Motorcycle accident statistics are now tabulated for 2012. The results show a nationwide increase in the number of motorcycle-related accidents and injuries. In an era where the total number of traffic fatalities has been in decline, motorcycle accident fatalities are on the rise. While good weather during 2012 prolonged the riding season, other factors may have played role in the increase of motorcycle accidents, such as higher gas prices and a better economy that allowed for more purchases of motorcycles. However, these factors may not be the only reasons for increased fatalities.

A recent University of Michigan study concluded that our state’s death toll for motorcycle accidents should have declined by 21% in 2012. Instead, it rose by 18%. Some experts point to the repeal of Michigan’s helmet requirement early in 2012 as the primary cause for the increase. According to an Mlive study of the 2012 riding season, riders without helmets were 43% more likely to suffer incapacitating injuries and were 3 times more likely to be killed than those wearing helmets.

Greater Flint, Michigan and Genesee County Michigan saw a fair share of motorcycle fatalities and serious injuries. Here are the 5 Most Dangerous Places to ride within this geographic area along with accident statistics for the six months after April 13, 2012:

The attorneys and staff at the Law Offices of Henry Hanflik encourage motorcyclists to enjoy the beautiful riding weather, but remind all riders to wear their helmets to stay safe. Proper insurance coverage is important to cover you and your passengers in the event of an accident.  The cost of medical treatment and wage loss in the event of a catastrophic or serious injury can be in excess of $1,000,000. Attorneys at the Law Offices of Henry Hanflik have represented many motorcycle accident victims. Here are a few of our results:

$3.5 Million  – Recovered for spinal and head injured victim hit by truck crossing the center line.

$1.0 Million -  Awarded to family of man struck and killed by motorist turning left

$750,000 -      Settlement and benefits for victim with severe shoulder injury hit by car turning left.

If you or your loved one have been injured in a motorcycle accident, our experienced and compassionate attorneys at the Law Offices of Henry Hanflik can help you now. Call us for a free consultation at 810-720-4000 or toll-free at 888- 905-4632.

If you are a parent of a small child, you may want to think twice before you reach into your pocket for change to feed a coin-operated ride at the mall or arcade. Parents have good reason to be concerned about their children riding a dangerous-looking roller coaster. But the results of a recent study at the Center of for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Ohio, show that coin-operated rides were more likely to cause injury to younger kids, 5 and under, than in older children. In fact, “mall rides” , amusement rides located in a mall, restaurant, arcade or store, accounted for 11,000 injuries in children between the years 1990-2010.

Most injuries occur in warm weather, from May through September and tend to result from a fall. Some of the rides are located over hard, unpadded surfaces and may not have restraints that secure the child on the ride. Injuries often occur when a child hits a body part or is hit by something within the ride or falls on, in, off or against the ride. The young children injured on the “mall-rides” are more apt to suffer head, face and neck injuries. Since younger kids have proportionately larger heads than older children, their center of gravity is higher and balance is poor, they may be challenged to stay on these kinds of rides.

Although serious injury from these rides is rare, head, neck and traumatic brain injury, as well as complex fractures, have the potential to cause serious, lifetime disabilities in children. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Henry Hanflik encourage parents to be vigilant and assess whether your child is developmentally able to get on, off and sit on a ride before you pay for the ride.

If you or your loved one has been injured by a “mall-ride” or amusement park ride, the Law Offices of Henry Hanflik can help you now. Call us for a free consultation at 810-720-4000 or 888-905-4632.

The adage, “Drinking and Driving Don’t Mix”, applies to operators of all vehicles, and especially to motorcycles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) latest report of 2007 notes that alcohol is a greater risk factor for fatal accidents involving motorcycles than for any other type of vehicle. Researchers found that 1 in 3 fatal motorcycle crashes were alcohol related. By comparison, 1 in 4 fatal car crashes are alcohol related. Unfortunately, the recent repeal of the “Helmet Law” in Michigan may lead to an increase in more serious crashes and fatalities over the next few years.

