Injured by a Hit-and-Run Driver? In Michigan, You Still Have Benefits

An auto accident is a terrible, and often terrifying, experience. If youve just been hurt in a car crash, there are dozens of thoughts running through your mind. To make matters even worse, in some cases the at-fault driver leaves the scene. What do you do now?

In Michigan, you may still have access to certain benefits that can help with your situation.

No-Fault Benefits

Michigans No-Fault Act provides generous benefits to nearly everyone who is injured in an auto accident. With a few exceptions (like driving a vehicle you own without the insurance required by law), if youve suffered an accidental bodily injury arising out of the use, operation, or maintenance of a motor vehicle as a motor vehicle, you are entitled to economic benefits. These benefits, sometimes called personal injury protection (PIP) or first-party benefits, fall into four main categories:

Allowable Expenses

The No-Fault Act provides for allowable expenses reasonably necessary for an injured persons care, recovery, and treatment for injuries sustained in the crash. Generally this will consist of medical bills, but it also includes attendant care and home/vehicle modifications if necessary. This is an unlimited, lifetime benefit.

Wage Loss

If you miss out on work and experience actual work loss as a result of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle collision, the no-fault insurer will provide up to 85% of your lost wages for up to three years. Even if you werent actively employed, you may qualify for wage replacement as a temporarily unemployed individual.

Household/Replacement Services

PIP benefits include reimbursement for help for ordinary and necessary services that the injured person would have performed had he or she not been injured. These service might include help around the house with tasks like cooking, cleaning, snow removal, mowing the lawn, and other similar activities. The insurance carrier will pay up to $20 per day for up to three years for these services.

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Injured by a Hit-and-Run Driver? In Michigan, You Still Have Benefits