After a car accident in Washtenaw County, you depend on your no-fault insurance to cover medical bills, lost wages, and the costs of daily life while you recover. But insurance companies don't always cooperate. Denials, delays, and improper terminations of benefits are common tactics used to minimize payouts. At Logeman & Iafrate, P.C., we've spent over 45 years helping injured clients throughout Michigan—including residents of Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Saline, Chelsea, Dexter, Manchester, and Milan—fight for the PIP benefits they deserve.
Our attorneys understand the intricacies of Michigan's no-fault insurance system. Whether your insurance company is denying treatment, terminating wage loss benefits, or refusing to pay replacement services, we know how to enforce your rights and recover what you're owed.
Michigan's No-Fault Insurance System in Washtenaw County
Michigan's no-fault insurance law requires all auto policies to include Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. After a car accident anywhere in Michigan—including Washtenaw County—your own insurance company pays for your medical care, lost wages, and other accident-related expenses, regardless of who caused the crash. The system was designed to ensure injured victims receive prompt benefits without having to prove fault.
The no-fault system has undergone significant changes in recent years, with reforms affecting what coverage levels are available and how benefits are paid. The rules that apply to your claim depend on when your policy was issued and what coverage level you chose. Our attorneys review your specific policy to determine exactly what benefits you're entitled to receive.
Types of PIP Benefits Available
PIP benefits are designed to cover the costs you face after a car accident. Available benefits typically include:
- Medical expenses. All reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your injuries, including emergency care, hospital stays, doctor visits, surgery, physical therapy, medications, and medical equipment.
- Lost wages. Up to 85% of your gross income for up to three years following the accident, with monthly maximums based on your coverage level.
- Replacement services. Payment for household services you can no longer perform due to your injuries, such as cleaning, lawn care, snow removal, and cooking.
- Attendant care. Nursing or caregiving services if your injuries require help with daily activities.
- Rehabilitation. Vocational rehabilitation and occupational therapy to help you return to work and daily life.
- Mileage reimbursement. Compensation for travel to and from medical appointments.
Our attorneys identify all available benefits and pursue them aggressively on your behalf.
How to File a PIP Claim in Washtenaw County
To preserve your rights to PIP benefits, notify your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident—ideally within 24 to 48 hours. Most policies require written notice within 30 days. Once you've reported the accident, you'll need to:
- Complete the application for benefits provided by your insurance company
- Submit medical records and treatment plans from your providers
- Provide documentation of lost wages (pay stubs, tax returns, employer letters)
- Submit receipts for any replacement services you've paid for
- Respond promptly to any requests for additional information
Michigan law requires insurance companies to pay PIP claims within specific timeframes. If your insurer fails to pay or denies your claim, you have the right to file a lawsuit. Our attorneys handle every aspect of the claims process, from initial filing through litigation when necessary.
Common PIP Claim Disputes
Insurance companies use various tactics to deny or minimize PIP claims. Common disputes we resolve include:
- Treatment not reasonable or necessary. Insurers argue that ongoing physical therapy, specialist visits, or certain procedures exceed appropriate care.
- Pre-existing conditions. Insurance companies try to attribute injuries to prior medical issues rather than the accident.
- IME results. Insurers schedule IMEs with doctors who issue favorable reports supporting benefit termination.
- Late notice. Insurance companies deny claims based on delayed reporting, even when notice was reasonable.
- Coordination of benefits. Disputes arise when health insurance or workers' compensation may cover the same treatment.
- Surveillance. Insurance companies may conduct video surveillance to catch injured claimants in activities inconsistent with their reported limitations.
Our attorneys have extensive experience overcoming these defenses. We work with treating physicians, gather supporting evidence, and challenge improper denials through negotiation or litigation.
Third-Party Claims for Pain and Suffering
In addition to PIP benefits, Michigan allows injured victims to sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering damages—but only if your injuries meet specific legal thresholds. To pursue a third-party claim, you must prove:
- Serious impairment of body function. Your injuries have seriously impaired an important body function, the impairment is objectively manifested, and it affects your ability to lead a normal life.
