Michigan Auto Insurance

Four months after my husband’s accident, my grandmother took two of my children to the Ionia Free Fair, and on their way home, a volunteer fire fighter (had narcolepsy) fell asleep while driving, crossed the center line while cresting the hill and hit my grandma and kids head on at 65 miles an hour. Grandma was killed instantly, but my son was rushed to Sparrow in ambulance and daughter was air-flighted to Butterworth.

My daughter sustained a closed head injury and was in a coma for four months [plus]. She was hospitalized for 30 days and then went for rehab for three months.  The helicopter ride alone cost 20K+. My daughter had complete shearing of her brain and had to relearn everything, walk, talk, eat, with extensive tone and other disabilities as well.

She is still in therapy today, but is doing amazing.  She just graduated from Elk Rapids High School, is looking to going on to college and starting her own doggie day care facility. Without no fault auto (as written), I do not know where my daughter would be right now, or my family.

It is very important that we all contact our representatives and have a voice on this matter, as this is being rushed through to be voted on as early as September or October.

My heart goes out to Ms. O’Connell and her family.

Their story — and Ms. O’Connell’s willingness to share it — is a testament to the importance and value of Michigan’s No Fault system and its ability to help Michigan auto accident victims rebuild their lives after tragedy has struck.

- Steven Gursten is recognized as one of the nation’s top insurance attorneys handling serious auto accident cases and no-fault insurance litigation. He writes about the importance of Michigan’s no-fault law, and is available for comment.