Michigan is a “no-fault” car insurance state, which means that every driver’s insurance generally covers any damages caused by the insured driver. But in some cases, a driver’s insurance policy does not cover all of the injuries stemming from a car accident—including those that may be sustained by passengers, pedestrians, and others.
In such cases, the State of Michigan has established a program that may assist individuals without coverage: the Michigan Automobile Insurance Placement Facility, or MAIPF, which operates the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan, or MACP.
Due to the complex nature of Michigan’s auto insurance laws, it is important that car accident victims seek the assistance of an experienced personal injury lawyer with a deep understanding of these laws. In this post, we’ll explain the MAIPF and the MACP, and how these organizations may affect a personal injury lawsuit based on our experience as car accident lawyers in Michigan.
Michigan Automobile Insurance Placement Facility
The Michigan Automobile Insurance Placement Facility (MAIPF) is a state agency that provides a means for people to obtain insurance when they might not be able to obtain it on their own. There are many different reasons why someone might not be able to obtain car insurance. A bad driving record, poor or no credit, or a criminal record are all reasons why insurers might deny coverage. Coverage could also be cost-prohibitive for some individuals.
Regardless of the reason, when a Michigan driver cannot obtain car insurance, the MAIPF serves as a last-resort option for assistance. When a driver obtains insurance through the MAIPF, the agency assigns their insurance policy to a service in the private market, who is instructed to bill at the MAIPF’s provided rate.
The MAIPF in a Personal Injury Lawsuit
Because of Michigan’s “no-fault” insurance rules, unless you are insured by MAIPF, you are unlikely to deal with the MAIPF in an accident. However, a few exceptions apply. When your insurance coverage is insufficient to cover all of the damage sustained in an accident, you may be able to seek compensation from the other driver’s insurance company with the assistance of a Michigan car accident lawyer. When the other driver is insured through the MAIPF, that process can be complex and difficult.
The MAIPF only provides minimum coverage, which may not allow for enough compensation to fully account for your injuries. In those cases, legal action against the driver or the insurance company is likely necessary. A Fieger Law attorney can assist you in weighing these options and seeking compensation where it may be available.
Michigan Assigned Claims Plan
The Michigan Assigned Claims Plan (MACP) is a subsidiary program of the MAIPF which offers benefits to individuals who may be injured in an accident, but who may not be covered by the insurance plan being used in the accident. Most often, these situations occur when a driver’s no-fault insurance does not provide coverage to passengers, pedestrians, or others who are injured in an accident. In those cases, injured parties can file an “assigned claim” to the MACP and seek benefits and coverage.
The MACP’s Role in a Car Accident Lawsuit
If you are injured in an accident, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible. While programs like the MACP sound attractive and easy to access, the truth is that they may cause more problems than benefits for some accident victims. The MACP is one source of benefits, but it isn’t the only source of compensation available.
How an Attorney Can Assist Car Accident Victims
Before filing a claim with the MACP, accident victims should explore all of their options with the assistance of an attorney. After consulting with a Fieger Law car accident attorney, Michigan accident victims may be able to seek compensation from other sources, including their own insurance providers, other drivers’ insurance providers, and other entities. In some cases, the MACP may be the best path forward. In those situations, an attorney can also assist you in filing a MACP claim to ensure quick access to benefits.
Contact a Michigan Car Accident Attorney at Fieger Law Today
Michigan is known for having one of the most comprehensive sets of car insurance laws in the country. While these laws provide many benefits for drivers on Michigan roads, they also create a complex system of benefits and government agencies.
Our attorneys are experienced in dealing with these laws, and we’re ready to assist you. For more information, contact our team to set up an appointment with a Fieger Law attorney today.
