Accidents & Injuries in Michigan

Michigan Compiled Laws Section 600.5805 provides a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Note that Michigan no-fault PIP claims have a one-year lookback period for medical expenses under MCL 500.3145, meaning you must file for PIP benefits within one year of the expense. For suits against the at-fault driver, the three-year period generally applies from the date of accident.

Yes. Michigan has one of the most complex no-fault systems in the US. Michigan requires PIP coverage under MCL 500.3101, which was substantially reformed in 2019. Insureds may now choose different PIP medical benefit tiers (unlimited, $500K, $250K, $50K, or opt-out if covered by qualifying health insurance). PIP pays medical expenses and lost wages regardless of fault. To sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering, you must meet the "serious impairment of body function" threshold under MCL 500.3135.

Under MCL 500.3135, you may sue the at-fault driver for non-economic damages (pain and suffering) only if you suffered a "serious impairment of body function" — meaning an objectively manifested impairment of an important body function that affects your general ability to lead a normal life. Michigan courts have interpreted this threshold narrowly at times. Soft tissue injuries without documented functional limitations often do not meet the threshold.

Under MCL 600.2959, Michigan applies modified comparative fault with a 51% bar. If you are 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages reduced proportionally. If you are found 51% or more at fault, you are completely barred from recovering non-economic damages from the at-fault party.