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Few things are more frustrating than doing everything right on the road — carrying proper insurance, following the law — only to be hit by someone who didn’t. Being involved in a crash caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver can leave you feeling helpless, unsure who will pay for your medical bills, lost wages, or vehicle repairs.
At Liss, Shapero & Mitnick (LSM), we understand how devastating these accidents can be. As trusted Michigan personal injury and auto accident attorneys, we’ve spent decades helping drivers, passengers, and families recover after collisions with drivers who failed to carry adequate insurance.
Michigan’s No-Fault insurance system is designed to protect drivers by covering medical expenses and certain economic losses — but it doesn’t always cover everything. When serious injuries occur, or when you face long-term disability, your No-Fault benefits may not be enough. That’s where uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage becomes essential — and where our firm’s experience makes a life-changing difference.
At Liss, Shapero & Mitnick, our philosophy is simple: “Your Rights First.” We take pride in being the advocates Michigan drivers can rely on when insurance companies fail to do the right thing. From our office in Berkley, Michigan, we serve clients across Metro Detroit, Oakland, Wayne, Macomb, and Washtenaw Counties — standing up for victims of reckless, uninsured, and underinsured drivers.
Understanding Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage in Michigan
Even though Michigan law requires every driver to carry auto insurance, thousands of people take the risk of driving without it — or carry the minimum coverage that won’t come close to covering serious injury claims. That’s why Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage exist — to protect you when the other driver can’t.
What Is Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage?
Uninsured Motorist coverage provides financial protection when the at-fault driver has no insurance at all. This can happen in cases such as:
- Hit-and-run accidents, where the driver flees and can’t be identified.
- Crashes caused by uninsured drivers violating Michigan’s insurance laws.
UM coverage can help pay for your:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Other accident-related damages
What Is Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage?
Underinsured Motorist coverage applies when the at-fault driver does have insurance, but their policy limits are too low to cover your total damages. For example, if a negligent driver only carries the state minimum liability coverage — currently $50,000 per person — and your injuries result in $200,000 in damages, UIM coverage can help bridge the gap.
Why UM/UIM Coverage Is So Important
While Michigan’s No-Fault insurance provides Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits for your medical bills and lost wages, it does not cover non-economic damages like pain and suffering — nor does it cover everything if your injuries are severe or permanent.
UM and UIM coverage are optional in Michigan, but they are among the most important add-ons you can have. They ensure that you’re not left paying for someone else’s irresponsibility, especially when injuries are catastrophic or the other driver disappears.
Unfortunately, insurance companies often make UM/UIM claims difficult — delaying, denying, or underpaying them. That’s why it’s critical to have experienced legal representation.
At Liss, Shapero & Mitnick, we’ve helped Michigan drivers recover compensation even when the at-fault driver couldn’t pay a dime. Our attorneys know how to read complex policies, identify hidden coverage, and hold insurers accountable to the promises they’ve made to you.
Michigan’s No-Fault Insurance System — and Its Limits
Michigan’s No-Fault insurance law was created to make sure injured drivers and passengers could get medical treatment and wage loss coverage after an accident — regardless of who caused it. But while this system helps cover basic needs, it doesn’t always go far enough, especially when the other driver is uninsured or underinsured.
Under Michigan’s No-Fault system, your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits typically cover:
- Medical expenses for injury treatment and rehabilitation
- Lost wages (a portion of your income if you’re unable to work)
- Replacement services for help with daily activities like cleaning, cooking, or child care
However, No-Fault coverage has significant limits. It does not cover:
- Pain and suffering or emotional distress
- Permanent disability, disfigurement, or loss of quality of life
- Expenses that exceed your PIP coverage limits
If you’ve been seriously injured, the only way to recover compensation for these non-economic damages is by pursuing a third-party claim against the at-fault driver. But when that driver has no insurance or too little insurance, your best option is to file a claim under your Uninsured (UM) or Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage.
Navigating Michigan’s No-Fault and UM/UIM claims can be complicated. Insurance companies often delay or deny valid claims, arguing that coverage doesn’t apply or that your injuries aren’t as severe as claimed. They may also try to limit what they pay — even under your own policy.
