Auto Accidents, Injury Claims, & Michigan No-Fault Insurance

If you’re in a car crash, you have more important things to worry about than just fighting the insurance company. It’s a headache you don’t deserve.

Michigan has a unique no-fault automobile insurance system, and it’s intended to simplify the claims process. But things can get complicated very quickly. As members of a for-profit industry, insurance companies are not your advocate. The JuneLaw Team is here to handle the complexity so you can focus on recovery.

If you or a loved one are injured in a car accident, there is often a battle between the auto Personal Injury Protection insurance and health insurance companies. Who pays first? Can the health insurance company be reimbursed after emergency care?

No-Fault and Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance

Michigan requires everyone to have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance as part of their no-fault auto insurance coverage. This type of insurance pays for your medical bills and rehabilitation expenses, the first three years of any lost wages, as well as “replacement services” that may be needed during this period. Replacement services include paying someone to cook, clean, or other chores that you can’t do because of your injuries.

PIP insurance covers your medical treatment throughout your life, as long as it was caused by the accident. Some people have ongoing injuries that will never fully be healed and require medical attention throughout one’s life. And some may have a condition that worsens over time, such as a back injury. All such circumstances should be anticipated by your attorney so you get the care you are entitled to, and need. 

At one time, everyone was granted an unlimited amount of PIP insurance. It is now possible to pay for a limited amount of Personal Injury Protection coverage, so that once you reach a certain level of expenses, you can’t receive any more. This option has complicated the claims process even more.

When there is a conflict between your auto and health insurance — especially where ERISA is involved — you need an attorney who understands both. Most don’t. We do.

Bob June, JuneLaw

Battling insurance coverages (and ERISA)

If you or a loved one are injured in a car accident, there is often a battle between the auto Personal Injury Protection insurance and health insurance companies. Who pays first? Can the health insurance company be reimbursed after emergency care? 

And for those who receive their health coverage through a non-government employer, how does the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) complicate things? (See ERISA: How It Impacts Your Claim)

Because of our sophistication in handling no-fault insurance as well as ERISA, the JuneLaw team can handle the complex issues that arise whenever there is a conflict between your auto and health insurance

When No-Fault Becomes Their Fault

The “no fault” aspect of no-fault insurance is not absolute. If you are involved in an auto accident that causes “serious impairment of bodily function,” then you can sue the offending individual for certain types of damages. You deserve compensation for the pain and suffering, loss of ability to enjoy life, and similar negative impacts to your life. 

At JuneLaw, we take the time to understand your life so we can help you in the best possible way.

Brain Injuries and Avoiding Delays in Care

Did you know that over half of brain injuries result from auto accidents? We have been handling these types of cases for more than 30 years, and we know how critical it is to receive medical attention sooner rather than later. This is true for many types of injuries.

Michigan’s no-fault auto insurance covers medical expenses, but navigating its complexities can delay payment and require repayment to health insurers. The JuneLaw team will step in immediately as your advocate so you receive the medical care you need.

The JuneLaw team gets you all available insurance benefits so you can concentrate on the most important task – getting better.

Wrongful Death from an Auto Accident

If a loved one dies in a crash, you will be faced with even more complexity. You shouldn’t have to fight the insurance company while you are grieving. 

JuneLaw is skilled at navigating Michigan’s wrongful death statute as well as all of the other insurance issues you may face.

We have the experience needed to help you get the maximum benefits available.

When Insurance Companies come after your Settlement 

Especially in ERISA situations, health insurance companies may place a “lien” on your settlement. Without proper handling, you could end up paying out of pocket. Other attorneys facing this issue frequently hire JuneLaw to help them. We have the expertise in both health coverage and no-fault law to protect your rights.