Michigan No-Fault Law Order of Priority: Who Pays My bills?

In Michigan, it is important to understand that even if the person who struck your vehicle and injured you is placed 100% at fault, typically your own auto insurance must pay your medical bills and your lost wages.

In personal injury cases arising from Michigan, determining who must by law pay your expenses is often referred to as “Michigan No-Fault Benefits.” This particular type of law is complex and filled with countless scenarios that require expert legal advice

The following is a helpful guide regarding the order of priority in Michigan No-Fault cases:

Driver or Passenger Order of Priority

  • 1st priority is your own insurance policy, if none then...
  • 2nd priority is to the insurance company of a resident relative (i.e. spouse, parent, or sibling), if none then...
  • 3rd priority is to the insurer of the owner of the vehicle occupied, if none then...
  • 4th priority is to the insurer of the driver of the vehicle occupied, if none then...
  • 5th priority is to the State of Michigan Assigned Claims Facility.

Pedestrian Order of Priority

  • 1st priority is to your own insurance, if none then...
  • 2nd priority is to the insurance company of a resident relative (i.e. spouse, parent, or sibling), if none then...
  • 3rd priority is to the insurer of the owner of the motor vehicle involved in the accident, if none then...
  • 4th priority is to the insurer of the driver of the motor vehicle involved in the accident, if none then...
  • 5th priority is to the State of Michigan Assigned Claims Facility.

Motorcycle Order of Priority

A different order of priority exists if you were operating a Motorcycle at the time of your accident, as motorcycles are not considered "motor vehicles" under Michigan law. In a motorcycle/auto collision, the order of priority would be as follows:

  • 1st priority is to the insurer of the owner of the motor vehicle involved in the accident, if none then...
  • 2nd priority is to the insurer of the operator of the motor vehicle involved in the accident, if none then...
  • 3rd priority is to the motor vehicle insurer of the operator of the motorcycle involved in the accident, if none then...
  • 4th priority is to the motor vehicle insurer of the owner of the motorcycle involved in the accident, if none then...
  • 5th priority is to the State of Michigan Assigned Claims Facility.

Stressed Driver Sitting At Roadside After Car AccidentMichigan law requires that every vehicle owner buy basic coverage to obtain license plates. Driving without no-fault insurance, or allowing someone else to drive your car, is illegal.

No-fault insurance covers your medical expenses, lost wages, so-called replacement services (such as housekeeping and yard work), and damage to the property of others. No-fault policies contain three components: PIP (Personal Injury Protection, PPI (Property Protection), and Residual Liability Damage.

Repairs to your own car, however, are not covered under no-fault insurance. In order to cover his own vehicle, the driver must buy additional coverage, such as Collision and Comprehensive Insurance and Limited Property Damage Liability Insurance.

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Contact Our Team of Experienced Injury Attorneys To Learn More About Michigan's No-Fault Insurance Law

If you've been involved in an accident, you deserve to speak to an attorney who understands your needs and can treat you with all due kindness and respect. When in doubt, contacting an attorney can help protect your rights.

If you're debating whether to hire a lawyer, contact the experienced Michigan car accident lawyers of Keller & Keller. One of our qualified attorneys will provide a free consultation to help you decide. Call 1-800-253-5537 to reach our Michigan office and speak with our injury attorneys.

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Mahlon Reynolds 06/18/2020 04:23 PM
Dan said you may be able to find me someone.
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