Boyer Law Group FindLaw IM Template 2026-06-10T14:36:53Z https://www.boyerlawpllc.com/feed/atom/ WordPress On Behalf of Boyer Law Group <![CDATA[Who pays for damages in a Michigan multi-vehicle rear-end crash?]]> https://www.boyerlawpllc.com/?p=52861 2026-06-10T14:36:53Z 2026-06-10T14:36:53Z In a multi-vehicle pile-up, figuring out who owes you compensation isn't about blaming the driver who hit you first. In fact, multiple drivers can share the blame and drivers who never touched your car could also owe you payment. Hence, understanding fault in these crashes means the difference between getting some money back and getting what you deserve for your injuries.

The hidden dangers of multi-car pile-ups

Before you can figure out liability, you need to understand what's at stake. Multi-vehicle crashes often create chaos that can change your life. You might suffer brain injuries from the jolting. Broken bones and fractures also develop when multiple hits occur. Additionally, some victims may also suffer spinal injuries that can lead to paralysis. Given these consequences, understanding who caused your injuries becomes necessary.

How Michigan determines fault in multi-car crashes

The process starts with knowing Michigan's fault system. The state uses a modified comparative negligence to decide who's at fault. This means several drivers can share blame for the same accident. Furthermore, you can still get compensation even if you're partly at fault. However, you cannot recover anything if you're more than 50% responsible for an accident.

Parties who may share blame in a multi-vehicle crash

Once you understand Michigan's fault system, the next step is finding out who caused your crash. In a pile-up situation, liability often goes beyond one driver. Several people may share responsibility for your damages including:
  • Rear-ending drivers: They take the blame for following too closely or failing to stop in time. For example, the driver who first hit you from behind likely shares the fault for not keeping a safe distance.
  • Leading or middle drivers: They can share fault if they slam on their brakes without reason or have broken brake lights. Think about a case where the car ahead of you had broken brake lights, stopping the driver behind you from seeing that traffic had stopped.
  • Other negligent drivers: A driver not involved in the crash can still owe you compensation for starting the chain reaction. Perhaps someone ran a red light, forcing you to stop and setting off the pile-up behind you.
Thus, finding all responsible parties ensures you seek payment from everyone at fault. This knowledge affects your ability to recover compensation for your injuries.

Know your rights to protect your recovery

When multiple vehicles and drivers are involved in a crash, figuring out liability becomes difficult. Therefore, knowing how fault works in Michigan helps you make smart choices about your recovery. This information protects your interests and helps you pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries.]]> On Behalf of Boyer Law Group <![CDATA[Eye injuries on construction sites: Your legal remedies]]> https://www.boyerlawpllc.com/?p=52825 2026-03-17T07:30:14Z 2026-03-17T07:30:14Z Holding third parties liable for your eye injury Michigan law allows workers to file claims against parties other than their direct employer. This means a general contractor, a subcontractor, a property owner or an equipment vendor could be responsible if their actions played a role in your injury. To successfully establish a third-party liability claim, you must demonstrate that the entity owed you a duty of care, breached that obligation and that this breach proximately caused your eye injury. These cases stand apart from other benefits you may already be seeking. They often open the door to greater recovery, especially when vision loss or long-term damage limits your ability to work.

Pursuing damages for defective equipment

Not every eye injury stems from human error. Sometimes, the fault lies with a flawed product. If your safety goggles cracked on impact, a face shield failed to meet its specifications or a power tool broke apart and sent shards toward your eyes, the manufacturer or seller might be liable. Under product liability laws, manufacturers, sellers and vendors can all face legal action when a defective item causes harm. Claims in this area tend to fall into three groups: design flaws, defects during the manufacturing process and a lack of proper safety warnings. You generally must prove that the manufacturer or seller failed to exercise reasonable care or that the product was not reasonably safe for its intended use, as the state relies on negligence and warranty principles rather than strict liability.

