How Does Michigan’s Car Insurance Law Affect Personal Injury Claims?
A motor vehicle crash can happen in an instant and usually when you least expect it. However, its consequences can be long-lasting depending on the severity of the collision. If you are injured in a car accident in Michigan, the state’s laws provide you with an added layer of protection that many other states do not. This protection comes in the form of no-fault insurance, a mandatory policy included with the required car insurance coverage for all Michigan drivers. However, recent changes to the no-fault insurance law may create complications for vehicle collision victims and increase the need to pursue compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.
What Is Michigan No-Fault Car Insurance?
In Michigan, no-fault car insurance is required Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage included in a driver’s own car insurance policy. When a driver is injured in an automobile accident, PIP coverage will pay for many of the driver’s economic damages, regardless of who is at fault for the crash. Specifically, a PIP policy covers:
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Medical expenses related to the victim’s injuries
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The injury victim’s lost income, up to 85 percent of what he or she would have earned for up to three years
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Replacement services up to $20 per day for household upkeep
Recent Changes to Michigan No-Fault Insurance Law
Prior to July 1, 2020, any newly purchased or renewed car insurance policies were required to include a PIP policy with unlimited coverage for medical expenses. However, this no-limit coverage was cost-prohibitive for many Michigan residents and may have led them to illegally forgo purchasing car insurance. A new revision to the law allows insurance policy owners to select a limit for medical expense coverage that fits their budget, but this means that serious injuries can result in medical expenses that exceed the coverage limit.
Pursuing Additional Compensation Through a Personal Injury Lawsuit
With this change, if you have been injured in a car accident for which another driver was at fault, it is now more important than ever to hire an experienced attorney who can help you consider options for your long-term recovery. Your personal injury attorney can help you gather evidence related to the crash in order to establish the other party’s liability and work with you to pursue additional compensation for damages including:
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Medical expenses beyond those covered by your PIP policy
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Lost income for injuries that leave you unable to work for more than three years
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Pain and suffering related to severe, life-changing injuries with long-term effects on physical and mental health
Contact a Grand Rapids Car Accident Attorney Today
An automobile accident can cause minor to serious and even life-threatening injuries. At the distinguished law firm of John D. Tallman, PLC, we work to ensure that our clients receive full compensation for all kinds of damages resulting from the collision, including costly medical bills and extensive vehicle repairs. We will help you hold liable parties accountable so you can proceed with your recovery as soon as possible. Contact our qualified and dedicated Kent County personal injury lawyers today at 616-361-8850 to schedule a free consultation.
Sources:
https://www.michigan.gov/documents/cis_ofis_ip202_25083_7.pdf
https://www.michigan.gov/autoinsurance/0,9555,7-405-96983_96984---,00.html
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