Armed with your smartphone, you can download apps like Bird, Lime, or Spin, and in minutes begin cruising down city blocks at speeds up to 20 mph on an e-scooter. One critical element about grabbing a scooter you should be aware of is the e-scooter rental agreement’s Terms and Conditions.

We’re all familiar with “terms and conditions.” Typically, it’s “boilerplate” language that most people never bother to read and instead scroll blindly until they see “accept,” and then the “reward” becomes available. But e-scooter riders should be aware that important language exists buried within these lengthy terms and conditions that may significantly impact your rights in the event of an accident or injury while using the e-scooter.

E-Scooter Liability Waiver

Buried in most e-scooter rental agreements is a liability waiver, which, in most cases, waives a rider’s right to pursue a claim against the e-scooter company for injury or property damage.

Liability waivers are common and, in many instances, make perfect sense. Conceptually, the waivers are simple: a company provides you with a good or service but does not want to be held responsible if you injure yourself or others while using said good or service. In the context of e-scooters, this would logically mean riders are assuming the risk of injury or property damage that may occur from the inherent risks associated with riding a scooter.

However, many riders may not realize that these waivers’ language is much broader. In fact, not only do the terms and conditions waive the rider’s ability to sue the company in the event they are injured due to the risks associated with riding an electric scooter, but riders are also agreeing to waive their right to sue the company if they are injured as a result of the e-scooter company’s negligence.

Riders aren’t the only ones responsible for causing e-scooter crashes. In some instances, crashes and injuries result from the e-scooter rental company’s or manufacturer’s negligence. This negligence can include “vehicle or component malfunction” or the failure to maintain or repair equipment.  Given that numerous injuries have allegedly resulted from scooter malfunctions such as sudden acceleration or loss of brake function, riders need to be aware that they are assuming these risks and may not be able to seek compensation if they are seriously injured as a result of a malfunctioning or improperly maintained e-scooter.

E-Scooter Rental Agreements

If you’re considering signing an e-scooter rental agreement, here’s what you need to know:

You may also be releasing other parties from liability, Riders should be aware that these waivers also cover more parties than just the “rider” and the “e-scooter company.” These waivers apply to the e-scooter companies, their parent companies (e.g. Uber, Lyft, and Ford Motor Company), and also extend to the manufacturers of the scooters — and even the cities in which the e-scooter service operates.

Bird, Lime, and Spin’s e-scooter rental agreements all contain language that defines the municipalities which authorize the companies to operate as “released parties.” Under this term and condition, riders injured as a result of a defect in a sidewalk or roadway the municipality is responsible for maintaining may have waived their ability to pursue a claim against the municipality for the sidewalk or roadway defect.

Time Limits? Truncating the Statute of Limitations

Assuming you can even bring a claim against a company, certain language in e-scooter rental agreements often includes time limitations for bringing a claim. While liability waivers are generally enforceable in most instances, they are not insurmountable and cannot absolve a company from liability for acts that amount to “gross negligence,” or “willful and wanton conduct.” (However, those legal terms also require a significantly higher burden for an injured person to meet.)

In Michigan, injured parties generally have three years following an injury to bring a negligence claim against another party – call the statute of limitations. With few exceptions, an injured person’s claim against another party is forever barred as soon as the statute of limitations period expires.

However, riders should understand that signing an e-scooter rental agreement may include agreeing to a shorter statute of limitations. For example, the terms and conditions for Spin contain language where the user agrees to shorten the statute of limitations period for bringing claims against Spin to just one year. After that time, users cannot bring a claim against the e-scooter company.

In short, you want to take the time to read whatever you agree to, and if you were injured in an e-scooter accident, don’t assume their waivers are iron-clad; contact the experts at Turner & Turner for a free consultation.

Call us today at (248) 355-1727.

July is peak summer travel season, which typically kicks off July 4th weekend. Turner’s blogs often discuss legal rights, liability exposure, and other important items related to the law. Since one of our specialties is advocating for victims of traffic accidents, we thought it would be useful to highlight 10 tips to help avoid the situation before you need our help.

