If you are a driver from Michigan, then you are very much familiar with Michigan’s No-Fault Insurance Policy. The State does not allow any car owner to drive around without any no-fault insurance; it is against the law. But what if you got into a car accident outside of the state of Michigan? Are you still going to be covered by your car insurance policy?
In 2017, there were over 20,000 fatal traffic crashes in the U.S. involving passenger cars. This high rate of accidents goes to show the importance of having car insurance. If it happens outside of Michigan, below are just some of the things you need to keep in mind.
No-fault Insurance Can Cover Out-Of-State Car Accidents
In the unfortunate event that you get involved in a car accident outside of Michigan, you will still receive your no-fault benefits. You are still entitled to the following:
- Accident-related medical expenses
- Compensation for any lost wages due to the accident
You might want to check on the following qualifying facts as well because you are entitled to a no-fault insurance benefit:
- If you are the named insured on the no-fault Michigan insurance policy
- You are the spouse or a resident relative of someone who is named the insured on the Michigan no-fault insurance policy
- You are the passenger of the vehicle that was involved in the accident, and you are either a Michigan resident or the owner of the vehicle has a no-fault insurance coverage for the vehicle involved in the accident.
Is it possible to sue for pain and suffering due to an out-of-state car accident?
The quick answer is yes. If unfortunately, you become injured because of the car accident that happened out-of-state, you are entitled to make the at-fault driver liable for your pain and suffering. You can sue them for compensation. But it is important to note that to be able to bring and pursue a lawsuit for pain and suffering, you will have to comply with the state laws where the accident happened.
Can you get your damaged vehicle repaired after an out-of-state car accident?
To answer this question, you have to take into consideration the state where the accident happened. If your vehicle was damaged in a vehicular accident and the driver who caused it is from another state, you will likely go to court in order to have your repair costs covered.
Most other states require that the at-fault driver pay up for the repair costs brought about by the accident. It is unlike Michigan, where there is a no-fault policy.
Another scenario to consider when it comes to repairing the damages to your vehicle from an out-of-state car accident is if the at-fault driver is uninsured. You also need to know if they do not have the resources to be able to compensate for the damages done to your vehicle. If this is the case, you may have to file a claim on your personal car accident insurance policy. Besides, the decision will be dependent on the terms of your coverage.
How do you cover your liability after an out-of-state car accident?
Every Michigan driver is required by the No-Fault Law to get residual liability insurance. That will help you cover your liability for any bodily injury and property damage that you have caused in case you have been identified as the at-fault driver in the out-of-state car accident. So long as the out of state car accident occurred in any territories or possessions of the U.S. as well as the territories and possessions of Canada, you will be able to cover liability.
You will be able to cover for the following damages:
- Lost wages
- Hospital or medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Repair costs for the damaged vehicle
- Cost of damage to tangible property
However, you also need to remember the following two factors for residual liability coverage:
- The gravity or the extent of the damage you’ve done
- The mandatory minimum limits imposed by the place where the accident happened for liability insurance coverage
Consult with Trusted Car Accident Lawyers, Contact The Clark Law Office Today!
Getting involved in an out-of-state car accident can be complicated. That is why it is essential to consider getting an experienced car accident lawyer in Lansing to help you throughout the process.
Expert car accident lawyers from the Clark Law Office only have your well-being in mind. We will make sure that you will get the compensation you deserve and guide you along the process. Call us at your earliest convenience at (517) 347 6900 or fill out the case evaluation form below for a free consultation.
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