If you’ve been in a car accident in Michigan, one of the first questions people ask—often late at night while searching online—is:
“How long do I have to file a claim?”
It’s a smart question. And in Michigan, the answer depends on what kind of claim you’re filing and who you’re filing it against. Miss the deadline, and you could lose your right to compensation entirely—even if the accident wasn’t your fault.
Here’s what you need to know, explained in plain English.
The Short Answer: Michigan Has Strict Deadlines
Michigan law sets specific time limits, called statutes of limitations, for car accident claims. These deadlines are not flexible, and insurance companies will not remind you when time is running out.
In most cases, the clock starts ticking on the date of the accident.
Filing a Car Accident Injury Lawsuit in Michigan
If you were injured in a car accident and are pursuing compensation for pain and suffering or excess medical expenses, Michigan generally gives you:
Three years from the date of the accident
This applies to negligence-based injury lawsuits against the at-fault driver.
While three years may sound like plenty of time, waiting can hurt your case. Evidence fades, witnesses become harder to find, and insurers become more aggressive the longer a claim sits.
Michigan No-Fault Insurance Deadlines (This One Trips People Up)
Michigan is a no-fault insurance state, which means your own insurance typically pays for medical bills and wage loss—regardless of who caused the crash.
But here’s the catch:
You must file a no-fault benefits claim within one year of the accident
You generally can’t recover benefits for expenses incurred more than one year before filing
This is often referred to as the “one-year back rule.” It’s one of the most common ways accident victims unknowingly lose benefits.
What If the Accident Involved a Government Vehicle or Road?
Accidents involving:
City, county, or state vehicles
Poor road maintenance or unsafe conditions
may involve shorter notice requirements, sometimes measured in months—not years.
These cases are more complex and should be addressed as soon as possible.
What About Property Damage or Mini-Tort Claims?
If you’re seeking compensation for vehicle damage not fully covered by insurance (often called a mini-tort claim), the general deadline is also:
Three years from the date of the accident
Why Waiting Can Hurt Your Case (Even If You’re Within the Deadline)
Even when you’re technically “within time,” delays can still cause problems:
Police reports become harder to obtain
Medical records may not clearly connect injuries to the crash
Insurance adjusters may question the seriousness of your injuries
In the Upper Peninsula—where accidents often involve rural roads, wildlife, weather, and long emergency response times—early documentation matters even more.
Why Talking to a Lawyer Early Makes a Difference
Understanding Michigan’s car accident deadlines isn’t always straightforward, especially when multiple claims overlap.
At Upper Michigan Law, our attorneys have spent decades helping accident victims across the Upper Peninsula protect their rights. From our main office in Escanaba, we work as a cohesive team to make sure nothing is missed—and that our clients are treated like people, not case numbers.
What to Do Next If You’ve Been in a Car Accident
If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident in Michigan, don’t wait for an insurance company to tell you what your options are.
Talk to an Upper Peninsula car accident attorney who truly cares about your well-being.
Contact Upper Michigan Law today to schedule a consultation and learn how much time you have to file—and what steps you should take now to protect your claim.
