Idea to Limit Auto Claims in Michigan Criticized

The top elected official in Michigan’s Oakland County is criticizing proposals from fellow Republicans to change Michigan’s no-fault auto insurance program to limit the amount of medical claims.

The Detroit News and the Detroit Free Press report that Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson this week offered his opinions on the proposals. Patterson says an August crash in Auburn Hills in which he was a passenger influenced his perspective.

Patterson was seriously injured in the crash in Auburn Hills. He wasn’t wearing a seatbelt and was fined. His driver, James Cram, is a quadriplegic after the crash.

The state Legislature has been considering a lifetime cap on medical benefits and limiting payments insurers have to make for treating auto accident victims.

No legislation has been introduced yet this year.