Michigan has some of the strictest laws in the country when it comes to driving without auto insurance. This is precisely why nobody can afford to drive without liability insurance coverage in the state. Driving without insurance in Michigan is a misdemeanor and can result in the following consequences:
- A $125 license reinstatement fee
- A $200 to $500 fine
- A maximum of one year in prison
- Being unable to reimburse lost wages
- Being unable to renew, transfer, or replace your plates
- Driver’s license suspension
- Exclusion from receiving no-fault benefits and inability to seek compensation in the event of an accident
- Having to comply in paying other parties suing for you for damages
- Not being able to collect pain and suffering damages from an at-fault driver
- Personal accountability for medical expenses
Types of Insurance for Drivers
In Michigan, the acronym “PLPD” refers to “personal liability and property damage” insurance. This refers to the kinds of car insurance motorists are required to have in Michigan. It means that your auto insurance coverage contains only what is mandatory by law in the state.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Since Michigan is a no-fault state, PIP is necessary for drivers. In the event of a serious motor accident, No-Fault PIP benefits reimburse a portion of your expenses. These include replacement services, in-home care, a portion of lost wages, medical costs, and other expenses.
- Property Protection Insurance (PPI): This kind of car insurance covers damages inflicted on properties or safely parked cars in Michigan. Damage to physical properties, including buildings, gardens, fences, and the like, is covered by PPI.
- Residual Bodily Injury Liability (BI): If you cause a car accident that leaves another person with serious injuries, this auto insurance coverage will help you.
- Property Damage (PD): If you damage someone else’s car outside of the state of Michigan, you are covered by this car insurance policy.
Having coverage from your own insurance company ensures that you are protected even if the other driver is at fault.
Uninsured vs. Underinsured Motorist Coverage
It is recommended that all drivers acquire underinsured motorist coverage and uninsured motorist coverage. Your insurance provider will assist in covering the costs if you get in an accident with an underinsured or uninsured driver. Both are extremely important to prevent financial issues after getting in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. In a car accident case involving an uninsured or underinsured driver, having the right coverage can make a significant difference in the outcome.
- Uninsured Motorist coverage (UM): This covers you if a driver without insurance damages your car. Your insurance will cover the costs of medical care and lost income for you and other people in the car during the collision.
- Underinsured Motorists coverage (UIM): This takes effect in cases where the at-fault driver has insurance, but the limits are insufficient to pay for damages. The other party would pay first. Your UIM insurance will cover the expenses they cannot initially provide.
Obligations of Uninsured Drivers
In a car accident, having insurance can cover your medical costs, lost wages, and any property damage you cause to other people. Determining who caused the accident is irrelevant in these cases as it is a no-fault insurance.
However, uninsured drivers involved in accidents are liable under Michigan’s car insurance regulations. In a no-fault collision, uninsured motorists will be financially liable for auto maintenance costs. They might also have to pay for a new car if it is totaled.
What Should I Do Immediately After a Car Accident Involving an Uninsured Driver?
In the event of a car accident involving an uninsured driver, you have to do the following:
- Contact the police as soon as possible: The uninsured driver cannot continue driving without insurance once the accident is reported to the police. After looking into the incident, the police will write a report to help you in your legal case.
- Call emergency services and seek medical attention: You should get medical help from professionals right away if you are hurt. Taking note of your injuries may also help you be compensated more.
- Collect evidence and look for possible witnesses: To strengthen your case, gather as much information and additional evidence as possible. Finding witnesses can also aid in piecing together how events transpired during a car accident without insurance.
- Inform your insurance provider immediately: Let your insurance company know as soon as possible that you intend to file an uninsured motorist claim.
You should also reach out to a personal injury attorney for legal counsel. A car accident attorney can also guide you through the next steps.
Can I Recover Damages If the At-Fault Driver and I Are Uninsured?
You cannot file a claim for pain and suffering if you are not insured, even if the other motorist is at fault. Instead, you are solely responsible for your own medical expenses after the car accident without insurance.
Additionally, you cannot sue the other motorist for damages to your vehicle if you aren’t insured. In a no-fault state like Michigan, your options to seek compensation are severely limited if you are uninsured. This is what happens if you have no insurance, but the other driver was at fault.
An uninsured driver may be subject to fines, license suspensions, and possibly jail time. Driving without car insurance is a misdemeanor in the state of Michigan, and an uninsured person will not be eligible for compensation in the event of an accident. They cannot effectively sue after a car accident, even if they are not the at-fault driver. The uninsured driver might also be required to pay back the other party’s insurance company.
Get Your Consultation From the Best Michigan Car Accident Lawyer Today.
After an automobile accident, handling the aftermath can be especially challenging if uninsured people are involved. It may be unclear who to contact and what to do after this kind of car accident. Get your consultation from the best Michigan car accident lawyers today. A knowledgeable Michigan car accident lawyer might be able to reduce your worries after such an event.
Our lawyers can help by enlightening you about the legal steps to take after an auto accident. To guarantee the best possible compensation, The Clark Law Office will take on the case for you. Contact us now to schedule a free consultation with our personal injury attorneys.
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