Can I be sued for a no-fault car accident?
Asked by: Dr. Alec Stracke DVM | Last update: June 20, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (46 votes)
Is it worth suing an uninsured driver?
Suing the uninsured driver might not be worth it unless they are financially capable of satisfying a judgment. After a crash with an uninsured or underinsured driver, contact a car accident lawyer about your legal options.
What happens if no one claims fault in an accident?
But what will happen if no one is at fault for your car accident? You can always file a no-fault car insurance claim. The insurance provider will compensate the policyholder and its passengers for the cost of minor injuries and loss of income regardless of who caused the accident.
How much can someone sue for a car accident in Michigan?
If you're in a car accident in Michigan and your vehicle is damaged, you can sue the at-fault driver under the mini tort law for up to $3,000. However, if the damage was to your safely parked vehicle or other tangible property, you can file a PPI claim with the driver's insurance company.
What does it mean that Michigan is a no-fault state?
Brief Explanation of Michigan No-Fault Insurance
If you have an auto accident, no-fault insurance pays for your medical expenses, wage loss benefits, replacement services, and the damage you do to other people's property. It does not matter who caused the accident.
80% of Injury Claims are WORTHLESS Because of This
Who pays for car damage in no-fault state?
In no-fault states, each party carries insurance that pays for their own injuries, while the at-fault party typically pays for everyone's property damage.
What is the new Michigan no-fault law?
Recent Michigan No-Fault Insurance Changes
Under the new law, after July 1, 2020, drivers must select whether they wish to continue with “unlimited” coverage or whether they'd like to cap their coverage at $50,000 (if they are enrolled in Medicaid), $250,000 or $500,000.
Do most people sue after a car accident?
You might wonder if you can sue someone personally after a car accident. While this may be an option, it's not usually necessary. You typically go through the driver's insurance company for reimbursement of your costs, not the driver individually.
How long after a car accident can you sue in Michigan?
In Michigan, and you have suffered an injury after a car accident you have one year from the date of the crash to file a claim for No-Fault personal protection insurance benefits and three years to sue for pain and suffering compensation, excess medical benefits and other economic damages.
How much can I sue for emotional distress in Michigan?
For most accident and injury cases, there is no legal limit to the amount that you can sue for pain and suffering damages.
What happens after a not at fault accident?
The first step is to get the other party's car insurance information and then report the accident. You should call 911 or the police to respond to the scene. You must also report the accident to both your own insurer and theirs. Generally, this will start the claims process with the at-fault party's insurer.
What if neither party admits fault?
If neither party admits fault in causing the accident, insurance adjusters from all parties involved in the crash will usually determine fault. They may hire experts to examine who caused the accident.
How do I dispute a not at fault accident?
- Hire an Attorney. ...
- Understand the Laws Governing Fault in California. ...
- Collect Evidence. ...
- File a Claim with the Insurance Company. ...
- Negotiate with the Other Driver's Insurance Company. ...
- File a Lawsuit. ...
- Contact Us Today.
Can I sue if I didn't have insurance?
The fact that you don't have car insurance doesn't mean you are automatically responsible for the accident. Sure, it's against the law to drive without insurance, but you can still sue when you're injured by another driver in most states.
What happens to uninsured drivers involved in accidents?
If the uninsured driver is found to be at fault for a collision, they may be held personally responsible for payment of any damages. If they cannot afford to pay for repairs, then the vehicle owner may have to pay out of pocket.
Is it worth suing someone with no money?
Essentially, you might think suing someone with no money is futile, but that's not the case. The law protects your rights and allows you to seek compensation if someone causes you harm or loss, regardless of their financial status.
Who pays for car damage in a no-fault state in Michigan?
If your car is properly parked and hit by another car, the other driver's no-fault coverage will pay for the damage to your car. Except for this one situation, the only kinds of auto insurance that will pay for repairs to your car are collision and comprehensive coverage.
What happens if someone sues you for more than your insurance covers?
You may face a lawsuit for the uncovered amount when damages exceed your policy limits. The injured party could attempt to seize your personal assets, which may include: Savings accounts. Wages (via wage garnishment)
Can you sue someone in a no-fault state?
Threshold for Lawsuits: In some no-fault states, a threshold must be met before you can sue for damages beyond what PIP covers. This threshold often involves meeting certain criteria related to the severity of injuries, medical expenses incurred, or permanent disability or disfigurement.
What happens if an insurance company sues you?
If your insurance company initiates a legal action against you seeking declaratory relief, you need to seek advice and representation from an experienced insurance claims lawyer without delay as the insurer will ask the judge to determine that your claim is not covered.
How often do car accident cases go to court?
Out of those 30,000 cases, California courts have decided approximately 700 of the 30,000 or so major car accident cases filed each year. This means that approximately 2% of personal injury claims from car accident cases actually go to trial, where they are decided by a judge or a jury.
Can you sue for whiplash in a car accident?
In California, you have a limited time to file a lawsuit for a whiplash injury resulting from a car accident. The statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally two years from the accident date. Failing to file your lawsuit within this timeframe can result in losing your right to seek compensation.
How long does a no-fault accident stay on your record in Michigan?
In Michigan, in general, car accidents will stay on your driving record for this long: points on your driver's license, which will remain there for 2 years; and/or convictions on your driving record which will remain there for a minimum of 7 years.
Does your insurance go up after a claim that is not your fault Michigan?
However, even a no-fault accident can raise your rates. This is more common in no-fault states, including Michigan, since claims go to your insurance company regardless of fault. Some insurance companies have programs in place for high-risk drivers.
Will Basic no-fault pay for damages to your car?
Does no-fault insurance cover car damage? Although your no-fault insurance covers economic losses, damage to your vehicle would be covered by either your collision insurance or the other driver's liability policy – not by no-fault insurance.