Tips On Filing a Car Insurance Claim in Michigan
Reader’s Question:
I was rear ended in Livonia, Michigan (where I also live) last week it was not really my fault. I do not have collision coverage and I suffered neck and back pains and my vehicle has been totaled. What should I do now? The other driver’s insurance provider is offering to pay me only $500 for the damages. Is this all I can get?
Gary
Livonia, MI
The same thing happened to me a few years ago. We had to go into a settlement negotiation. Here is what you need to remember:
1) Negotiate. Do not take their initial offer to pay for the damages. In my my case, they end up paying for doctor, and all medical bills.
2) Do not take the $500 amount that is being offered to you yet. Insurance providers will try to settle immediately, by offering a lump sum and having you shoulder any future damages.
3) It may be a rear end collision that would seem to have not much damages but it is possible that the injuries or damages will take about a week or two to become evident. In my case it took about a week before I felt back pain that lingered for two months, missed days of work and had to go through therapies. You must wait until you have a good idea of how much damage becomes evident like I said.
4) Make sure you document everything including all the medical expenses specific details of your pain you are experiencing. This would help you strengthen your position when you file for car insurance claim..
5) You probably should consider seeking legal help and ask an attorney before you negotiate a settlement, if this develops into a significant amount of money. Get advise from a lawyer on how to approach the negotiation.
6) Lastly speak to your own car insurance carrier in Livonia, Michigan, who may act on your behalf during negotiations.
I Got In an Accident and Now Have To File an Auto Insurance Claim?
Reader’s Question:
I got involved in an accident , I got rear ended and I just felt the pain in my neck and back a week later. Can I still make a car insurance claim for this in Pontiac, Michigan?
Al
Pontiac, MI
Generally, if there are injuries associated with car accident was just discovered days or weeks after the incident you can still make a car insurance claim for them. Typically you will have to get proof that the back or neck pain was caused by the car accident in that you got involved in. Usually this is done with a medical diagnosis from a doctor.
With the no fault laws in Pontiac, Michigan these injuries typically would be reported and claimed through your own car insurance company, even though it was not your fault in this accident since you were rear-ended. In Michigan normally your insurance provider will pay for all necessary medical bills and the insurance claim must be made within a year from the date of the accident.
You may contact your insurance provider or the other driver’s insurance company if you are feeling back and neck pain so they may be aware of your injuries and also get medical attention.
Auto Insurance in Michigan For SR22
Reader question:
I am supposed to get SR22 auto insurance. I’m not used to having insurance…which is kind of what got me into this mess in the first place, getting caught driving uninsured and stuff. So I guess I need to know more like…what insurance do I ask for?
Dillan
Detroit Michigan
Thanks for asking, Dillan.
SR22 auto insurance is no fault insurance, which makes it a little more complicated than the rest, but still not too difficult for a (belated) newcomer to understand. There are four types of no fault insurance: property damage liability, bodily injury liability, personal injury protection, and property protection. The first two cover any injuries or physical damages to the person in the other car or their property, while the second two are all about you. All are mandatory.
Personal injury protection is excellent in that, not only does it cover your medical bills, but it also pays you for any wages you lose while you are injured. As for property protection, its coverage limit is extremely high–one million dollars. Problem is that it only works in Michigan, so if you’re going to take your SR22 coverage out of state, you might need a plan B.
Cheers,
Fashun Guadarrama.
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