Frequently Asked Questions

In 1973, the No-Fault Automobile Insurance Act, commonly referred to as the “Michigan Auto No-Fault Law”, “Michigan No-Fault Law”, or even more simply, “no-fault,” went into effect, changing the way motor vehicle accidents were handled throughout the state. The Michigan no-fault system provides that certain benefits will be paid to those injured in automobile accidents, regardless of who caused or was “at-fault” for the incident. In exchange for receiving those benefits, however, limitations are placed on the right of an accident victim to pursue liability claims against the negligent party. Learn more about the Michigan No-Fault system.

The Sinas Dramis auto no-fault team has provided representation to individuals injured in car accidents, semi-truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, and pedestrian accidents. We have also represented families of those who were unfortunately killed as a result of being involved in these types of accidents. We have worked with individuals throughout Michigan as they recovered from their injuries sustained from the accident, ensuring access to the medical and rehabilitative care to which they are entitled under the Michigan no-fault law.

Our law firm is located in Lansing, Grand Rapids, and Chicago. Our Lansing office is minutes away from major highways, making us easily accessible to those around the mid-Michigan area beyond. Our downtown Grand Rapids office allows us to be closer to our West Michigan clients. Finally, with two members of our team licensed in Illinois, and given that so many individuals travel between Michigan and Illinois, we are poised to help those who are involved in motor vehicle accidents in either state with our office in downtown Chicago.

You may contact our auto no-fault team by filing out our online contact form, or by calling our toll-free number, 866-758-0031.

If you’ve been involved in an accident, you there are a number of items to keep in mind. We have compiled a list of the top things to think about if you’ve been in a car accident, as well as a truck accident (although both sets of tips you should keep in mind in any car, semi-truck, motorcycle, bicycle, or pedestrian accident).

Involvement in an auto accident can, unfortunately, lead to injuries of various severity levels. Some of the injuries we have seen over the years include traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord injuries, burn injuries, and amputation injuries. Learn more about these types of injuries that may result from car accidents.

For additional information on these or other types of personal injury, visit those sections of our website on sinasdramis.com.

YES. Your Michigan car accident report is an important document and we strongly recommend that you order a copy of the accident report. When filing a claim with your insurance company, they will most likely request a copy of the traffic accident report. You will need to check the accuracy of the report, ensuring that law enforcement officials did not inadvertently leave out any important information regarding the crash. The other driver(s) involved will most certainly have a copy of the report so as to begin prepping for any possible defenses they might assert. If you seek to pursue a liability claim against the other driver, having a copy of the accident report to provide your lawyer will help expedite the process.

Established in 1951, our firm is committed to helping people know and understand the law and their legal rights and obligations. Our auto accident lawyers are at the forefront of the legal issues and case law related to Michigan no-fault law. We are recognized leaders in the legal community, respected by both the bench and bar. Our legal team has decades of collective experience working closely with clients to ensure they understand what is happening in their case, and fighting for their right to receive just compensation under the law. Indeed, George Sinas, senior partner and leader of our team of Michigan auto law attorneys, committed the very early years of his practice to reviewing and analyzing the No-Fault Insurance Act once it went into effect, as well as the early cases that involved the new insurance system.

Over the years, members of our auto law team have been invited to present at conferences and seminars on topics related to Michigan auto law. Attendees at these events have included other attorneys, medical providers, case managers, and others who help victims of auto accidents.

We have helped people across Michigan, and their families, as they progress on their road to recovery after being involved in motor vehicle, bicycle, or pedestrian accidents, including those in Lansing, East Lansing, Okemos, Charlotte, Jackson, St. Johns, Grand Rapids, Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, Flint, Saginaw, Bay City, Midland, Ann Arbor, Howell, Brighton, and Detroit, among many other Michigan cities and towns. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you with your legal claim.

When you retain the car accident lawyers at the Sinas Dramis Law Firm, you are not just working with one attorney – you’ll have the benefit of the expertise of our entire auto no-fault team, which consists of some of the most knowledgeable, well-respected members of the bar. With decades of collective experience handling car, semi-truck, motorcycle, bicycle, and pedestrian accidents for countless individuals in Michigan and Illinois, rest assured that you want us in your corner, fighting for your rights under law.  Learn more about the team that wrote the book on Michigan auto no-fault law. 

In terms of auto insurance, you may purchase a no-fault policy that is either coordinated or uncoordinated. The decision you make regarding which one you select will impact whether your auto insurance company or your health insurance company will cover some of your medical bills. In addition, you may also choose to purchase uninsured and/or underinsured motorist coverage to further protect yourself in case you are involved in a motor vehicle accident.

If you are a medical provider, the insurance system created by the Michigan no-fault law will apply when you provide treatment to victims of motor vehicle accidents if the treatment is for injuries sustained in the collision. In some cases, insurance companies may, for one reason or another, deny payment of no-fault PIP benefits to cover treatment or services rendered to victims of auto accidents. If this happens to you, know that you have the right to pursue payment by filing suit directly against the insurance company at issue.

Case managers have an ethical duty to advocate for and protect the rights of their patients. This means that if you, as a case manager, believe that your patient needs treatment that the insurance company is reluctant to or refuses to provide, you have an ethical duty to inform your patient about that possibility and recommend that they might need to take legal action to protect their rights under Michigan law.

We have dedicated an entire section of our website to the Michigan auto no-fault law. In addition, George T. Sinas, leader of our no-fault team, has authored and published a number of informative brochures about the law and its impact on your rights. Feel free to download any one of our brochures, or contact our law office to order hard copies free of charge.

As of March 21, 2017, ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft (also referred to as “transportation network companies”) are regulated statewide under Public Acts 345, 346, 347 and 348. The laws establish a framework under which ride-sharing companies must conduct business in Michigan. Among other things, the laws dictate the amount of liability insurance coverage that drivers must have, and clarify who is responsible for paying auto no-fault benefits in the event a passenger is injured in an accident. We’ve blogged on these issues in an effort to ensure the public knows and understands the risks that may be involved in using these ride-sharing services:

• Michigan Sets Insurance Requirements for Uber, Lyft Drivers
• Bills Regulating Ride Sharing in Michigan Don’t Do Enough (updated to reflect new laws effective 3/21/2017)
• Uber ‘Taxi’ Service Expands in Michigan
• Uber Comes to Lansing, But Be Careful
• Does Uber Promote Distracted Driving?
• Michigan HB 5951: Does it go far enough in regulating Uber?