After a crash, you’re dealing with pain, doctor visits, missed work and a car that may be undriveable — while insurance adjusters call asking for statements. Michigan’s no-fault system is one of the most complicated in the country, and the 2019 reforms made it even more important to understand your coverage.
We’ve recovered full policy limits for clients seriously injured by negligent drivers, including an injured passenger whose full medical expenses were also paid.
Two claims, not one
1. Your no-fault (PIP) benefits
Personal injury protection pays certain benefits no matter who caused the crash, including:
- Medical expenses, up to the PIP coverage level on the policy
- A portion of lost wages, for up to three years, subject to a monthly cap
- Replacement services, such as help with household chores you can’t do
- Attendant care and mileage to medical appointments
Since 2020, Michigan drivers choose their PIP medical coverage level, and some chose limited coverage. That makes it essential to find out early how much coverage actually applies to you.
2. Your claim against the at-fault driver
You can seek compensation from the negligent driver for:
- Pain and suffering, if your injury meets Michigan’s threshold — a serious impairment of body function, permanent serious disfigurement, or death.
- Excess economic losses, such as medical bills beyond your PIP coverage and wage loss beyond what PIP pays.
- Vehicle damage not covered by your own insurance, through a “mini-tort” claim of up to $3,000.
Injured as a passenger
Passengers are rarely at fault, which makes their claims strong — but figuring out which insurer pays can be confusing. Your own policy, a household relative’s policy, the car you were riding in, the other driver’s policy and, in some cases, the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan may all come into play. We sort out the order of coverage so your bills get paid and pursue every driver who caused the crash. Read our full guide for injured passengers.
When the at-fault driver’s insurance isn’t enough
Serious injuries can easily exceed a driver’s liability limits. We look for every other source of recovery: additional vehicles or drivers, an employer if the driver was working, and your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. Learn more about policy limits.
What to do after a crash
- Call 911 and get a police report.
- Get medical care promptly, and tell the doctor about every symptom.
- Photograph the vehicles, the scene and your injuries.
- Report the crash to your own insurer, but avoid recorded statements to the other driver’s insurer.
- Talk to a lawyer before signing anything.
Car accident lawyer by city
Local guides to crashes, courts and claims in the communities we serve most:
- Bloomfield Hills & Township
- Troy
- Southfield
- Royal Oak
- Farmington Hills
- Warren
- Sterling Heights
- Detroit
- Dearborn
Don’t see your city? We represent injured people throughout Michigan. Contact us.
Michigan car accident resource center
- No-fault PIP benefits — what your own insurer owes you, coverage levels, and denied benefits.
- Injured passengers — who pays, and claims against every at-fault driver.
- Pain and suffering claims — Michigan’s serious impairment threshold.
- Policy limits and underinsured drivers — when the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough insurance.
- What is my case worth? — the factors that drive value.
- Truck accidents — semi-trucks and commercial vehicles.
- Pedestrian and bicycle accidents — protections when you’re not in a car.
- What compensation can I recover? — medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and more.
- Hit-and-run accidents — who pays when the driver flees.
- What to do after a crash — a checklist and the deadlines that matter.
Frequently asked questions
Who pays my medical bills after a car accident in Michigan?
Usually your own auto insurer, through personal injury protection (PIP) benefits, regardless of who caused the crash. The amount available depends on the PIP coverage level on the policy. When those benefits run out or don’t cover everything, you may be able to recover the rest from the at-fault driver.
Can I sue the other driver for pain and suffering?
Yes, if your injuries meet Michigan’s threshold — a serious impairment of body function, permanent serious disfigurement, or death — and you were not more than 50% at fault.
I was a passenger. Whose insurance covers me?
Generally, your own auto policy, or a policy belonging to a relative you live with, pays your PIP benefits first. If there is none, the insurance on the vehicle you were in may apply. You can also bring a claim against any at-fault driver — including, in some cases, the driver of the car you were riding in.
What does “policy limits” mean?
It’s the most the at-fault driver’s insurance company will pay for a claim. Michigan drivers can choose liability coverage as low as $50,000 per person, so serious injuries can exceed the available coverage. Your own underinsured motorist coverage, if you have it, may help close the gap.
How long do I have?
You generally must give notice of a PIP claim to the insurer within one year of the accident, and file a lawsuit against an at-fault driver within three years. Some deadlines are shorter, so call early.