Holmes & Wiseley, P.C.Holmes & Wiseley, P.C.2026-05-26T14:11:57Zhttps://www.holmeswiseley.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1104095/2019/07/cropped-site-identity-32x32.jpgOn Behalf of Holmes & Wiseley, P.C.<![CDATA[How can a catastrophic car accident injury wreck your finances?]]>https://www.holmeswiseley.com/?p=611132026-05-26T14:11:57Z2026-05-26T14:06:51ZA catastrophic crash can shake your savings and your sense of control. Medical bills arrive fast while paychecks slow or stop. TBIs, spinal cord injuries and complex fractures often need long rehab and hands-on help. You want a plan that covers care today and guards your future.
The real costs you face after a catastrophic crash
Severe injuries such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) or severe burns push costs far beyond the first ER visit. Cash flow dips while new bills stack up month after month. Focus on these major cost drivers:
Emergency and hospital care: Ambulance runs, trauma surgery and ICU stays can drain savings in days.
Rehabilitation and equipment: Inpatient rehab, PT and OT, plus wheelchairs and braces, add steady monthly costs.
Lost income and earning power: Time away from work cuts pay now and long-term limits can shrink future earnings.
Home and vehicle changes: Ramps, lifts and bathroom rebuilds, plus vehicle hand controls, often carry five-figure price tags.
Daily help and support: Attendant care, nursing and case management can run for years, especially with TBIs or spinal cord injuries.
When costs outrun insurance, Michigan law gives you paths to seek more support.
How Michigan claims can help you close the gap
Michigan’s no-fault system covers key needs first, then third-party claims can address losses the at-fault driver caused. You can use both paths to build a full picture of your losses. Know these key points:
No-fault PIP medical: Your policy covers reasonable and necessary medical care up to the limit you chose after the 2019 reforms.
Wage loss: PIP can cover up to 85% of lost wages for up to three years, subject to a monthly cap that changes each year.
Replacement services: PIP can cover help with daily tasks up to $20 per day for up to three years.
Attendant care: Coverage depends on your policy and current limits, and family-provided hours may face caps.
Third-party claim: If a crash caused a serious impairment of body function, you can seek pain and suffering and excess economic losses like medical bills above your PIP cap and wage loss after three years.
Policy limits and tactics: Adjusters value risk, not need, so high-dollar cases often face low offers or disputes over future care. An attorney who handles high-value injury cases can model lifetime costs, coordinate with medical and economic professionals and locate all available coverage without delay.
Catastrophic injuries strain a family budget and create hard choices. Focused legal guidance can help you build a plan that protects care and steadies your finances.
]]>On Behalf of Holmes & Wiseley, P.C.<![CDATA[5 things you should never do after a car accident in Michigan]]>https://www.holmeswiseley.com/?p=611042026-03-23T15:25:58Z2026-03-23T15:25:58ZBeing in a car accident can shake your sense of safety and overwhelm you with medical and financial concerns. In Michigan, the no-fault insurance system helps cover immediate medical bills and lost wages, but that protection doesn’t automatically handle long-term injuries, vehicle damage or the complexities of negotiating with insurers. Understanding what to avoid in the days and weeks after a crash can help you preserve your rights and take control of your recovery. Here are five things you should never do after a car accident.
1. Never admit fault at the scene
Even a simple “I’m sorry” can be interpreted as taking responsibility for the accident. Admitting fault, even unintentionally, may weaken your ability to recover compensation for damages or injuries. Instead, remain calm, avoid discussing blame and focus on exchanging contact and insurance information with the other driver. Document the scene with photos, note vehicle damage and gather witness information. These steps create evidence without putting your claim at risk.
2. Don’t give recorded statements to the other driver’s insurance
Insurance adjusters often request statements soon after a crash, sometimes in writing, over the phone or on video. These statements can be used to dispute the extent of your injuries or suggest inconsistencies. Even minor inaccuracies, taken out of context, may reduce your settlement. Before providing any recorded statement, speak with an attorney. A lawyer can guide your responses to help protect your claim while still providing necessary information.
3. Avoid delaying medical treatment
Some injuries, like whiplash or internal trauma, may not show immediate symptoms. Waiting to see a doctor can create a gap in your medical record, which insurers often use to argue your injuries aren’t serious. Seek medical attention promptly and follow your doctor’s recommended care. Keeping detailed records of treatment, prescriptions and follow-up visits strengthens your claim and shows that you’re taking your recovery seriously.
