November 27, 2018
Benefits for Drunk Driving Accidents Under No-fault Insurance in Michigan
Drunk drivers are a common cause of accidents across the globe. Most countries have a zero tolerance for drunken driving accidents with tough legal consequences for the perpetrators. In Michigan, approximately 26.9% of all accidents are caused by drunk drivers with 32% of these being under 21 years of age. These accidents have the potential to cause immeasurable damage to families in the form of injury or death to loved ones. The increased costs of medical expenses and the loss of income may devastate the families even further. With no-fault insurance, drivers can receive benefits to cover such expenses and reduce the adverse effects of drunk driving on families.
No fault insurance in Michigan provides a reprieve for families by offering insurance coverage of lost wages and medical expenses incurred when drivers are involved in drunk driving incidents. It provides coverage for both parties involved and also for any legal dependents of the injured. The main principle of no-fault insurance is that the benefits are offered by the respective insurers of the affected regardless of the driver at fault. In this way, all parties, including the drunk driver can receive the benefits covered under the no-fault insurance policy. Speak with a Michigan auto accident lawyer at our firm today, we are ready to help you now.
The affected parties benefit from the recovery of all expenses incurred during the recovery and care of the injured person. The insurer will cover expenses such as medical mileage, help in addition to treatment expenses. Replacement services will also be covered to help the injured cope with changes in their mobility. Moreover, up to three years of lost wages resulting from the injury will be reimbursed.
Benefits for Drunk Driving Accidents Under No-fault Insurance in Michigan
An interesting part of Michigan’s no-fault insurance policy is that loved ones are also entitled to make claims from the insurer for survivor loss benefits. However, eligible family members have to prove that they are legal dependents of the deceased by falling under the category of children, or spouses. With adequate proof of relationship, family members can claim benefits in the form of income that would have otherwise been provided after tax deductions. Additionally, the insurer will also cover burial and funeral expenses together with a fraction any replacement services necessary to support the changed livelihood. A Detroit car accident lawyer at our firm can help you better understand your options after being hit by a drunk driver.
However, these benefits are still subjected to the timelines stipulated under the no-fault policy guidelines. Under the one year rule, all claims whether by the insured or their family members have to be made within one year of the accident. The insurer has to be notified of the accident and any resultant injuries within this timeline. Moreover, the injured can only recover benefits and expenses that date back one year from the date of filing of the lawsuit. Failure to follow the stipulated timelines may result in rejected applications and unpaid benefits. Therefore, it is necessary to file claims as soon as possible and work closely with an auto attorney to receive full PIP benefits.
Michigan auto attorneys provide guidance on the value of claims to be made and any additional legal steps to be followed. For instance, insurance adjusters usually try to defraud drivers by giving settlement offers in advance. Additionally, drivers can pursue legal claims against the drunk driver in a civil court even after filing for insurance claims. In some cases, the affected parties may even sue bar and restaurants who served the drunk driver. Speak with a Michigan car accident lawyer at our firm to learn about how you can file a Michigan car accident lawsuit.