In Indiana or Ohio, a crash victim usually starts by chasing the at-fault driver's insurer. In Michigan, your own no-fault PIP coverage can still pay several benefits even before fault is sorted out. Besides medical treatment, Michigan no-fault may pay mileage to medical appointments, attendant care, replacement services up to $20 a day for 3 years, and wage loss up to 85% of gross pay subject to the state monthly maximum. If a family member died, survivor's loss benefits may also apply. The catch is that benefits depend on the PIP level on the policy after the 2019 reform, and unpaid benefits are limited by Michigan's one-year-back rule.

That matters in Kalamazoo after a holiday weekend crash on I-94 or US-131, especially for older drivers living on Social Security and Medicare. Many people assume no-fault only covers hospital bills. It does more than that.

Replacement services means help with everyday tasks you can't do because of the injury, like cleaning, laundry, meals, or rides. It is capped at $20 per day and lasts up to 3 years from the crash date.

Attendant care is different. That is hands-on help with personal care or supervision because of the injury. Family-provided attendant care may be payable, but insurers often fight over hours, rates, and medical necessity.

Medical mileage is also payable. Keep a log with dates, providers, and round-trip miles.

You generally must apply for PIP benefits with the responsible insurer within 1 year of the crash. If bills or benefits go unpaid, you usually cannot recover anything incurred more than 1 year before suit is filed.

Separate from PIP, a claim for pain and suffering against the at-fault driver is reduced by your fault, and barred if you were more than 50% at fault under Michigan's modified comparative fault rule.