DETROIT (Aug. 25, 2022) — Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit) issued the following statement after the Michigan Court of Appeals today ruled that the new no-fault auto insurance law, which passed in 2019 and took effect July 2021, does not apply retroactively to survivors who were catastrophically injured in a car crash before the law was implemented:
“Today’s ruling in the Andary case by the Court of Appeals provides great news to the families and loved ones who have lost care or were threatened with a loss of care from their provider. Survivors left with catastrophic injuries from car crashes prior to the 2019 auto insurance law taking effect should not be subject to the changes in their care that have taken away their health and dignity and, in some cases, their lives.
“I was proud to sign on to the amicus brief which clarified there was no legislative intent for changes to apply retroactively to survivors from past car crashes, and I’m glad that these families will be able to get their loved ones the essential care they need. While I am relieved by today’s decision, I remain committed to protecting people’s health and dignity — and preserve life when we can. The Legislature must work together before the end of this term to pass our legislation to provide a long-term fix to no-fault auto insurance and ensure Michiganders can access the care they deserve.”
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