Recognizing the MIOSHA violations that might help you

The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) sets clear standards for job sites across the state. When the following violations occur, they can serve as evidence that the job site was unsafe:
  • Not providing workers with proper eye or face protection as required
  • Not posting adequate warning signs or offering training about chemical and light hazards on site
  • Not installing or maintaining eyewash stations in areas with known hazards
A MIOSHA citation does not guarantee a successful claim, but documented violations can serve as compelling evidence that a responsible party failed in their duty of care.

Protecting your rights to compensation

Michigan law generally gives you a three-year deadline to file a personal injury claim, beginning from the date of the injury. This also applies to product liability if defective equipment caused your harm. If you miss the chance to file your case within this timeline, you will be prevented from recovering damages. Legal counsel can help you meet this deadline by evaluating the full scope of the incident and identifying the liable parties, whether that is a general contractor, a property owner or an equipment manufacturer.]]> On Behalf of Boyer Law Group <![CDATA[Is family consensus a requirement when writing a valid will?]]> https://www.boyerlawpllc.com/?p=52815 2025-12-16T14:02:40Z 2025-12-16T14:02:40Z Writing a will is an act of ultimate control over your assets. Still, that control can feel compromised by potential family disagreement. Before adjusting your bequests out of fear of conflict, it is crucial to understand the actual statutory requirements for a valid will in Michigan.

What makes a will valid in Michigan?

The basic requirements for a valid will in the Great Lakes State include:
  • Age: You, the testator, must be 18 years old or older.
  • Capacity: You must possess "sufficient mental capacity." This means you understand you are creating a document to distribute your property after you die, you know the nature and extent of your property and you know who your family members and potential heirs are.
  • Writing and signature: The will must be in writing and you must sign it.
  • Witnesses: At least two adult witnesses must sign the will in your presence.
Your beneficiaries, most likely loved ones, do not need to read, approve or sign the will for it to be valid. Their agreement is legally irrelevant to the document’s initial creation and execution.

What are the legal grounds for contesting a will?

While lack of consensus does not invalidate the will, extreme family disagreement can lead to a will contest after your death. Legal grounds for challenging a will include:
  • Lack of testamentary capacity: The testator did not have a sound mind when signing the document.
  • Undue influence: Someone coerced or pressured the testator into signing the document.
  • Improper execution: The will did not follow the Michigan signing requirements, such as lack of proper witnesses.
  • Fraud or forgery: Someone deceived the testator or created a fake signature.
These arguments focus on the testator’s mental state and the circumstances of the signing, not on the heirs’ feelings about the outcomes.

How to balance personal wishes and family harmony?

The tension between making independent decisions and maintaining family peace is a real challenge for many people creating wills. You maintain the right to distribute assets according to your wishes, but relationships do not disappear after you pass away. Consider discussing your plans with your loved ones when appropriate. This can give them time to understand your reasoning. Writing a personal letter explaining your decisions is a viable option, especially if they might seem unfair or surprising. It also helps to choose an executor who has the skills to manage the process and the temperament to handle family dynamics. Your will should reflect your personal values and priorities. With proper legal guidance, you can create a will that stands up to scrutiny while still addressing legitimate concerns.]]> On Behalf of Boyer Law Group <![CDATA[Be ready to address these truck accident defenses]]> https://www.boyerlawpllc.com/?p=52812 2025-09-04T19:24:23Z 2025-09-04T19:24:23Z seek accountably and recover compensation, you have to think through the challenges you might face in pursuing your claim. This includes careful consideration of the truck accident defenses you might be up against.