4. Never post about the accident on social media
Posting about your accident, your injuries or even expressing frustration online can be used against you. Insurance companies and defense attorneys monitor social media to challenge claims. Avoid commenting on the accident, posting photos of your injuries or discussing your recovery publicly. Limit your communication to trusted professionals, including your attorney, medical providers and immediate family.
5. Don’t accept quick settlement offers
Early settlement offers may seem appealing, but they rarely account for future medical costs, lost income or ongoing pain and suffering. Insurance companies often start with low offers to close cases quickly. Take time to understand your full financial and medical needs, document your recovery and consult an attorney before signing anything. A lawyer can help negotiate a fair settlement that reflects the true impact of the accident.Acting carefully now allows you to focus on recovery while avoiding common pitfalls.
Protecting your rights and recovery
Michigan’s no-fault system provides important protections, but it doesn’t eliminate the need for careful documentation, informed decision-making and legal guidance. Working with an experienced attorney provides guidance through the claims process, helps you understand your options, and supports you in making informed decisions about your recovery and potential compensation. ]]>On Behalf of Holmes & Wiseley, P.C.<![CDATA[3 common risky driving behaviors that cause accidents in Michigan]]>https://www.holmeswiseley.com/?p=610872026-01-16T05:02:21Z2026-01-16T04:55:02ZSpeeding
According to data from the Michigan traffic crash facts sheet (MTCF), crashes that originate from risk-taking behaviors were the leading cause of death among young drivers (or drivers aged 15 to 20).
Of this age group’s driving population, reckless speeding was the most common cause of fatal crashes. Even when the road seems empty, drivers must still drive with caution and follow the set speed limits.
Driving under the influence (DUI)
In Michigan, DUI is also known as operating while impaired (OWI). When someone drives under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they risk driving with impaired coordination and slower reaction time.
This reckless driving habit not only places their lives at risk but also endangers the safety of other drivers and pedestrians on their path.
Texting while driving
In 2023, the governor signed a ‘hands-free’ distracted driving bill into law, making it illegal for drivers to drive their vehicles while manually using a cell phone or other electronic gadgets.
When someone drives while texting, their focus deviates from the road — increasing their chances of being involved in a crash.
Recognizing the signs early can protect lives
By learning about the common forms of bad driving habits in Michigan, you can spot these behaviors early and take safety measures that can help minimize the risk of accidents on the road.]]>On Behalf of Holmes & Wiseley, P.C.<![CDATA[3 options when the at-fault driver is underinsured in Michigan]]>https://www.holmeswiseley.com/?p=610152025-12-03T13:25:51Z2025-12-03T13:25:51ZYou're driving home from work when another car runs a red light and slams into you. The impact leaves you shaken, severely injured and facing a totaled vehicle. The other driver admits fault at the scene, but you soon discover they don't carry enough insurance to cover your medical bills and vehicle repairs.
This situation can leave you feeling helpless and confused about how you can recover compensation for your losses. Thankfully. Michigan law provides several options where you can move forward. Let's explore three ways you can seek compensation.
Option 1: Collect from your underinsured policy
Michigan has a no-fault car insurance system. This means your own insurance pays your medical bills and some lost wages, no matter who caused the crash. However, you should also check if you have Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage. This coverage is important if the crash was serious and the other driver does not have enough insurance to pay for all your major losses such as pain and suffering. If that happens, you can file a claim with your own UIM policy. Your insurance company will usually then pay the extra money you are owed, up to your policy’s limit. If you lack this coverage or if it still doesn't cover all your losses, you may need to pursue the at-fault driver directly.
Option 2: Sue the at-fault driver for negligence
You can pursue legal action against the at-fault driver when your own insurance doesn't provide adequate coverage. Michigan law allows you to sue for negligence when you suffer serious injuries. But first you must prove that the other driver acted carelessly and caused you harm.Keep in mind that even if you win your case, collecting payment from an underinsured driver can prove challenging. Fortunately, Michigan offers another resource when you don’t have traditional insurance options in place.
Option 3: Apply for the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan
The Michigan Assigned Claims Plan (MACP) serves as a safety net. This state program helps car accident victims when they lack applicable insurance coverage. However, you must meet specific eligibility requirements to apply. The plan covers medical expenses and personal injury benefits when no other insurance applies.
