When the new lower personal injury protection cap levels take effect on July 1, 2020, drivers injured in Michigan automobile accidents will be able to sue for medical costs arising from the accident.
Before the amendment of the law, medical expenses were not recoverable against an at-fault driver or owner who maintained the mandatory no-fault insurance coverage.
As a result of this change in law, at-fault automobile drivers and owners will be legally responsible for excess and future medical expenses when other drivers or occupants have selected lower PIP coverage levels and are inadequately insured. Hopefully, most drivers will opt to maintain unlimited medical coverage, and this will not be an issue. A $50,000.00 PIP option will only be available to people with Medicaid.
As a result, most people who select lower PIP insurance will have at least $250,000.00 in medical coverage after an accident. However, automobile accidents that involve serious injuries will potentially make at-fault drivers and owners of vehicles responsible for lifetime medical costs above the limits of selected coverage of injured drivers and their occupants, which can easily cost millions of dollars. An at-fault party would also be legally liable for lifetime attendant care.
In order to protect yourself, an automobile driver and owner need to purchase additional bodily injury coverage. The most cost-effective way to purchase this coverage is by purchasing a separate umbrella policy.
We would recommend that drivers and owners purchase a minimum of $2 million dollars of bodily injury coverage to protect yourself from a potential lawsuit. Obviously, you may require less or more coverage depending on your personal financial circumstances.
Logeman, Iafrate & Logeman, P.C. has over 45 years' experience in Personal Injury Law and has helped countless clients throughout Michigan recover the losses and benefits they need and deserve to rebuild their lives and take care of their families. We are committed and welcome the opportunity to fight for your rights.
Our personal injury law practice is prepared to handle claims involving car, truck, bus, bicycle, and pedestrian accidents; slip and falls and other premises liability claims; product liability claims; claims for compensation for brain and spinal cord injury; and claims and lawsuits for wrongful death. Please feel free to contact the firm at any time for advice or for help with your personal injury claim. Free Consultations.
This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney at Logeman & Iafrate, P.C. for advice regarding your individual situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to what matters most about your case and how we work.
What changed with Michigan's 2020 no-fault insurance reform?
Starting July 1, 2020, drivers injured in Michigan automobile accidents can sue at-fault parties for medical costs when they select lower PIP coverage levels. Previously, medical expenses were not recoverable against at-fault drivers who maintained mandatory no-fault insurance coverage.
How much bodily injury coverage should I purchase?
We recommend purchasing a minimum of $2 million in bodily injury coverage to protect yourself from potential lawsuits. The most cost-effective way to obtain this coverage is through a separate umbrella policy. Your specific needs may vary based on your personal financial circumstances.
Who is at risk for negligence lawsuits under the new law?
At-fault automobile drivers and owners are now legally responsible for excess and future medical expenses when other drivers or occupants have selected lower PIP coverage levels. This includes potential liability for lifetime medical costs and attendant care, which can easily reach millions of dollars.
What PIP coverage options are available?
Most people who select lower PIP insurance will have at least $250,000 in medical coverage after an accident. A $50,000 PIP option is only available to people with Medicaid. However, serious injuries can result in medical costs that exceed these limits, making at-fault parties liable for the difference.
What types of cases does Logeman, Iafrate & Logeman handle?
Our personal injury law practice handles claims involving car, truck, bus, bicycle, and pedestrian accidents; slip and falls and other premises liability claims; product liability claims; brain and spinal cord injury compensation; and wrongful death lawsuits. We offer free consultations.
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