Michigan is one of the rare states that requires no-fault automotive insurance. When a vehicle collision happens, each person must file a claim with their automotive policy, no matter who was at fault. People can work out a settlement with another driver’s insurer. Nevertheless, an injury lawyer in Kent County may still be necessary in some cases.
Advantages
There are numerous advantages to this type of law for vehicle owners, drivers and passengers. The process of making a claim is more streamlined. There is no need to establish fault or liability. If someone lends their vehicle to a friend and that friend causes a collision, the vehicle owner’s policy should still pay the claim. If someone causes a collision and the other driver does not have automotive insurance, the at-fault driver is not responsible for paying for any property damage or injury to the other person.
Higher Premiums
Vehicle owners must deal with one significant downside to the no-fault insurance regulations, though. Their coverage tends to be much more expensive than in states without no-fault policies. And sometimes insurers are uncooperative when people file claims. Adjusters often find reasons to pay lower settlements than what the policyholders believe is reasonable. And that’s when the help of an injury lawyer in Kent County proves highly valuable.
Collision Coverage Considerations
A second concern is that a person who doesn’t carry collision coverage is not protected much if another driver causes property damage. Because of the no-fault laws, the other driver’s policy is only obligated to cover $1,000 worth of collision coverage in that situation, even if the vehicle is declared a total loss.
Complicated Policies
Another downside is that the policies tend to be much more complicated and difficult to understand than those in states without no-fault regulations. Insurance companies try to provide good service while protecting their interests. They must work within a business environment that forces them to pay large amounts of money when their policyholder was not responsible for an accident. That means organizations like Bleakley Law Offices, P.C. sometimes need to get involved.
