To: The Michigan State House, The Michigan State Senate, and Governor Gretchen Whitmer
Say No To Repealing No-Fault Auto Insurance In Michigan!
State Representative Lana Theis (Republican) has announced that she will attempt to completely repeal Michigan's no-fault auto insurance, our State insurance program, and replace it with a tort system. A tort, (at-fault) car insurance program, in common law jurisdictions, is a civil wrong that causes someone else to suffer loss or harm resulting in legal liability for the person who commits the tortious act.
Tort lawsuits have a lower burden of proof such as a preponderance of evidence rather than beyond a reasonable doubt. When Colorado replaced their car insurance system from a no-fault to a tort system, the Medicaid costs increased by 200 percent, which would put the burden for the costs incurred on Michigan taxpayers, not car insurance companies.
Trauma centers, the treatment location of first choice for critically injured individuals (i.e. auto accidents), would face dramatic funding cuts that would force hospitals and health systems into tough financial decisions. This affects access to care for all patients - not just those with catastrophic auto injuries. A tort system would force accident survivors into lengthy lawsuits that would unnecessarily delay care that is critically important to their recovery and most likely lead to more bankruptcies because most people can never afford the care that can be needed as a result of a car accident.
Tort lawsuits have a lower burden of proof such as a preponderance of evidence rather than beyond a reasonable doubt. When Colorado replaced their car insurance system from a no-fault to a tort system, the Medicaid costs increased by 200 percent, which would put the burden for the costs incurred on Michigan taxpayers, not car insurance companies.
Trauma centers, the treatment location of first choice for critically injured individuals (i.e. auto accidents), would face dramatic funding cuts that would force hospitals and health systems into tough financial decisions. This affects access to care for all patients - not just those with catastrophic auto injuries. A tort system would force accident survivors into lengthy lawsuits that would unnecessarily delay care that is critically important to their recovery and most likely lead to more bankruptcies because most people can never afford the care that can be needed as a result of a car accident.
Why is this important?
I am starting this petition because this is at least the 3rd time in my 10-year anniversary of our family's car accident that greedy politicians have tried to change, cap, or just plainly ELIMINATE Michigan's No-Fault auto insurance program. I have lost my job, mobility, and the income that could have been possible because my husband retired early to help take care of me. Those are the realities of a traumatic injury caused by a car accident. Watch TV for a couple of hours and count all the commercials for insurance companies. I think these agencies are making money regardless of the survivor's claims. Thanks for your support.