New legislation to overhaul Michigan’s no fault insurance system is meeting resistance with some West Michigan residents.
Republican Senator Peter Lund of Shelby Township proposed the bill.
If the legislation passed and you were seriously injured in an accident, the benefits that are currently available wouldn’t be there for your care.
“The doctor says that I shouldn’t be here,” said Jake Triebsch, Grand Rapids resident.
Jake was in a severe accident in 2006 north of White Pigeon when he collided at a rural intersection with a man who suffered from Parkinson’s disease.
“All my ribs were broken collapsed lungs,” said Jake.
An article documents how a doctor miraculously saved his life through quick thinking by pumping fluid from his collapsed lungs using a kidney dialysis machine.
The no fault policy in Michigan paid for his care in the hospital as well as his recovery efforts and still pays for supplies like a leg brace, mental and physical therapy and nearly $800 in medication.
“That`s almost what I get from social security, from being disabled. Where would I get that money?”, said Jake.
He still must deal with a closed head injury and nerve damage.
Jake believes the policy should stand because you never know when you might need the help.
However, the bill’s supporter, Republican State Representative Peter Lund argues that Michigan is the only state to offer unlimited lifetime medical care for auto-related injuries under the no fault auto insurance system.
His bill would cap the coverage at $1 million for accident victims.
He feels that you can’t reduce the rates if you can’t control the costs.
Lund argues that Michigan drivers will receive a savings of more than $100 per year on insurance with the passage of the reform legislation.
“It`s just foolish math,” said Jake.
Jake warns, when you experience the unthinkable, the savings on your yearly insurance bill is not worth losing the safety net Michigan currently has in place.
