Few events are more distressing than being injured in a car accident. One minute you’re traveling to your destination, the next you’re looking at months and even years of high medical bills, lost income, and other unexpected costs.
While Michigan’s no-fault auto insurance system is there to cover your medical expenses and provide some financial security regardless of who caused the automobile accident, accessing benefits isn’t always easy. The insurance industry has often been accused of lacking transparency, and many injury victims have their personal injury claims diminished or denied.
At the Lee Steinberg Law Firm, our Detroit no-fault lawyers ease the pressure by demanding the benefits you’re entitled to. For over 50 years, we’ve been helping Detroit accident victims get the compensation they need to move forward with their lives. Whether you were in a car, truck, or motorcycle accident, our experienced legal team will handle everything, from paperwork to negotiations so that you can focus on your recovery. Call us today to get started.
Why Hire the Lee Steinberg Law Firm for Your Detroit No-Fault Accident Claim?
Michigan’s no-fault insurance laws can be complicated, with precise rules that govern what you’re entitled to and a statute of limitations for submitting claims. At the Lee Steinberg Law Firm, we ensure no details are overlooked and your claim is handled efficiently. When you hire our Detroit no-fault lawyers, we bring the following advantages to the table:
- Maximizing Compensation for Medical Expenses: From emergency care to ongoing treatments and attendant care, medical bills from a traffic accident can add up quickly. We work diligently to make sure all your medical needs are covered, not just for the present but for future requirements as well.
- Support in Recovering Lost Wages: An accident can cause you to miss work, creating financial strain during an already difficult time. Michigan’s no-fault law allows for the recovery of lost wages, and our car accident lawyers pursue the maximum compensation you’re entitled to so that you maintain financial stability while you heal.
- Experience With Insurance Disputes: Insurance carriers often try to reduce or deny claims, but we know how to challenge these tactics. Our personal injury attorneys will advocate on your behalf to make sure your no-fault benefits are fully honored.
- Assistance with Replacement Services: Michigan’s no-fault laws provide compensation for necessary replacement services such as childcare, household help, and other daily responsibilities that may be difficult while you recover. Our personal injury lawyers make sure these essential services are accounted for in your claim.
- No Out-of-Pocket Legal Fees: Worrying over legal fees can cause more stress after a Detroit car accident. That’s why our experienced attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs and you only pay once we successfully recover compensation for you.
Our personal injury law firm has a strong track record of securing positive settlements and verdicts for our clients. This history of success reflects our commitment to achieving the outcome you need to rebuild your life. When you choose the Lee Steinberg Law Firm, you are choosing a firm with a reputation for delivering results.
Michigan’s No-Fault Insurance Law Explained
Michigan is a no-fault state, meaning every motorist is covered for personal injury expenses regardless of who caused the accident. This system aims to provide faster and fairer compensation to accident victims. However, it comes with its own set of challenges, especially when dealing with auto insurance companies. Understanding your rights and the different types of compensation available under the no-fault law is important.
There are three main categories of benefits:
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Benefits: PIP covers all reasonably necessary medical expenses, including hospital bills, surgeries, and rehabilitation costs from healthcare providers. It also covers attendant care services if you need long-term in-home care due to severe bodily injury or injuries.
- Work Loss Benefits: If your injuries prevent you from working, you are entitled to up to three years of wage loss benefits. This helps cover the income you would have earned had the accident not occurred.
- Replacement Services: Michigan’s no-fault law also compensates you for household services that you’re unable to perform due to physical injuries, such as house cleaning or lawn care. These benefits are capped at $20 per day, but can help you maintain normalcy during treatment.
- Survivor’s Loss Benefits: In cases of wrongful death, the no-fault law provides compensation for the financial loss sustained by dependents of the deceased, including lost wages, medical expenses, and funeral costs.
What to Do After a No-Fault Accident in Detroit
After a car accident, your health should always be your top priority. Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine, as some severe injuries may not show symptoms right away. Once your immediate safety at the accident scene is addressed, there are key steps you should take to protect your right to compensation.
File a Police Report
Reporting the auto accident to local law enforcement is a critical first step. A police report serves as an official record of the accident and provides essential details, such as the time, location, and parties involved. This document will play an important role when filing your no-fault insurance claim, as it can help establish what happened. Make sure to obtain a copy for your records.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Michigan law requires you to notify your insurance provider about the accident as soon as possible. This notification is what starts the claims process, so don’t delay. Failing to inform your insurer promptly could lead to complications or even a denial of benefits. However, it’s strongly recommended that you consult with an auto accident attorney before making any official statements to the insurance company.
Document Your Injuries and Expenses
Begin keeping records immediately after the accident, including medical reports, doctor visits, prescriptions, and recommended treatments. Additionally, keep track of any expenses related to the accident, such as out-of-pocket costs, transportation to medical appointments, or modifications to your home or vehicle. This information will be invaluable when calculating your legal claim for reimbursement and benefits under your auto insurance policy.