Remember, we are always available, and we won’t stop until we achieve what you deserve in terms of compensation. Having said that, if we can offer up some ways to avoid traffic accidents, we want to provide that, too. Whether you’re heading out of town or just going for a drive (unlikely, given the cost of gasoline), you’ll need to arrive safely. Use these 10 tips to help you be a safer driver.

No. 1 | Stay Focused Throughout Your Drive

It’s easy to get lost in thought during your commute. It’s important, however, to stay focused on the road and what is happening around you. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents on the road today.

As you drive, keep the music to a reasonable level and ask passengers to lower the noise level if you notice yourself getting distracted. Be mindful of your lane usage on the road as you drive. For example, if you’re cruising the freeway for several miles, stay out of the left lane except to pass slower-moving vehicles.

No. 2 | Watch the Space Between You and Other Drivers

A collision with the vehicle in front of you is common in heavy traffic. Even if you’re paying attention, a driver may suddenly brake for an unknown hazard. If you’re following too closely, you won’t have space to stop.

Try to follow the 3-second rule when driving. Pick a landmark, such as a specific road sign, and note when the car in front of you passes it. Count out how many seconds it takes you to then pass the same sign. If it’s less than 3, you should slow down to give the other driver more space. Another tip is at least two car lengths between you and the driver in front of you.

No. 3 | Avoid Peak Driving Times

A lot of accidents happen because of congestion on the roadways. The more cars on the road, the higher the chance two or more of them will collide. Certain times of the day increase the number of cars on the road and make it more dangerous for even the best defensive drivers.

If you can’t change your work schedule, try adding an activity at the end of your day to delay your travel to avoid heavy commuting times. Plan to head out a little earlier than usual or leave a little later so you are not rushed.

No. 4| Keep Your Emotions in Check

Emotional driving can lead to erratic and dangerous driving. Personal emotions from things happening in your life may be hard to avoid. Try to take a few deep breaths before you begin driving and focus on the road to take your mind off of your emotions. If a family dinner involves stressful tensions with a relative, give yourself time to cool off before you decide to head home. Don’t try to talk on the phone to vent to a friend while driving. Finish your call before heading home.

Other drivers may also cause you to get annoyed, frustrated, or angry. A driver constantly changing their speed in front of you would annoy almost anyone. They may have you wondering if they even have a driver’s license. Take a moment to breathe and consider pulling off somewhere if you find yourself with road rage.

No. 5 | Put Your Cell Phone Away

Holding a cell phone and driving is always a bad choice. Plenty of drivers still use them, however. Cell phone use in cars often happens without thought: You get a ping from your phone indicating you have a new message and — without thinking — you grab your phone to read the message … and start responding.

When you’re late to dinner or trying to remember what items you forgot to pack, it’s easy to pick up your phone when driving. Avoid using your phone when you’re behind the wheel by putting it out of sight. Try storing it in a bag in the backseat or putting it in the glove compartment. Turn off the sound or use a “do not disturb” mode when driving.

No. 6 | NEVER Drink and Drive

With Independence Day upon us, there is a likelihood you will be out on the town, enjoying a few drinks. Always put a plan in place to get home safely. If you know you’ll be drinking, consider leaving your car at home so there’s no temptation to drive home. Even two drinks can dull your senses, slowing your reaction time. Take public transportation, call a cab, get a ride from a friend — or stay the night — if you’ve had too much to drink.

The consequences can be expensive and, many times, deadly.

No. 7 | Make Sure Your Car is in Good Shape

Make sure your car is in good condition before hitting the road. Use a routine maintenance checklist to help you stay up to date on things like oil changes and fluids. Low tire pressure could cause a blowout on the freeway resulting in panic and a loss of control over your car.

For longer drives, consider taking your vehicle to a trusted auto repair shop for an inspection. Your mechanic can look over your vehicle and let you know if there’s anything that could cause problems.

