Under the American legal system, there is no realm of human activity that fails to spawn litigation. The financial cost of a potential judgment is easily recognized. Less understood is the cost of time, energy, and resources (financial and human) of the litigation process itself. Even the defendant who avoids judgment by “winning” his case will still have expended resources that the law generally affords no avenue to recover. The […]

In 2014, Robert L. Blamer handled a first party no-fault case which on its surface was very easy, but made very difficult by fighting insurance companies. Mr. Blamer won both at the trial court level and the Court of Appeals level where the Court of Appeals awarded Mr. Blamer and CMDA substantial attorney fees because of the insurance companies’ failure to act reasonably and also awarded the Plaintiff all first […]

Michigan’s No-Fault Law was designed to take care of certain financial needs of an injured person or injury party when the injury occurs during the ownership, operation, or maintenance of an automobile accident regardless of who caused the injury. These financial losses, more commonly referred to as economic losses, can arise not only in the traditional sense when one is driving or riding in a motor vehicle, but also when […]

If an accident occurs: Try to remain calm and thoughtful. If you or anyone in your car is injured, stay in the car unless there is danger of fire or another accident. Use your cell phone to get help from the police and medical personnel. Avoid making statements about responsibility to other drivers, witnesses, the police or insurance representatives without talking to your own insurance representative. Assist the police with […]

Since 1972 Michigan has operated under a no-fault law for accidents that occur involving the use, operation, or maintenance of a motor vehicle. This article explains the no-fault law, along with some tips to ensure you have appropriate motor vehicle coverage. When you purchase automobile insurance you obtain certain minimum, standard coverages. If you do not buy motor vehicle insurance for a vehicle you own and are injured while driving […]

The Michigan No-Fault system provides two mechanisms of recovery when a person is injured in a motor vehicle accident. First party benefits provide the claimant with medical expenses, wage loss, replacement services and, in the case of death, survivors’ loss benefits. Meanwhile, third party benefits provide the claimant with compensation for pain and suffering. The focus of this article is on first party benefits only. With regard to first party […]