For years, experts wondered whether motorcyclists riding skills could be impaired at levels below legally allowed limits. So the NHTSA set out to assess riders’ performance at varying levels of blood alcohol concentrations. Experts from the administration set up an experiment involving two dozens male participants, with a minimum of five years of riding experience, for a three day test. Riders performed both simple and complex riding tests on a course designed to assess their skills with and without alcohol consumption.

At higher blood level concentrations, .08, impaired driving was, not surprisingly, most evident. However, some impairment was noted for participants at the lower alcohol level of .05, with particularly slower reaction times in hazard avoidance tasks and passing closer to the hazard than was generally considered a safe distance. In negotiating curves, participants in all alcohol conditions, including the lowest level of .02, tended to drive at faster maximum speeds and have greater variability in speed than drivers who consumed no alcohol.

Since this study was conducted with experienced riders, operating their bikes with low to moderate blood level concentrations on a closed course, it is expected that less experienced riders with similar blood alcohol levels,  riding on less familiar highways will show more impairment when negotiating complex or novel tasks.

The results of the study are clear: having a drink or two may cause even the most experienced rider to lose control of his/her bike and crash. The attorneys and staff at the Law Offices of Henry Hanflik encourage motorcyclists to be safe by avoiding alcohol when riding.

According to the Brain Injury Association of America, 1.7 million people will suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the United States each year. The majority will be treated at the ER and released. But approximately 52,000 will die, and another 275,000 will be hospitalized as a result of a TBI. It is estimated that 3.1 million individuals live with chronic, life-long neurological disabilities resulting from a TBI.

What is a TBI? The National Institute of Health defines it as ” a form of acquired brain injury, (occurring) when a sudden trauma causes damage to the brain. TBI can result when the head suddenly and violently hits an object, or when an object pierces the skull and enters brain tissue.”

How and where do TBIs occur? Falls, car accidents, truck accidents and motorcycle accidents account for a majority of all TBIs. Construction, workplace and industrial accidents also are responsible for many head, neck and brain injuries as well.

An accident victim who survives a TBI may face life-long neurological conditions, including mental disturbances and deficiencies effecting speech, attention, hearing and vision. The accident victim and her family may experience enormous emotional and financial difficulties. The experienced, compassionate lawyers at the Law Offices of Henry Hanflik understand the impact of these burdens and can help you and your family face a difficult future. If you, a friend or loved one suffers from a TBI, call us now for a free consultation at (810) 720-4000 or (888) 905-4632.

Keeping your brakes in good repair is important during every season of the year, but is most critical during the winter months when ice and snow can create hazardous driving conditions. Good brakes and well-maintained tires will improve your vehicle’s performance in stopping, turning and accelerating.

Icy spots on the road occur most often in shaded spots, on overpasses and bridges and require motorists to compensate for longer stopping distances when driving on these slippery surfaces. When you drive on slippery roads, allow for the greatest margin of safety by focusing your attention as far ahead as possible. Never use your cruise control on wet or ice covered surfaces.

Skids can occur when a driver applies the brakes so hard one or more wheels lock up, or quit spinning. Skids can also occur if a driver is traveling too fast for current road conditions, encounters slippery roadways or travels too fast around a curve. If you begin to skid, the best approach is to remain calm and use effective skid-control methods.

If your front wheels lose traction and you begin to skid, you will not be able to steer your vehicle. Regardless of whether your vehicle is equipped with front, rear or all-wheel drive, the best way to regain control of both front and rear wheel skids is to:

- Focus on the direction you want to go, and steer the front end of your vehicle in that direction.

- Do not slam on the brakes. Hard braking will make it more difficult to regain control of the vehicle.

- When the front wheels begin to grip the roadway surface and traction returns, you will be able to steer the vehicle again. Gently turn the wheels in the direction you want to travel.

For winter weather driving, remember  to reduce your driving speed while driving defensively. This policy is the best strategy to avoid the possibility of serious personal injury or death from an accident. However, if you or a loved one have been injured in car accident, motorcycle accident or truck accident, the experienced attorneys at the Law Offices of Henry Hanflik can help you now. Call 810-720-4000 or 888-905-4632 for a free consultation.

