What happens after a car accident in Michigan that was not your fault will depend on the severity of your injuries and financial losses. You may be entitled to financial compensation from the liable party. However, Michigan’s no-fault insurance system restricts when you can pursue awards.
Understanding Michigan’s Auto Insurance Laws
Michigan is a no-fault insurance state, meaning drivers must carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. You must turn to your PIP first for compensation after an auto accident, regardless of who is at fault for the crash.
PIP covers reasonable and necessary medical expenses and provides money for lost wages, replacement services, and fatal injuries. If you do not have PIP coverage available to you, you may file a claim with the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan (MACP).
According to the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS), recent changes to the state’s insurance laws allow drivers to choose their level of PIP medical coverage. You can only seek compensation from a liable driver if you have a severe injury.
If you have grounds to pursue compensation from an at-fault motorist, you can file a claim against their liability insurance. The amount of liability insurance a driver must carry depends on when their policy was issued. It could range from $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident to $250,000 per person and $500,000 per accident.
How to Prove Fault for a Motor Vehicle Collision
If you qualify to step outside the no-fault insurance system, you will need to show that a liable driver’s negligent actions caused your collision. Negligence includes:
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Failing to yield the right-of-way
- Speeding
- Passing illegally
- Making an improper turn
- Drinking and driving
- Reckless driving
- Aggressive driving and road rage
- Texting and driving
- Distracted driving
You must support claims of negligence with proof. Evidence may include medical records, police reports, dashcam or surveillance video, eyewitness statements, crash reconstruction reports, and expert testimony.
Recoverable Car Accident Compensation
After a car accident, you can seek compensation for:
- Ambulance transportation
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospital and doctor fees
- Medications and medical equipment
- Physical therapy
- Rehabilitation
- Short and long-term nursing care
- Attendant care
- Lost wages, earnings, and benefits
- Lost future earnings
- Household services
- Wrongful death of a loved one
If you can pursue awards from an at-fault party, you may also be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, neurological disorders, and permanent serious disfigurement such as scarring.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer Serving Michigan
Heather J. Atnip is an experienced car accident attorney serving Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. She and the team at Atnip & Associates, PLLC, can represent you if you suffered an injury in a car crash, truck collision, motorcycle wreck, or other type of vehicle accident.
For us, your legal issue isn’t just another case. It’s personal. When you work with us, we do everything possible to get the financial justice you deserve, including standing up to insurance companies and protecting you from bad-faith tactics. Call us today for a free consultation, or contact us online to connect with a personal injury lawyer near you.
