After being struck by someone else’s vehicle or falling down a broken flight of stairs, it might feel unfair to cover your own medical expenses – especially if you know you are not at fault for the incident. Fortunately, you may be able to receive monetary compensation with a personal injury claim.
However, in Michigan, there is more to filing a personal injury claim than proving what happened during an incident. You will also need to consider the state’s deadlines. Missing these time limits can bar recovery completely. Even if you gather all the right evidence and build a very strong case, missing the statute of limitations can lead to the dismissal of your case.
Deadlines in Michigan regarding personal injuries
The deadlines for personal injury claims and lawsuits are not universal in Michigan. Knowing which rules and time limits apply to your situation is essential. Deadlines to keep in mind include:
- Most personal injury claims and lawsuits: Three years from the date of injury
- Government claims: Varies depending on the government entity and the claim, with a common deadline being six months for notice of intent
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits in Michigan also require a notice within one year of your accident. Additionally, the one-year-back rule means you can only recover expenses for medical bills and other costs incurred during the year immediately before you file your claim.
Keep in mind that these deadlines can overlap. For example, you might still have time to file a lawsuit but lose access to insurance benefits if you miss a shorter deadline. Because of this, it is essential to track every requirement that applies to your case, and not just the main filing window.
How acting quickly can protect your personal injury claim
While Michigan’s deadlines can put a lot of pressure on you, they are there for a reason. Having a time limit encourages the prompt gathering of evidence. By acting quickly, you can preserve critical proof such as medical records, witness testimonies and accident reports. Waiting until the last minute means you run the risk of losing evidence that might strengthen your claim.
The stress of dealing with an injury and filing a claim or lawsuit can be overwhelming, but a strong claim can grant you the financial compensation you need to make up for lost wages and costly medical bills. This way, you can focus on recovery without feeling as much financial pressure.