Michigan accident claims often start with two separate questions: what benefits can be paid by no-fault insurance, and whether someone else may also be legally responsible for additional damages. Those are related questions, but they are not the same claim.
What does Michigan PIP medical cover?
Personal Injury Protection medical coverage is the medical portion of Michigan no-fault insurance. The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) identifies six PIP medical choices: unlimited, $500,000, $250,000, $250,000 with qualifying exclusions, $50,000 for certain Medicaid households, and an opt-out for qualifying Medicare enrollees. The policy selection can materially affect how much auto insurance is available for accident-related medical care.
PIP is more than a hospital bill
Depending on the policy, eligibility rules, and the facts of the crash, a no-fault claim can also involve work loss, replacement services, attendant-care issues, rehabilitation, and other statutory benefits. Different benefit categories can have different rules and proof requirements.
Why the insurance priority question matters
The insurer that pays is not always obvious from the vehicle a person occupied. The answer can depend on whether the injured person was a driver, passenger, pedestrian, motorcyclist, household member, or occupant of an employer or commercial vehicle. Identifying every potentially applicable policy early can prevent avoidable delays.
Can you still sue an at-fault driver?
Potentially. Michigan’s motor-vehicle tort statute, MCL 500.3135, preserves certain liability claims even though Michigan uses a no-fault system. Noneconomic-loss claims generally require death, serious impairment of body function, or permanent serious disfigurement. Excess economic loss and other categories can involve separate rules.
What to gather after the crash
- Your auto insurance declarations page and PIP selection forms.
- Health-insurance information.
- The police report or UD-10 number.
- Medical records, bills, disability slips, and work-loss documents.
- Photos of the vehicles, scene, and visible injuries.
Primary sources: Michigan DIFS — Choosing PIP Medical Coverage and MCL 500.3135.