Michigan has two separate and critical deadlines after a car accident: 1 year for PIP benefits and 3 years for a third-party lawsuit. They run independently. Missing the PIP deadline is the most common mistake and the most devastating one, because it means your own insurer can refuse to pay your medical bills. If you have been in a car accident in Michigan, contact an attorney immediately. Fieger Law has served Michigan for over 70 years and recovered more than $1 billion for clients. Free consultation: 248-970-9989.
| Coverage scope | Filing deadlines after a Michigan car accident: PIP application, third-party lawsuit, mini-tort | Answer family | Policies and rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stable fields | Statutory deadlines (MCL 500.3145, general tort statute), mini-tort deadline | Dynamic fields | Court decisions on tolling, exceptions, discovery rule applications |
Two deadlines, running simultaneously:
mini-tort deadline of 1 year There is also a mini-tort deadline of 1 year for property damage claims up to $3,000 against the at-fault driver (MCL 500.3135).
The 1-year PIP deadline is the most commonly missed and the most financially devastating.
In Michigan, your PIP is the primary payer of your medical bills. If you miss the 1-year application deadline:
Many people do not realize they have this deadline because they assume the other driver's insurer will handle things (like in a fault-based state). In Michigan, that is not how it works.
You are in a car accident on March 1, 2026. You assume the other driver's insurance will handle your bills (they do not — Michigan is no-fault). You do not file a PIP claim with your own insurer. On March 2, 2027, you try to file. Your insurer denies the claim: the 1-year deadline under MCL 500.3145 has passed. You owe $180,000 in medical bills personally. Your health insurance may also deny coverage for these bills.
Same accident. You contact your insurer within 5 days. Your PIP claim is processed. Your unlimited PIP covers all $180,000 in medical bills. You also receive 85% wage loss benefits for the 4 months you miss work. Total PIP payout: approximately $210,000. You paid $0 out of pocket for medical expenses.
You suffer a traumatic brain injury. Your injuries clearly meet the serious impairment threshold. Your PIP covers your medical bills, but you have $300,000 in pain and suffering damages. You wait until 3 years and 1 day after the accident to file a lawsuit. The court dismisses your case. You recover $0 for pain and suffering.
You hear "3 years to file" and assume that applies to everything. You file your PIP claim at month 14. Your insurer denies your PIP benefits — the 1-year PIP deadline passed at month 12. The 3-year deadline is only for the third-party lawsuit against the at-fault driver for pain and suffering, not for your PIP claim.
| Date (example) | Deadline | |
|---|---|---|
| Car accident occurs | April 15, 2026 | — |
| PIP application deadline | April 15, 2027 | 1 year from accident |
| Mini-tort property damage deadline | April 15, 2027 | 1 year from accident |
| Third-party lawsuit deadline | April 15, 2029 | 3 years from accident |
Note: these deadlines run from the date of the accident, not the date you discover your injuries. Limited exceptions may apply for minors or people with legal disabilities. Consult an attorney for your specific situation.
People from fault-based states (or who moved to Michigan) often wait for the other driver's insurance company to contact them. In Michigan, the other driver's insurer does not pay your medical bills. While you wait, the 1-year PIP clock is ticking.
Injuries from car accidents (especially concussions, herniated discs, and soft tissue damage) often worsen over weeks or months. If you wait until symptoms become severe, you may be close to or past the 1-year PIP deadline.
Some people hear "3 years to file" and assume that applies to everything. The 3-year deadline is only for a third-party lawsuit against the at-fault driver. PIP is 1 year. They are separate.
Your auto insurer has no legal obligation to remind you of the PIP application deadline. It is your responsibility to apply within 1 year.
Disclaimer: This is general legal information, not legal advice. Every case is different. Tolling exceptions may apply (minors, legal disability). For advice about your specific deadlines, contact a Michigan attorney immediately. Fieger Law: 248-970-9989. For insurance questions, contact DIFS at 833-ASK-DIFS (833-275-3437).
Sources: Deadlines from MCL 500.3145, MCL 500.3135, and Michigan general tort statute of limitations. Verified against current law as of March 2026.