1. Michigan Auto Law
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, no-fault insurance claims, uninsured motorist claims, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries
Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, T-bone accidents, multi-vehicle pileups, drunk driving accidents, distracted driving accidents, commercial trucking accidents, hit-and-run accidents, rideshare accidents
Legal Services: No-fault PIP benefits claims, third-party liability claims, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, attendant care benefits, pain and suffering claims
Background: Firm has operated for over 50 years specializing exclusively in Michigan auto accident cases. Reports the most million-dollar verdicts of any firm in Michigan for car and truck accident cases. Licensed to practice in Michigan. Headquarters in Farmington Hills with offices serving Metro Detroit.
Location: Farmington Hills, MI (serving Detroit and Metro Detroit)
Contact: (800) 968-1001 | https://www.michiganautolaw.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation, contingency fee basis (no fee unless case is won)
2. Buckfire Law
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death, no-fault insurance claims, catastrophic injuries, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries
Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, T-bone accidents, multi-vehicle accidents, drunk driving accidents, distracted driving accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, commercial vehicle accidents
Legal Services: No-fault PIP claims, third-party negligence claims, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical lien resolution, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims
Background: Attorney Lawrence J. Buckfire has over 30 years of experience in Michigan personal injury law. Named to Super Lawyers list. Licensed to practice in Michigan. Firm serves clients throughout Wayne County, Oakland County, and the Metro Detroit area.
Location: Southfield, MI (serving Detroit and Metro Detroit)
Contact: (248) 569-4646 | https://buckfirelaw.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation, no fee unless case is won
3. Christensen Law
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries
Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, T-bone accidents, multi-vehicle accidents, drunk driving accidents, distracted driving accidents, commercial trucking accidents, serious injury collisions
Legal Services: No-fault PIP claims, third-party liability claims, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims
Background: Firm focuses on serious injury and wrongful death cases from motor vehicle accidents. Reports record-setting settlements in Michigan auto accident cases. Licensed to practice in Michigan. Serves clients throughout the Detroit metropolitan area.
Location: Southfield, MI (serving Detroit and Metro Detroit)
Contact: (248) 213-4900 | https://www.christensenlaw.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation, contingency fee arrangement
4. Ravid & Associates, P.C.
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death, no-fault insurance claims, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims
Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, T-bone accidents, multi-vehicle accidents, drunk driving accidents, distracted driving accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, rideshare accidents
Legal Services: No-fault PIP claims, third-party negligence claims, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims
Background: Firm reports over 180 years of combined attorney experience and representation of over 10,000 families. Licensed to practice in Michigan. Multiple office locations serving the Detroit metropolitan area including Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties.
Location: Southfield, MI (serving Detroit and Metro Detroit)
Contact: (248) 948-9696 | https://www.ravidlaw.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation available
5. HTY Law (Hakim Law)
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death, slip and fall injuries, personal injury
Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, T-bone accidents, multi-vehicle accidents, drunk driving accidents, distracted driving accidents, commercial trucking accidents
Legal Services: No-fault PIP claims, third-party liability claims, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering claims
Background: Personal injury law firm serving Detroit and surrounding Michigan communities. Licensed to practice in Michigan. Attorneys handle cases in Wayne County and throughout Metro Detroit. Experience navigating Michigan’s no-fault insurance system.
Location: Detroit, MI
Contact: (313) 800-1234 | https://hakimlaw.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation, contingency fee basis
Car Accident Laws and Regulations in Michigan
Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims: Three years from the date of the accident (Michigan Compiled Laws Section 600.5805(2)). This applies to lawsuits against at-fault drivers for pain and suffering damages.
Statute of Limitations for Property Damage Claims: Three years from the date of the accident.
Statute of Limitations for No-Fault PIP Benefits: One year from the date of the expense or loss, unless written notice was given to the insurer within one year or the insurer made payments.
Fault vs. No-Fault Insurance Status: Michigan operates under a modified no-fault insurance system that was significantly reformed in 2019 (effective July 2020). Injured parties first seek compensation for medical expenses and wage loss benefits from their own no-fault insurance (PIP coverage), regardless of fault. Third-party lawsuits for pain and suffering damages are allowed only if the injured party meets the “serious impairment of body function” threshold.
