Areas of Practice

Automobile Injuries

People injured in automobile accidents have a right to medical treatment, care, services, lost income and money damages. It is important to understand Michigan’s no-fault law in order to maximize benefits and money damages an injured person may be entitled to. An injured person in Michigan has legal rights, which are defined by Michigan’s No-Fault Act. There are two types of no-fault claims, a “first-party” claim to claimants own insurance company and a “third-party” claim against the negligent driver.

First-Party Rights

First-Party benefits are payable to anyone who suffers an injury arising out of the ownership, operation, maintenance or use of a motor vehicle. Michigan auto accident first-party claims are usually made to a claimant’s own no-fault insurer. The claimant’s insurer must pay no fault benefits for expenses resulting from the automobile, truck, bus or motorcycle accident. First-party auto accident coverage includes reimbursement for medical expenses, wage loss, replacement services, mileage, survivor’s loss, funeral expenses, and attendant care.

Third-Party Rights

The third-party claim compensates a person injured in an auto accident for damages, such as his or her past, present, and future non-economic losses and any excess economic losses if applicable. In a third claim, a plaintiff sues the driver or owner of a vehicle, alleging negligence causing an auto accident injury. An injured person may sue the negligent driver for certain damages such as pain and suffering, as long as the claimant’s injuries meet the threshold requirements of death, permanent serious disfigurement, or serious impairment of body function. The plaintiff may also sue for any economic losses resulting from the auto accident that exceed the statutory no-fault maximum amount.

Time limits vary. It is best to contact a lawyer immediately. If you have been injured in an automobile accident contact…a lawyer today.

Representing Attorneys

• Richard Clark
• Jessica Bray