In 2019, significant changes to Michigan’s Auto No-Fault Insurance Law drastically reduced caregiving services and medical coverage for individuals injured in serious motor vehicle crashes, resulting in severe hardship and cases of death. Michigan residents have witnessed firsthand the profound impact these legal changes have on survivors, families, caregivers, and communities—particularly on survivors with severe injuries, such as Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI), who lack access to essential resources and care.

Survivors and their caregivers face urgent, life-altering needs for critical modifications to their livelihood— adjustments that are crucial for care, safety, and well-being, which can determine a survivor’s life or death. Resources and necessary care are overlooked because individuals are often left without clear guidance on where to turn for help. Many are unaware of their rights and benefits under their auto insurance policy or the processes needed to access them after a crash. This lack of coordination among key practitioners—insurance companies, legal experts, medical providers, architects, and contractors—further complicates a survivor’s ability to receive necessary support.

To address these challenges, we propose CareSync, an interactive digital application developed in collaboration with Coalition Protecting Auto No-Fault (CPAN), survivors, and caregivers of catastrophic motor vehicle crashes. CareSync includes three core features:

(1) A comprehensive resource guide to educate survivors, caregivers, and practitioners about the Michigan Auto No-fault Insurance Law and subsequent court rulings impacting the application of the law.

(2) Tools to identify and access well-reviewed resources essential for the care of survivors and caregivers.

(3) A community forum to facilitate connections between survivors, caregivers, and professionals. By accessing community support, resources, insurance information, and other essential care tools, CareSync aims to bridge treatment gaps, mitigate adverse outcomes, and ensure that individuals affected by life-altering injuries receive the support they need.