Michigan No-Fault Insurance Does Not Eliminate Pain and Suffering Claims

Many people in Michigan mistakenly believe that Michigan's no-fault insurance system prevents them from suing an at-fault driver after a crash. In reality, no-fault benefits and pain and suffering claims are two separate rights. As summer traffic becomes busier in places like Elmwood township and Garfield township, it is important to understand your rights after an accident.

No-fault benefits, also known as Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits, are paid by your own insurance company regardless of who caused the accident. These benefits can help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and certain other economic losses.

Pain and suffering damages are different. These damages are sought from the at-fault driver and compensate injured victims for physical pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and other non-economic harms. To recover pain and suffering damages, an injured person must show that another driver was at fault and that the injuries meet Michigan's legal threshold for a serious impairment of body function, permanent serious disfigurement, or death.

For example, if a driver in Elmwood Township is seriously injured by a distracted or negligent driver, they may receive no-fault benefits from their own insurer while also pursuing a pain and suffering claim against the driver who caused the crash.

The bottom line is simple: Michigan's no-fault system provides important insurance benefits, but it does not prevent injured victims from seeking compensation for pain and suffering when another driver's negligence causes a serious injury. Contact us at 231-486-6556 for more information.

Michigan Left-Turn Crashes: Who Is Responsible?

Collisions involving a vehicle turning left into a private driveway or business entrance are common on Michigan highways. Drivers leaving the travel lane to enter a driveway have a legal duty to ensure the turn can be made safely and provide adequate notice before changing direction.

Under Michigan Compiled Laws § 257.649a, a driver turning left at a location other than an intersection must yield the right-of-way to approaching traffic that constitutes an immediate hazard. Drivers must also signal before turning and ensure the maneuver can be made safely under MCL § 257.648.

A late turn signal does not relieve that responsibility. Even if you were lawfully passing in a marked passing zone and a car activated its signal only when you were already beside it, the car driver may be considered negligent for failing to check mirrors, blind spots, and surrounding traffic before turning.

Preserving evidence is essential. Document road markings, obtain the police report, save any dashcam footage, and collect witness information. Because Michigan uses comparative fault, insurers may attempt to assign partial blame, making detailed evidence especially important. Please contact us if you were injured in an accident for a free consultation at 231-486-6556.

Injured in a Crosswalk? Why New Crosswalks Can Still Create Serious Safety Risks

Many communities are investing in new pedestrian crossings and bicycle infrastructure to improve safety. While these improvements are often well-intentioned, new crosswalks can sometimes create unexpected dangers for pedestrians and cyclists when roadway design, traffic patterns, and driver behavior are not fully considered.

Common causes of bicycle and pedestrian accidents include distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield, poor visibility, and confusing roadway layouts. Even when a pedestrian is using a marked crosswalk or a cyclist is following traffic laws, serious injuries can occur when drivers fail to recognize or react to their presence, or is unfamiliar with the new crosswalk.

One local example is the new signalized crosswalk being installed at Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park as part of a major renovation project. The crossing will replace the existing pedestrian bridge over U.S. 31, connecting the campground and beach areas at street level. While transportation officials have stated that the project is designed to improve accessibility and safety, some residents have raised concerns about requiring pedestrians to cross a busy highway corridor rather than using a grade-separated bridge.

The discussion highlights an important reality: a newly constructed crosswalk does not automatically eliminate risk. Drivers may be distracted, unfamiliar with new traffic patterns, or traveling too fast to stop safely. Crosswalk placement, visibility, lighting, and traffic control measures all play critical roles in protecting pedestrians and cyclists.

When a bicycle or pedestrian accident occurs, investigators may look beyond driver negligence and examine whether roadway design, traffic controls, or municipal planning contributed to the crash. In some cases, liability may extend to government entities, contractors, or other responsible parties.

Injuries from bicycle and crosswalk accidents can be severe, including traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, spinal injuries, and long-term disabilities. Anyone injured while biking or crossing the street should seek medical attention, document the scene, gather witness information, and consult an experienced personal injury attorney to understand their rights.

