Detroit Car Accident Claim Delayed? When to Hire a Lawyer
After a car accident in Detroit, filing a claim with the insurance company is supposed to bring some relief. But what happens when days turn into weeks, and the insurance company still hasn’t responded or keeps pushing off your settlement? If you’re dealing with unexplained delays, missed calls, or repeated requests for the same documents, it’s not just frustrating, it could be costing you time, money, and peace of mind. In Michigan, these delay tactics are more than inconvenient, they could violate your rights under the law.
As attorneys who represent car accident victims across Michigan, we see it all the time. Insurance companies stall, hoping injured people will give up or accept a lower settlement. But you don’t have to tolerate these tactics. Michigan law gives you the right to hold insurers accountable. Here’s how we approach these cases and what you should know if your claim is stuck in limbo.
Why Insurance Companies Delay Car Accident Claims In Michigan
There are several common reasons insurers delay valid injury claims:
- They suspect fraud or are investigating liability. They’re waiting on medical documentation or wage verification.
- They hope you’ll accept less than what your case is worth.
- They are overwhelmed with claims and fail to prioritize yours.
Unfortunately, some insurers use delay tactics intentionally. Michigan law requires insurers to act “promptly” and in “good faith.” If they fail to do so, legal action may be appropriate.
What Michigan Law Says About Delayed Claims
Under MCL 500.3142, auto insurance companies are required to pay personal injury protection (PIP) benefits within 30 days of receiving “reasonable proof of the fact and of the amount of loss sustained.” If they don’t, penalty interest of 12% per year may apply to overdue payments.
For example, if you submit your hospital bill and proof of lost wages, and the insurer sits on it for more than 30 days, they could be in violation of the law. Delaying without a valid reason opens the door for legal action under Michigan’s No-Fault Insurance Act.
When To Contact A Lawyer About Insurance Delays
We tell injured clients this: The minute the insurance company delays your claim without explanation, it’s time to get legal help. Here are a few red flags:
- You submitted everything they asked for, but still haven’t received a check.
- They keep requesting the same documents over and over.
- The adjuster stops returning calls or keeps rescheduling.
- They offer you a lowball settlement and pressure you to sign.
- They claim they’re still “reviewing the file” months later.
An experienced attorney can cut through the stall tactics, demand answers, and file suit if necessary.
What We Do To Force Insurance Companies To Pay
We handle all communication with the insurer from the moment you bring us in. That includes:
- Sending formal demand letters.
- Gathering documentation they claim to be missing.
- Filing a lawsuit under MCL 500.3142 for unpaid PIP benefits.
- Pursuing third-party claims for pain and suffering damages if the at-fault driver caused your injuries.
If we file suit and the court finds the insurer’s delay was unreasonable, we may also be able to recover attorney fees and interest in addition to your unpaid benefits.
Delays Can Harm Your Case If You Wait Too Long
Time is critical. Insurance companies know that most injury claims are subject to Michigan’s three-year statute of limitations under MCL 600.5805. If you wait too long to act, your claim can be barred forever. Additionally, critical evidence, like surveillance video or eyewitness contact information, can be lost while you’re waiting for the insurer to “get back to you.”
By getting legal help early, you protect your claim and put pressure on the insurer to comply with the law.
Don’t Accept Delay Tactics As Normal
Insurance companies are businesses. Their goal is to reduce payouts, not to look out for your best interests. If you’ve been injured in a Detroit car accident and your claim is being delayed, you don’t have to go through this process alone. We hold insurers accountable every day—and we’re ready to help you, too.
Frequently Asked Questions About Delayed Detroit Car Accident Claims
What Should I Do If The Insurance Company Isn’t Paying My Medical Bills After 30 Days?
Michigan law requires PIP insurers to pay medical bills within 30 days of receiving reasonable proof of the expenses. If the insurer fails to do so, you may be entitled to 12% annual interest and potentially attorney fees. The sooner you involve a lawyer, the sooner we can put legal pressure on them to act.
Can The Insurance Company Delay My Claim Just Because They’re Still Investigating?
They can investigate, but not indefinitely. Delays must be based on a legitimate need for information—not used as an excuse to stall. If they’ve had your proof of injury and expenses for more than 30 days, they are required by law to either pay or clearly explain what’s missing. If they don’t, legal action may be warranted.
Will Getting A Lawyer Speed Up My Claim?
Yes. When we get involved, insurers know they can no longer push you around. We hold them accountable under Michigan law, submit proper demand documentation, and, if necessary, file a lawsuit to force payment. Claims that dragged on for months often get resolved quickly once we take over.
Do I Have To Pay Out Of Pocket If The Insurance Company Is Delaying My Payout?
If you’re paying medical bills or missing wages while waiting on insurance payments, it’s a serious financial burden. You may be able to seek repayment of those costs, plus interest. We work with providers and lienholders to reduce what you owe and make sure you’re not stuck paying for someone else’s delay.
Can I Sue My Own Insurance Company For Delaying My Claim?
Yes. If your insurer fails to pay valid PIP benefits in a timely manner under Michigan’s No-Fault system, you have the right to sue for those benefits, interest, and potentially attorney fees. We handle these lawsuits on behalf of clients across Detroit and the state of Michigan.
How Long Do I Have To Act If My Claim Is Being Delayed?
Most PIP benefit lawsuits must be filed within one year of the date the expense was incurred. Third-party lawsuits involving serious injury must be filed within three years from the date of the accident. If you wait too long, you could lose your right to recover. Don’t give the insurance company a free pass—call us right away.
Talk To Ravid & Associates, P.C. If Your Claim Is Being Delayed
If the insurance company is dragging its feet after your Detroit car accident, we can step in and force them to act. We’ve helped thousands of Michigan clients recover what they’re owed—and we can do the same for you.
To speak with an attorney about your delayed Detroit car accident claim, contact our Detroit car accident attorneys at Ravid & Associates, P.C. today by calling (248) 948-9696 to receive your free consultation. We serve clients in Detroit, Southfield, and across the entire state of Michigan. There’s no fee unless we win compensation for you. Let us fight for the payout you deserve.
