What You Need To Know If You Are Involved In An Accident

Title: What You Need to Know After a Car Accident in Michigan: Your Rights & Next Steps

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Michigan, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Between medical bills, insurance adjusters, and missed work, it’s easy to feel lost. As a Michigan personal injury firm, we want to help you understand your rights and what steps to take to protect yourself.

Michigan’s No-Fault Insurance System: What It Means for You

Michigan operates under a no-fault insurance system, which means that your own auto insurance pays for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket costs—regardless of who caused the accident.

Under Michigan’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits, you may be entitled to:

• Medical expenses related to the accident

• Up to 85% of lost wages for up to 3 years

• Household replacement services (e.g., help with chores)

• Mileage reimbursement for medical travel

However, no-fault benefits don’t include pain and suffering or damages caused by the at-fault driver—unless your injuries meet certain thresholds.

When Can You Sue the At-Fault Driver?

You can pursue a claim outside the no-fault system if you suffer a “serious impairment of body function,” as defined by Michigan law (MCL 500.3135). This typically includes injuries that:

• Affect your ability to lead a normal life

• Require long-term or permanent medical care

• Result in disfigurement, brain injury, or spinal trauma

In these cases, you can seek compensation for:

• Pain and suffering

• Emotional distress

• Future economic losses

• Loss of consortium (in wrongful death or spousal injury claims)

What to Do After a Michigan Auto Accident

1. Seek medical care immediately, even if injuries seem minor.

2. Report the accident to your insurance company.

3. Document everything—photos, witness names, medical bills, lost wages, etc.

4. Avoid giving statements to the at-fault driver’s insurer without legal advice.

5. Talk to a personal injury attorney—especially before settling your claim.

Why Legal Representation Matters

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts—even your own. A Michigan personal injury lawyer can help you:

• Understand the full value of your claim

• Navigate Michigan’s no-fault laws and recent reforms

• Negotiate with insurers or file a lawsuit if necessary

• Avoid common pitfalls that hurt your case

I'm Here to Help

If you’ve been injured in a crash, don’t face the insurance companies alone. Contact me today for a free consultation.