This calculator estimates what a car accident injury claim could be worth under Michigan law. It applies Michigan’s 51% bar rule, the three-year deadline to file suit and the insurance that usually pays, then shows the math line by line, including what you might take home after a lawyer’s fee.
Because Michigan is a no-fault state, the calculator first subtracts what your own PIP coverage pays, then asks whether your injury meets the threshold to claim pain and suffering from the at-fault driver.
Michigan rules behind this estimate
Fault. Michigan uses modified comparative fault with a 51% bar. If you are found 20% at fault, your award drops by 20%. At 51% or more, you recover nothing. Insurers know this, so expect them to argue your share up. Above 50% fault you lose pain and suffering damages, but can still recover economic damages reduced by your share.
Deadline. You have three years from the crash to file a lawsuit in Michigan. A claim against a city, county or state agency usually needs written notice much sooner, sometimes within months. Missing the deadline almost always ends the claim, and with it your leverage to settle.
Insurance. Michigan is a no-fault state. Your own personal injury protection (PIP) pays your medical bills and part of your lost income first, up to a PIP medical level you choose: unlimited, $500,000, $250,000, or $50,000 for Medicaid enrollees, whoever caused the crash. To claim pain and suffering from the at-fault driver, you need death, serious impairment of a body function or permanent serious disfigurement. Liability minimums are 50/100/10.
Damage caps. No cap on injury damages. Medical malpractice and punitive damages can have separate limits.
Michigan car accident questions
What if the other driver only has the Michigan minimum?
Their insurer will usually pay no more than $50,000 for your injuries. Your own underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage can pay the difference up to your limit. Enter both above to see the ceiling.
Can I still claim if I was partly at fault in Michigan?
Yes. Your award is reduced by your percentage of fault. Above 50% you lose pain and suffering damages but can still recover reduced economic damages.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Michigan?
three years from the crash to file a lawsuit. Report the claim to the insurers within days.
Do I need to meet a threshold to sue in Michigan?
Yes. Michigan is a no-fault state, so your PIP pays first. To claim pain and suffering from the at-fault driver you need death, serious impairment of a body function or permanent serious disfigurement.
Does Michigan cap pain and suffering damages?
Not in most injury cases. No cap on injury damages. Medical malpractice and punitive damages can have separate limits.