Public Acts 345, 346, 347 and 348recently went into effect, creating a framework under which ride-sharing companies, like Uber and Lyft, must operate in Michigan.
Among other things, the laws establish the minimum amount of insurance that ride-sharing drivers must carry. The laws also attempt to clarify the payment of Michigan auto no-fault benefits in the event a passenger is injured in an accident.
Proposals have been introduced in the Michigan Legislature to help bring more transparency to the auto no-fault insurance system.
Senate Bills 240and 241, along with House Bill 4354, were introduced after the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association (MCCA) announced an increase in its annual insured vehicle fee. The MCCA is a fund created by the Legislature that reimburses insurance companies for injury claims over $555,000. The MCCA is overseen by a board of insurance industry executives. It is unclear how the MCCA calculates the annual insured vehicle fee.
Senate Bills 240 and 241 would require the MCCA to abide by the Michigan Open Meetings Act (OMA) and the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). House Bill 4354 would require that, in addition to the MCCA being subject to the OMA and FOIA, the Michigan Insurance Commissioner must appoint a member of the public to the MCCA board. House Bill 4354 would also let the Commissioner disapprove an annual fee that is considered excessive.
Attorney Tom Sinas, who serves as associate legal counsel to the Coalition Protecting Auto No-Fault(CPAN), says that Michigan consumers have a right to know how the MCCA fee is calculated. "It's not the insurance industry's money - it's our money," he says. "And we have a right to know how the MCCA is making its decision that it needs to increase rates."
Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Why You Need It
Attorney Stephen Sinas recently talked about theimportance of purchasing uninsuredand underinsured motorist benefits on FOX 47's "Morning Blend" program. Stephen also discussed the dangers presented by "step-down" auto insurance clauses.
Jim Graves was honored as a 2017 "Leader in the Law" by Michigan Lawyers Weekly at a March 23 awards luncheon.
Jim, pictured at the event with his wife, Shirley, was selected as a "Leader in the Law" for his significant accomplishments in law practice; outstanding contributions to the practice of law; leadership in improving the justice system; improving the legal community and the community at large; and setting an example for other attorneys.
Congratulations, Jim!
The Ingham County Bar Association (ICBA) has recognized Jackie Dupler as a "Top 5 Under 35" lawyer. Jackie, an associate in the Sinas Dramis family law division, received the honor at ICBA's 8th Annual Barristers Night.
Pictured with Jackie (center) at the awards presentation are Michigan Court of Appeals Judge Amy Ronayne Krause and ICBA President Mark Kellogg.
Congratulations, Jackie!
Personal Injury Law Update
Jim Graves Counsels Plaintiffs In Nassar-MSU Suit
Attorney Jim Gravesis representing several plaintiffs in the sexual abuse scandal involving Larry Nassar and Michigan State University.
The plaintiffs allege they were sexually abused by Nassar while he was a team physician at MSU. Nassar worked as an MSU team doctor for nearly 20 years and with USA Gymnastics for almost 30 years. Since last fall, more than 80 women have come forward, claiming Nassar sexually abused them.
The case is being covered by state and national news outlets, including 60 Minutes and ESPN. Recently, NBC Nightly News aired an interview with one of Jim's clients, who explained how MSU dismissed her sexual abuse complaint.
Lids for Kids is a community outreach program where Sinas Dramis and local community partners distribute free bike helmets to children. The event is held each May and June in Lansing, Grand Rapids and Traverse City.
Kids who attend can play games, learn bicycle safety tips, meet their local law enforcement officers and firefighters, and tour a fire engine. Children also have the chance to win a free bicycle and other great prizes.
Since the Lids for Kids program began, more than 7,600 bike helmets have been handed out to Michigan children, helping to keep them safe from bike-related head injuries.
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