January 19, 2023
How Does No-Fault Insurance Work in Michigan?
The state of Michigan implemented changes to its No-Fault car insurance laws in 2020. No Fault insurance states that, after an accident, the driver’s insurance covers costs such as damage to your vehicle and medical bills, regardless of who was at fault. No-Fault insurance no longer automatically comes with something called PIP (or Personal Injury Protection), though drivers have the ability to choose their level of PIP coverage. This portion covers any medical bills that may result from an accident in addition to lost wages and other benefits, but you can still elect to maintain unlimited PIP benefits. Which provide support to injured individuals while they are unable to do regular tasks, such as grocery shopping or household chores.
The start of 2022 marked the end of Michigan’s amnesty period for drivers without No Fault insurance. This means that each and every driver with a Michigan license operating a vehicle in the state of Michigan is required to have some form of No-Fault insurance. Driving without insurance can lead to a fine of up to $500, a suspended license, or even one year in jail.
Liability Claims and Protections
Bodily injury protection comes automatically with your MI No-Fault insurance. This money will help pay for injuries to another for an accident which you are found to be at-fault. There is usually a cap on this policy, so it’s important you know what the maximum payment amount is—you also have the opportunity to pay for a higher limit. The default minimum coverages a standard Michigan No Fault policy will provide is $250,000,00 per person, for accidental bodily injury or death. You may elect to maintain more or less coverage depending on your needs.
Keep in mind that these minimums do NOT include pain and suffering or any non-monetary damages that occur as a result of a car accident. For those, the injured party may choose to file a separate lawsuit.
What Are My Options If I’m in a Car Accident?
As mentioned above, Michigan No-Fault insurance covers quite a bit, but how do you know exactly what’s covered? And how can you be sure that you are getting the benefits you’re owed? That’s where a car accident attorney comes into play. Whether you’re the victim or the at-fault driver, a lawyer that specializes in car accidents will be able to help you navigate your claim while also making sure all of your rights remain protected.
If you think you may be entitled to file a lawsuit, you’ll definitely want to consult a lawyer first. This is because there are a lot of exceptions to the rule. For instance, to hold another driver at-fault, the following must be true:
- The accident caused you (or someone you are legally representing) serious bodily harm, disfigurement, or death
- The at-fault driver was more than 50% at fault
- The injuries sustained have impacted your ability to lead a normal lifestyle
Because of stipulations like these, having a lawyer on your side can make a huge difference. Our dedicated team is full of talented attorneys who specialize in personal injury law. We’ll meet with you, talk about what options are available, and help you navigate the complicated process of filing claims and/or lawsuits to get you the benefits and coverage you deserve.
Don’t wait—if you’ve been in a car accident, schedule a free consultation today.