How Much Is Your Michigan Car Accident Case Worth?
This is the first question every car accident victim asks, and there's no honest way to give a single number without evaluating the specifics. But understanding the factors that determine case value in Michigan helps you gauge whether an insurance company's offer is reasonable or insulting. Here's the framework Koussan Law uses to value every case.
Economic Damages: The Hard Numbers
Economic damages are quantifiable losses. In Michigan, these include all medical expenses not covered by PIP (or exceeding your PIP coverage tier), lost wages beyond what PIP covers (PIP pays 85% for up to three years), future medical treatment costs, diminished earning capacity if injuries prevent returning to your previous job, and property damage. These are calculated using medical records, billing statements, employment records, and expert economic projections.
Non-Economic Damages: Pain and Suffering
Non-economic damages compensate for pain, suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, emotional distress, and permanent disability. In Michigan, you can only recover these through a third-party claim against the at-fault driver, and only if your injuries meet the "serious impairment of body function" threshold under MCL § 500.3135. Fractures, herniated discs, permanent scarring, and injuries requiring surgery typically qualify.
Factors That Increase or Decrease Value
Factors that increase your case value include clear liability (the other driver was obviously at fault), severe and permanent injuries, strong medical documentation with no treatment gaps, and high insurance policy limits. Factors that decrease value include shared fault (Michigan's comparative fault rule reduces your recovery by your percentage of fault), pre-existing conditions, gaps in medical treatment, and low policy limits on the at-fault driver's coverage.
Get an estimate. Use our free case calculator or call Koussan Law at (313) 800-0000.
