- May 15, 2019
There are two classes of liability — and associated insurance plans — in car accident law. “At-fault” car insurance, which is the norm in the majority of states, assigns liability to one party in a collision. Generally, whoever is deemed liable is responsible for covering the expenses associated with victims’ injuries (some state laws are more complex than this, and determine compensation based on each driver’s specific role in the accident).Other states, Michigan included, require drivers to carry “no-fault” auto insurance. In no-fault states, liability is not relevant to compensation distribution. Each driver involved in an accident (read: their insurance provider) is responsible for their own medical expenses, costs for property damage, and lost wages. If you purchase car insurance in a no-fault state and are involved in a collision, how exactly do those insurance claims work?
The actual process of filing a no-fault insurance claim may look similar to any insurance claim filing, however, the focus will be completely on you and your injuries, with little consideration of the other driver’s role in the accident. A no-fault insurance claim also requires the policyholder to fully cooperate with their auto insurance company. If you are filing a no-fault insurance claim, your provider may ask you to complete a medical examination and provide a statement about the accident, along with evidence.
No-Fault Insurance Claims in Michigan
Michigan’s no-fault insurance structure provides personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. PIP insurance provides injury victims with financial resources to cover the costs of medical treatment and wages that were lost during the victim’s recovery period. A PIP plan may also offer benefits for additional expenses that were incurred as a result of injury. Depending on the case, personal injury protection can cover the policyholder, as well as their family members, passengers, and others harmed in an accident involving the policyholder.
A personal injury protection plan covers injury-related expenses, but does not provide benefits to compensate for pain and suffering, or similar non-tangible damages. To receive compensation for expenses that are not directly medically- or financially-related, an injury victim must pursue legal action.
To find out if you are eligible for compensation, or are interested in learning more about car accident claims, schedule a free consultation with Goodman Acker P.C. Our team of skilled attorneys is available 24/7 via phone at (248) 286-8100. Or, send us a message to get started.