Minnesota operates under a no-fault car insurance system. Understanding what this means for your car accident claim and how it impacts the pursuit of damages is essential for navigating the aftermath of a car accident.
Navigate This Page
- What Does No-Fault Mean in Minnesota?
- How Is Fault Determined in Minnesota’s No-Fault System?
- Who Is Covered Under Minnesota’s No-Fault Car Insurance?
- Who Pays for Damages in a No-Fault Claim?
- What Types of Damages Are Covered by Minnesota’s No-Fault Insurance?
- How Sieben Polk P.A. Can Help You With Your No-Fault Insurance Claim
- Related Reading:
What Does No-Fault Mean in Minnesota?
In a no-fault state like Minnesota, your own insurance company covers your damages up to a specified limit, regardless of who caused the accident. This differs from at-fault systems, where the driver responsible for the accident typically covers the damages.
How Does Minnesota’s No-Fault System Work?
Minnesota requires drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. Under no-fault laws, you must file a claim with your own insurance company for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages related to the accident, even if you were not at fault.
How Is Fault Determined in Minnesota’s No-Fault System?
While Minnesota’s no-fault system limits the role of fault in claims, fault can still come into play if damages exceed the no-fault coverage limit. Minnesota uses a modified comparative negligence system to assign fault in accidents.
What Is Modified Comparative Negligence?
Under Minnesota’s modified comparative negligence law, you can still recover damages from the other driver if you are less than 51% at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 40% at fault, you can recover 60% of your total damages.
Who Is Covered Under Minnesota’s No-Fault Car Insurance?
In Minnesota, every driver is required to carry no-fault insurance, which covers injuries to you and your passengers.
What Losses Are Covered by No-Fault Insurance?
Minnesota’s no-fault insurance covers:
- Medical expenses
- Wage loss
- Replacement services (e.g., housekeeping)
- Up to $2,000 in funeral expenses for wrongful death cases
No-fault insurance does not cover property damage or damages not directly related to personal injuries, such as a totaled vehicle.
Who Pays for Damages in a No-Fault Claim?
In a no-fault claim, your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance covers damages up to your policy’s limit. If the expenses exceed your policy’s coverage, you may be able to pursue compensation from the at-fault driver’s liability insurance, provided you are not more than 50% at fault for the accident.
How Does the Minnesota No-Fault Coverage Limit Work?
Minnesota requires a minimum no-fault insurance policy of $40,000, which is allocated as follows:
- $20,000 for medical expenses
- $20,000 for non-medical bills (e.g., wage loss)
If your expenses exceed this limit, you may be able to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s liability insurance, assuming you are less than 51% responsible for the accident.
What Types of Damages Are Covered by Minnesota’s No-Fault Insurance?
Minnesota’s no-fault insurance covers economic damages like medical bills and lost wages. However, non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, are not covered by no-fault insurance.
How Can You Pursue Non-Economic Damages in Minnesota?
If your no-fault insurance does not cover all of your damages, you may be able to pursue non-economic damages through a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. This includes compensation for pain, suffering, emotional distress, or permanent disability.
How Sieben Polk P.A. Can Help You With Your No-Fault Insurance Claim
Navigating Minnesota’s no-fault insurance system can be challenging, especially when your damages exceed your coverage limits. A skilled car accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation beyond your policy’s limits.
Get a Free Consultation with Our Experienced Car Accident Lawyers
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, contact Sieben Polk P.A. for a free consultation. Our experienced Eagan car crash lawyers will help you navigate the complexities of the no-fault insurance system and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Call (651) 437-3148 or reach out online to get started.
