When a crash happens, everything changes in a moment. The physical pain is just the beginning. There are medical bills stacking up, calls from insurance adjusters you do not know how to answer, and a job you may not be able to return to. You are trying to hold your life together while the other side is already building a case against you.
At Hamo Law, we have spent over 40 years standing between Michigan families and the insurance companies that want to pay them as little as possible. George and Alex Hamo, a father-son team rooted right here in Flint, have fought these battles statewide. We are not a factory. You will talk to your actual attorney. We take on your fight so you can focus on healing, and we do not stop until we get you across the bridge from crisis to resolution.
Michigan Is a No-Fault State: What That Really Means for You
What PIP Benefits Cover
Personal Injury Protection, or PIP, is the core of Michigan's No-Fault system. Under MCL 500.3107, PIP covers the following:
- Medical expenses related to your injury, with no cap in some coverage tiers
- Wage loss benefits, up to 85% of your gross income for up to three years
- Replacement services, such as household tasks you can no longer perform
- Attendant care if your injury requires someone to assist with daily needs
The Three PIP Benefit Tiers
The 2019 No-Fault reform created a tiered coverage system. Your benefits depend on which tier your policy falls under:
- Unlimited coverage: Full lifetime medical benefits for catastrophic injuries
- $500,000 or $250,000 coverage: A hard cap on what your insurer will pay
- Medicare/Medicaid coordination: Benefits may coordinate with government coverage
When You Can Sue the At-Fault Driver in Michigan
Michigan law does not automatically allow every accident victim to sue. To pursue a third-party liability claim, your injuries must meet a legal threshold under MCL 500.3135.
The "Serious Impairment" Threshold
You may be eligible to sue if you suffered a "serious impairment of body function." Michigan courts look at whether the injury affects your ability to lead a normal life. Common qualifying injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Fractures requiring surgery
- Spinal cord damage
- Permanent disfigurement
- Long-term or permanent disability that limits daily activities
Truck Accidents: The Highest-Stakes Cases on Michigan Roads
Federal Regulations That Apply to Trucking Companies
Commercial truck drivers and their employers must follow strict federal rules set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Key regulations include:
- Hours of service limits to prevent fatigued driving
- Regular vehicle inspection and maintenance requirements
- Weight and load distribution limits
- Driver qualification and licensing standards
- Electronic logging device (ELD) requirements
Multiple Liable Parties
Unlike a two-car crash, a truck accident can involve several responsible parties. Liability may extend to:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company that employed them
- The cargo loading company if improper loading contributed to the crash
- The truck manufacturer if a defect played a role
- A maintenance contractor if poor upkeep caused a failure
Why You Need an Attorney Immediately
Trucking companies send accident response teams to crash scenes quickly. They are already gathering evidence and protecting themselves. Black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records can disappear fast. The sooner we get involved, the better positioned we are to preserve the evidence that wins your case.
Our firm has secured multi-million dollar results for victims of serious truck accidents in Michigan. We know what these cases require, and we have the resources and the resolve to take them to trial.
Car Accidents: The Most Common, But Never Simple
How Fault Is Determined
Michigan follows a modified comparative fault rule under MCL 600.2959. Here is how it works:
- Fault is assigned as a percentage to each party involved
- You can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault
- However, if you are found more than 50% at fault, you recover nothing
- Your total recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault
What NOT to Do After a Crash
The actions you take in the hours and days after an accident can affect your case significantly. Avoid these common mistakes:
- Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company
- Do not accept a quick settlement before knowing the full extent of your injuries
- Do not post about the accident on social media
- Do not wait to seek medical attention, even if you feel okay
Motorcycle Accidents: When Bias Costs Victims Everything
The Reality of Anti-Motorcycle Bias
Insurance adjusters and defense attorneys often imply that motorcyclists are reckless by nature. That bias has no basis in fact, but it does real damage to claims. We see it regularly. Our job is to dismantle that narrative with evidence and make sure the jury sees who our client really is.
Michigan's Motorcycle Helmet Law and Comparative Fault
Michigan allows riders over age 21 with at least two years of riding experience to ride without a helmet, provided they carry additional insurance. If a rider was not wearing a helmet, the defense may try to use that to argue comparative fault for head injuries. We anticipate that argument and prepare for it.
Rideshare Accidents Involving Uber and Lyft
The Three Coverage Phases
Rideshare insurance works in three distinct phases:
- Phase 1 (App off): The driver's personal auto insurance applies
- Phase 2 (App on, no passenger): Uber or Lyft provides limited contingent liability coverage
- Phase 3 (Active ride): Uber or Lyft's $1 million liability policy is in effect
How Michigan No-Fault Interacts With Rideshare Claims
Michigan's No-Fault system adds another layer of complexity. Passengers and drivers injured in rideshare crashes may face questions about which PIP policy covers their medical expenses. These cases require an attorney who understands both personal injury law and commercial insurance structures. We handle them regularly.
How Michigan's Comparative Fault Rules Affect Your Case
Michigan uses a modified comparative fault system. Understanding how it works can mean the difference between a full recovery and nothing at all.
Under MCL 600.2959, fault is divided among all parties who contributed to the crash. Here is what you need to know:
- If you are 50% or less at fault, you can still recover damages
- Your total recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault
- If you are found more than 50% at fault, you are barred from recovering anything
- Fault can be shared between multiple drivers, vehicle manufacturers, and even government entities responsible for road conditions
What to Do After a Motor Vehicle Accident in Michigan
The steps you take right after a crash can protect your health and your legal rights. Here is what we recommend:
- Call 911. Get a police report on record, even for crashes that seem minor.
- Seek medical care immediately. Some serious injuries, including TBI, are not obvious right away.
- Document everything. Photos of the scene, vehicle damage, injuries, and road conditions all matter.
- Get witness information. Names and phone numbers from anyone who saw the crash.
- Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company without speaking to an attorney first.
- File your No-Fault PIP claim promptly. You generally have one year from the accident to file for PIP benefits.
- Contact Hamo Law. We offer free case evaluations and work on contingency. There is no cost to talk to us.
Still Standing After the Crash
A motor vehicle accident can knock the foundation out from under you. The road back is hard, and it rarely runs in a straight line. But you do not have to walk it alone.
What we have learned after decades of fighting these cases is that the people who fare best are the ones who get help early and get the right help. The insurance company on the other side has a team working for them from the moment the crash is reported. You deserve the same. You deserve attorneys who know the law, know the courts, and genuinely care what happens to you.
Your Next Step Starts Here
You have nothing to lose by calling us. Your consultation is free. There are no fees unless we win your case. You will talk to George or Alex, not a receptionist or a case manager. Tell us what happened, and we will tell you where you stand.
Hamo Law Firm 614 S. Grand Traverse Street, Flint, Michigan 48502
Legal Disclaimer
The information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is unique, and past results, including multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements, do not guarantee future outcomes. Please contact Hamo Law directly for guidance specific to your situation.