No. 8 | Don’t Drive if You’re Tired

Just like drinking and then driving, fatigue can slow your reaction time when you often need to make quick decisions on the road. It’s easy to get in your car and be lulled to sleep by the monotony of the road after a big dinner (highway hypnosis). Roll the windows down whenever you feel sleepy to help wake you up. The cool, fresh air can help jolt you awake and reenergize you. However, the safest option is to always pull over at a safe spot and take a quick rest before hitting the road again.

No. 9 | Take Your Time

You may be hurrying because you’re late for dinner, but your family would rather you arrive late and safe than not at all. Slowing down just a little can give you the time you need to avoid an accident. Plus, it saves money by reducing gas consumption.

At stoplights, don’t slam the gas pedal down right as the light turns green. Many drivers speed up at yellow lights, causing them to be in an intersection when the light changes. Wait for a second to let any traffic in the intersection settle before you move forward.

No. 10 | Don’t Rely on Other Drivers

Never assume other motorists are safely driving. Drivers are unpredictable, so you must rely on your judgment to reduce the risk of an accident. The most important aspect of defensive driving is being aware of other drivers and doing your best to avoid them.

Remember, if you are involved in an accident, here are some recent Turner blogs that offer tips and other useful things to remember.

Turner & Turner is here for you and your needs. For more information, call (248) 355-1727.

• 8 Things To Remember Before You Go to the Hospital
• Pro Tip: Documenting an Accident
• How to Read an Accident Report

6 WAYS TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM IDENTITY THEFT

Across the country, identity theft has been on the rise for the last several years. It’s vital you take the appropriate measures to protect yourself from this damaging situation. Identity theft can have a considerable impact on your life, including your personal finances and ability to take out credit in the future.

To assist you with making smart decisions to safeguard your identity, Turner Law has put together a list of six tips to protect yourself from identity theft.

1. PROTECT YOUR SENSITIVE INFORMATION FROM THIRD PARTIES

Your private information is sensitive, and if it gets into the hands of an unauthorized third party, you could be faced with serious repercussions, including identity theft. A number of actions can be taken to protect your personal details from coming into contact with the wrong individuals, including:

• Shred or tear up paper documents that contain sensitive details.
• Lock away sensitive materials.
• Make sure your employer has secured your personnel records.
• Always take receipts containing credit or debit card details—never dispose of them in public trash.
• Don’t post personal information online, e.g. putting your birthdate on social media websites.
• Only use websites that have secure payment methods. A site is only secure when there is an unbroken padlock icon in the URL bar of your browser, and the URL starts with “https.” If the URL begins with “http,” it is not secure.

2. DON’T SHARE YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER

• Never share your social security number with anyone unless absolutely required, and never carry it on yourself. Always make sure it’s locked away somewhere secure.

3. ORDER A FREE CREDIT REPORT EACH WEEK

• To help protect your personal finances and to ensure you have not been a victim of identity theft, regularly check your credit reports.
• Through December 2022, everyone in the U.S. can get a free credit report each week from all three nationwide credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. By checking your credit reports, you’ll be able to see if someone is misusing your personal information to run up charges on your credit cards, take out new credit or open a new account that’s in your name and steal your identity. The sooner you spot this fraud, the faster you can take action to stop the financial harm and correct the errors.
• To order a free credit report, you can go to AnnualCreditReport.com or call 877-322-8228 directly.

4. READ YOUR CREDIT REPORTS VERY CAREFULLY

• Once you have received your credit reports, take the time to carefully look back through the report, making sure that everything recorded points back to you and not someone misusing your identity.
• Each time you look at your credit report, you should ask yourself the following questions:
  • Do you recognize the accounts on your report?
  • Do they list credit applications?
  • Did you apply for credit at those places?
  • Make sure to check your personal information too. Are your name, address, and Social Security number correct?

