What To Do If You’re Hit By An Uninsured Driver In Michigan

Being involved in a car accident is shocking, but when the at-fault driver is uninsured, the situation can become complicated. As a Farmington Hills and Detroit-area personal injury law firm, the Davis Law Center understands the challenges faced by victims of uninsured motorist accidents and is dedicated to helping them navigate the legal process while seeking the compensation they deserve. The Davis Law Center discusses what to do if you are unlucky enough to have been hit by an uninsured driver.

Michigan’s No-Fault Insurance System

Michigan has a no-fault insurance system, meaning drivers usually must first get compensation from their own auto insurance policies for coverage after an accident, regardless of who was at fault. Under this system, most drivers carry personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, which pays lost wages and medical expenses for accident-related injuries. These benefits are available to persons injured in a crash, whether the other driver was insured or not.

No-fault coverage does not pay for damages like compensation for pain and suffering caused by a negligent driver, however. To obtain compensation for those types of damages, our Farmington Hills victims typically file a claim for compensation with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. In Michigan, to file and prevail on such a claim, the injured party must demonstrate he or she suffered a serious impairment of body function or permanent disfigurement in the crash. Claims for non-economic damages (pain and suffering) against an at-fault, uninsured driver are more complicated, however.

The Problem of Uninsured Drivers And The Importance Of Obtaining Uninsured Motorist Coverage Through Your Own Insurance Company

Despite Michigan’s mandatory insurance laws, many drivers in Farmington Hills, Detroit and throughout the state choose to drive without insurance. If these uninsured drivers cause an accident, victims may face significant obstacles in recovering the compensation they need to cover their losses. This is mainly because if a driver cannot afford insurance, they also probably cannot afford to pay your damages resulting from the crash. This is why we recommend everyone purchase “Uninsured Motorist Coverage” (UM) from their own automobile insurance company, if available. UM coverage will pay you what should have been paid by the at-fault driver, up to the limits you choose from your own insurance company.

For instance, say you were struck by a hit-and-run driver at the intersection of Maple and Orchard Lake in West Bloomfield and sustained serious injuries. Let’s also say that prior to the crash, you had purchased $500,000 Uninsured Motorist Coverage from your own auto insurance company. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you would then be able to collect up to $500,000 from your insurance company to compensate you for the pain and suffering you endured as a result of the negligence of the uninsured driver who hit you. If you did not have UM coverage in this scenario and the uninsured driver was never identified, you would have no recourse to obtain pain and suffering damages.

What To Do If Hit By An Uninsured Driver

If you are hit by an uninsured driver in Detroit, Farmington Hills, or anywhere in Michigan, we recommend you follow these steps to protect your health and legal rights:

Call the Police

Contact law enforcement immediately after the crash. Law enforcement will create an official report of the incident, which will be important for your insurance claim and any legal action you may need to take. In fact, some insurance companies require a report to be filed within 24 hours of being hit by an uninsured driver to even pursue an uninsured motorist claim.

Get Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine after being hit by an uninsured driver, we believe it’s essential to get a medical evaluation as soon as possible anyway. Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, may not show symptoms right away. Prompt medical care can protect your health and create a record of your injuries for your claim.

Gather Evidence

If possible, take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries. Get the names and contact details of any witnesses who may have seen the accident occur.

Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company

Notify your own insurance company of the accident as soon as possible. Be honest and accurate in your description of what happened, but avoid admitting fault or speculating about the cause of the crash.

Check Your Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Review your own auto insurance policy to see if you have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. This type of coverage can help pay for your losses if an uninsured driver hits you. In Michigan, UM coverage is not mandatory, but it can provide crucial protection in these situations. Moreover, it is relatively cheap coverage to add to your insurance policy.

Contact The Davis Law Center For a FREE Consultation

At Davis Law Center, we have a deep understanding of Michigan’s no-fault insurance system and the challenges faced by victims of uninsured motorist accidents. We will work tirelessly to pursue the compensation our clients need to cover their accident-related losses.

If you or a loved one has been hit by an uninsured driver in Detroit, Farmington Hills, or anywhere in Michigan, don’t hesitate to contact Davis Law Center. Let us protect your rights, advocate for your interests, and aggressively work toward the justice and compensation you deserve.

About the Author
Neil Davis, owner of Davis Law Center, is a seasoned attorney specializing in personal injury cases. With over 30 years of experience, he has successfully secured millions in compensation for injured individuals. Neil is a dedicated advocate for justice and an active member of legal associations. Neil has also been recognized as a Top 100 Trial Lawyer by The National Trial Lawyers and is a life member in The Top Trial Lawyers In America Million Dollar Advocates Forum.

Personal injury law is complex and best handled by a competent attorney who can effectively evaluate, prepare, present, and fight to win your case. Neil prides himself on doing all of these things for his clients and would be honored to discuss your case with you.