Over the past few years, vehicle manufacturers have issued warnings against reconditioned, refurbished or remanufactured wheels. Vehicle owners may not understand that wheels are critical to their personal safety and the safety of their passengers. Why is it important to avoid placing remanufactured wheels on your vehicle?

Typically, reconditioned, refurbished and remanufactured wheels have been damaged in accidents. Damage may range from minor scrapes to significant dents or gouges that may change the shape of the wheel. In the reconditioning process, the damaged wheel may be subjected to re-machining, super-heating, repainting, welding, chroming, bending, straightening, reshaping, and removal or addition of materials, other than minor sanding or cosmetic-type coatings. It is virtually impossible to certify that a reconditioned wheel meets the safety standards of original equipment specifications given all the possible scenarios for repair, and impossible to know whether the fundamental structure of the wheel has been altered due to the remanufacturing process.

While some states, notably Vermont, have recommended against remanufactured wheels, there are few, if any, federal government guidelines or standards in place for testing the safety of  remanufactured wheels. A number of auto manufacturers have issued position statements against remanufactured wheels.

Ford does not recommend the addition or removal of any metal to a wheel. Doing so, may change the shape or size of the wheel and cause steering or suspension problems, creating loss of control, leading to rollover and death or injury to those riding in a vehicle. Toyota does not support reconditioned wheels or endorse the safe use of reconditioned wheels on any Toyota, Lexus or Scion. In a statement, Toyota said, “use of any wheel or tire not recommended by Toyota may compromise safe motor vehicle operation, and cause loss of control which may result in injury or death. Approved wheel repairs are limited to cosmetic sanding and refinishing processes that remove and replace only paint coatings.” Other vehicle manufacturers who have issued statements against reconditioned wheels include Acura and Honda Motor Company, General Motors and DaimlerChrysler.

If a wheel on your vehicle needs replacement, you should work with your insurance company to replace it with a new OEM replacement part. If you choose to use a remanufactured wheel, you should request  in writing from the wheel repair shop or aftermarket supplier that any recommendations provided by the vehicle’s original manufacturer have been followed.

-Verify that the wheel carries permanent markings that identify the aftermarket supplier and date of remanufacture.

-Determine whether the wheel is covered under warranty.

-Consider that a number of vehicle manufacturers do not warrant remanufactured, refinished, refurbished or reconditioned wheels provided by aftermarket suppliers.

The attorneys at the Law Offices of Henry Hanflik have been in helping victims of car, truck and motorcycle accidents for over 35 years. If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident, call us now for a free consultation at 810-720-4000, or toll-free at 888-905-4632.

The Michigan State Police’s Office of Highway Safety Planning released traffic crash reports for 2011 identifying the most dangerous intersections in Flint, Michigan and Genesee County.

Most Dangerous Intersections

According to the Michigan Department of Community Health, motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of accidental death among those aged 1-24. Of the 473, 501 crashes reported in 2011, 834 crashes resulted in 889 deaths.  Drivers of these vehicles comprise nearly one-half of the fatalities, while passengers comprise 18% and pedestrians 16%.

Of the 592 drivers and passengers killed, 34% were not wearing seat belts and nearly 55% were wearing their seat belt.

Other 2011 statistics include:

• More male drivers were involved in accidents than female drivers.
• Excessive speed was reported by police in nearly 15% of drivers involved in fatal crashes.
• 23% of fatal crashes occurred at intersections.
• Most fatal crashes occurred on dry roadways, but most all crashes occurred in daylight hours.
• The majority of fatal accidents occurred between 6 p. m. and 9 p.m.
• 20% of fatal crashes occurred on Saturday, more than any other day.

Remember to wear your seat belt. It can save your life!

If you or a loved one have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, call the attorneys at the Law Offices of Henry Hanflik at 810-720-4000 or 888-905-4632. Our attorneys obtain superior results for victims of car, truck and motorcycle accidents. We are determined to achieve the maximum degree of justice for our clients.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) is concerned about the rate of infection caused by unsafe injection practices throughout the U.S. healthcare system. This month, injection safety is the topic of a CDC webcast designed to generate discussion on this important issue.