The truck accident defenses that might face in your case

Negligent truckers and their employers could have several options when it comes to defending against a personal injury case. You have to be aware of these legal strategies so that you can effectively confront them. Here are some of the most common and most powerful defense arguments you might have to square off against:
  • Comparative fault: If possible, the trucker and their employer are going to try to shift the blame to you. If they’re successful in doing so, then the amount of compensation that you recover can be drastically reduced. If you suspect that this tactic is going to be used in your case, then think through your actions leading up to the crash and find ways to minimize any mistakes that you may have made.
  • Sudden emergency doctrine: Another common legal argument seen in truck accident cases is the sudden emergency doctrine. Here, the trucker argues that, although they caused the accident, it was in response to an emergency situation, and that their actions were reasonable at the time. For example, if a trucker swerves to dodge a child who ran into the street, causing them to slam into your vehicle, then they might have a strong defense. In these cases, it’s important to focus on the reasonableness of the trucker’s actions in light of the circumstances that existed at the time.
  • Trucker blame: If the trucker is employed by a truck company, then the trucker’s employer may do their best to shift the blame back onto the trucker. This is because the truck company has deeper pockets that are more likely to pay your damages, so they know that if they’re on the hook they’ll have to pay more. For example, the truck company might present evidence that shows that the trucker was engaging in activity that was beyond the scope of their employment when the wreck occurred, such as traveling to visit a landmark that was close to their route but still caused deviation from their employer-approved route.
Although these defenses can threaten the viability of your personal injury case, there are ways to fight back against them. You might be able to successfully attack witness credibility, use the rules of evidence to block evidence from being admitted at trial and depose the defense’s witnesses to see if you can lock them into statements that are helpful to your position. We know that you’re dealing with a lot as you try to recover from your accident injuries, and pursuing legal action may not be something with which you’re comfortable. But don’t feel like you’re isolated in navigating this process. You can work closely with your personal injury attorney to ensure that you build an effective and hopefully successful case that gives you the resolution needed to advance your recovery as fully as possible.]]> On Behalf of Boyer Law Group <![CDATA[Can you reduce penalties from drunk driving charges in Michigan?]]> https://www.boyerlawpllc.com/?p=52805 2025-07-01T16:14:14Z 2025-07-01T16:14:14Z Michigan labels drunk driving as operating while intoxicated (OWI). OWI charges carry harsh consequences. You can minimize damage, though. Fast action and smart choices help reduce legal troubles.

Michigan's approach to drunk driving cases

Michigan bans operating vehicles with a blood alcohol level of .08% or above. The state also prohibits driving when alcohol affects your abilities. Young drivers under 21 cannot have any alcohol in their system. Your first OWI brings the following penalties:
  • Potential jail time up to 93 days
  • Fines reaching $500
  • Six license points 
  • License loss for 30 days
  • Restricted driving follows for 150 additional days
Michigan judges consider individual cases though. Experienced defense lawyers question traffic stops, challenge test accuracy or contest arrest methods. These tactics often lower charges or eliminate cases entirely.

Steps that help your case

You strengthen your position by owning mistakes and demonstrating real change. Specific actions work in your favor. Here are examples:
  • Completing alcohol education programs that meet state standards
  • Getting the necessary treatment your situation may require
  • Install breath-testing devices in your car
  • Staying away from any new traffic troubles or criminal activity
These choices show courts you understand the seriousness of your actions. Judges frequently reduce sentences when defendants prove genuine effort. The Holmes Youthful Trainee Act offers special consideration for defendants between 17 and 25 years old.

Mistakes that hurt your defense

Michigan's implied consent rules create automatic penalties. Refusing breath or blood tests costs you driving privileges for one full year. Skipping court appearances, driving without a valid license or facing new charges while your case is pending makes everything worse.

Seek legal guidance

Drunk driving convictions affect your future for years. Strategic planning and immediate response limit damage. How you handle yourself after charges matters just as much as the original incident. Speaking with an experienced OWI attorney can help you understand your rights better, safeguard your interests and influence your case outcome.]]> On Behalf of Boyer Law Group <![CDATA[How long does a personal injury case take?]]> https://www.boyerlawpllc.com/?p=52803 2025-04-03T15:04:31Z 2025-04-03T15:04:31Z If you’re dealing with a personal injury case in Michigan, you might be wondering how long it will take to reach a resolution. While every case is different, several factors affect the timeline, including the complexity of your case, the severity of the injury, and whether the case goes to trial. Understanding these variables can help you better anticipate the duration of your case.