5. DISPUTE ANY ANOMALIES

If you see a mistake on your credit report, it’s incredibly paramount that you immediately dispute the mistake.

• You can do this by directly contacting the credit bureau and the business that reported the information.
• When contacting the credit bureau and the business, ensure that you ask both to correct their records.
• You need to ensure that you include as much detail as possible, plus copies of supporting evidence, including documents, like payment records.

6. REPORT THE SUSPECTED IDENTITY THEFT TO THE APPROPRIATE AUTHORITIES

If you don’t recognize an account recorded on your credit report, immediately visit IdentityTheft.gov to report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and obtain a recovery plan.

• Indentitytheft.gov will be able to help you to create a sworn Identity Theft Report.
• Once a report has been created, you can send it to the credit bureaus, which will be able to block identity theft-related debts from appearing on your credit report.
• Also, report the theft of your identity to the FBI and the IRS.

Contact Turner & Turner

If you think your identity has been stolen, it’s crucial to approach guidance from an attorney who can provide clear, efficient advice on your rights and the necessary steps to take.

Contact us at Turner Law at (248) 355-1727 today to speak to an expert attorney.

Whether you were a passenger in an Uber or Lyft vehicle — or driving in your own vehicle leading up to a crash caused by a rideshare driver in Michigan — there are several steps you must take regardless of what type of car accident you are involved in. Most important, you must ensure your injury does not require immediate medical attention.

The following are the important steps you must take after an Uber or Lyft accident:

1. CONTACT THE POLICE

• You need to report the collision to law enforcement officials. When the police arrive at the scene of the accident, they can file a police report, which can be used as evidence for your accident claim or personal injury lawsuit.

2. DOCUMENT THE SCENE

• Using your smartphone, take pictures or record videos of the crash scene. Capture as many photos or videos as you can of all vehicles involved, and from multiple angles. Also, capture a panoramic shot of the entire scene. All of these are considered important pieces of evidence to insurers and the courts.

3. EXCHANGE INFORMATION

• Obtain the other driver’s contact and insurance information. If you are involved in a multi-vehicle accident, you must exchange information with every driver involved.

4. REPORT THE ACCIDENT TO THE RIDESHARE COMPANY

• One step that differs from other types of crashes is reporting the incident to Uber or Lyft. Once you reach out to their agents, provide an accident report so that they can start the claims process on their end.

5. CALL YOUR INSURANCE AGENT

• Contact your insurer and inform them you were involved in a collision, but only provide basic information about the crash.

Keep in mind, that all drivers must have PIP insurance under Michigan law, which means drivers generally would have to file a claim with their insurance carrier following an accident. However, if a passenger is involved in an Uber or Lyft accident — and suffers an injury — recovering compensation from a PIP claim could be more difficult. Passengers generally can file a claim against the driver’s insurance.

Our legal team has more than 50 years of experience handling personal injury claims throughout Southeast Michigan.

If you have been injured in a rideshare accident in the Detroit metropolitan area, call Turner & Turner PC at (248) 355-1727 to schedule a free consultation and discuss your options.

However, when it comes to your insurer, you may have a duty under your policy to notify them of the crash, and provide certain information to help them prepare for a potential claim. Although you may need to communicate with your insurance company, be careful of what information you provide

Your Insurer is Not Your Advocate

When it comes to claims involving injuries, insurance companies do not advocate for — or serve — their policy holders … in this case, you. Their goal is to limit the company’s liability and compensation they pay on a claim.

To accomplish that goal, insurers leverage their conversations with you, and other parties, to find any basis to deny or limit your monetary compensation. Anything you say to your insurance representative via phone, email, or message is information they can use against you.

Do Not Apologize for Anything

It is often people’s nature to become apologetic in stressful situations. Refrain from saying “sorry” or apologizing to the insurance representative regarding information about who was at fault in the crash. The insurer can use this as your admission of guilt for the accident.