- Permanent serious disfigurement. You have permanent scarring or disfigurement that is serious in nature.
This threshold is heavily contested. Insurance companies fight hard to keep cases below it. Our attorneys build comprehensive cases with medical documentation, expert testimony, and detailed evidence of how your injuries affect your daily activities, work, and relationships.
If you meet the threshold, you can pursue additional compensation including pain and suffering, excess medical expenses, full lost wages, permanent disability, and loss of consortium.
Why Choose Logeman & Iafrate for Your No-Fault Claim?
Our attorneys have spent decades handling no-fault insurance claims throughout Washtenaw County. We understand how local insurance adjusters operate, and we know how to enforce your rights when insurance companies fail to pay valid claims. Whether your case requires negotiation or aggressive litigation, we have the experience and resources to pursue the benefits you deserve.
We operate on a contingency-fee basis—you pay no legal fees unless we recover benefits on your behalf. We offer free consultations to evaluate your situation and explain your options. Let us handle the insurance company while you focus on your recovery.
Get Help With Your Washtenaw County No-Fault Claim Today
If you're dealing with a denied or delayed PIP claim in Washtenaw County, don't wait to get legal help. Insurance companies often hope injured victims will give up or accept less than they deserve. The sooner you contact an attorney, the better your chances of recovering full benefits.
At Logeman & Iafrate, P.C., we offer free consultations and operate on a contingency-fee basis. Call us today at (734) 994-0200 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation. Let us handle the insurance company while you focus on healing.
The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to what matters most about your case and how we work.
How does no-fault insurance work in Washtenaw County?
Michigan's no-fault insurance applies statewide, including in Washtenaw County. If you're injured in a car accident, your own auto insurance provides Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits covering medical expenses, lost wages, and replacement services regardless of who caused the crash. PIP claims are handled through your insurance company, but when disputes arise, our Washtenaw County attorneys can step in to enforce your rights and recover the benefits you're owed.
What PIP benefits are available after a Washtenaw County car accident?
PIP benefits typically cover: (1) all reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to your injuries, (2) up to 85% of lost gross income for up to three years, (3) replacement services for household tasks you can't perform, (4) attendant care if needed, (5) rehabilitation costs, and (6) mileage to medical appointments. The exact coverage level depends on when your policy was issued and what PIP limits you selected.
My insurance company denied my PIP claim. What can I do?
If your insurance company has denied your PIP claim, you have the right to challenge the denial through litigation. Michigan law requires insurance companies to pay valid PIP claims promptly, and they can be held liable for unpaid benefits plus attorney fees when they deny claims without reasonable basis. Common reasons for denial—including disputes about treatment reasonableness, pre-existing conditions, or late notice—can often be successfully challenged with proper legal representation.
When can I sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering?
Under Michigan law, you can sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering damages only if your injuries result in serious impairment of an important body function or permanent serious disfigurement. This threshold is strictly enforced, and insurance companies fight hard to keep cases below it. Our attorneys build comprehensive evidence to meet this threshold—including medical documentation, expert testimony, and detailed accounts of how injuries affect your daily life.
How long do I have to file a no-fault claim lawsuit in Washtenaw County?
For PIP benefits, Michigan's one-year back rule applies—you generally have one year from the date a benefit was incurred to file a lawsuit for unpaid benefits. For third-party pain and suffering claims against the at-fault driver, you have three years from the date of the accident. Prompt action is essential because evidence fades, witnesses become unavailable, and insurance companies become more aggressive in their defenses over time.
Do I have to attend an independent medical examination (IME)?
Your insurance company has the right to request that you attend an IME with a doctor of their choosing. You are generally required to attend, but you do not have to follow that doctor's treatment recommendations. IMEs are often biased—insurance companies hire doctors who issue reports favorable to insurers. Our attorneys can attend IMEs with you, prepare you for what to expect, and challenge unfair IME reports when they're used to deny benefits.
What if my injuries don't meet the serious impairment threshold?
