Michigan Car Accident Settlement Calculator

Michigan uses a 51% fault threshold for car accident claims. You can recover compensation as long as you are no more than 50% at fault — even in a perfectly even 50/50 split, you still receive half your damages. This is more permissive than states using a 50% bar, where equal fault results in zero recovery.

The statute of limitations for this type of claim in Michigan is 3 years — in line with the national average of 2.7 years. This is a standard timeframe, but acting sooner preserves evidence and strengthens your position. Importantly, Michigan recognizes a discovery rule, which can extend the filing window in cases where the harm was not immediately apparent.

As a no-fault auto insurance state, Michigan requires you to file a claim with your own insurance company first under your personal injury protection (PIP) policy, regardless of who caused the accident. You can only file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver if your injuries meet Michigan's serious injury threshold — typically involving significant disfigurement, permanent injury, or medical expenses exceeding the PIP limit. This two-step process means many minor car accident claims in Michigan are resolved entirely through PIP, while serious injury cases proceed as traditional lawsuits.

Michigan requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance of $50K per person / $100K per accident in bodily injury coverage and $10K in property damage coverage (commonly written as 50/100/10). These minimums are above the national average, providing somewhat better baseline protection for accident victims. Michigan does not require uninsured motorist coverage, leaving you potentially unprotected if the at-fault driver has no insurance. Purchasing UM/UIM coverage is strongly recommended. As a no-fault state, Michigan also mandates personal injury protection (PIP) coverage of at least $50K.

Claims against government entities in Michigan — such as accidents involving government vehicles, city buses, or dangerous road conditions maintained by a municipality — require a formal notice of claim within 120 days. This compressed timeline catches many accident victims off guard. If a government entity may be at fault, consulting an attorney immediately is critical to preserving your right to compensation.