaches the…

An insurance declaration page is a critical part of an insurance policy. Typically sent once or twice a year whenever your insurance policy gets renewed, the declaration page outlines the coverage that you have access to. You will likely have an auto insurance policy or a renters or homeowners insurance…

Get to Know Christensen Law – Managing Partner  Sarah Stempky-Kime | 2021 2021 is a personal milestone for Sarah Stempky-Kime. Marking 12 years of legal service, Sarah has worked with founder Dave Christensen since her early days as law a clerk in 2010. On Joining CL “I had been working…

When you’ve been seriously injured in an accident in Michigan and expect to win a sizable settlement, you may be concerned about having part of your award claimed by taxes. Take heart. In Michigan, most victims are not required to pay taxes on their personal injury settlement. There are exceptions, however….

Drivers who are injured in a car accident have many options for claiming compensation. Under Michigan’s no-fault auto insurance laws, drivers can file a claim with their own insurance company for no-fault PIP benefits like medical bills and lost wages. For passengers, the process for claiming compensation is not always…

We are thrilled to celebrate the 4-year anniversary of Legal Assistant Lakecha (“Kecha”) Hayes joining the CLAW team! An extremely hard-working and fun-loving single mom of 2 active boys, Kecha tackles her work-life balance with a special brand of humor that we all love and appreciate. We can always count…

MICHIGAN’S OPEN AND OBVIOUS RULE IS OFTEN USED AS A MEANS TO AVOID LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY On appeal, Christensen Law reverses an earlier trial judge’s ruling in favor of the landowner in a hazardous “open and obvious” case, securing justice and rightful compensation for our client. Download the full case study…

Christensen Law prevailed in the case of a young man denied compensation by his insurance company despite meeting all criteria of coverage. The insurance company attempted to block coverage, arguing the definition of household. Download the full case study here. Mr. Barnes, 22, had been seriously injured by a hit…

Dealing with injuries you sustained in an automobile accident or other personal injury incident is hard enough. Unfortunately, the situation is made even more difficult when your insurance company asks you to undergo an Independent Medical Exam (IME). The name of this examination is misleading. It is far from independent since it is…

Motorcycle laws are in place to prevent accidents and promote safety. If you’re going to ride in Michigan, you need to know the laws — and follow them — to protect yourself if an accident occurs. Before hitting the road, learn about some of Michigan’s key motorcycle laws and how…

Injuries caused by another party’s recklessness are painful and often costly to treat. In Michigan, accident victims can demand compensation for their losses through a personal injury claim. But how much money will you get in a settlement? That’s a difficult question to answer. Here’s the bottom line: There’s no…

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, recovering a full and fair settlement from the insurance company is incredibly important. However, an insurance adjuster may not be eager to pay you what you’re truly owed. One way that adjusters may attempt to reduce your payout is by disputing the…

Michigan is no stranger to snow in winter, and we rely on snowplows to help clear the roads and keep us safe. However, accidents involving snowplows can and do happen, leaving drivers and passengers with serious injuries. Understanding the causes of these accidents, Michigan’s no-fault insurance laws, and potential legal…