Minnesota is a no-fault car insurance state, meaning your own policy compensates you after an accident, no matter who caused the crash. While this system provides quick access to coverage, it can be confusing when your expenses exceed the basic limits. Sieben Polk P.A. is here to explain your options and guide you through the system—call 651-437-3148 or submit our online form for a free consultation.
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- No-fault auto insurance in Minnesota pays for certain losses without having to prove fault.
- Minnesota requires drivers to carry at least $40,000 in personal injury protection coverage, which is split between medical and non-medical expenses.
- You may be eligible to seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s liability insurance if you meet specific criteria, such as having over $4,000 in medical expenses or suffering a permanent injury.
- Our Eagan car accident lawyers can help you maximize your no-fault benefits and explore other potential forms of compensation.
What Does No-Fault Insurance Mean in Minnesota?
Minnesota is one of a handful of states that follow a no-fault car insurance system. If you’re injured in a crash, your own insurance policy will pay for certain losses, regardless of who’s at fault. This system aims to protect Minnesota car accident victims by guaranteeing access to injury compensation.
Key Features of No-Fault Auto Insurance
Minnesota’s no-fault insurance system offers protections that can provide quick relief after a collision, including:
- Medical expenses: Pays for medical care necessary to treat any accident-related injuries
- Lost wages: Covers part of your income if accident injuries keep you from working
- Replacement services: Covers the cost of household tasks you can’t perform due to your injuries, such as childcare or housekeeping
- Survivor benefits: Helps families manage the cost of funeral services and lost income after a wrongful death or other fatal crash
- Applies regardless of fault: Provides coverage whether or not you were responsible for the collision
How Does the Minnesota No-Fault Coverage Limit Work?
While no-fault insurance provides quick access to benefits, the coverage is limited. Minnesota law requires every auto insurance policy to include a minimum amount of benefits, and drivers may choose to increase their limit beyond the minimum. In any case, your insurer will only pay for losses up to the policy limit.
Minimum Required PIP Benefits
Under Minnesota law, every driver must carry at least $40,000 in personal injury protection, or PIP, coverage. This prevents accident victims from having to wait for a fault determination to receive compensation. Also known as basic economic loss benefits, this coverage is split into two categories:
- $20,000 for medical expenses for injury to one person
- $20,000 for non-medical expenses, including lost wages, replacement services, and funeral expenses, for injury to one person
If your losses exceed these limits, you may be eligible to step outside the no-fault system. This option allows you to pursue additional compensation through the at-fault driver’s liability policy, as long as you’re less than 51% responsible for the crash.
Who Is Covered Under Minnesota's No-Fault Car Insurance?
No-fault coverage provides benefits to a wide group of people, not only the policyholder. Depending on the circumstances, benefits may be available for:
- Drivers operating their own insured vehicle
- Passengers in the insured vehicle at the time of the accident
- Family members who live in the same household as the policyholder
- Pedestrians hit by the insured vehicle
- Bicyclists injured in a crash with the insured vehicle
Can You Sue After a Car Accident in a No-Fault State Like Minnesota?
Minnesota’s no-fault system limits lawsuits, but there are exceptions. Certain situations allow you to seek liability compensation from the driver responsible for the accident.
When You Can File a Lawsuit
You may have the right to sue for a car accident if any one of the following is true:
- Your medical expenses—not including diagnostic tests—exceed $4,000.
- You suffer a permanent injury or permanent disfigurement.
- You are disabled for 60 days or more.
- The accident results in death.
Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer Like Sieben Polk P.A.?
With more than 50 years of experience handling personal injury cases in Minnesota, our firm understands the Upper Midwest’s unique legal landscape. Our team combines the resources of a large firm with the personalized attention of a local practice to seek maximum compensation for clients, including many multi-million-dollar case results.
When you hire our lawyers after a car accident, we will:
- File your PIP claim before the statute of limitations runs out and seek the full amount of benefits you’re entitled to
- Evaluate whether your injuries meet Minnesota’s thresholds to step outside the no-fault system
- Investigate the accident to determine who’s at fault
- Gather evidence proving the other driver’s liability and your damages
- Calculate your damages to determine a fair case value
- Pursue compensation for losses PIP doesn’t cover, such as pain and suffering and long-term needs
- Handle disputes with insurance companies when they delay, deny, or undervalue your claim
- Negotiate for a fair settlement on your behalf
- Represent you in court if the insurance company refuses to pay what you deserve
Talk to Sieben Polk P.A. About Your Minnesota Car Accident
While Minnesota is a no-fault state for auto insurance, that shouldn’t stop you from seeking the compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one was injured in a collision, our car accident attorneys can help you understand your legal options and pursue every dollar you’re entitled to under the law. Get your questions answered and start protecting your rights today—contact us online or call 651-437-3148 for a free consultation.
