Michigan Car Accident Attorneys

At DearLegal, we connect you with experienced Michigan car accident attorneys who can navigate the state’s post-2019 no-fault PIP tier system, the serious-impairment-of-body-function threshold, and the mini-tort. Whether your crash happened on I-75 through Detroit, on I-94, or anywhere from Grand Rapids to the U.P., we’ll match you with the right attorney — at no cost to get started.

Three years from the date of the crash for personal injury under MCL 600.5805. PIP claims under the no-fault act have a 1-year-back rule and notice requirements (MCL 500.3145). Claims against the State of Michigan under the Court of Claims Act require notice within 6 months.

Michigan’s no-fault system requires PIP coverage that pays medical bills and lost wages regardless of fault. After 2019 reforms, drivers choose from PIP tiers ranging from $50,000 to unlimited (MCL 500.3107c). To sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering, you must meet the "serious impairment of body function" threshold under MCL 500.3135 — generally an objectively manifested impairment that affects your general ability to lead your normal life.

You file an uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) claim against your own policy. Michigan does not mandate UM/UIM but most policies include it. PIP coverage still applies regardless of who caused the crash.

No, and you usually shouldn’t. Anything you say can be used against the serious-impairment threshold or fault analysis. Refer the adjuster to your attorney or your own insurer.

It depends on medical bills, lost income, future treatment, vehicle damage, and whether you meet the serious-impairment threshold to recover pain and suffering. Michigan does not cap non-economic damages in standard auto cases. PIP medical depends on which tier you selected at policy renewal.

The same statute of limitations and fault rules apply, but Michigan’s urban interstates see heavy commercial truck traffic, especially around Detroit and on I-94 between Detroit and Chicago. Federal trucking regulations and multiple insurers add complexity.

Michigan car accident attorneys typically work on contingency: no upfront cost, paid a percentage of the recovery if they win. Michigan caps attorney fees on PIP claims at 1/3 under MCL 500.3148. Typical contingency fees for tort claims range from 33% to 40%.

Why Do You Need a Car Accident Attorney in Michigan?

Michigan records over 280,000 crashes each year, with serious injuries concentrated along I-75, I-94, and I-96. Michigan’s no-fault system (MCL 500.3101 et seq.) is one of the most complex in the country — drivers now choose between unlimited, $500K, $250K, $50K, or opt-out PIP medical coverage under the 2019 reforms. Tort recovery for pain and suffering requires meeting the "serious impairment of body function" threshold under MCL 500.3135. Property damage runs through the mini-tort system (MCL 500.3135(3)).

When Do You Need a Car Accident Attorney in Michigan?

Our network includes Michigan car accident attorneys who handle every kind of case, including:

Types of Car Accident Cases in Michigan

From the moment you connect with a Michigan car accident attorney, they go to work protecting your claim. The most common case types we handle:

Not understanding the post-2019 PIP tier system and how it affects medical coverage

Missing the 1-year-back rule and notice deadlines for PIP under MCL 500.3145

Failing to meet the "serious impairment of body function" threshold under MCL 500.3135 to recover pain and suffering

Accepting a quick settlement before the full extent of injuries is known

Giving a recorded statement to the insurer without legal counsel

Missing the 120-day notice for Michigan highway-defect claims

Not understanding the post-2019 PIP tier system and how it affects medical coverage

Missing the 1-year-back rule and notice deadlines for PIP under MCL 500.3145

Failing to meet the "serious impairment of body function" threshold under MCL 500.3135 to recover pain and suffering

Accepting a quick settlement before the full extent of injuries is known

Giving a recorded statement to the insurer without legal counsel

Missing the 120-day notice for Michigan highway-defect claims

Common Michigan Car Accident Mistakes

Even a small misstep can hurt your case. Here’s what to avoid:

How Much Do Michigan Car Accident Attorneys Cost?

33%

Typical starting contingency fee — you pay nothing unless your attorney recovers compensation for you.

Car accident attorneys in Michigan work on a contingency fee basis — typically 33% to 40% of the total recovery. PIP claims have a 1/3 fee cap under MCL 500.3148. Case costs are typically advanced by the firm and deducted from the final recovery.

What Can Your Michigan Car Accident Compensation Include?

Economic Damages

Medical expenses, lost wages, future care costs — no statutory cap. PIP covers medical based on selected tier (up to unlimited) and 85% of wages up to the statutory monthly maximum for 3 years.

Non-Economic Damages

Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment — recoverable only if you meet the serious-impairment threshold under MCL 500.3135. No statutory cap when threshold is met.

Punitive/Exemplary Damages

Exemplary damages available for willful, wanton, or malicious conduct (e.g., DUI). Michigan does not technically recognize "punitive" damages but allows exemplary damages.

Property Damage (Mini-Tort)

Michigan’s mini-tort under MCL 500.3135(3) allows up to $3,000 in property damage recovery from the at-fault driver beyond what collision coverage pays. Otherwise, your own collision coverage pays for vehicle damage.

Wrongful Death

Recovery for loss of society, companionship, and pre-death pain and suffering under MCL 600.2922.

PIP Benefits

Medical (tier-based, up to unlimited), 85% wage loss for 3 years, and replacement-services benefits — regardless of fault — under MCL 500.3107.

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DearLegal is a legal referral service, not a law firm. We connect individuals with licensed attorneys who can evaluate their case. Nothing on this page constitutes legal advice. Results vary based on individual circumstances.

Michigan Car Accident Attorneys

Why Do You Need a Car Accident Attorney in Michigan?

When Do You Need a Car Accident Attorney in Michigan?

Types of Car Accident Cases in Michigan

Common Michigan Car Accident Mistakes

How Much Do Michigan Car Accident Attorneys Cost?

What Can Your Michigan Car Accident Compensation Include?

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