Explore your legal options
Evaluating all these options helps you determine which path offers the best chance for full compensation. You deserve compensation for your injuries and losses. Whether you pursue your own insurance coverage, file a lawsuit or seek help from the state program, taking action protects your rights.This is where legal professionals can help. They understand these complex situations and can guide you toward the best solution. Schedule a case review with Holmes and Wiseley today to explore your options and protect your financial future.]]>On Behalf of Holmes & Wiseley, P.C.<![CDATA[Can I sue the at-fault driver after a car accident in Michigan?]]>https://www.holmeswiseley.com/?p=609752025-09-26T14:39:13Z2025-09-26T14:39:13ZUnderstanding Michigan’s no-fault insurance system and its limits
Michigan uses a no-fault model. Under this system, your own policy can pay for medical treatment, wage loss and replacement services through personal injury protection, called PIP. These benefits can cover treatment, income loss for up to three years and help with daily tasks, subject to your selections. You can choose a medical PIP limit, which can range from set caps to unlimited coverage.
At the same time, you may still pursue the at-fault driver when losses fall outside PIP. Michigan law limits fault lawsuits but may allow claims for noneconomic loss after you meet the injury threshold and recovery for excess economic loss above your PIP limits.
Meeting the serious injury threshold and its impact on your right to sue
Michigan law sets a threshold for pain and suffering. You may qualify when the crash results in death, permanent serious disfigurement or a serious impairment of a bodily function.
The statute defines serious impairment as an objectively shown injury that affects an important body function and changes your general ability to live your normal life. Additionally, Michigan follows a comparative fault rule, which means each party’s share of blame reduces their possible recovery. If you hold more than 50% of the fault for the crash, you may lose the right to recover certain damages.
Recovering different types of damages after a crash
Once you meet the serious injury threshold, you can pursue damages that your PIP benefits do not cover. These damages may include:
Paying excess medical costs above your PIP limit
Replacing lost income beyond no-fault benefits
Seeking pain and suffering damages when the threshold applies
Filing a mini-tort claim for up to $3,000 in vehicle damage not covered by your insurance
A mini-tort claim is Michigan’s small fault-based remedy for vehicle damage. It allows you to seek out-of-pocket repair costs from the at-fault driver when your own collision coverage does not pay and you hold less than 50% of the blame.
Working with a managing partner to protect your claim
During recovery, you may face deadlines, disputed fault and strict insurance limits at the same time. A managing partner can guide the legal plan, assign the right staff and keep your case on track under Michigan’s rules. This partnership helps you collect records, meet time limits and review settlement offers without delays.
Taking the next step with clarity
Michigan’s no-fault rules narrow lawsuits but still leave room to act. Now that you know what the serious injury threshold means and which losses may fall outside your PIP coverage, you can start gathering records, documenting costs and planning your claim strategy. If you want experienced guidance through that process, you can contact Holmes & Wiseley for a free consultation.]]>On Behalf of Holmes & Wiseley, P.C.<![CDATA[How insurance companies undervalue injury claims]]>https://www.holmeswiseley.com/?p=609662025-08-15T15:21:15Z2025-08-11T13:27:50ZTactics insurance companies use to minimize payouts
Insurance companies employ multiple strategies to limit the amount paid on injury claims. Recognizing these tactics is key to protecting your rights. Common methods include:
Downplaying injury severity: Minimizing how serious your injury is
Questioning the accident cause: Challenging how the accident happened
Suggesting partial blame: Arguing you share fault for the injury
Delaying claims processing: Prolonging the process to pressure for a lower settlement
Recognizing these tactics helps you prepare for a stronger response and protect the full value of your claim.
Why quick settlements are often a bad deal
An upfront offer may seem appealing, but the first settlement rarely reflects the true cost of your injury. It often excludes future medical care, lost income and pain and suffering. After accepting the offer, you lose the right to seek additional compensation, even if your condition later worsens.
By waiting to understand the full extent of your injury, you can pursue a settlement that accounts for both current and future losses. Many injured workers achieve better results by securing the right legal help early.
How legal support affects your claim’s value
Having experienced legal help can significantly influence the outcome of your injury claim. Legal professionals know how to document your losses in detail and advocate for compensation that addresses both your immediate and long-term needs. Without this support, settlements often fail to cover key expenses such as rehabilitation, related medical costs, and lost income from time off work. Legal support helps ensure your claim accurately represents the full extent of your injury and the financial impact it causes.
Seeking professional advice protects your interests
Insurance companies employ adjusters trained to minimize payouts. It is important to have experienced legal support to ensure your rights are protected. Consider consulting early on with an injury attorney, as they can help you understand the true value of your claim and respond effectively to insurer tactics.
