A serious crash doesn't announce itself. One moment you're driving to work, picking up your kids, or heading home after a long day. The next, everything is different. Your body hurts, your vehicle is wrecked, and your phone is already ringing with calls from an insurance adjuster who does not have your best interests in mind.
At Hamo Law, we know what that moment feels like for the people who live it. George and Alex Hamo have spent their careers standing next to Michigan accident victims during the hardest chapters of their lives. This father-son team handles car accidents, truck accidents, and motorcycle accidents across the entire state of Michigan. These are not side cases for us. They are the heart of what we do.
Michigan No-Fault Law and How It Affects Your Case
Understanding the Basics
Michigan's No-Fault law, codified under MCL 500.3101, requires every driver to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. After a crash, your own insurance pays your medical expenses and a portion of your lost wages. You do not need to prove the other driver was at fault to access these benefits.
PIP benefits can cover:
- Reasonable and necessary medical expenses
- Up to 85% of lost wages for up to three years
- Replacement services for household tasks you can no longer perform
- Attendant care if your injuries require in-home assistance
The 2019 PIP Reforms
Michigan's 2019 No-Fault reform changed the landscape significantly. Drivers now choose from tiered levels of PIP medical coverage, ranging from unlimited to as low as $50,000. The tier you selected on your policy determines the ceiling on your medical benefits after a crash. Many people do not realize how their choice affects them until it is too late.
When You Can Sue the At-Fault Driver
Michigan law limits your ability to sue for pain and suffering. Under MCL 500.3135, you must meet a legal threshold: your injury must constitute a serious impairment of body function, permanent serious disfigurement, or death. Meeting that threshold opens the door to a third-party liability claim against the at-fault driver. These claims are where significant compensation is often recovered, and they require skilled legal handling to pursue effectively.
Car Accidents in Michigan: What You're Really Up Against
How Insurance Companies Respond
The moment a crash happens, the at-fault driver's insurance company begins its investigation. Their goal is to limit liability. They may request a recorded statement from you early on, hoping to capture something they can use against your claim later. They may offer a fast settlement that sounds reasonable but falls far short of what your case is actually worth.
We advise every client the same way: do not give a recorded statement without speaking to an attorney first. That conversation could cost you significantly. Once you have legal representation, we handle all communication with the insurance company on your behalf.
What Damages May Be Available
In a Michigan car accident case, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Pain and suffering, including emotional distress
- Excess medical expenses beyond your PIP benefits
- Lost earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work long-term
- Loss of consortium for impacts on your family relationships
- Property damage
Truck Accidents: The Cases That Demand the Most
Why These Cases Are Different
Commercial trucking is a heavily regulated industry. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets strict rules for trucking companies and their drivers. Those regulations cover:
- Hours of service limits to prevent fatigued driving
- Required maintenance logs and vehicle inspection records
- Driver qualification and training standards
- Electronic logging device (ELD) data that records the truck's movements
When a trucking company or driver violates these regulations, it can be powerful evidence of negligence. But that evidence does not stay available forever. Black box data can be overwritten. Maintenance records can be lost. Acting quickly is not optional in these cases.
Multiple Parties May Be Liable
One of the most important things to understand about truck accident cases is that the driver is often not the only responsible party. Liability may extend to:
- The trucking company that employed the driver
- The cargo loading company if improper loading contributed to the crash
- The vehicle or parts manufacturer in cases involving mechanical failure
- The leasing company if the truck itself was defective
Motorcycle Accidents: Fighting the Bias Against Riders
Michigan Motorcycle Law and No-Fault
Michigan's No-Fault system applies differently to motorcycle riders than to car drivers. Motorcycles are not required to carry No-Fault insurance. As a result, a motorcyclist injured in a crash may need to seek PIP benefits through the at-fault driver's policy, their own household auto policy, or the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan. The specific path depends on the facts of your situation.
Helmet Use and Your Claim
Michigan allows riders 21 and older who meet certain insurance requirements to ride without a helmet. However, if you were not wearing a helmet, the insurance company may argue that your head injuries were caused or worsened by that choice. This argument does not eliminate your right to recover, but it is one we are prepared to counter directly.
Wrongful Death in Motor Vehicle Accidents
Michigan's Wrongful Death Act
Under MCL 600.2922, certain family members may bring a wrongful death claim when a person is killed due to another's negligence. Eligible parties typically include a surviving spouse, children, parents, and other dependents. Recoverable damages may include:
- Medical expenses incurred before death
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of financial support the deceased would have provided
- Loss of companionship, society, and guidance
- Conscious pain and suffering experienced before death
No-Fault Benefits After a Fatal Crash
Michigan's No-Fault law also provides survivor benefits. These include payment of certain expenses and, in some cases, survivor income loss benefits. Coordinating a wrongful death claim with No-Fault survivor benefits requires a thorough understanding of both. We handle that coordination so the family does not have to.
How the Michigan Personal Injury Claims Process Works
We use a simple analogy with our clients: we are the bridge. On one side is the accident, the chaos, the uncertainty. On the other side is a resolution that allows you to move forward. Our job is to walk you across.
The Steps We Take Together
- Immediate action: We investigate the crash, preserve evidence, and put the insurance company on notice.
- Medical documentation: We work alongside your medical team to ensure your injuries are properly documented and treated.
- Claims filing: We file your No-Fault PIP claim and, where appropriate, a third-party liability claim against the at-fault party.
- Negotiation: We handle all communication with the insurance company and push back against lowball offers with facts and evidence.
- Litigation: If the insurance company will not pay what your case is worth, we take it to court. We are trial lawyers. That is not a threat we make lightly.
When the Road Gets Hard, We Don't Back Down
A serious accident does not just injure a body. It disrupts careers, strains marriages, derails futures, and leaves families scrambling for answers they should not have to find alone. We have seen it more times than we can count. And every time, our response is the same: we get to work.
If you or someone you love has been seriously injured or killed in a car, truck, or motorcycle accident anywhere in Michigan, you deserve representation that matches the seriousness of what you are facing. George and Alex Hamo have built their careers on exactly that kind of representation. This firm is not the biggest in Michigan, and that is by choice. It is built to be the best option for the people who need it most.
Take the First Step: Get Your Free Case Evaluation Today
You do not have to figure this out alone. A free case evaluation with Hamo Law costs you nothing, and it could change everything about how your case unfolds. We work on contingency, so there is no fee unless we win. Reach out today and let us start building your bridge to a better outcome.
Hamo Law 614 S. Grand Traverse Street Flint, Michigan 48502
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or establish an attorney-client relationship. Every case is unique, and the outcome of any individual case depends on its specific facts and circumstances. Past results, including multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements, do not guarantee future outcomes. Michigan No-Fault laws and personal injury statutes are subject to legislative change. Please consult with a qualified Michigan attorney to understand your specific legal rights and options.