Do Not Tell Them What You Think Occurred

Another common mistake many accident victims make (when speaking to insurers) is wanting to hypothesize and go over how they believe the accident happened. Although you may feel that your version of the events clearly shows the other parties’ fault, remember other witnesses or facts may paint a different picture.

An experienced insurer may take speculative statements you offer — trying to be helpful — and use that to flip the blame onto you for the accident, or your injuries. Do not respond to the insurer’s questioning, and refuse a recording of your conversation unless you have the advice of legal counsel.

Do NOT Say You Are “Feeling Fine” or “Doing OK”

The insurer will ask how you feel or how you are doing in an initial conversation with you, post-crash. These are not mere pleasantries or small talk, but gauge the seriousness of your car accident injuries. (And try gaining insight into the consequences of the accident and your recovery.)

Do not make any statements about your physical, mental, or emotional state to the insurance company until you are certain what your condition and treatment needs are. Usually this will be long after the crash.

NEVER Admit the Accident Was Your Fault

Motor vehicle accidents are often highly emotional and traumatic experiences. There may be severe injuries, destruction of vehicles and property, or fatalities. People may feel guilty about the events and question what they did wrong. While you may think you were at fault, an investigation might reveal that other forces at play caused the accident.

You should be hesitant to admit fault — unless and until it is clear there were no other contributing factors. If evidence ultimately shows you are not to blame, you cannot easily undo your previous admissions to an insurance representative.

It is the insurer’s responsibility, or another party claiming you are at fault, to look at the evidence available and determine fault after a crash. Of course, do not be dishonest with your insurer if, indeed, a crash was your fault.

Do Not Divulge Details on Your Injuries or Recovery

The insurance company will ask about your injuries and diagnosis, especially in cases where you went to the emergency room after the accident. If they pressure you to answer, reply that you are still receiving treatment and are currently unable to provide additional information.

While you may think that explaining the extent of your injuries helps your case, you may inadvertently cause complications and delays, or give information that limits the value of your claim before all the information is available.

Do Not Give Them Any Information Beyond the Basics

It’s difficult to navigate a conversation with your insurer without falling into their attempt to gather additional information about your case. Stick to the facts, what you know, and the accident’s basic information.

If you find your conversation veering off into uncertain topics, redirect the conversation however you can to the facts. The only information your insurer truly needs is the date of the accident, your name, and your contact information.

Refer the Insurer to Your Attorney; If You Don’t Have One, Hire One

Once you undergo medical treatment for injuries after a crash, your priority is hiring a lawyer. Insurance companies are persistent and may contact you before you can meet with and hire an attorney.

Notify the insurer that you are in the process of obtaining a lawyer to represent you. This statement may lead the insurer to limit questions and give you time to complete your search for the right attorney.

Contact Turner Law if you have been in a motor vehicle accident where you or other parties have suffered injuries. Do not travel this road alone. It could be very costly. Call Turner & Turner today at (248) 355-1727 for your free consultation.

How Many Cyclists Suffer Injuries Occur Each Year?

NHTSA reported 49,000 injuries from traffic-related cycling accidents in 2021, representing a 5.4 percent increase from 2020. In the aggregate, it represents about two percent of all preventable traffic injuries in the U.S.; bicyclists make up less than one percent of all traffic participants.

What Accounts for The Upward Trend in Bike Accidents?

While fatalities have dropped over the last two years –most experts attribute the decline to decreased traffic during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic – injuries and bike accident reports have risen steadily over the last decade. Many factors have possibly contributed to the increase, including:

• Cycling continues to grow in popularity (meaning more inexperienced cyclists are on the roads).
• Drivers are not looking out for cyclists and do not share the road properly.
• Municipalities have been slow to recognize the threat bicyclists face, meaning safety measures like dedicated bicycle lanes have not been installed at the same pace as the number of bicyclists.

Of course, there are steps bicyclists should take to reduce their risk of being seriously hurt in accidents, including wearing helmets, following the rules of the road, and avoiding high-risk areas.

