How To Handle Insurance Companies After A Personal Injury In Detroit
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Detroit, dealing with the insurance company can quickly become one of the most frustrating parts of your recovery. We’ve helped hundreds of Michigan accident victims who were overwhelmed by calls, forms, and confusing legal terms—all while trying to heal from their injuries. The truth is, insurance companies are not on your side. Their goal is to protect their bottom line, not to ensure you receive full and fair compensation under Michigan law. That’s why how you interact with them matters from day one.
Michigan is a no-fault state, which means your own insurance company is typically responsible for paying your medical bills, lost wages, and other allowable expenses—regardless of who caused the accident. This is governed by the Michigan No-Fault Insurance Act (MCL 500.3101 et seq.). However, even though the system is designed to make recovery easier, insurers often deny or limit benefits, especially if paperwork is incomplete or you miss deadlines. That’s why having the right legal guidance can make a major difference in your outcome.
What To Do Immediately After An Accident
As soon as possible after a crash, report the accident to your insurance company. Be truthful, but stick to the basic facts. Avoid guessing about what caused the accident or discussing fault. Anything you say could be used later to limit your benefits.
If you’re injured, seek medical care immediately—even if your symptoms seem minor. Michigan’s no-fault system provides for medical benefits without requiring you to prove fault, but you must show the injuries are connected to the accident. Under MCL 500.3107, insurers are required to pay for “all reasonable charges” for necessary medical services, so documentation from your providers is critical.
Dealing With Your Own Insurance Company
You must file a claim with your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) carrier within one year of the accident under MCL 500.3145. If you wait too long, you could lose your right to benefits. PIP benefits can include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages (up to 85% for up to three years)
- Replacement services (household help)
- Attendant care if necessary
Keep records of every expense related to your injury and provide copies to your attorney. Do not assume your insurer will automatically approve everything you submit.
Watch What You Say To Adjusters
Adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. If they ask for a recorded statement, understand that you are not legally required to provide one without speaking to your attorney. We’ve seen too many cases where injured clients made innocent comments that were twisted or taken out of context. Always consult with us before giving detailed statements.
Handling Claims With The Other Driver’s Insurance
If your injuries are severe enough to meet Michigan’s threshold for filing a third-party claim, you may be entitled to additional compensation from the at-fault driver. Under MCL 500.3135, you can sue for pain and suffering, disfigurement, and permanent impairment if you meet one of the statutory thresholds. However, the insurance company for the at-fault driver will often push back aggressively.
This is where our legal team steps in. We handle communication with all parties and work to ensure the insurance company doesn’t undervalue or delay your claim. We gather medical records, expert testimony, and other evidence to prove the impact of your injuries and build a strong case for compensation.
Don’t Sign Anything Without Legal Review
It’s common for insurance companies to offer quick settlements that seem generous upfront but fail to cover long-term costs. Once you accept a settlement and sign a release, you give up your right to pursue further compensation—even if your condition worsens. Let us review any offers before you agree to anything.
Accident Claim Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Have To Talk To The Insurance Company After An Accident?
Yes, you need to report the accident to your own insurer, but you do not have to speak with the at-fault driver’s insurer without legal advice. Be cautious with what you say. Statements can be recorded and used to deny or reduce your benefits. We recommend speaking with an attorney first to protect your claim.
What Should I Say When The Insurance Adjuster Calls?
Only share basic facts: your name, date of the accident, and that you are receiving medical treatment. Avoid discussing fault, injuries, or how you’re feeling. Politely decline to give a recorded statement until you’ve consulted with a lawyer. The less you say, the better.
How Long Do I Have To File An Insurance Claim In Michigan?
You must file your PIP claim within one year of the accident under Michigan’s No-Fault law (MCL 500.3145). For third-party claims against another driver for pain and suffering, the statute of limitations is three years. However, it’s best to act quickly to preserve evidence and avoid delays in compensation.
What If My Insurance Company Denies My Medical Bills?
Your insurer may deny claims for a variety of reasons, including missed deadlines, lack of documentation, or disputes over whether treatment was necessary. If your bills are wrongfully denied, we can file a lawsuit to compel payment under Michigan’s no-fault statute and hold the insurer accountable.
Can I Still Sue If I Have No-Fault Insurance?
Yes. Michigan’s no-fault system covers basic expenses, but if your injuries meet the threshold defined in MCL 500.3135, you can file a separate lawsuit against the at-fault driver for non-economic damages, like pain and suffering. We help you determine whether your injuries qualify.
Should I Accept A Settlement Offer From The Insurance Company?
Not without having it reviewed. Insurance companies often make low settlement offers soon after the accident, before you know the full extent of your injuries. If you accept too early, you may not be able to recover future damages. We can evaluate the offer and negotiate for a fair outcome.
Can I Handle The Insurance Claim On My Own?
You can, but it’s risky. Insurance companies have teams of lawyers and adjusters working to limit your compensation. We level the playing field by fighting for your rights, reviewing all documents, handling communication, and building a strong case for full compensation under Michigan law.
Call A Detroit Car Accident Lawyer Who Can Help
If you’ve been injured and are dealing with the insurance company, don’t go through it alone. At Ravid & Associates, P.C., we protect injury victims across Detroit and throughout the entire state of Michigan. We fight to make sure you receive every dollar you deserve.
Contact our Detroit personal injury lawyer at Ravid & Associates, P.C. today by calling (248) 948-9696 to receive your free consultation. We are ready to help you from our office in Southfield, Michigan, and provide legal representation to clients across the state.
