You’ve been hit by an uninsured driver in Michigan. Now what?
Most Michiganders involved in collisions can turn to their no-fault insurance policies to cover their medical bills and lost wages. But no-fault benefits aren’t always enough to cover the full extent of your losses after a serious wreck. Keep reading to learn how insurance rules apply after a collision with an uninsured motorist and other options for pursuing compensation in Michigan.
Michigan’s No-Fault Insurance
Under Michigan’s no-fault insurance system, each driver must carry a car insurance policy which includes the following:
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP) – After a car accident, your PIP coverage will pay all reasonable and necessary medical costs up to your policy limits. PIP benefits also cover lost wages for up to three years after the crash and pays up to $20 per day for replacement services if you cannot perform household tasks due to your injuries.
- Property Protection Insurance (PPI) – PPI will pay up to $1 million for any property losses to other individuals caused by your vehicle.
- Residual Liability Insurance – If you are legally responsible for an accident, residual liability insurance will pay for bodily injury and property losses to others up to your coverage limit amounts.
What Happens When You Get Injured in an Accident with an Uninsured Driver?
If you suffer injuries after getting hit by an uninsured driver, your PIP coverage will pay your medical expenses, lost wages, and replacement services regardless of who is at fault for the accident.
However, if the other driver does not have insurance, you will not be able to recover noneconomic damages such as pain and suffering or excess economic losses unless you purchased uninsured motorist (UM) coverage as part of your own insurance policy.
Can You Sue an Uninsured Driver?
Accident victims may be able to file a car accident lawsuit against a negligent driver, but it depends on the facts of the case. An experienced personal injury attorney can review your case to determine whether your case meets the criteria to file a lawsuit in Michigan.
Unfortunately, even if you win your lawsuit, you still might not recover the compensation you need. Most uninsured drivers are uninsured for a reason: they can’t afford insurance. Therefore, they are unlikely to have sufficient assets to pay you damages. For this reason, our attorneys always recommend purchasing uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage as part of your auto insurance policies.
Let an Experienced Car Accident Attorney Assist You
After an accident with an uninsured driver in Michigan, you need a trusted attorney to identify your legal options and help you pursue maximum compensation for your injuries. Reach out to a car accident attorney at Christensen Law. Our award-winning trial lawyers have obtained multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements on behalf of clients throughout Michigan. Call or contact us today for a free case review.