What are the Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents?

1. Drivers Not Paying Attention to Cyclists; NHTSA data shows that 30 percent of all bicyclist injuries result from cars striking them, and driver distraction is the most common reason.
2. Dangerous Road Conditions; roadways are not always safe for bicyclists and the responsibility falls on local municipalities to maintain dedicated bike lanes. However, NHTSA reports 13 percent of all cycling accidents resulting in injuries are due to unsafe road conditions, often due to the negligence of public entities responsible for maintaining the streets.
3. Drivers Fail to Consider Bicycles as Vehicles; motor vehicle operators must afford bicycles the same space and right-of-way as they do cars and trucks. More than 20 states have passed a “three-foot rule,” which requires drivers to allow at least three feet of space between their vehicle and a bicycle on the road.
4. Alcohol; More than one-third of fatal bicycle crashes involved alcohol in the system of either the driver or cyclist. Intoxicated driving rose during the pandemic, increasing the chances drunk drivers either failed or were indifferent to cyclists, causing severe injuries or death.

What You Should Do After a Bicycle Accident?

If you are a cyclist involved in an accident, attend first and foremost to your health. Get checked out by a doctor immediately and actively participate in any treatments your doctor recommends. In addition, make sure to attend all follow-up appointments and keep any records you receive.

As soon as you can, create a detailed statement of your experience in the accident while the details are still fresh in your mind. This statement will form a useful reference for any legal counsel you may secure and claim you make. Moving forward, keep a journal detailing your recovery and how your injuries affect you every day.

Do You Need an Attorney?

Seeking counsel after an injury-causing crash is always a smart move if you have been the injured party. Injuries from bicycle accidents are often severe. You may need expensive medical treatment, may lose work, and experience significant income loss as a result of your injuries.

While you’re dealing with potential losses, the other party’s insurance company adjuster will focus on resolving your claim for as little money as possible. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident and have questions, call Turner & Turner for a free consultation at (248) 355-1727.

Nobody anticipates being hospitalized, but it happens, and to plan, you need information, which is why Turner Law has made a list of eight things to consider ahead of a hospital visit. Print this list out and keep it posted somewhere accessible if you are unable to retrieve it ahead of hospital admission, someone you trust can easily find it.

Some items may seem obvious, but if you don’t have this basic information you can do very little, and your anxiety may spike. So even if  you think a question is stupid, try to answer the question yourself and, if you can’t do it in one sentence, get a professional to clearly explain the answer to you:

1. Find out your primary doctor’s name and the names of the specialists he or she will consult for your treatment.

2. Write down your diagnosis. Make sure that know the correct spelling of every condition or affected body part.

3. Ask what your prognosis is based on your response to treatment.

4. Get the name of the hospital social worker. He or she will help with insurance payments and billing issues.

5. Ask about complications from medicines you were taking before your hospital stay might have if they interact with medications from your hospitalization. Ask a professional to record these reactions on your discharge instructions.

6. Ask for multiple copies of discharge instructions, or at least a way of obtaining another copy of discharge instructions if you lose them. Make sure you run through all of the instructions with your caretaker (e.g. is there a special way to wrap a bandage) before you leave the hospital in front of nurse staff.

7. Ask about any special equipment that will help with your recovery, and get a recommendation from a nurse about a place to purchase it.

8. Ask a friend or family member to buy a paper calendar so you can record follow-up appointments. Sync up iCalendar or Google Calendar with your new paper calendar so you don’t lose track of any appointments.

If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident that requires a hospital stay, and another party was partially or fully at fault, call Turner & Turner PC today for a free consultation at (248) 355-1727.

If you have been in an accident and have the ability to photograph (or ask someone else on the scene) the damage caused, don’t waste the opportunity to create a documentary trail that could be crucial evidence in the event you need to litigate.