Case complexity affects timeline

One of the main factors that influences how long a personal injury case takes is its complexity. If your case involves clear liability, such as a rear-end car accident, it might be resolved quickly. However, if the case involves multiple parties, complex injuries, or disputed liability, the process may take longer. The more parties involved, the more paperwork and legal procedures are needed, which can extend the timeline.

Insurance negotiations can take time

After an accident, insurance companies play a significant role in settling claims. Insurance adjusters will often evaluate the damages and determine a settlement offer. However, negotiations can drag on, especially if the insurer’s offer is too low. The back-and-forth negotiations might delay your case, particularly if both sides cannot agree on a fair settlement. If a fair settlement can’t be reached, your case may move toward a trial, which adds even more time.

Trial versus settlement

Many personal injury cases settle before they reach court. Settling can significantly shorten the process, as it avoids the time-consuming steps involved in going to trial. However, if you cannot agree on a settlement, your case may go to trial. A trial can add several months or even years to your case, depending on the court’s schedule and the complexity of your arguments.

What to expect

In Michigan, most personal injury cases settle within 1 to 3 years, but it’s important to keep in mind that this is just an average. The specific facts of your case will determine how long it takes. Patience is key, as the legal process can be unpredictable.]]> On Behalf of Boyer Law Group <![CDATA[How is pain and suffering calculated in personal injury claims?]]> https://www.boyerlawpllc.com/?p=52766 2025-01-06T15:27:24Z 2025-01-06T15:27:24Z In personal injury cases, individuals often seek compensation for physical pain and emotional suffering caused by their injuries. While medical expenses and lost wages have clear dollar amounts, calculating pain and suffering involves a more subjective evaluation. Understanding how this process works can help claimants better navigate their legal options.

The multiplier method

One common approach to calculating pain and suffering is the multiplier method. In this method, the individual's actual damages—such as medical bills and lost income—are multiplied by a number between 1.5 and 5. The exact multiplier depends on factors like the severity of the injury, the length of recovery, and whether the injury has caused long-term or permanent effects. For example, a more severe injury with lasting impacts might warrant a multiplier of 4 or 5.

The per diem method

The per diem method assigns a daily dollar amount to the injured person’s pain and suffering. This amount is then multiplied by the number of days the individual experiences pain or emotional distress. The daily rate often reflects the individual's daily earnings or another reasonable amount. This method works better for injuries with a more predictable recovery period.

Factors influencing calculations

Several factors influence pain and suffering calculations. Courts and insurance companies consider the nature and extent of the injury, the individual's age, and the impact of the injury on daily life. Visible injuries, permanent disabilities, and psychological conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often lead to higher settlements.

Building a strong case

Documentation plays a critical role in supporting personal injury claims. Medical records, photographs of injuries, and testimony from medical professionals can strengthen a case. Journals detailing daily struggles and emotional challenges provide additional evidence of non-economic damages. Pain and suffering calculations are not an exact science, but understanding the methods and factors involved can help individuals protect their rights and seek appropriate compensation.]]> On Behalf of Boyer Law Group <![CDATA[Protecting your commercial driver’s license after a DUI charge]]> https://www.boyerlawpllc.com/?p=52756 2024-09-23T16:06:16Z 2024-09-25T16:05:59Z A DUI charge can severely impact commercial drivers and put their ability to continue working at risk. If convicted, a commercial driver’s license holder faces not only the criminal penalties of a DUI charge but also the risk of losing their CDL.  If you are facing DUI charges, it is important to understand the potential legal consequences and the steps you can take to protect your livelihood.

Understanding DUI penalties for CDL holders in Michigan

Michigan holds commercial drivers to a higher standard than regular drivers. While the legal blood alcohol content limit for non-commercial drivers is 0.08%, a CDL holder can face penalties for a BAC of just 0.04%. This can apply even if the driver was not operating a commercial vehicle at the time of the DUI offense. A first-time DUI conviction will result in a one-year suspension of the CDL, regardless of whether the DUI occurred in a personal or commercial vehicle. If the driver was transporting hazardous materials at the time, the suspension increases to three years. A second DUI conviction results in a lifetime CDL disqualification, though reinstatement may be possible after ten years under certain conditions.

