Michigan SB 248 will “reform” the No-Fault Law
Michigan Senate Bill 248 (SB 248) was introduced in 2015 as an attempt to overhaul and undermine our current no-fault system, under the guise of cutting costs to consumers. Proponents of this bill did not realize how devastating those changes would be to those who relied upon its benefits the most, and when told about the damage those changes would cause, did nothing to address those valid concerns.
Fortunately, SB 248 did not receive enough votes or support to become law in 2015, but that does not mean that the same ideas housed in the bill will not be introduced again this year. In fact, it is highly anticipated that no-fault reform will be on the legislative agenda in the early part of 2016.
Make sure you understand how SB 248 will jeopardize your rights.
As Michigan auto accident attorneys who have championed the benefits provided under our no-fault system, and who have made it our mission to inform the general public about how it truly functions, we take the time to review any and all legislative proposals that relate to changes in the no-fault system. As part of that endeavor, we have written a series of blogs related to Michigan Senate Bill 248. They break down the bill, provide insight into the major issues that would arise should the bill become law, and explain how you can get involved in the process by letting your Representative know your thoughts on the matter. All in all, they should help further your understanding about the key issues at play regarding this aspect of the no-fault reform debate.
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Senate Bill 248: The Latest, Dangerous Attempt to “Reform” Michigan Auto No-Fault Law
Michigan SB 248 was voted out of the Senate Insurance Committee and passed by the Senate along party lines and in under 72 hours. The Senate Bill proposed to drastically alter the no-fault system as it currently exists. The current resources available to auto accident survivors recovering from severe, catastrophic injury would be limited, while insurance companies benefit from alleged “cost-saving” measures that would, according to the insurance industry, mean lowered insurance premiums. We analyzed SB 248, and found a number of problematic issues. Read the summary.
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An Update on Michigan SB 248: Will the House Pass this No-Fault Reform Bill?
After SB 248 was passed by the Senate, it was sent to the House where it was introduced, sent to the House Insurance Committee. The House committee produced its own substitute version of SB 248, which addressed very few of the many concerns brought before it during days of testimony. This is the bill that is currently at issue, as the full House has not considered it. We have provided an update on where things now stand with this bill, including a description of its new provisions and it has failed to address.
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Lansing auto attorney briefs media on Michigan SB 248
Soon after the Senate took action on SB 248, our attorneys jumped into action. Lansing car accident attorney Steve Sinas, who also serves as CPAN General Counsel, briefed the media in a press conference not too long after the bill was voted out of committee. Learn more about Steve’s thoughts on the number of issues existing within the bill.
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Grand Rapids Auto Attorney Breaks Down SB 248
Tom Sinas, who practices out of Grand Rapids office, was also doing his part to educate the general public about the consequences of SB 248. He appeared on Fox 17 and participated in a discussion with the executive director of the Insurance Institute of Michigan, Peter Kuhnmuench, wherein he broke down a number of problematic issues with the bill, and why Michigan consumers should be wary of claims that it will bring much-needed reform to Michigan no-fault law. Learn more.
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Sinas Dramis Attorneys Provide Testimony on SB 248
As the House Insurance Committee contemplated reforming Michigan no-fault law with SB 248, they heard nine hours of testimony from auto accident survivors, their families, their medical providers, and advocates, as well as testimony from representatives from the insurance industry. Both Steve Sinas and Tom Sinas testified before the committee, discussing a number of issues with the bill, including the creation of “fraud authority” and the problems surrounding the changes to the rate at which medical services may be billed under the SB 248. Learn about the specifics of their testimony.
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SB 248 and No-Fault Reform? Contact your representatives and tell them how you feel.
Discussions regarding the proposed no-fault reform contained with SB 248 are at a critical point. Many individuals across Michigan have contacted their legislators to share their stories. If you want to join their ranks but aren’t sure how, read this blog post for ideas.
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