That’s where Liss, Shapero & Mitnick comes in. Our attorneys have decades of experience handling insurance denials, delays, and disputes. We know how to challenge bad-faith tactics, gather evidence, and make sure you receive every benefit you’re entitled to under Michigan law.
What To Do After an Accident Involving an Uninsured or Underinsured Driver
If you’ve been hit by a driver who doesn’t have insurance or whose coverage isn’t enough, what you do next can make a major difference in your recovery. Acting quickly protects both your health and your right to full compensation.
Here’s what to do immediately after the crash:
- Call 911 and seek medical attention.
Always make safety your first priority. Even if you don’t feel seriously injured, some symptoms take hours or days to appear. A medical record also provides crucial evidence for your claim. - Report the accident to the police and obtain a written report.
A police report documents what happened, identifies witnesses, and may note whether the other driver lacked insurance or fled the scene. - Gather all available insurance information from the other driver (if possible).
Exchange names, phone numbers, and vehicle details — but don’t argue or admit fault at the scene. - Notify your insurance company immediately.
Prompt reporting is required under most policies. However, avoid giving a recorded statement before speaking with an attorney. Insurance adjusters may use your words against you later. - Contact Liss, Shapero & Mitnick right away.
Our attorneys will review your insurance policy, explain your rights, and identify every available source of coverage — including any UM/UIM benefits that may apply.
Timing is critical. Michigan law imposes strict deadlines for uninsured and underinsured motorist claims. Missing these deadlines can prevent you from recovering the compensation you deserve.
How Liss, Shapero & Mitnick Can Help
Dealing with an uninsured or underinsured driver claim can feel like fighting an uphill battle — especially when your own insurance company becomes uncooperative. At Liss, Shapero & Mitnick, we know how to level the playing field. Our attorneys bring decades of experience, proven negotiation skills, and a full team approach to every case we handle.
We don’t just file claims — we build them strategically, from the first phone call to final resolution, ensuring your rights and recovery are protected every step of the way.
Our Proven Approach Includes:
- Thorough Policy Review
We carefully examine your entire auto policy — as well as any other applicable coverage (household policies, umbrella policies, employer insurance, etc.) — to uncover all potential sources of compensation. Insurance language can be confusing; our team makes sure nothing is missed. - Accident Investigation
LSM works with police, witnesses, and accident reconstruction specialists to prove liability and establish the facts — even when the at-fault driver fled or was never identified. We gather the evidence necessary to demonstrate fault and trigger your UM/UIM coverage. - Claims Management
Insurance adjusters often use pressure tactics to limit payouts or deny claims outright. We handle all communications with insurance companies, ensuring you never feel intimidated or misled. You’ll have a strong advocate in your corner from day one. - Negotiation and Litigation
Our attorneys negotiate aggressively for fair settlements that reflect your true losses. And if the insurer refuses to pay what’s fair, we’re ready to take your case to court — where our track record speaks for itself. - Comprehensive Client Support
Beyond legal strategy, we coordinate medical documentation, wage loss evidence, and long-term damage assessments to make sure every aspect of your recovery is fully accounted for.
At Liss, Shapero & Mitnick, you don’t just get one lawyer — you get our entire team of experienced attorneys and support staff working together on your behalf.
Get the Michigan Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Lawyers Who Put Your Rights First
Being hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver can leave you feeling frustrated and helpless — unsure how to pay for your injuries, medical bills, or lost wages. But you don’t have to face it alone.
At Liss, Shapero & Mitnick, we’ve spent decades standing up to insurance companies and helping Michigan accident victims recover the full compensation they deserve. We understand how these claims work — and how insurers try to avoid paying them. Our team will review your policy, manage all communication with the insurance company, and fight to make sure you’re never left paying for someone else’s negligence.
When you work with LSM, you get more than a law firm — you get a dedicated team that treats you like family and puts “Your Rights First.”
📞 Call (248) 584-1300 or 1-855-LISS-LAW (1-855-547-7529) today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
We’ll protect your rights, fight for your recovery, and stand by your side every step of the way.