Entries by Tim Smith

Michigan Storm Damage & Home Owner’s Insurance Claims

The storm that blew through NW MI last August 2, 2015, left a trail of property damage for many.   And with that, many property owners are looking to their homeowners’ insurers for help but are being surprised by unwelcome news.  First, the insured is learning that their local agent who sold them the policy is, oddly, completely […]

Avoiding Dangerous Chainsaw Accidents

Since last week’s major storm up in Northern Michigan, tree clean-up is the task at hand for a great many of residents.  Obviously, caution is paramount when operating a chainsaw.  Kickback is the most common and seriously harmful consequence of either inexperienced or careless operation.   Understanding the correct way to operate a chainsaw and avoid kickbacks is […]

Pedestrians Have The Right-Of-Way

Up here in northern Michigan, our local community shopping districts are bustling with tourists.  Multiple designated pedestrian cross-walks and roadway yield-signs are displayed throughout our local harbor villages and cities.  Like it or not, pedestrians have the right-of-way and every motorist must stop and yield, even if or when the pedestrian is standing at the apron […]

Jeep Recall & Driverless Vehicles

Needless to say, the recent news about the operation of motor vehicles being  (or capable of) hacked by outside sources is deeply disturbing.  Fiat-Chrysler just announced its recall of 1.4 Million vehicles after reported hacking disrupted the driving of at least one reported occurrence.  Jeep owners are strongly urged to take their vehicles to a […]

,

Golf Cart Agreements

So you and your pals have driven to northern Michigan to play a round of golf at one of its many, beautiful golf courses. You get to the starter shack at the first tee box and the person takes down your assigned golf cart number and then presents to you a “Golf Cart Agreement”. You […]

Summer Festivals & Vendor Tents It is that time of the summer season up here in northern Michigan where festivals are in full swing. With that come corporate sponsors and vendors setting up their promotional tents for the designed purpose to engage potential customers. Vendor tents can be rather large and constructed of heavy metal. […]

Fireworks

It is that joyous, patriotic celebratory time of the summer when we gather together and watch municipal firework shows. The calendar of fireworks shows is considerable when you consider they will take place in so many of our beautiful communities here in northern Michigan. But it is always helpful to remind ourselves of the inherent […]

Keeping Dogs on a Leash

Up here in northern Michigan, we are blessed with so many trails, walkways and places to walk, hike, bike or recreate. And to many, dogs are equally part of that cherished family activity. For everyone’s benefit and safety using the trail, sidewalk, walkway or venue, dogs are required to be leashed at all times. Keeping […]

Look for Motorcycles & Bicycles

The nice weather is upon us. Naturally, with that, so are avid motorcycle enthusiasts and cyclists. Sadly, although a motorcyclist or bicyclist is generally highly prudent and safe consciously aware of the road environment, this common Michigan traveler on the roadway seems to be the one missed, more than the one seen. Accredited motorcyclist and […]

Right-of-Way On The Water

With summer now upon us here in Northern Michigan, the excitement to get out on the water builds. Refreshing yourself with the basic rules of navigation and right of way is always recommended. Failure to obey the rules and which causes an accident and injury will subject you to liability. Thus, it is also advisable […]