Virtually every attorney will tell you to document your ideal in full, including keeping a journal and taking photographs throughout your ordeal. Photographs of any sustained injuries throughout various stages of progression (at the accident scene, at the hospital, after the hospital, and intermittently thereafter), including medical equipment you may be required to wear or use (such as sutures, braces, casts, orthopedic walking boots, bandages, etc.) can be helpful in establishing the validity and extent of your claim. These elements help bolster your claim and provide documented proof of your injury, and your subsequent pain and suffering.

Especially helpful are photographs of your damaged automobile or motorcycle because they will clearly show the type of damage and its extent to your vehicle as well as the violent forces your body was subjected to in the collision. Photographs of the accident scene and of the other party’s damaged car or truck (including its license plates), can also be quite valuable to your claim.

Give all copies of these photographs to the attorneys at Turner & Turner. Your photos, which we can present as exhibits to any liable parties, including insurance companies and other responsible parties to any subsequent lawsuit, will help in presenting a clearer understanding of the situation you have endured in its entirety.

If litigation becomes necessary, those photographs will help a mediator better understand the value of your claim; and, beyond that, your photographs can be used by a judge or jury to help bolster your case so an accurate decision and amount of compensation can be rendered.

BACKUP and MAKE COPIES

Any documentation, including photos taken and stored on your phone, should be backed up to ensure nothing gets lost. Apps like Google Photos and Apple Photos can be configured to automatically sync your phone and store a copy of photos in a cloud storage site.

Similarly, any memorializing you do, like keeping a journal and recounting the accident, or documenting your injuries and the process of healing, should be backed up. If it is electronic, store copies on a peripheral device like a thumb drive. Make a third backup onto a cloud server. Don’t rely on the storage of one source (your phone, computer, etc.), because accidents happen. Things break and items can get lost. Being redundant with your evidence ensures its availability.

Call Turner Law today and learn how we can help you receive compensation for an injury sustained due to negligence, recklessness, or another fault beyond your control, but not the person or entity where your injury occurred.

Call Turner today at (248) 355-1727.

Is it Illegal to Drive with Interior Lights On? 

The interior lights in cars can become a safety hazard, especially when driving at night. A lot of people assume that having the lights in the car at night is illegal, but it depends on individual state statutes.

In short, Michigan has no law specifically prohibiting driving with interior cabin lights illuminated, according to Michigan State Police Traffic Services Section, Sgt. Jill Bennett. “Michigan law does not specifically say that you cannot have it on,” Bennett told the MLive news service in a 2020 interview.

However, the sergeant added that because there are other laws that do regulate light emissions from cars, driving with your dome light on could be an invitation for a traffic stop. After that, depending on what other factors may have prompted police intervention, all bets are off.

The most relevant section of law for this question, Bennett said, is the part of the Michigan Vehicle Code addressing external lights on vehicles, simply because there is not much in the law one way or other addressing interior lights.

When drivers are using the interior lights while driving, they may still be subject to getting a ticket even though the law does not directly address its legality since it can be interpreted as a distraction to other drivers, affecting another motorist’s ability to drive safely. In short, a trooper or local officer can issue tickets citing safety issues.

As with many “interpretive” infractions, whether or not drivers get pulled over for having illumination in the car depends on the police officer. They may let you go, ensuring that you’re not swerving or dangerously maneuvering. However, if driving abilities seem to be impaired, that white light could very well give an officer the green light to pull you over and issue a fine for having the interior car light on.

Therefore, it is always best to avoid turning on the light unless necessary and only for the amount of time needed. MSP’s Bennett clarifies in her MLive interview: “A dome light is not required vehicle equipment and is not expressly permitted in the Michigan Vehicle Code. It may be a distraction/vision obstruction for the driver. This will be left open to local interpretation.”

Is it Illegal to Have Colored Interior Lights?

There are no laws prohibiting the use of colored lights in cars. However, traffic laws do state that lights cannot “flash,” “rotate,” or “oscillate.” The bulbs on the back of the car that illuminate the license plate must be white, and the under-glow has to be less than 300 lumens.