As Traverse City and other communities continue investing in pedestrian infrastructure, safety must remain the top priority. New crosswalks can improve access and mobility, but they must also be designed and implemented with real-world traffic conditions in mind to effectively protect the people who use them. If you have been injured as a pedestrian or cyclist, contact us for a free consultation to learn your rights at (231) 486-6556.

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What should you do after an uber rideshare accident?

Three tips if you're injured in an Uber or other rideshare:

1. Get medical care immediately. Even if you feel okay, some injuries (such as concussions or soft-tissue injuries) may not be obvious right away. Often it takes weeks to get proper treatment and diagnosis of injuries. Prompt treatment also creates important documentation that you can use in the future to help pay for medical care.

2. Preserve evidence. Save screenshots of your Uber trip, take photos of injuries and vehicle damage, obtain witness information, and request a copy of the police report.

3. Report the crash and understand insurance coverage. Notify Uber through the app and be aware that multiple insurance policies may apply, including Michigan No-Fault benefits and Uber's commercial liability coverage, depending on the circumstances of the crash.

Michigan's No-Fault system can provide medical and wage-loss benefits, while more serious injuries may support an additional claim for pain and suffering against the at-fault party.

What should you do after a boating accident?

What should I do after a boating accident in Northern Michigan?
Seek medical attention immediately and document the scene if possible. Boating accidents often happen quickly, especially during busy summer months or while using boat rentals.

Who is responsible for a boating injury?
Liability can fall on a boat owner, operator, rental company, or even a commercial provider, depending on the circumstances.

What insurance covers boating accidents?
Coverage may come from boat insurance, homeowners insurance policies, umbrella policies, or commercial insurance if the accident involved a rental or business-operated vessel.

Can I recover compensation after a boating accident?
Yes. Injured victims may pursue significant monetary recovery for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Why is it important to review all insurance policies?
Boating claims often involve multiple layers of coverage. Identifying every available policy—including homeowners and commercial insurance—can make a major difference in the outcome of your claim.

Contact the lawyers at Hanley & Hodek, PLC for a free consultation at 231-486-6556.

Injured by an ATV, four-wheeler, or golf cart?

After an ATV, 4-wheeler, or golf cart accident, many people immediately wonder who is responsible and whether insurance will cover their injuries. These accidents often happen on private property, trails, campgrounds, or neighborhoods where standard auto insurance may not apply. What many victims don’t realize is that homeowners insurance policies frequently provide liability coverage when an off-road vehicle causes an injury.

If you or a loved one were hurt in an ATV, 4-wheeler, or golf cart crash by someone’s negligence, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. Homeowners policies can sometimes cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages when the driver or property owner is negligent.

Because these claims involve unique insurance issues, it’s important to investigate all available coverage sources. A careful review of homeowners insurance policies, umbrella policies, and other liability coverage can make a major difference in the outcome of a claim.

Victims of ATV and golf cart accidents often face serious injuries, mounting medical costs, and time away from work. Understanding your legal options and identifying available insurance coverage can help you pursue the maximum monetary recovery available under the law.

If you’ve been injured in an ATV, 4-wheeler, or golf cart accident, exploring your legal rights and potential insurance coverage may be the first step toward recovering the compensation you deserve. Call us at 231-486-6556 for a free consultation.

Mesothelioma - Where Did I Get It?

Mesothelioma isn’t just “bad luck.” It’s strongly tied to asbestos, and pinning down the exposure source often determines whether a family has financial options.

The tricky part: exposure can come from specific jobsites and tasks (shipyard repair, power-generation maintenance, industrial plants) that happened decades ago—yet studies show those workplaces carry measurable excess risk (Sandén 1992; Otte 2024).

In Michigan, exposure can also occur due to demolition of plants with asbestos or that made brake pads or fire brick. Even if the employee didn’t work with asbestos, research still supports serious risk from take-home exposure among family members (Ferrante 2007; Goswami 2013).

