Michigan’s no-fault insurance system was established to help motorists quickly get the money they need to cover medical bills and lost income after a collision. It’s good in theory, but the no-fault system can, unfortunately, make getting full and fair compensation a challenge.
At Christensen Law, our dedicated Southfield no-fault car accident attorneys work hard to protect our clients’ interests and help them get the compensation they’re owed after a crash. Even with no-fault coverage, there’s no guarantee that you’re going to get a fair deal from your insurance company. Having knowledgeable legal representation by your side can show your insurer that you won’t be manipulated.
When you hire Christensen Law, you can rely on us to listen to your story, answer your questions, and represent you faithfully through every step of the no-fault claims process. We’ll also explore whether you can step outside of the no-fault system to pursue compensation from other sources.
Call or reach out to us online for a free initial case review today.
What Happens if the Southfield Car Accident Was Your Fault?
If your actions contributed to a car accident in Southfield, you can still seek compensation for your injuries and accident-related losses. Michigan is one of about a dozen no-fault states in the United States. In the no-fault insurance system, drivers are expected to look to their own insurance company for coverage of medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of which driver may have caused the accident.
When you bear responsibility for a car accident, the no-fault system still requires other drivers to look to their own insurance coverage for compensation for their medical bills, lost wages and other important benefits.
Other drivers may only file a third-party claim against you in certain circumstances. A driver or passenger who suffers serious injury or permanent disfigurement may file suit to recover their losses, including compensation for pain and suffering or lost quality of life.
In addition, after you cause a car accident, your insurance company may choose to increase your premiums. You may also receive demerit points on your driver’s license and be ticketed by police for having committed a violation of the Vehicle Code.
What Damages Are Covered If You Cause a Car Accident in Southfield?
If you cause a car crash in Southfield, your no-fault insurance coverage will allow you to file a claim for compensation for expenses to treat physical injuries you may have suffered in the accident. This includes ER and hospital bills, co-pays and deductibles, prescription costs, and other out-of-pocket expenses like home health aides or transportation to appointments and procedures.
Medical benefits can also cover expenses like alterations to your home or vehicle to accommodate permanent disabilities caused by your injuries.
No-fault insurance benefits also allow you to recover a portion of your lost income from missing work while recovering from your injuries.
However, no-fault insurance only provides compensation up to the coverage limits in your policy. So, if you have opted to purchase limited no-fault benefits, once you’ve been paid the total amount of coverage in your policy, you cannot receive any further compensation from your insurance company. We always recommend that you opt for unlimited no-fault benefits to be properly insured.
What About Damages to Your Own Vehicle?
You might be entitled to compensation for damage to your vehicle only if you have collision/comprehensive coverage under your car insurance policy. However, the law does not require drivers to purchase such coverage. The no-fault coverage that drivers are required to obtain only provides coverage for other people’s property that you damage, such as fences, buildings, or damage to parked vehicles.
What Should You Do After a Car Accident You Caused?
Remember to take the following steps to help protect your legal rights and interests after a Southfield car accident:
- Exchange contact and insurance information with the other drivers involved in the accident.
- Take cell phone videos or photos of the accident scene. Make sure to capture details such as vehicle damage, positions of the vehicles (if not moved after the collision), road marks, traffic lights or signs at the scene of the crash, and weather and lighting conditions. Also photograph your visible injuries.
- Get examined at the hospital or by your doctor to ensure that all of your injuries are treated.
- Notify your insurance company of the crash as soon as possible to remain eligible to file a claim for no-fault benefits. Time limits do apply.
- Keep copies of any bills, receipts, or invoices for expenses you incur from the accident.
- If contacted by insurance company representatives, respectfully decline to answer questions about the accident or give a statement. Adjusters may be looking for you to say things the insurance company can use to deny you benefits you may be entitled to under the terms of your policy.
Finally, speak with a car accident attorney about your case. A skilled no-fault insurance lawyer can help you to understand what compensation or benefits you may be entitled to claim under your policy.
A Southfield car accident attorney can also handle requests from the insurers and defend you against legal claims that other injured drivers or passengers may file from the accident.
How to Get Help After a Car Accident
After you’ve been involved in a car accident in Southfield, contact Christensen Law to speak to one of our experienced car accident lawyers about maximizing your no-fault insurance benefits. We’ll explain your rights and guide you through your options for pursuing full compensation for your injuries and expenses.
Call or contact us today for a free consultation.
