What To Do If You Are Injured In A Detroit Car Accident As A Passenger
If you were injured as a passenger in a car accident in Detroit, you might be unsure of where to turn or who should be held responsible for your injuries. We understand how stressful this situation can be. Many passengers believe they have no rights or assume their only option is to deal with the insurance company quietly. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Michigan law provides strong protections for passengers, and you may be entitled to medical benefits, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering—even if you weren’t driving or even if multiple vehicles were involved.
As car accident attorneys representing injury victims across Michigan, we work every day with people who were passengers at the time of the crash. Whether the driver of your vehicle caused the crash or another vehicle was at fault, you still have legal rights. Our job is to help you understand those rights and recover the full compensation the law allows.
Michigan’s No-Fault Law And Passenger Injury Claims
Michigan operates under a no-fault insurance system. That means if you are injured in a car accident—regardless of who caused the crash—you are generally entitled to Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits through an auto insurance policy. Under MCL 500.3105 and MCL 500.3114, these benefits may come from:
- Your own auto insurance (if you have it)
- The policy of a relative in your household
- The insurance of the driver or owner of the vehicle you were riding in
- The Michigan Assigned Claims Plan (if no insurance is available)
These PIP benefits cover medical expenses, lost wages (typically up to 85% of income for up to three years), and replacement services such as household help. Even if no one is clearly at fault for the crash, you are still entitled to these benefits.
When You Can Sue For Pain And Suffering
While no-fault benefits cover economic losses, they do not include pain and suffering. However, under Michigan law, if your injuries meet a certain legal threshold—serious impairment of body function or permanent serious disfigurement—you may be able to file a third-party claim against the at-fault driver under MCL 500.3135. In this type of claim, you can recover damages for:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent limitations or disability
These cases are more complex and require medical evidence and legal analysis. We work with your doctors to document how your injuries meet Michigan’s threshold and fight to hold the at-fault driver accountable.
What Happens If Multiple Drivers Share Fault
In some Detroit car accidents, more than one driver may be responsible. As a passenger, you are generally considered an innocent third party. You may be able to file a claim against multiple insurance policies, depending on the facts. This includes claims against both the driver of your vehicle and the driver of the other vehicle if both contributed to the crash.
Michigan follows a modified comparative fault system under MCL 600.2959, which means the court may assign a percentage of fault to each driver involved. You may be eligible to recover compensation from all responsible parties, and our job is to make sure no one avoids accountability.
Steps To Take After The Accident
Here’s what we recommend if you are injured in a crash as a passenger:
- Get medical treatment immediately and follow up with your doctors
- Request a copy of the police report
- Keep all medical bills, receipts, and documentation
- Identify all drivers and insurance information
- Contact a qualified personal injury attorney as soon as possible
Acting quickly helps preserve evidence and ensures we can begin the process of filing your claim before deadlines apply.
Time Limits For Filing Claims In Michigan
Under Michigan law, you must file a no-fault PIP claim within one year of the date of the accident. For third-party claims seeking pain and suffering, the statute of limitations is generally three years from the date of the crash. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to compensation entirely. That’s why we recommend getting legal help early.
Accident Injury Claim Frequently Asked Questions
Who Pays For My Medical Bills If I’m A Passenger In A Car Crash?
Your medical bills are typically covered by Michigan no-fault insurance through Personal Injury Protection (PIP). This may be your own policy, a relative’s, or the driver’s insurance. If none is available, we can help you file a claim with the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan. PIP pays for your necessary medical care regardless of who caused the accident.
Can I Sue The Driver Of The Car I Was Riding In?
Yes, if the driver of the vehicle you were in caused the accident and your injuries meet Michigan’s threshold for serious impairment. You can file a third-party claim to seek damages for pain and suffering. These claims are separate from your no-fault benefits and require proof that your injuries are significant.
What If The At-Fault Driver Was Uninsured Or Underinsured?
If the at-fault driver does not have enough insurance, you may be able to file a claim under uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. We help you identify all available policies and explore every source of compensation. If no coverage exists, you may qualify for limited benefits through the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan.
Can I File A Claim If I Didn’t Own A Car Or Have Insurance?
Yes. Even if you don’t own a car or have insurance, you are still entitled to no-fault PIP benefits. We help determine whether coverage is available through someone else in your household, the vehicle’s insurer, or the Assigned Claims Plan. You do not lose your rights just because you were uninsured.
How Much Compensation Can I Receive As A Passenger?
Every case is different. You may be entitled to full coverage of your medical bills, up to 85% of your lost income, and other PIP benefits. If your injuries are severe, you can also recover for pain and suffering, mental distress, and long-term limitations. We work to ensure every dollar you’re owed is accounted for.
What If I’m Injured While Riding In An Uber Or Lyft?
Rideshare companies carry large insurance policies for passenger injuries. If you were hurt in a crash while using a rideshare service, we will determine whether Uber or Lyft’s policy applies and pursue a claim for your damages. This often involves multiple layers of insurance and strict deadlines, so legal representation is important.
Call A Detroit Passenger Injury Attorney You Can Trust
If you’ve been injured in a Detroit car accident while riding as a passenger, we’re here to help you secure the compensation you need. At Ravid & Associates, P.C., we understand Michigan’s complex no-fault laws and know how to fight for injured passengers in every type of crash.
If you or a love one was harmed in a car accident, call our Detroit auto accident lawyers at Ravid & Associates, P.C. by calling (248) 948-9696 to receive your free consultation. We represent clients from our office in Southfield, Michigan, serving Detroit and accident victims throughout the entire state of Michigan.
