Answer

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I am very sorry to learn of your circumstances. However, under Michigan law, the only thing you are entitled to is the $500 mini-tort. What the injured driver and later her mother told you mean nothing.

The relevant portion of the linked law is:

(3) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, tort liability arising from the ownership, maintenance, or use within this state of a motor vehicle with respect to which the security required by section 3101 was in effect is abolished except as to:

(e) Damages up to $500.00 to motor vehicles, to the extent that the damages are not covered by insurance.

 

The reason why the other driver/mother is no longer returning your calls is because they have been informed by the insurance company that the max. they are on the hook for to you is $500 and that has been paid to you.

 

Again, this is the way current Michigan law is written. The idea is that this would encourage people to (1) insure their vehicles and (2) get a policy that's better than PLPD.

 

People who choose to only buy PLPD do so with the risk that in the event of a bad accident where the vehicle is totalled, they're only going to get $500.

 

Unfortunately, most people don't understand this at the time they're making insurance decisions and they find themselves in the exact situation you are.

 

Again, I'm very sorry for your situation and I know you'd like a different answer. But, this is the way Michigan law is written. That $500 that has been paid to you (please, cash that check) is the most you're going to see from it.

 

Nonetheless, I hope that you find this information to be helpful and this answer to be ACCEPTable.