A Close Look at MI’s No-Fault Laws

Our Detroit Personal Injury Attorneys Explain

At Goodman Acker P.C., our legal team assists individuals who have suffered injuries and economic loss due to the negligent actions of another person or party. As a Michigan-based law firm, a lot of the cases and questions we receive have to do with no-fault issues, which our clients struggle to understand or navigate. As a no-fault state, Michigan requires that all drivers carry no-fault insurance so that in the event of an accident, all drivers first turn to their insurance company to cover their own-accident related costs.

While this seems pretty straightforward, many Michiganders experience trouble and confusion after being injured in an accident. If you are having trouble with a no-fault issue, we are here to guide you through the state’s no-fault laws. Let us help you protect your rights under the state’s no-fault laws.

Need Help with Your Michigan No-Fault Insurance Claim?

Michigan is a no-fault state. This means that your own Michigan car accident insurance company pays most of the economic losses you suffer in an automobile accident, regardless of who was at fault. These economic benefits are called first-party benefits or no-fault insurance benefits.

The law defining no-fault benefits states: First-party benefits are payable to anyone who suffers an injury arising out of the ownership, operation, maintenance or use of a motor vehicle. There are strict statute of limitations for filing a no-fault insurance claim and unfortunately, many insurance companies do not fully inform you about the benefits that you are entitled to under Michigan law. In fact, insurance companies are notorious for denying claims or simply underestimating what they should pay. For this reason, it is important you speak to an attorney that specializes in auto and no-fault law.

Unlike many other attorneys who are only able to assist clients with their first party benefits, our lawyers help victims attain their third-party benefits and no-fault insurance benefits. We understand how to navigate the insurance claims process and how to negotiate with the insurance adjusters so that your case ends with the best results and a fair settlement.

We can help you obtain a variety of benefits, such as:

• Pain and suffering
• Attendant care

Ranie G. – Client, Auto Accident

Understanding Personal Injury Protection Benefits

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits refer to the benefits you are entitled to under your personal no-fault insurance policy. These PIP benefits, or first-party benefits, can be obtained within one year of your accident. Our firm can help you file an Application for No-Fault benefits or assist you in the event your claim is denied or if your insurance company abruptly stops paying you benefits.

Under your no-fault insurance, you may be eligible to receive the following benefits:

No-Fault Insurance Benefits Application Forms

Below we have included a collection of no-fault car accident benefit forms that you will be required to complete before you can apply for benefits in Michigan. However, it is in your best interest to not submit these forms to the insurance company until an experienced attorney reviews them. Take a moment to review the forms and then speak with an attorney who can help you file them.

To apply for benefits, you must submit the following forms:

1. MI Attendant Care No-Fault Form
2. Medical Mileage Form
3. MI Replacement Services No-Fault Claim
4. MI Application For No-Fault Insurance Benefits

Need to File a Third-Party Claim?

While the state’s no-fault laws require that drivers first turn to their insurance for PIP benefits after an accident, if the injuries you sustained were severe and catastrophic, you can also file a third-party claim. Our firm can help you file a third-party claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company. By doing so, you may be able to obtain compensation for damages, such as compensation for your pain and suffering, need for in-home care, and lost wages.

If you have lost a loved one in a negligence-related accident, we can also help you file a wrongful death claim for:

• Loss of companionship
• Loss of benefits
• Funeral expenses

Millions of Dollars Recovered & Decades of Experience.

Our firm has recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients during our more than 150 years of experience. We truly care about ensuring that the needs of our clients are met. We understand that Michigan’s no-fault laws can be confusing to understand, especially when under the pressure and stress that follows an accident. Our caring legal team can help you better understand no-fault laws and assist you in navigating the legal process.

Give us a call today to learn more about how we can help you with your injury claim.

LEGALLY REVIEWED BY BARRY J. GOODMAN

Barry J. Goodman has devoted his professional life to keeping courthouse doors open for victims seeking justice. Always a tireless advocate for his own clients, Goodman sees his responsibility as a Detroit personal injury attorney in a broader sense as well. [ Attorney Bio ]