Hit by a Car While Walking or Riding a Bicycle? Here's How Michigan Law Works

If you're a pedestrian or bicyclist hit by a motor vehicle in Michigan, you may have important rights under the state's No-Fault insurance law—even if you don't own a car.

Your medical bills are often paid through Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits. Michigan's No-Fault law sets priority rules to determine which insurance company pays, not which person pays. Depending on your situation, PIP benefits may come from your own auto insurer, a spouse or resident relative's insurer, or the insurance company for the vehicle involved in the crash. If no applicable coverage exists, benefits may be available through the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan. (See MCL 500.3114 and MCL 500.3115.)

PIP benefits can help pay for accident-related medical expenses, wage loss, and other covered benefits, regardless of who caused the crash.

If the driver's negligence caused your injuries, you may also have a separate claim for pain and suffering and other non-economic damages. Unlike PIP benefits, these damages are generally paid through the at-fault driver's liability insurance, not out of the driver's personal pocket, provided your injuries meet Michigan's legal threshold under MCL 500.3135.

Understanding which insurance company is responsible can be complicated. An experienced Michigan personal injury attorney can help identify the correct insurer, protect your rights, and pursue the full compensation available under Michigan law. Call us at 231-486-6556 today.

Michigan Dog Bite Injuries Remain a Serious Concern: What Victims Need to Know

Dog bite injuries continue to affect hundreds of Michigan residents each year, and recent data underscores the importance of responsible pet ownership. During its 2026 Dog Bite Awareness Campaign, the U.S. Postal Service reported 174 dog attacks on Michigan mail carriers in 2025, placing Michigan among the top 10 states for these incidents. While these figures involve postal workers, they reflect the ongoing risk of preventable dog attacks in communities across the state.

Under Michigan law, dog owners are generally strictly liable when their dog bites someone who is lawfully on public or private property and did not provoke the animal. Victims may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, permanent scarring, and future treatment.

If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite, acting quickly is essential. Prompt medical care, documentation of the injury, and experienced legal guidance can help preserve your rights and strengthen your claim against a negligent dog owner.

An attorney experienced in Michigan dog bite cases can investigate the attack, work with insurers, and pursue the full compensation the law allows. If you've been injured by a dog, don't wait to learn your legal options at 231-486-6556.

What to do when an insurance company stops returning your calls

Unfortunately, delayed communication is a common frustration. While you're focused on healing, unpaid medical bills can begin to pile up. Healthcare providers may continue sending invoices, and unpaid balances may even be sent to collections if the claim isn't resolved.

Many accident victims assume they just need to "wait it out." The problem is that waiting can increase financial stress and put important legal deadlines at risk.

An experienced Michigan personal injury attorney can communicate directly with the insurance company, gather medical records, challenge improper denials, and help resolve disputes over unpaid medical bills.

Research suggests legal representation can make a meaningful difference in many injury claims. According to a Martindale-Nolo survey, over 90% of injured people represented by an attorney recovered compensation, compared with about 51% of those who handled claims themselves. The survey also found that represented claimants received an average recovery of $77,600, compared with $17,600 for those without a lawyer. Even after paying a contingency fee, represented claimants reported taking home nearly three times more, on average.

The Insurance Research Council (IRC) has also reported that people often hire attorneys to maximize their recovery and to help navigate the insurance claims process, particularly when claims become more complex.

Every case is different, and no attorney can guarantee a particular result. But if your insurance adjuster has stopped responding, understanding your rights early may help protect both your recovery and your financial future.

Do You Need a Dog Bite Lawyer in Michigan? Here's What Most People Don't Know

With summer in full swing, a dog bite can leave you with more than just a painful injury. Medical bills, missed work, permanent scarring, and emotional trauma can quickly become overwhelming. One of the first questions many people ask is, "Do I need a dog bite lawyer?"

In Michigan, the answer is often yes—especially if your injuries required medical treatment. Michigan's dog bite law generally holds dog owners responsible when their dog bites someone who was lawfully on public or private property. That means you may not have to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous.

Many dog bite claims are covered by the owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance. Compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, scarring, and future medical treatment. Unfortunately, insurance companies may try to minimize injuries or offer settlements before you know the full extent of your recovery.

If you've been bitten by a dog in Northern Michigan, don't wait to learn your rights. Preserving medical records, photographs, and witness information can strengthen your claim.

Whether you're searching for a dog bite lawyer near me, a Michigan dog bite attorney, or wondering how much your dog bite case is worth, speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your options and protect your recovery at 231-486-6556.

Can PIP Insurance Deny a Medical Bill—Even Without "Pre-Approving" Treatment

One of the most frustrating surprises after a Michigan car accident is receiving a medical bill you thought your No-Fault (PIP) insurance would pay. Many people assume treatment must be "pre-approved" by the insurance company. In reality, that's not how the system works.

You have the right to seek reasonable and necessary medical care after an accident. However, your PIP insurer can later review the treatment and decide it was not medically necessary, not related to the crash, or not reasonable in cost. If that happens, the insurer may deny payment—even after you've already received the care.

An entire industry of insurance company doctors are paid just to deny your claim, knowing that you may not fight it.

Unfortunately, a denied claim doesn't always make the bill disappear. Healthcare providers may bill you directly or send the balance to collections if the dispute isn't resolved. This can create unexpected financial stress while you're still recovering from your injuries.

If your PIP benefits have been denied, don't assume the insurance company made the final decision. Denials can often be challenged with additional medical documentation or legal action when appropriate.

If you've received a notice that your PIP insurance won't pay for treatment, speak with an experienced Michigan personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Understanding your rights early may help protect you from unpaid medical bills and preserve your ability to recover the benefits you're entitled to under Michigan law. Call us at 231-486-6556 for a free consultation.

The Biggest Myth About Michigan No-Fault Insurance

One of the biggest misconceptions after a car or motorcycle accident is, "My No-Fault insurance will cover everything." Unfortunately, that's not always true.

Michigan's No-Fault system provides Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits that may cover medical expenses, a portion of lost wages, and certain recovery costs—depending on the coverage you selected. But it does not guarantee every medical bill will be paid or that your insurance company will approve every treatment.

Insurance companies may question whether care is necessary, delay payments, or deny portions of your claim. Many accident victims don't realize there's a problem until medical bills arrive or benefits are reduced!

Another common misunderstanding is that No-Fault insurance pays for pain and suffering. It doesn't. If another driver's negligence caused your injuries, you may have a separate claim for pain and suffering under Michigan law, provided your injuries meet the legal threshold.

Motorcycle accidents can be even more complicated because determining which insurance policy pays benefits often depends on the circumstances of the crash.

If you've been injured in Northern Michigan, don't assume your insurance company will automatically protect your interests. Before accepting a settlement or giving a recorded statement, learn your rights. An experienced Michigan injury attorney can help resolve insurance disputes, recover compensation for medical bills and lost wages, and determine whether you have an additional claim against the at-fault driver. Call us at 231-486-6556.

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.