If you have questions about your settlement offer or the claims process, consider speaking with a qualified attorney in Grand Rapids. A local attorney should be familiar with local laws and insurance practices.]]>On Behalf of Holmes & Wiseley, P.C.<![CDATA[What to say, and what not to say, to insurance after a crash]]>https://www.holmeswiseley.com/?p=608532025-06-11T23:42:10Z2025-06-11T23:42:10ZInnocent words can hurt a claim
Many people with Midwest politeness apologize for inconveniencing others. An apology may feel like the polite thing to do, but it can lead to assertions that the claimant was at least partially responsible.
While state law does prevent people from interpreting apologies from medical professionals as admissions of fault, no similar rules apply during recorded insurance statements. Insurance professionals may ask leading questions in an attempt to make a person appear at least partially responsible for the incident.
What seems like a polite conversation could hide traps
Insurance professionals have extensive training on negotiation tactics and how to protect the company's bottom line. Their goal is to find reasons to deny a claim or limit what they pay. They may ask similar questions repeatedly to get people to contradict themselves.
Sometimes, insurance professionals try to get people to admit to making mistakes while driving. Other times, they try to find ways to undermine the seriousness of their injuries by guiding the conversation in unusual ways. They may ask about vacation plans or personal hobbies. People making statements without support can easily fall victim to these manipulative tactics and well-laid traps.
An attorney may need to handle the talking
Personal injury lawyers are familiar with insurance tactics and the rights of their clients. They may recognize loaded questions and attempts to guide the conversation into unfavorable territory. In some situations, the best option for the person seeking compensation is to let their lawyers speak for them.
The attorney should already have most of the information about the collision. Attorneys can make accurate statements that are less likely to include inappropriate details or language that exposes their clients. They are less likely to volunteer information that could undermine the claim.
Instead of trying to handle a recorded statement alone, people may benefit from getting support throughout that process. Reviewing insurance policies, discussing crash circumstances and preparing in advance to make a recorded statement can help people optimize their recovery after a major car wreck.]]>On Behalf of Holmes & Wiseley, P.C.<![CDATA[Understanding your legal rights to medical bill compensation after a car accident]]>https://www.holmeswiseley.com/?p=608192025-04-17T03:17:11Z2025-04-17T03:17:11ZIf you’ve been injured in a car accident in Michigan, understanding your legal rights to medical bill compensation is likely going to be very important to both you and your family. Medical treatment after a crash can be very costly, and navigating insurance rules, reimbursement options and legal responsibilities can quickly become overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to recover physically and emotionally. Fortunately, Michigan’s no-fault insurance system provides a foundation for coverage, but there are still many complexities that accident victims must navigate to ensure their medical expenses are fully addressed. As a result, the sooner you seek experienced, personalized legal guidance, the more efficiently and effectively you’ll be able to exercise your rights accordingly.
The nitty gritty of seeking compensation in Michigan
Michigan is a no-fault state, which means that it is very likely that your own auto insurance company is responsible for covering your medical bills, regardless of who caused the accident. This coverage is provided through your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits, which are a standard part of Michigan auto insurance policies. PIP can cover hospital stays, surgery, rehabilitation, in-home care and even mileage to and from medical appointments.However, there are limits to what PIP will pay, and recent changes to Michigan’s no-fault laws have created more variation in coverage. Depending on the policy you selected, your PIP benefits may be capped, potentially leaving you responsible for substantial out-of-pocket costs. If your medical expenses exceed your PIP limits, or if you opted for reduced PIP coverage, you may need to pursue compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance or through a personal injury lawsuit.In addition to issues with coverage limits, many accident victims face challenges in getting their insurance company to approve necessary treatment or pay bills promptly. Insurers may delay or deny claims, request extensive documentation or argue that certain treatments are unrelated to an accident. These tactics can leave injured individuals struggling to get the care they need.In cases involving serious or catastrophic injuries, you may be entitled to step outside the no-fault system and file a third-party claim against the at-fault driver or third party. This type of claim can allow you to seek compensation for excess medical bills, as well as pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages. However, proving liability and the extent of your injuries is necessary to recover full compensation.This is where a skilled legal team can make a significant difference. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your policy limits, challenge denied claims, gather medical records and expert opinions and pursue compensation through all available legal avenues. ]]>On Behalf of Holmes & Wiseley, P.C.<![CDATA[Maximizing your auto insurance benefits in Michigan]]>https://www.holmeswiseley.com/?p=607852025-03-01T00:10:44Z2025-02-27T22:09:24ZYour insurance benefits after a car accident
If you're involved in a car accident in Michigan, you are entitled to several insurance benefits under the state's no-fault insurance system. These benefits include:
Medical expenses: Your insurance will cover all necessary medical expenses related to the accident. Depending on your chosen PIP coverage, this can range from $50,000 to unlimited coverage.
