Why is my Auto Insurance Company Making Me Apply for Social Security Disability?
People injured in motor vehicle accidents and collecting no fault insurance benefits (PIP benefits) are frequently told by their insurance companies that they must apply for Social Security Disability (SSD). Michigan SSD lawyers and lawyers who help people injured in car accidents have become all too familiar with this common practice. Michigan’s auto insurance companies are now forcing their own customers to apply for Social Security Disability, and then re-apply and appeal if they are not awarded disability.
Unfortunately, this practice has led to abuse, as insurance company adjusters are now threatening people who fully intend to return to work, as well as people who obviously do not qualify, to apply for SSD as a requirement to continued no fault insurance benefits. The reason that Michigan insurance companies are requiring their own insureds to apply for Social Security Disability is simple: it saves them money.
If someone injured in an automobile accident refuses to apply for Social Security Disability, an insurance company can stop paying no fault PIP benefits. The irony is that people in Michigan are forced to purchase very expensive automobile insurance from auto insurance companies which are supposed to protect them when they are needed most. In return for premiums, these insurance companies promise to pay wage loss and other PIP benefits to people if they are hurt in an automobile accident. But once someone is actually injured in a car accident, auto insurance companies soon require the injured person to apply for Social Security Disability. The insurance company’s plan is to transfer part of their contracted-for wage loss obligation to the public and government by shifting the burden on social security.
Michigan Auto Law is an AV RATED law firm, the highest possible rating for legal ability and ethics. Very few lawyers and law firms in Michigan have been selected with this top rating.
American Association for Justice
Steve Gursten is Chair for the 2008 Interstate Truck Litigation Group for the American Association for Justice (AAJ). Michigan Auto Law has been a long standing member and contributor to the American Association for Justice (AAJ), formerly the American Trial Lawyers Association (ATLA).
Michigan Super Lawyer
Top 5% of Attorneys in Michigan
Michigan Super Lawyer features only the Top 5% of attorneys in Michigan.
3 Michigan Auto Law attorneys
have been featured as
Michigan Super Lawyer:
Lawrence E. Gursten - 2007, 2006
Leonard M. Koltonow - 2007
David E. Christensen - 2007
Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers
Only 5% of Law Firms in the U.S. Qualify
Only 5% of all U.S. law firms qualify to be included in the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, making Michigan Auto Law one of the most distinguished and respected in the country.
Michigan Lawyer of the Year
Steven M. Gursten was selected as "Lawyer of the Year" for 2005, by Michigan Lawyers Weekly, the state's largest legal periodical. Steve was selected after winning a $9 million dollar pain and suffering settlement for one of his clients - the largest settlement for pain and suffering in Michigan in over ten years.
Michigan Trial Lawyers Association (MTLA)
Robert M. Raitt of Michigan Auto Law is President for the Michigan Trial Lawyers Association (MTLA) for 2008. The attorneys at Michigan Auto Law are well-respected members of the Michigan Trial Lawyers Association (MTLA), dedicated to helping Michigan families seek justice when they are injured by another person's negligence.