Mandatory no-fault insurance in Minnesota allows you to recover compensation for car accident injuries regardless of your contribution to the accident. Minnesota’s comparative negligence law also allows you to recover compensation from other parties even if you were partly at fault. Our experienced Minnesota car accident lawyers can investigate your accident and potentially clear allegations of fault brought against you. Call us (651) 437-3148 or contact us online to schedule your free case evaluation.
- Minnesota No-Fault Car Insurance Laws
- Can I Be Reimbursed for My Deductible?
- What to Do If Your Damages Exceed Your Coverage
- How to Document Your Damages to Receive the Maximum Compensation
- Steps to Take Following a Car Accident to Protect Your Claim
- Have Questions About Your Car Accident Claim? We Can Help.
- Minnesota is a no-fault insurance state that allows you to recover compensation for car accident injuries through your mandatory PIP coverage, whether or not you were at fault.
- Minnesota’s comparative negligence law also allows you to recover compensation from other parties if your share of the fault is lower than theirs, but the recoverable amount is reduced accordingly.
- Our experienced car accident lawyers can investigate your case to maximize your recovery and potentially clear you of fault.
Minnesota No-Fault Car Insurance Laws
All drivers in Minnesota must carry at least $40,000 of no-fault insurance coverage, also known as Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or Basic Economic Loss Benefits. If you are injured in an accident, no-fault insurance pays up to $20,000 toward your medical expenses and $20,000 for non-medical expenses, such as lost wages. Higher coverage limits are optional.
Can I Be Reimbursed for My Deductible?
You generally will not be reimbursed for your own PIP deductible, as this insurance is designed to cover you regardless of anyone’s fault. Reimbursement for deductibles is usually only available when another party is at fault and their insurer is liable for your losses.
You do not have to automatically accept a finding of fault by law enforcement or insurance companies. Our knowledgeable Minnesota personal injury lawyers can investigate your accident, provide a more detailed analysis, and potentially refute allegations of fault.
What to Do If Your Damages Exceed Your Coverage
Minnesota law allows injured accident victims to file a claim with the other party’s liability insurance once their no-fault insurance coverage runs out. Though being at fault for the accident can complicate your claim, it doesn’t necessarily bar you from recovering compensation.
Under the Minnesota comparative negligence law, you can recover compensation as long as your fault is less than the other party’s. However, the amount you recover will be reduced according to your share of the blame. For example, if your damages are $100,000 and you were 30 percent at fault, you could recover $70,000.
Multiple parties may have contributed to your accident and therefore may share liability for your damages. We will work to identify all liable parties, prove your share of fault is less than theirs, and maximize your case results.
How to Document Your Damages to Receive the Maximum Compensation
You will only be able to recover compensation for the damages you can prove. Your evidence will need to substantiate your injuries and losses, including medical costs, cost of transportation to the doctor, lost wages, and lowered earning capacity. The following documentation will help you prove your damages:
- Medical records
- Medical bills
- Pay stubs
- Tax returns
- W-2s
- Gas and parking receipts
- Mileage records
- Bus and taxi receipts
- Receipts for housekeeping services
- Receipts for personal care services
Steps to Take Following a Car Accident to Protect Your Claim
From the moment an accident occurs, your actions and statements are scrutinized by insurance companies eager to evade liability. They will work to minimize your compensation by blaming you for the accident and using your words against you. Taking the following steps will help protect your claim and maximize its value:
- Seek medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor. You will need medical records to prove the extent and severity of your injuries.
- ollow all of your doctor’s treatment recommendations. Insurers will argue that medical treatment was unnecessary if you miss appointments or delay treatment.
- Write down everything you remember about the accident as soon as possible. Your memory may fade, but even small details can be important.
- Gather as much evidence as you can, including pictures of the scene, eyewitness contact information, and video surveillance footage.
- Contact our experienced car accident lawyers as soon as possible. This is the best way to protect your legal rights and options.
- Do not admit fault or accept an early settlement from an insurer without your attorney present.
Have Questions About Your Car Accident Claim? We Can Help.
If you are blamed for a car accident, don’t let it stop you from reaching out to our award-winning car accident attorneys. We will investigate what caused your accident and fight for the compensation you deserve.
When you choose us to handle your case, you will get the best features of a large law firm with a local firm environment. Our team has decades of combined experience and understands the legal terrain of the Upper Midwest, including its laws, courts, and insurers.
We charge no upfront fees, and you only pay us if we obtain compensation for you. Call (651) 437-3148 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.