Steps to protect your CDL after a DUI charge

To protect your CDL after a DUI charge, it is very important to act quickly. Requesting a hearing with the Michigan Secretary of State within 14 days of the DUI arrest may allow you to challenge the suspension of your CDL. Take steps to gather evidence that supports your case, including breath test results, field sobriety test results or witness testimony. You can also explore opportunities to reduce the charges. For example, you might be eligible for plea agreements that reduce a DUI charge to a lesser offense, such as reckless driving, which may not carry the same penalties regarding your CDL. After a DUI charge, it is important to follow all court orders and complete any required alcohol education programs. Stay informed of Michigan’s strict DUI laws for commercial drivers so you can help prevent future violations that could result in the permanent loss of your CDL.]]> On Behalf of Boyer Law Group <![CDATA[Do insurance companies deny claims even in a no-fault accident?]]> https://www.boyerlawpllc.com/?p=52688 2024-06-25T20:03:16Z 2024-06-25T20:03:16Z Insufficient documentation Insurance companies require detailed documentation to process claims. If you do not provide enough evidence, they may deny your claim. This includes police reports, photos of the accident scene, witness statements and medical records. Without these documents, the insurer may argue that they cannot determine the extent of the damages or injuries. To avoid this, collect as much information as possible after an accident. Take photos, get contact details of witnesses and ensure that a police report is filed. Keep all medical bills and records related to the accident.

Policy exclusions and limitations

Insurance policies have specific exclusions and limitations that can affect claim approval. For instance, some policies may not cover certain types of damage or may have limits on the amount payable for specific claims. If your claim falls under these exclusions or exceeds the coverage limits, the insurance company may deny it. Be sure to understand the details of your insurance policy. Review your policy thoroughly and know what it covers and what it does not. This can help you set realistic expectations and prepare for any potential denials.

Delayed reporting

Timely reporting of an accident is key to claim approval. Insurance companies often have strict deadlines for filing claims. If you delay reporting the accident, the insurer may question the validity of your claim or argue that the delay worsened the damages or injuries. Be certain to report an accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Immediate reporting can streamline the claims process and reduce the likelihood of a denial. With so much at stake, dealing with insurance companies can become overwhelming. In such cases, hiring professional representation can make a significant difference. An attorney or insurance claim specialist can provide the expertise needed to dispute a denial and ensure you receive fair compensation.]]> On Behalf of Boyer Law Group <![CDATA[When should you update your will?]]> https://www.boyerlawpllc.com/?p=52685 2024-04-03T19:12:27Z 2024-04-03T19:12:27Z Major life events One of the main times to look at your will again is after big life changes. Events such as marriage, the birth or adoption of a child or the death of a beneficiary or executor can significantly impact the distribution of your assets. After such events, it is important to ensure that your will accurately reflects your current intentions.

Changes in wealth

Changes in your income can also mean it is time to update your will. If you experience a significant increase or decrease in wealth, acquire new assets or undergo changes in your financial obligations, it is important to review your will.

New residence or home state

Moving to a new place can mean you need to update your will to follow the rules in that area. Estate laws vary from one location to another, and what may have been valid in your previous location may not hold true in your new residence. Similarly, new changes in state laws about wills and estates may also lead to a review and update of your will to ensure its continued validity.

Passing of time

Even if nothing notable happens during a long stretch of time, it is still a good idea to take a look at your will every once in a while. Relationships may evolve, priorities may shift and your wishes regarding the distribution of your assets may change. By reviewing your will regularly, you can ensure that it remains up-to-date and accurately reflects your current intentions. When your loved ones and family members face the uncertainty of an old will that does not state your true wishes, it could lead to a large amount of stress and confusion. Staying current with your will is just one way to leave behind a great gift for those you care deeply about.]]>