Wage loss benefits: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can receive wage loss benefits for up to three years. These benefits cover 85% of your lost wages, up to a monthly maximum of $7014.
Replacement services: Your insurer can reimburse you for services you can no longer perform due to your injuries, such as household chores and childcare
.
Property protection insurance (PPI): This covers up to $1 million in damages to other people's property caused by your vehicle.
It's always best to review your policy to understand the specific details of your coverage.
Understanding the changes to Michigan auto insurance
Michigan's auto insurance reform, enacted in 2019, has brought about sweeping, fundamental, and unprecedented changes to the state's no-fault law. These reforms aim to reduce the high cost of auto insurance while providing more options and protections for drivers. The key changes include:
PIP choice: Drivers can now choose from different Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage levels. Options include $50,000 for drivers on Medicaid, $250,000, $500,000 and unlimited coverage.
Opt-outs: Drivers with Medicare can opt out of PIP medical benefits altogether, relying on Medicare for accident-related medical expenses.
Attendant care limits: Insurance companies are now only required to pay for up to 56 hours per week of in-home, family-provided attendant care.
Fee schedule: A fee schedule limits how much medical providers can charge for services covered by auto insurance.
Increased bodily injury liability coverage: The minimum required bodily injury liability coverage has been expanded to provide better protection in the event of an accident.
Understanding these changes can help injured drivers determine the best financial way forward.
Handling disputes over coverage
Disputes over insurance coverage often arise, but there are steps you can take to resolve them:
Contact your insurance company: First, discuss the issue with your insurance company. Provide all necessary documentation and try to resolve the dispute directly.
File a complaint with DIFS: If the issue remains unresolved, you can file a complaint with the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS). They will review your case and attempt to resolve the dispute.
Seek legal assistance: If necessary, you can seek legal assistance to protect your rights. Michigan law protects against bad faith insurance practices, holding insurers accountable for unfair treatment.
An insurance law attorney can help with this entire process, leaving the injured to focus on their physical and emotional recovery.
Get the help you need
The sweeping, fundamental and unprecedented changes to Michigan's no-fault law affect every driver and car accident victim in this state. Those who have questions about insurance coverage or the recent no-fault law changes can contact an insurance dispute attorney.]]>On Behalf of Holmes & Wiseley, P.C.<![CDATA[Steps to take immediately after a car accident to ensure medical bill coverage]]>https://www.holmeswiseley.com/?p=607832025-02-12T15:12:35Z2025-02-12T15:12:35ZIf you’ve been involved in a car crash, the things you do in the early days can make all the difference in getting the compensation you deserve for medical bills and other expenses or damages. That includes what you do immediately after the crash.
If you weren’t too injured to get photos or videos of the damage to your vehicle and any others involved in the crash (or one of your passengers was able to), those are important evidence. It’s also crucial to have the name and insurance information of the other driver(s). It’s always better if police are called to the scene and there’s a police report. Police can get photos and other information and evidence you might not have been able to get. If there’s a police report, you’ll want to get a copy of that.
Get a medical evaluation
If you weren’t injured seriously enough to be taken to the hospital or you declined medical attention at the scene, it’s important to go to a medical facility or your personal doctor as soon as possible. Even if you don’t believe you have any serious injuries, you may have internal injuries or even a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that need to be diagnosed right away to prevent serious consequences.Further, getting a medical evaluation as soon after the crash as possible will give you evidence that any injuries you have are a direct result of the collision. It helps prevent the other side from claiming those were pre-existing injuries.
Start a claim with your insurer
It’s important to notify your auto insurer as soon as possible to get the claims process started. They’ll ask you for any information they need, so be ready to provide them with everything you have.
Report the accident if there’s no police report
If police didn’t come to the scene and prepare a report, it’s important to know when Michigan law requires a driver to report it. The law states, “The driver of a motor vehicle involved in an accident that injures or kills any person, or that damages property to an apparent extent totaling $1,000.00 or more, shall immediately report that accident” to police.
Don’t talk to any other parties
What you say to other drivers at the scene or any time later can affect your case. Too often, people are quick to apologize even if it wasn’t completely their fault or to even admit to doing something like looking at their phone or going too fast, which can lead to being held responsible for the crash when the other driver may have done something much worse.It’s smart not to talk to any other drivers or their insurers on your own. That’s one reason it’s wise to get legal guidance as soon as possible. This can help you protect your rights and your claim for compensation.]]>