An 11-year-old boy was unfortunately killed in a boating accident on Sylvan Lake this last Sunday. The boy and his two sisters were being pulled behind a jet ski in an inner tube. Their father was driving. Another boat crossed their path and collided with the children.

The driver said he was unable to see the children just before the accident occurred.

The two girls, ages 6 and 10, were severely injured. 10-year old Adriana is still being treated at Beaumont Hospital, where she is in critical condition. Sadly, 6-year old Gabrielle died Monday.

There’s nothing more nostalgic than sitting around a summer campfire. And as more people hit Michigan’s many camping spots this summer, we want to raise awareness in an effort to reduce fire-related injuries.

Before you begin, you’re going to need to collect your tinder and wood. Collect only as much as you need. If you are entertaining a large group, then you’re going to need bigger logs for a lengthier burn. If you’re merely cooking dinner, then get smaller logs.

Building a fire only as big as your specific needs significantly reduces the likelihood of an unfortunate bonfire injury.

Brandon Kuzminski was riding his 2009 yellow Honda motorcycle south down Romeo Plank Road in Macomb. Just before 10am, as he was crossing an intersection, he crashed head-on with a 2000 Dodge Ram van that was driven by a 36-year old man from Harrison Township.

The van made a left turn, and allegedly failed to yield to the motorcycle’s right of way.

Kuzminski was wearing his helmet and not under the influence of either drugs or alcohol.

On Tuesday, in the 1100 block of Michigan Avenue, a white pit bull bit a woman in Sheboygan. The dog was leashed, and the woman was bit just as she kneeled down to pet the dog. She said that the dog looked “playful.”

Police are now looking for the owner because state law requires that the dog be observed for 10 days to check for rabies.

Any information about the owner should be reported to the Sheboygan Police at 920-459-3333.

This is an unfortunate reminder that even “playful” looking dogs do bite.

A neighbor heard the explosion from next door. “It sounded like a bomb,” she reported. The man inside the home survived the explosion. He even drove himself to the hospital in Ann Arbor after retrieving his dog, which had ran out of the house frightened.

From the neighbor’s surveillance cameras, you could see the roof cave in and the windows and doors blow off. If caused by a natural gas leak, then this would be the second major explosion of its kind this year.

Only a few months ago, one man was killed in Royal Oak after a gas explosion that also affected over 30 other surrounding homes.

This is the 2nd year that consumers have been able to buy aerial fireworks in Michigan. Michiganders used to have to drive to the Ohio border to purchase “the good stuff.”

Before the ban on aerial fireworks was lifted, disappointed patrons would stop at Michigan’s firework stands and think:

You’re gonna stand there, ownin’ a fireworks stand, and tell me you don’t have no whistlin’ bungholes, no spleen splitters, whisker biscuits, hoosker don’ts, cherry bombs, nipsy daisers, with or without the scooter stick, or one single whistlin’ kitty chaser?

Michigan has to balance its financial interest in selling more fireworks against the liability of having more dangerous ones.

While firework sales dramatically increased as a result of Michigan’s new law, so did the amount of injuries.

Two bicyclists were struck and killed by cars in two separate accidents in the Northern Lower Peninsula: an unidentified 29-year-old woman from Traverse City and Daniel Adams from Oden. Here is the official news story.

Michigan residents are looking for the SUV that hit Mr. Adams, dragging his body for almost two blocks, and then fleeing the scene.

It’s difficult to read about these types of accidents, and our condolences go out to everyone affected by them.

As more cars and bikes hit the open roads this season, it’s important to remember a few tips to keep our bikers safe.

Scott Goodwin is a 2013 Super Lawyer: he was named Lawyer of the Year in 2004, and he is the Vice President of the Michigan Association for Justice. He’s built his reputation defending clients injured in car, motorcycle, and drunk driving accidents over the last 25 years.

His litigation experience and his ability to reach deep into his opponents’ pockets have also awarded him recognition as:

• a Top 100 Trial Lawyer,
• a top lawyer from DBusiness Magazine,
• and he is an AV, highly recommended attorney by the Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings.

Officials had a hard time even identifying the type of car that collided with a semi truck on North 75, which killed the car’s two passengers. The license plate had melted from the immense fire that closed the freeway early Monday morning.

The accident happened late Sunday night, and the people inside the car were so badly burned that their dental records will likely identify them.

An Art Van employee was driving the semi and he, fortunately, only sustained minor injuries. According to the driver, he was able to escape his truck before it was engulfed in flames.

Before you ride

Before you strap on your new leather chaps and hit the road, then you should sit and thoroughly read your owner’s manual. Check your gas, tire, and oil levels. Ensure that you’ve complied with all the necessary state requirements and have the requisite license to ride. Unless you understand bike mechanics, then let a licensed professional work on your bike. Your signals, horn, and lights should all function properly. Although simple, these reminders significantly reduce the likelihood of an injury.