Consult a Detroit No-Fault Lawyer
A skilled attorney will file your claim, negotiate with insurance companies, and handle other aspects of the legal process on your behalf. At the Lee Steinberg Law Firm, our Detroit no-fault lawyers offer free consultations to help you understand your options and will guide you at all stages of your claim. Our goal is to relieve the legal and financial burden so that you can focus on your recovery.
Common No-Fault Accident Scenarios
Michigan’s no-fault insurance law covers various types of accidents beyond typical car crashes. This means you can receive benefits for medical costs, loss of wages, and other related expenses even if you weren’t directly involved in a traditional car accident. Let’s explore some common scenarios that fall under no-fault claims.
Pedestrian Accidents
If a motor vehicle strikes you while you’re out walking, the law allows you to file a claim for benefits. Although you weren’t in a vehicle, you can still receive financial compensation for lost wages and medical bills. Whether you are walking in a crosswalk or on the side of the road, the law ensures you have access to the benefits you need to recover.
Motorcycle Accidents
Although motorcycles aren’t required to carry no-fault insurance, motorcyclists injured in accidents involving a car or truck may still be eligible for no-fault benefits. If a car hits your motorcycle or was involved in causing you to get injured while on a motorcycle, you can claim compensation under the no-fault policy of the at-fault driver. Motorcycle accidents often involve severe injuries like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and loss of bodily function. Michigan’s no-fault law helps cover the extensive medical expenses that can result.
Truck Accidents
Truck accidents often cause catastrophic injuries, permanent disability, and even death due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles. No-fault benefits can help with medical costs and income loss when you’re injured in a truck crash. However, dealing with trucking companies and their insurance adjusters can complicate such claims. The Detroit truck accident lawyers at the Lee Steinberg Law Firm aggressively handle these important cases and never settle for less than the full value of your claim.
Bicycle Accidents
If you’re injured in a bicycle accident involving a motor vehicle, you may be eligible for no-fault benefits. Even if the driver of the vehicle was not at fault, Michigan’s no-fault law allows cyclists to claim compensation. The injuries sustained in these types of motor vehicle accidents can be serious, and having a Detroit no-fault lawyer who knows how to handle no-fault claims can make a difference in the outcome of your case.
Passenger Accidents
If you’re injured while riding as a passenger in a car or any other vehicle, you can file a no-fault claim. Regardless of whether the driver of the vehicle you were in was at fault, the law protects you and ensures that your medical and financial needs are taken care of. Speak to an experienced car accident attorney if you have questions about your rights as a passenger.
Bus Accidents
Public transportation accidents, including those involving buses, fall under Michigan’s no-fault insurance system. Whether you were a passenger on a bus or injured as a pedestrian by a bus, you are entitled to no-fault benefits. Our firm has extensive experience handling claims related to bus accidents, which can involve multiple parties and insurance policies.
Rideshare Accidents (Uber/Lyft)
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are becoming more common, and accidents involving these vehicles in Detroit are treated similarly to other no-fault claims. If you were injured as a passenger in a rideshare accident, or even if you were hit by an Uber or Lyft driver while driving or walking, you can file for no-fault benefits to cover your expenses.
At the Lee Steinberg Law Firm, we have the experience needed to handle the different challenges each case presents. Our Detroit car accident attorneys will fight to ensure you are compensated fairly under Michigan’s no-fault insurance system.
What Happens When Your Injuries Exceed Auto Insurance Limits?
Michigan’s no-fault insurance system is designed to provide you with broad medical coverage following an accident. However, every car insurance policy has its limits, and in some cases, the extent of your injuries may surpass the maximum benefits allowed under the no-fault coverage.
When this happens, you may still have options. Michigan law allows accident victims to pursue additional compensation by filing a third-party claim against the negligent driver if the other driver is at least 50% at fault. This is especially important in situations where your medical expenses continue to mount, you’ve experienced significant wage loss, or you’re dealing with long-term pain and suffering and emotional distress from the accident.
For example, if your injuries require ongoing treatment that exceeds your insurance coverage or prevents you from working for an extended period, a personal injury lawsuit may be necessary to recover full compensation. Pain and suffering, which include the emotional and physical toll the accident has taken on your life, can also be a factor in these cases. While no-fault insurance doesn’t cover non-economic damages like pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and loss of enjoyment of life, a lawsuit against the at-fault parties can.
Can You Still File A No-Fault Claim If The Accident Was Partially Your Fault?
Yes. Michigan’s no-fault insurance law allows you to receive medical benefits and other compensation regardless of fault. Even if you were partially responsible for the accident, you are still entitled to fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs under your own no-fault insurance. However, if you were more than 50% at fault, you may be limited in your ability to recover additional damages for pain and suffering. A car accident lawyer can explain your rights in this situation.
Get a Free Consultation From a Detroit No-Fault Lawyer
Dealing with no-fault insurance companies that might try to minimize your claim can be stressful, especially after a collision. At the Lee Steinberg Law Firm, we have the experience, resources, and legal acumen needed to demand and secure the fair settlement you need to recover. Whether you’ve been injured in a pedestrian, truck, or motorcycle accident, or any other scenario covered under Michigan’s no-fault law, our dedicated team is ready to fight for your rights. To speak to a car accident lawyer, please call 313-513-7230 or contact our law office online today.
