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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Medical service providers have legal standing to independently bring and enforce auto no-fault insurance claims. Recently, however, auto no-fault insurers have tried to challenge and prevent medical providers from bringing legal action directly against the insurer. In Wyoming Chiropractic Health Clinic, P.C. v Auto-Owners Ins Co, __ Mich App __ (2014)(a unanimous published opinion) the […]
The auto no-fault insurance industry’s recent effort to reform the Michigan system of auto insurance is currently stalled before the Michigan House of Representatives. The version of the bill as passed by the State Senate, changed modestly after being reported out by the House Committee on Insurance. As with any politically charged issue, partisan rhetoric […]
Brenda C.
Dear Mr. Smith,I wanted to thank you for helping me and being a fine example of a true humanitarian. You didn’t have to help or even counsel me…. But you did and I really respect and appreciate everything you’ve done to keep my “ducks in a row.” -Brenda C.
