Michigan has one of the most complex no-fault systems in the country, and the 2019–2020 reform changed which benefits many drivers have. Metro Detroit freeways like I-94, I-75 and I-696 are heavily traveled, and lake-effect snow makes West Michigan roads dangerous in winter. A suit for pain and suffering usually requires a serious impairment of body function.
Is Michigan a no-fault state?
Yes — Michigan is a no-fault state. Michigan is a no-fault state. After most crashes, your own personal injury protection (PIP) pays first for medical bills and some lost income, no matter who caused the crash. You can usually claim against the at-fault driver for pain and suffering only if your injuries meet Michigan's threshold.
Michigan requires PIP, but since the 2019–2020 reform drivers can choose different PIP medical limits. Your choice can affect what is covered after a crash.
Learn more in our guide to what a no-fault state is.
How does shared fault work in Michigan?
Michigan follows a modified comparative fault rule with a 51% bar. Your recovery may be reduced by your share of fault, and you generally cannot recover if you are found more than 50% responsible.
For example, if you were found 20% at fault for a crash in Michigan, your compensation could be reduced by 20%. If your share reached the 51% bar, you could be barred from recovering from the other driver.
Read more: what comparative fault means.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Michigan?
In Michigan, the general deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit is three years from the date of the injury, with some exceptions. Michigan generally allows three years for a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. Claims for PIP benefits from your own insurer usually have a much shorter notice deadline — often one year.
Other deadlines can be much shorter. Your insurance policy may require prompt notice of the crash, PIP and uninsured-motorist claims can have their own timelines, and claims against a city, county or the State of Michigan often need formal notice within months. Different rules can also apply to minors and wrongful death claims.
What are Michigan's minimum car insurance requirements?
Michigan requires drivers to carry at least $50,000 per person / $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 for property damage. Michigan's default bodily injury limits are higher (250/500) unless you choose the lower 50/100 option in writing. The property damage figure applies to crashes outside Michigan; inside Michigan, property protection insurance applies.
Minimum limits are often not enough to cover a serious injury. If the at-fault driver has little or no insurance, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, medical payments coverage or PIP may help. See what to do if an uninsured driver hit you.
What should I do after a car accident in Michigan?
Get safe, get medical care and protect your evidence. These steps apply anywhere in Michigan:
- Call 911 if anyone is hurt, and move out of traffic if it's safe — especially on busy roads like I-94 or I-75.
- Call the police and ask how to get the crash report. Michigan generally requires reporting crashes that cause injury, death or significant damage.
- Exchange names, insurance and plate numbers, and photograph the vehicles, the scene and your injuries.
- Get the names and phone numbers of witnesses.
- See a doctor promptly, even if you feel fine — Michigan PIP claims can depend on prompt treatment.
- Notify your own insurer, but be careful about giving the other driver's insurer a recorded statement.
- Talk to an independent Michigan attorney before signing any release, keeping the three years deadline in mind.
Our full what to do after a car accident guide goes into more detail.
Where do car accidents happen in Michigan?
Crashes happen everywhere, but traffic is heaviest in and around Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, Ann Arbor and Lansing. Major routes include I-94, I-75, I-96, I-696, M-10 (Lodge Freeway) and US-23. Our attorney-matching service covers every county in Michigan.