An uninsured motorcyclist who was not wearing a helmet at the time of his fatal accident was not precluded from recovering no-fault insurance benefits, according to the Michigan Court of Appeals. In Estate of Swick v Farm Bureau Ins Co (unpublished opinion, 4/26/2016), Jack Swick was killed when the motorcycle
“Settlement Allocation” Helps Insurers Avoid Paying Medical Bills In Full
When medical providers treat persons injured in auto accidents, they often seek payment for their services from the appropriate no-fault insurer. But lately, some insurers have been trying to limit their payments to medical providers by using a “settlement allocation” strategy. This tactic comes into play when the insurer and
Would D-Insurance Solve Detroit’s Auto Insurance Crisis?
Michigan no-fault attorney Steve Sinas discussed consequences of D-Insurance plan on “Detroit Wants 2 Know.” Mayor Mike Duggan’s D-Insurance plan, an auto insurance system exclusively for Detroit residents, has yet to be approved by the Michigan Legislature (in the form of SB 288). While we have provided an overview of
Recent Case Underscores Importance of Language in Insurance Policies
Grimmett shows the importance of adhering to the provisions of your auto insurance policy – failure to do so can result in the denial of benefits. As lawyers at a firm that has represented thousands of Michiganders involved in auto accidents, we know and can appreciate the importance of the
First Responders & Michigan No-Fault Law
We’re all deeply moved when a first responder is injured or killed in the line of duty. When tragic events like this happen, we need to remember that first responders injured in auto accidents have the same rights as ordinary citizens. In other words, first responders are entitled to Michigan
Fraud and the No-Fault System – What about Insurance Companies?
Will no-fault reform efforts include insurance companies that fail to provide benefits for no legitimate reason? The legislative session is slated to begin in a matter of days and we’re expecting that the topic of Michigan no-fault reform is going to one of the topics that are front and center
No-Fault Update: Changes to Work Loss Benefits
The maximum monthly work loss benefit will increase as of October 2015. Update: the maximum monthly work loss benefit is now $5,718 (October 1, 2019 – September 30, 2020). The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services recently issued a bulletin updating the maximum work loss benefit payment available under
US Supreme Court’s Gay Marriage Decision Affects Michigan Auto Law
Today’s same-sex marriage decision extends a number of benefits to gay couples under Michigan no-fault law. As you have probably heard, the United States Supreme Court issued its landmark decision of Obergefell v Hodges this morning, holding that the U.S. Constitution guarantees same-sex couples the right to marry. Obviously, this
D-Insurance Update: A Closer Look at Michigan SB 288 (S-3)
Michigan SB 288 (S-3), in its current form, would provide second-class auto insurance to those who cannot otherwise afford traditional no-fault insurance policies. In an effort to address the problem of excessively high auto insurance rates in Detroit, SB 288 was recently introduced by Senator Virgil Smith. The Senate Insurance
Is D-Insurance One Step Closer to Becoming Reality?
The Detroit auto insurance plan, “D-Insurance,” was voted out of the Senate Insurance Committee earlier this week Mayor Duggan’s Detroit auto insurance plan, coined “D-Insurance,” may be a step closer to becoming an option for those in the city who face high auto insurance costs. Michigan Senate Bill 288, as passed