Michigan Car Accident FAQs

Below are answers to some of the most common car accident questions we hear from Michigan drivers. Beyond these questions and answers, read further to learn more about local resources to help you move forward with confidence.

What should I do immediately after a car accident?

Your safety comes first. Call 911 to report the crash and request medical help if anyone is injured. Even if injuries seem minor, getting checked by a medical professional is critical.

You could have internal bleeding or other injuries that aren’t always noticeable at first. If you’re able, exchange information with the other driver, take photos of the vehicles and scene, and gather contact information from witnesses. Avoid discussing fault at the scene.

Do I need to report a car accident in Michigan?

Yes. Michigan law requires you to report an accident to police if it results in injury, death, or property damage of $1,000 or more.

In many cases, calling law enforcement to the scene ensures an official police report is created, which can be essential for insurance and legal claims later. Every witness to your accident and every form of authoritative documentation will go a long way to protect your rights to seek compensation.

How does Michigan’s No-Fault insurance system work?

Michigan is a no-fault auto insurance state. This means your own insurance typically pays for your medical expenses up to your selected coverage limits and certain financial losses after a crash, regardless of who caused it.

These benefits are known as Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits and may include:

• Medical and rehabilitation costs
• A portion of lost wages
• Mileage to and from medical appointments
• Funeral/burial expenses when the accident is fatal

However, no-fault does not prevent you from pursuing a claim against an at-fault driver for serious injuries or excess damages.

No-fault benefits reach beyond medical bills. If your injuries prevent you from doing what you could do before the accident, such as cleaning the house, cooking, or caring for your children, your policy can cover replacement services for up to three years. Many injured people never learn that this benefit exists, which can result in benefits going unclaimed.

Knowing a benefit exists and collecting it are two different things. Fieger Law can identify every benefit you may be owed and fight the insurer that denies it.

Can I sue the at-fault driver in Michigan?

Even with Michigan’s no-fault insurance system, you still may be able to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver if your injuries meet Michigan’s serious impairment of body function threshold. This allows you to seek compensation for pain and suffering and other non-economic damages not covered by no-fault insurance that have a profound impact on your normal daily life.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Michigan follows a comparative fault system. You can still recover compensation if you were partially at fault, though your recovery may be reduced. However, if you are found more than 50% at fault, you may be barred from recovering certain damages, such as pain and suffering. The law also says that your percentage of fault may reduce your recovery. An experienced car accident lawyer can help protect you from unfair blame and seek the maximum compensation you need for your injuries.

How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Michigan?

In most cases, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident lawsuit in Michigan is three years from the date of the crash. Claims for no-fault benefits may have shorter notice requirements, so acting quickly is important.

What if the other driver was uninsured or underinsured?

If the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance, you may still have options through uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage on your own policy. These claims can be complex and are often disputed by insurers.

Should I speak with the insurance company?

Be cautious. Insurance adjusters may sound friendly, but remember that their goal is to limit payouts. They aren’t on your side and focus solely on their bottom line. Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer. Speaking with a lawyer first can help protect your claim.

Should I Report My Car Accident to My Insurance Company?

Yes. Under Michigan’s no-fault system, you look to your own insurer for benefits no matter who caused the accident, so giving prompt notice matters.

The catch is that the same company that pays your benefits has a financial incentive to limit them. That means a recorded statement, a fast settlement offer, or a few words taken out of context can all be used to pay you less.

Before you make any statement to the insurer, talk to Fieger Law. Our experienced attorneys can handle the insurance company on your behalf and protect your claim.

How Will I Pay for My Car to Be Repaired or Replaced?

In Michigan, no-fault coverage pays for your injuries, not your vehicle. To repair or replace your car, you generally rely on the collision coverage you carry. When another driver is at fault, a limited property damage claim can let you recover up to $3,000 for vehicle damage that your own policy does not cover.

These claims look simple and seldom are. Insurers argue over fault, undervalue repairs, and push lowball offers. Fieger Law can pursue the full value of your vehicle damage while we handle your injury claim.

What Is Property Protection Insurance (PPI)?

Property Protection Insurance is the part of your Michigan no-fault policy that covers damage your vehicle does to other people’s property. It pays up to $1 million for property damage in Michigan, including damage to buildings, fences, and properly parked vehicles. It does not cover damage to other cars that were being driven.

PPI tends to matter most when fault and coverage get murky, such as a hit-and-run, a car that strikes a homeowner’s fence, or a vehicle damaged while parked in a driveway or on the street. Working out who pays is rarely straightforward, and insurers count on you not to push back. Fieger Law can pursue every source of coverage that applies to your case.

What Information Should I Document About the Car Accident?

If you are able, collect the other driver’s name, driver’s license information, and insurance details, the make, model, and plate number of each vehicle, the names and contact information of any witnesses, and photos of the vehicles, the scene, and your injuries.

Write down the date, time, location, and weather, and request the responding officer’s report. The more you record at the scene, the harder it is for an insurer to rewrite what happened later.

Most people are hurt, shaken, and in no shape to build a case in the moments after an accident. That is what we are for. Fieger Law can preserve evidence, locate witnesses, and handle insurance companies while you focus on recovery.

Car accident cases often involve more than just insurance paperwork. A skilled car accident lawyer can:

• Investigate the crash and gather evidence
• Handle insurance communications
• Calculate the full value of your claim
• Protect you from unfair fault determinations
• Pursue compensation through settlement or trial

At Fieger Law, we fight to hold negligent drivers and insurance companies accountable while treating our clients with compassion and respect.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Detroit, Southfield, or anywhere in Michigan, don’t go through this complicated process alone. Understanding your rights under Michigan law can make a significant difference in your physical and financial recovery. We’re here to answer your questions and help you move forward.

Contact the car accident lawyers at Fieger Law today for a free consultation.