How Dark is Too Dark for Window Tinting?

Michigan’s car window tinting laws were enacted in 2000. The percentage of visible light required for your car windows is known as Visible Light Transmission, or VLT. The percentage of light required to penetrate through film and glass in Michigan is specific and varies depending on the type of car: sedans, SUVs and vans. Michigan permits tinting front windshield and front windows (those adjacent to driver) but only top 4 inches of these windows. Tint is not allowed on any other part of these windows. (See specifics below.)

Tint Darkness for Sedans:

• Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 4 inches of the windshield.
• Front Side windows: Any darkness can be applied but only on top 4 inches.
• Back Side windows: Any darkness can be used.
• Rear Window: Any darkness can be used.

Tint Darkness for SUV and Vans:

• Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 4 inches of the windshield.
• Front Side windows: Any darkness can be applied but only on top 4 inches.
• Back Side windows: Any darkness can be used.
• Rear Window: Any darkness can be used.

Window Tint Reflection

Window tint can reflect incoming light and reduce glare and heat. Michigan window tint law permits a certain window reflection when using a tint so make sure you pay attention to this as well.

Tint Reflection for Sedans:

• Front Side windows: Must not be more than 35% reflective.
• Back Side windows: Must not be more than 35% reflective.

Tint Reflection for SUV and Vans:

• Front Side windows: Must not be more than 35% reflective.
• Back Side windows: Must not be more than 35% reflective.

Other Michigan Window Tint Rules and Regulations

Michigan does have several other important laws, rules and regulations pertaining to window tinting. They include the following:

• Side Mirrors: Vehicle must have side mirrors if rear windshield is obstructed.
• Restricted Colors: Silver and gold tint colors are explicitly prohibited in Michigan.

Medical Exceptions: Michigan allows medical exemptions for special tint.

For more details about the specific terms of the exemption, or if you believe you have been wrongly targeted for a tinting infraction, contact Turner Law for more information and to see whether you may have been a victim of police harassment. Call Turner & Turner today for your free consultation at (248) 355-1727.

*Source: https://www.tinting-laws.com/michigan/

For Further Information, Visit the Michigan State Police F.A.Q. page.

To learn about garnishments in the most general sense, Turner Law has created a brief overview of garnishments.

Income and assets generally exempt from garnishment include:

1. Social Security benefits and disability payments
2. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments
3. Veterans’ Benefits
4. Civil Service and Federal Retirement and Disability Benefits
5. Military Annuities and Survivors’ Benefits
6. Railroad Retirement Benefits
7. Merchant Seamen Wages
8. Longshoremen’s and Harbor Workers’ Death and Disability Benefits
9. Foreign Service Retirement and Disability Benefits
10. Compensation for Injury, Death, or Detention of Employees of U.S. Contractors Outside the U.S.
11. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Disaster Assistance
12. General Assistance Benefits
13. Family Independence Program (FIP) grants
14. Food Assistance Program (FAP)
15. Electronic Benefits Transfers (EBT)
16. State Disability Assistance
17. Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)
18. Student loan disbursements, grants, or work assistance
19. Unemployment Compensation benefits
20. Worker’s Compensation benefits
21. Cash value of life insurance policies that are payable to your spouse or children
22. Income benefits under the Michigan Civil Service Act
23. Income benefits under the Michigan Retirement Act
24. Pensions covered by ERISA

There are some exceptions to that list. For example, Social security disability and retirement benefits can be garnished to pay federal taxes, child support, and alimony.

• SSI payments can’t be garnished under any circumstances;
• Pension income can be garnished once it’s in your bank account.
• Income from the other sources listed above stays exempt once it’s in your bank account. (It’s best to avoid putting it in the same bank account with non-exempt income.)

For more information on whether awards from a settlement are subject to garnishment, contact the attorneys at Turner & Turner for advice on how best to avoid seizure of assets, including settlements. Call Turner Law at (248) 355-1727.