That’s the problem: evidence gets lost over time (records disappear, coworkers move, memories fade). Calling a mesothelioma lawyer early is often about locking down the work/exposure timeline before deadlines and missing documents close the door: 231-486-6556.

Will Insurance Take Care of Everything After a Car Accident?

You bought insurance, now use it.

After a car accident, many people assume insurance will “take care of everything.” Unfortunately, that’s rarely true.

Michigan’s no-fault law covers certain expenses, but serious injury victims may still qualify for additional compensation. But this doesn’t mean an insurance company will voluntarily pay you every benefit you deserve or even give you a call back.

We often see drivers dealing with:

• delayed symptoms

• denied insurance claims or reduced payments for wage loss and attendant care.

• confusion about medical benefits

If you’re unsure what your insurance covers after a crash, getting legal guidance early can make a major difference. Please call at 231-486-6556 for a free consultation regarding your benefits and rights after a car accident.

Prepare for February Driving

February in Michigan creates some of the most dangerous driving conditions of the year. Snow, freezing rain, and hidden black ice lead to a sharp increase in winter car accidents, leaving many drivers with serious injuries, costly medical bills, and missed time from work.

If you are injured in a Michigan winter crash, understanding your rights is essential. Michigan’s no-fault insurance law is designed to help accident victims recover money quickly without waiting to prove who caused the collision. Through Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits, your own auto insurance may cover medical treatment, rehabilitation, lost wages, prescriptions, and household replacement services while you recover.

Winter accidents are often severe, involving multi-car pileups, high-impact collisions, or vehicles sliding into trees and guardrails. These crashes can result in back and neck injuries, brain injuries, broken bones, and long-term pain. When injuries are serious or permanent, victims may also pursue additional compensation from the at-fault driver for pain and suffering and other long-term damages.

Insurance companies may try to delay or reduce valid claims, which is why taking immediate action matters. Seeking prompt medical care, documenting the accident, and speaking with an experienced Michigan car accident professional can protect your right to full compensation.

If you or a loved one was hurt in a Michigan car accident this February, you do not have to handle the financial stress alone. Michigan’s no-fault system exists to provide fast access to medical and wage loss benefits so you can focus on healing. Contact a trusted Michigan car accident attorney for a free consultation today at 231-486-6556.

Do I Need A Northern Michigan Car Accident Lawyer?

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Northern Michigan, you may have legal options you haven’t considered yet. From icy winter crashes in Traverse City to high-speed collisions near Gaylord, Petoskey, Alpena, and Cadillac, auto accidents across Northern Michigan present unique risks and legal challenges.

A knowledgeable Northern Michigan car accident lawyer can help protect your rights and pursue compensation while you focus on recovery.

Why Car Accidents Are Different in Northern Michigan

Car accidents in Northern Michigan often involve factors not seen in urban areas, including:

• Snow, ice, and whiteout conditions

• Rural highways with limited lighting

• Tourist traffic unfamiliar with local roads

• Delayed emergency response times

• Inability to get timely medical care

Insurance companies often use these conditions to dispute fault or downplay injuries. Having a local Michigan car accident attorney who understands these realities can make a major difference in the outcome of your case.

Local Experience Matters After a Crash

A lawyer familiar with Northern Michigan courts, insurers, and medical providers knows how to:

• Handle insurance adjusters pushing quick settlements

• Document injuries from rural or delayed treatment

• Work with local doctors and accident experts

• Build strong cases for serious injury claims

This local insight is especially important in smaller communities like Charlevoix, Kalkaska, and Emmet County, where insurers take a different approach than in large metro areas.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident?

If you were hurt in a Northern Michigan car crash:

1. Get medical care immediately

2. Report the accident and document the scene

3. Avoid recorded statements with insurance companies

4. Speak with a Northern Michigan car accident lawyer

Free Consultation With a Northern Michigan Car Accident Attorney

If a car accident has disrupted your life, legal guidance can help you move forward with confidence. A trusted Northern Michigan car accident lawyer can explain your options, handle insurance negotiations, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today! 231-486-6556