Even if your injuries don't meet the serious impairment threshold for a pain and suffering claim, you still have important rights. You're entitled to all PIP benefits from your own insurance regardless of fault. Additionally, if your condition worsens or develops over time, you may later meet the threshold. Our attorneys can review your situation to determine whether your injuries might qualify and advise on protecting your rights for future claims.
Our record speaks to those we've helped in Michigan
Numbers that speak to our commitment to our Clients and our Community
Our track record reflects years of hard work and dedication to our clients' recovery.
Combined experience
60+
Years of trial work and case victories
Cases won
1,000+
Successful outcomes for injured clients
Compensation secured
$50M+
In damages recovered for our clients
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Adrienne D. Logeman
Partner
James A. Iafrate
Partner
What Our Clients Say About Us
Cases won, lives changed, and we are happy to have helped each one of our clients.
If I could give them 100 stars I would!
"At the lowest point in my life they were there for me and got more than I expected. Mr. Logeman was amazing and Cheryl his assistant was so caring and professional. I would recommend them to anyone with a personal injury or accident. They went above and beyond for my son and I. I will forever be in their debt!"
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Vivian S.They did wonderfully in winning our case!
"We were referred for a personal injury motorcycle accident. We had no idea even where to begin, but the caring and professional team reassured us and took off a lot of stress. They did wonderfully in winning our case, and were always great at communicating where the case was at and what was needed. I would highly recommend and if we were to ever need their services again, I wouldn't think twice about calling them up."
Ashley B.I could not have asked for better representation!
"Adrienne Logeman is an exceptional auto injury attorney. Adrienne put me at ease and explained every step of the process. She was composed, professional, polite and extremely competent. The jury returned a unanimous verdict in our favor. I could not have asked for better representation and care. I am very thankful for her. An incredible experience."
Robert A.I truly believe you could not find a better firm to work with.
"Jim Iafrate and his staff are wonderful to work with, professional, compassionate, and do everything in their power when working on your case. I was always part of the process as communication was timely. Additionally, they know the law and will not be bullied by big insurance companies."
Joannie E.Jim was always available when we needed him to answer questions!
"Jim handled our case resulting from a very bad automobile accident. Both my husband and I were injured. He is very personable and efficient. He came to our home to get the details of the accident and continued to provide excellent handling of our case to the end when he reached an excellent settlement for us. We feel we became friends during this whole process."
Joan F.I cannot recommended them highly enough!
"I'm so grateful to Logeman & lafrate for taking care of my legal needs for my case. The entire staff are exceptional, professional, communicate well during the entire process."
D JuneBy far the best lawyer I've ever had!
"I had the pleasure of Jim Iafrate representing me. He was professional, had excellent communication skills and is trustworthy. He always kept me up-to date, was responsive and worked diligently. His abilities enabled us to settled my case in a timely manor. Thanks for your hard work Jim!"
Lana D.I can not say enough about this firm they continue to advocate for me!
"I was in 2 different catastrophic car accidents. Jim Iafrate has been my attorney for many years. I can say that without a doubt he is the best attorney in this field. Jim and his staff are professional and compassionate. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a attorney that has been in a car accident. Jim will go above and beyond for his clients."
Debra Q.My wife and I strongly recommend this law firm and are grateful for all their efforts.
"The attorneys at Logeman,Iafrate and Logeman were absolutely fantastic and professional in handling our case from a severe automobile accident. They provided constant support and guidance in making sure all of our medical needs were met. The staff at this firm was so helpful in all aspects of the case and subsequent trial and settlement."
Vince G.I know that we can always trust their advice!
"I work with individuals that have suffered a brain injury because of an auto accident. This law practice has always been an amazing resource for them. They always put their clients first and I know that we can always trust their advice."
Courtney W.I would recommend James and his office to anyone!
"James and his team worked right beside our entire family during the whole process and even after. James was always available and fought hard to get my family what we deserved. He didn't back down and was uplifting through the entire process. Not only was I proud to have him as our lawyer, we were even prouder that we can now call him a friend."
Rob K.