In Michigan, people who are injured in a car crash are eligible to receive no-fault benefits through their auto insurance policy. This coverage provides compensation for medical costs, lost wages and other needs. However, in instances where that coverage is not available, the Michigan Automobile Insurance Placement Facility (MAIPF) administers coverage under a state-administered plan.
The attorneys at Jay Trucks and Associates discuss some basic information you should know about Michigan’s Assigned Claim Plan benefits, including changes under the new auto insurance reform that impact when and how benefits are available and who may be eligible to receive them.
What is the MACP?
Essentially, the Michigan Assigned Claim Plan (MACP) provides no-fault benefits to injured victims who are uninsured, or where there is no available insurer in a car crash to provide those benefits. This coverage is managed and assigned through the Michigan Automobile Insurance Placement Facility (MAIPF).
No-fault benefits provided by the MACP include:
- Medical costs related to the accident
- Mileage to travel to and from doctor or hospital appointments
- Lost wages
- Attendant care, which could include help with bathing, grooming and other personal assistance
- Replacement services, such as car maintenance, lawn care, housekeeping services and more
Who May Pursue Benefits Under the MACP?
People who need no-fault benefits but who do not have their own car insurance or access through another’s policy may be eligible to file for no-fault benefits through the state’s assigned care plan.
Examples of those who may be eligible to pursue MACP benefits include:
- Injured passengers who do not have their own auto insurance
- Injured passengers who do not live with an insured driver
- Motorcycle riders or passengers (if not in an accident with another motorcycle)
If you are unsure whether you may be able to recover compensation after a motor vehicle accident, we encourage you to speak with one of our Flint car accident attorneys. It is a great opportunity to learn about your legal options and get answers to your questions about the MACP filing process or any other questions related to recovering compensation after a car crash. This consultation is completely free, confidential, and there is no obligation to move forward with a claim.
MACP Changes Under the New Auto Insurance Reform
Michigan’s new auto insurance reform has implemented many changes to auto insurance coverage for the state’s drivers. These changes impact many factors, including Personal Injury Protection (PIP) through your no-fault benefits, liability limits, and how the assigned claims plan is used. Now that the new auto reform is in effect, there will be more cases where residents will be forced to access no-fault benefits under the MACP.
For example, under the old law, an uninsured passenger who was injured while riding in your car could previously get no-fault benefits through your policy if they had no insurance of their own. However, today, under Michigan’s new auto reform, a person in this situation will have to pursue a claim for no-fault benefits under the MACP.
Another big change the injured will have to deal with under a claim through the MACP is the capped limits. Previously, benefits were unlimited for eligible claimants. Under the new auto insurance reform, limits are capped at just $250,000.
So, how will injured victims who rely on the MACP for no-fault benefits cover the costs of their medical care after a car crash? Unfortunately, the only other option for these injured victims may be to pursue an auto negligence claim against the at-fault driver for excess economic damages.
Contact Our Firm for Help With Your Auto Negligence Claim
Our experienced attorneys at Jay Trucks & Associates are very familiar with the new auto reform insurance changes. We are prepared to help you pursue compensation for the harm and other losses you suffered through all available means.
After a car crash, we encourage you to you seek legal help to protect your interests and to ensure you do not miss any important deadlines.
Our knowledgeable attorneys have been helping victims of motor vehicle collisions for over 30 years. During that time, we have recovered millions in compensation for our clients. We have the resources and staff to fully investigate the cause of your accident and gather evidence to support your claim. If you have a valid case, we are prepared to fight for maximum recovery on your behalf.
Our representatives can take your call and schedule your free consultation anytime, day or night. If we represent you, there are no upfront costs or attorney fees to pay unless we first recover compensation for you.
