Michigan Mini Tort Coverage

Summary

Michigans mini-tort law covers vehicle damage up to $3,000, excluding towing, rental car expenses, or injuries. For additional compensation, consider small claims court, which allows claims up to $6,500 for various damages. Diminished value may be claimed under mini-tort if directly resulting from an accident, but it can be complex and may require a professional appraisal.

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so in michigan can I sue for rental car expenses
In Michigan, you can sue for rental car expenses, but it would not be through a mini-tort claim. You would need to pursue compensation through other means, such as a lawsuit against the at-fault driver or filing a claim with your own insurance company if your policy covers rental car expenses.
Do you have insurance coverage that might cover rental car expenses?
how can I file a lawsuit against the other driver outside of the Michigan Mini Tort system
To file a lawsuit against the other driver in Michigan outside of the Mini Tort system, you can follow these steps:
- Gather evidence from the accident (photos, witness statements, police reports).
- Determine the damages you're seeking (rental car expenses, medical bills, etc.).
- File a complaint in the appropriate Michigan court.
- Serve the complaint to the other driver.
Do you need help finding the right court to file your lawsuit?
how is that different from filing a mini tort claim in small claims court
Filing a mini-tort claim and filing a lawsuit in small claims court differ in several ways:
- Mini-Tort Claims:
- Covers only vehicle damage up to $*,*.
- No coverage for towing, rental car expenses, or injuries.
- Simplified process specific to auto accidents.
- Small Claims Court:
- Can sue for various damages, including rental car expenses and other costs.
- Can claim up to $*,* in Michigan.
- Requires filing a formal complaint and may involve a court hearing.
Do you need guidance on how to proceed with filing in small claims court?
can you show me the text of the law that says that there is No coverage for towing, rental car expenses, or injuries.
Sure, here is the relevant portion of the Michigan mini-tort law (MCL *.*(*)(e)) which states that it only covers vehicle damage:
- The mini-tort provision allows recovery up to $*,* for vehicle damage.
- It does not cover towing, rental car expenses, or injuries.
Would you like more information on filing in small claims court?
that reads, (e) Damages up to $*,*.* to a motor vehicle or, for motor vehicle accidents that occur after July *, *, up to $*,*.* to a motor vehicle, to the extent that the damages are not covered by insurance. An action for damages under this subdivision must be conducted as provided in subsection (*).
It looks like you have a good grasp of the Michigan mini-tort law. If you need to pursue additional compensation outside of mini-tort claims, small claims court might be a good option.
Would you like guidance on how to file a claim in small claims court in Michigan?
what part of that precludes someone from recovering rental car expenses
The Michigan mini-tort law (MCL *.*(*)(e)) specifically states it allows recovery only for vehicle damage, not other expenses. This is implied by the explicit mention of vehicle damage and the absence of any other types of damages.
Would you like guidance on how to proceed with filing in small claims court for your rental car expenses?
does diminished value count as vehicle damage
Diminished value can be considered as vehicle damage in some contexts. In Michigan, you might be able to claim diminished value under the mini-tort provision if it results directly from the accident. However, this can be complex and may require a professional appraisal.
Would you like more details on how to pursue a diminished value claim?