Injectable medicines are used for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of a number of illnesses. We know that unsafe injection practices place patients at risk for infections that may result in a serious illness, hospitalization or even death. The risk of infection is dramatically reduced if simple injection safety practices are followed.

The CDC checklist of injection safety items include:

- Using asceptic techniques (sterile conditions) in a clean area free from contamination or contact with body fluids, blood, or contaminated equipment.

- Needles and syringes are used for one and only one patient (including manufactured pre-filled syringes and cartridge devices like insulin pens).

- Rubber septums (stoppers) on medication vials are disinfected prior to piercing.

- Medication vials are entered with a new needle and new a syringe, even when obtaining additional doses for the same patient.

- Tubing and connectors are used for only one patient.

- Specific practices for multi-dose vials are followed, such as discarding vials within 28 days of opening; multi-dose vial dedicated to one patient.

Patients and their families need to be aware of the dangers of unsafe injection practices. If you are in doubt as to whether your healthcare provider uses safe injection practices,  do not hesitate to raise your concerns with them.  Harm from unsafe injection practices is preventable through renewed and vigilant attention to injection safety and infection control.

Call the experienced attorneys at the Law Offices of Henry Henry at 810-720-400 or 888-905-4632  if you or a loved one have been harmed by unsafe injection procedures. We are determined to achieve the maximum degree of justice for our clients.

Johnson and Johnson has recalled over 157,000 surgical stapler devices and accessories used in hemorrhoid correction procedures. The recall came after the U. S. Food and Drug Administration assigned a Class 1, it’s most serious classification, to the devices and said that use of the staplers could cause serious injuries and even death. According to the FDA, the Johnson and Johnson staplers were recalled because they could malfunction or misfire during a procedure, causing incomplete staple formation. Patients may suffer complications from the use of these stapler devices resulting in:

Severe pain and bleeding

Sphincter dysfunction

Rectal wall damage

Sepsis

Death

Johnson and Johnson Ethicon Stapler Products Recalled

Transtar Circular Stapler Procedure Set

Proximate HCS Hemorrhoidal Circular Stapler and Accessories

Proximate PPH Hemorrhoidal Circular Stapler and Accessories

These products were manufactured and distributed between April 2011 and July 2012.

The attorneys at the Law Offices of Henry Hanflik are leaders in unsafe products and medical device litigation. Our experienced attorneys and staff have the knowledge and resources to effectively and efficiently represent you. If you or your loved one have been injured by a Johnson and Johnson surgical stapler device,  call our office now for a free consultation at 810-720-4000 or 888- 905-4632.

A number of people in the Flint, Michigan area have died from or been sickened by fungal meningitis linked to tainted epidural steroid injections. There are now at least 20 confirmed cases of meningitis in Michigan, including two deaths, from steroid shots that are used in treatment of back pain. The shots were produced at a specialty pharmacy in Massachusetts that compounds certain medications.  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration estimates the company made 17,676 potentially tainted shots that were shipped to 75 clinics in 23 states. Michigan Neurological Institute near Grand Blanc, Michigan Pain Specialists in Brighton and two other clinics in Michigan have received the tainted shots.

The number of cases are rising now because medical experts are identifying more illnesses among people who already received the steroid shots. The injections were given between July and September 2012. Most patients who are affected will develop symptoms between one and four weeks after receiving their treatments.

Meningitis is a serious disease with the potential of causing deadly inflammation in the brain or nervous system. The fungal form of the disease, prominent in this recent outbreak, is very difficult to diagnose because the initial symptoms can be mild and mimic those of less serious illnesses. Symptoms may include fever, headache, a stiff neck and nausea.

If you or a loved one have received an injection from one of the clinics listed above, call the attorneys at the Law Offices of Henry Hanflik, at 810-919-3402 or toll free at 888-905-4632,  for a free consultation. Although you may not have symptoms of meningitis now, you may develop them over the next few weeks. It is too early to know how many people will be affected by this tainted drug. Call us. We can help you now!