Automobile Accidents

You’ve probably heard that the State of Michigan is a “No-Fault” state. But what exactly does that mean?

When an individual is in an automobile accident in Michigan, liability doesn’t determine whether or not that individual can receive help to get better. Certain benefits are included in the No-Fault law to provide aid to the injured.

However, that doesn’t mean that a careless driver shouldn’t be held responsible for causing an accident. There are two aspects to any automobile accident: No-Fault benefits and damages for bodily injury, also known as pain and suffering awards.

In terms of benefits, Michigan’s No-Fault law aims to help individuals who have been injured in a motor vehicle accident return to a “reasonable standard of living.”

If an individual is injured, they can receive medical care to rehabilitate their body, which includes medical transportation to get back and forth to the doctors
providing those rehabilitative services.

If the injuries prevent the individual from being able to work, that person can receive compensation for lost wages. If the daily chores around the house cannot be
accomplished, someone can be paid to provide household services. If an injury is severe enough that basic hygiene cannot be maintained without assistance, an individual can be compensated for providing attendant care services. Other benefits include home remodeling and vocational rehabilitation.

Every year, hundreds of people are involved in auto accidents on Michigan highways and roads. Common reasons for these accidents include:

Speeding: Statewide in 2020, speeding caused 5,469 accidents that resulted in injury and 190 fatal crashes.

Driving Under the Influence: In Kalamazoo County, there were 272 alcohol-related accidents in 2020. Of those, 111 caused injury, and 12 were fatal.

Distracted Driving: In 2020, there were 404,286 crashes across Michigan that involved driver distraction. The top source of distraction was smartphone use: of 1,809 accidents, 499 involved injuries, and nine were fatal.

Failure to Yield Right of Way: There were 34,404 Michigan accidents involving failure to yield in 2020; 9,302 caused injury and 105 were fatal.

Reckless Driving: This includes tailgating, disregarding traffic control signals or signs, swerving into and out of traffic, or making improper turns. In 2020, 13,006 accidents were caused by careless and reckless driving actions, 3,561 of which caused injury and 98 of which were fatal.

Michigan’s no-fault laws are confusing to say the least; especially after dealing with the emotional stress of having been in a motor vehicle accident. That’s why you need to know your rights in the aftermath of an auto accident.

▪ Get the accident report, witness statements, and full police investigation file.

▪ Obtain all of your medical records, hospital records, and treatment records.

▪ Deal and negotiate with auto insurance company adjusters for you.

▪ Communicate with the insurance adjuster to make sure all benefits have been paid.

▪ Sue the negligent driver and vehicle owner for your pain and suffering compensation.

▪ Even when it’s determined which insurance provider is held responsible, insurance companies don’t always pay benefits as they should. However, it's also not always possible to reach the same level of physical well-being due to the nature of the injuries.