There are many ways to pay your medical bills after a car accident. In fact, Michigan’s auto insurance laws are specifically designed to help you get compensation to cover losses like these. Whether your insurance pays for your expenses or the at-fault driver’s liability policy, you should rest assured that you have options to get your bills covered.
Michigan’s No-Fault Insurance Laws
Michigan requires all drivers licensed within the state to have no-fault auto insurance. No fault insurance pays for things like medical expenses, lost wages, replacement services, and damage to other people’s property, no matter who caused the accident.
You must have a no-fault insurance policy that has Personal Injury Protection (PIP), Property Protection (PPI), and Residual Liability Insurance (bodily injury and property damage).
PIP and Bodily Injury Coverage
PIP is part of a no-fault insurance policy covering all reasonably necessary medical expenses with no maximum limit. It also pays for up to 85% of wages lost due to injuries for up to three years.
PIP will also pay up to $20 per day in replacement services, which includes help with routine household services that you can no longer provide for yourself and your family. This includes housekeeping and yard work.
PIP offers bodily injury coverage to you, not the other driver in the accident.
Residual Liability Insurance
RLI covers you if you are sued after an auto accident. This will cover bodily injuries to other people and property damage that they incur.
You must have a minimum amount of RLI insurance, including:
- $20,000 per person injured in an accident
- $40,000 per accident
- $10,000 for property damage
You can get higher limits to protect yourself if you cause damages exceeding these amounts. If you do not have enough protection, the other driver may file a personal injury lawsuit against you directly.
Property Protection
PPI covers up to $1 million for property damage that your car does to other people’s property, including buildings and fences. It will also cover any damage if you accidentally hit a parked car. It does not cover damage to other cars in a standard motor vehicle accident.
Paying Medical Bills after a Car Accident in Michigan
You will have multiple options to cover medical bills after a car accident in Michigan. You should give your medical providers your health insurance information and PIP coverage policy numbers. Your health and auto insurance may pick up part of the bills.
If you are given an option between primary and secondary coverage for your auto accident injuries, you should select your PIP coverage as your primary coverage. Your health insurance can cover things as a secondary insurance policy.
If your health insurance pays for more than the company thinks it is responsible, they may seek indemnification from the auto insurance policy. Indemnification is a process through which the insurance company recovers money from the correct owing party.
What if You Don’t Have Health Insurance?
If you don’t have health insurance, your PIP insurance should cover all reasonably necessary medical expenses. If the auto insurance company denies any of your claims, a knowledgeable personal injury attorney can help you fight to get your medical bills and property damage covered.
Steps to Take to Recover Your Medical Expenses after an Accident
You should take specific steps to cover your medical bills after an accident. Some steps you should take to recover all your medical expenses include:
- Notify your insurance company of the accident within 24-48 hours or as soon as possible.
- Contact a car accident lawyer as soon as possible, so you have someone by your side.
- Keep a record of all medical providers you see.
- Keep all medical records and discharge paperwork your doctors give you.
- Organize all medical bills you receive and give them to your insurance company.
- Don’t let your bills go to collections. If they threaten you, contact an attorney.
- Keep a pain journal that details how your symptoms are affecting your life.
- File a claim online or over the phone to get your insurance coverage started.
- Comply with all medical advice and ongoing treatment prescribed by your doctor.
- Negotiate a fair car accident settlement or file a personal injury lawsuit to get compensation.
Time Limit for Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Michigan
There is a deadline, or statute of limitations, for how long you must file a personal injury lawsuit to get compensation for your losses after a car accident. In Michigan, you only have three years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. This would apply to bodily injury and wrongful death claims if your loved one died in the wreck.
A Detroit Car Accident Lawyer Can Help Get Your Medical Bills Paid
Car accidents involving many different insurance companies can be complex. You may be unsure who to file a claim with or where to send your bills. A Detroit personal injury attorney at Davis Injury Lawyers, PLLC, can help. When you call us, we will review all your medical expenses and help you decide what to do next.
Call today at (313) 462-7979 or contact us online for an initial case consultation.