Serious Impairment Threshold: To sue for non-economic damages (pain and suffering), an injury must result in death, serious impairment of body function, or permanent serious disfigurement. Serious impairment is defined as affecting the person’s general ability to lead a normal life (MCL 500.3135).
Comparative Negligence Rules: Michigan follows a modified comparative negligence system with a 51% bar for non-economic damages. If the injured party is more than 50% at fault, they cannot recover non-economic (pain and suffering) damages. Economic damages can still be recovered but are reduced by the injured party’s percentage of fault.
Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements: As of July 2020 reforms, Michigan requires: bodily injury liability coverage of $250,000 per person and $500,000 per accident (previously $50,000/$100,000 was available), property damage liability of $10,000 per accident, residual liability coverage up to $250,000/$500,000, and personal injury protection (PIP) coverage with multiple options.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Options: Under the 2019 reform, Michigan drivers can choose from several PIP coverage levels: unlimited lifetime medical coverage, $500,000 per person per accident, $250,000 per person per accident, $50,000 per person per accident (only if qualified health coverage exists), or opt out entirely (only if covered by Medicare or Medicaid).
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Optional in Michigan but recommended given the no-fault system limitations.
Mini-Tort Provision: Michigan’s mini-tort law (MCL 500.3135(3)(e)) allows recovery of up to $3,000 (for accidents after July 1, 2020) in vehicle damage from the at-fault driver, to the extent not covered by insurance.
Damage Caps: Michigan does not have statutory caps on non-economic damages in auto accident cases, but the serious impairment threshold limits who can pursue these damages.
Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association (MCCA): Prior to the 2019 reforms, all Michigan no-fault policies included unlimited lifetime medical benefits funded partly through the MCCA. Coverage options now vary based on PIP selection.
Accident Reporting Requirements: Accidents involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000 must be reported to police. Drivers must file a crash report with the Michigan Department of State.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How does Michigan’s no-fault insurance system work after a car accident?
A1: Michigan operates under a modified no-fault system. After an accident, you first file a claim with your own no-fault insurance for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits, regardless of who caused the accident. PIP covers medical expenses (up to your coverage limit), 85% of lost wages (up to three years), replacement services, and survivor’s benefits. To sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering damages, you must prove a “serious impairment of body function” or permanent serious disfigurement. The at-fault driver’s liability insurance covers these damages if the threshold is met.
Q2: What is the “serious impairment” threshold required to sue for pain and suffering in Michigan?
A2: Under MCL 500.3135, you can only sue for non-economic damages (pain and suffering) if your injury caused death, serious impairment of body function, or permanent serious disfigurement. Serious impairment is defined as an objectively manifested impairment of an important body function that affects your general ability to lead your normal life. Courts evaluate this on a case-by-case basis, considering the nature and extent of the injury and how it has affected your daily activities, work, and quality of life.
Q3: What are my PIP coverage options under Michigan’s reformed no-fault law?
A3: Since July 2020, Michigan drivers can choose from five PIP medical coverage levels: unlimited lifetime coverage, $500,000 per person per accident, $250,000 per person per accident, $50,000 per person per accident (only if you have qualified health coverage), or complete opt-out (only if you are enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B or Medicaid). Lower PIP coverage levels result in lower premiums but may leave you responsible for medical expenses exceeding your coverage limit if seriously injured.
Q4: What is Michigan’s mini-tort law and how does it help recover vehicle damage?
A4: Michigan’s mini-tort provision (MCL 500.3135(3)(e)) allows you to recover up to $3,000 for damage to your motor vehicle from the at-fault driver, to the extent the damage is not covered by your own collision insurance. This claim is subject to comparative fault rules, meaning if you are more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover. The claim must typically be filed in small claims court if the defendant does not pay voluntarily or through their insurance.
Q5: How long do I have to file a no-fault PIP claim in Michigan?
A5: You must provide notice to your no-fault insurer within one year of the date of the expense or loss you are claiming. If written notice is given within one year, or if the insurer makes any payment toward benefits, the deadline may be extended. Claims for allowable expenses must generally be submitted within one year of when the expense was incurred. Given these strict deadlines, it is important to notify your insurer promptly after an accident and keep detailed records of all medical treatment and expenses.