How Much Is Your Minnesota Car Accident Claim Worth
After a car accident, you may be wondering how much your claim is worth. Unfortunately, there is no exact answer since various factors can impact the value of a car accident claim. A Minneapolis Car Accident Lawyer can evaluate the specifics of your case and give you a general idea of how much compensation you are entitled to.
Minnesota is a No-Fault State
An insurance claim typically settles the financial costs of a car accident. Minnesota is a “no-fault state,” which means victims can file a claim against the personal injury protection (PIP) in their own car insurance policies regardless of who caused the accident. Drivers must carry a minimum of $40,000 in PIP coverage, divided into $20,000 for medical bills and $20,000 for non-medical expenses.
Accident victims can only file a personal injury lawsuit to recover additional compensation once PIP benefits are exhausted and if their collision results in one of the following:
- $4,000 in medical bills
- Permanent injury or permanent disfigurement
- Disability lasting at least 60 days
If you meet the conditions for filing a personal injury claim, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills beyond what is covered by PIP, lost wages and benefits, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of companionship, vehicle repair, or replacement, and more.
Factors Involved in Settlement Value
Dozens of factors can increase or reduce the final settlement or jury award for your car accident case. The following are the most common and have a significant impact on compensation:
Liability and Strength of the Case
The strength of the evidence supporting that the other party’s negligence caused the accident. Minnesota is a modified comparative negligence state. That means your percentage of fault will reduce your recovery, and if you are more than 50 percent to blame, you cannot recover any compensation.
Damages
The more severe your injuries and other losses, the more value is added to your claim. When awarding damages, the court will typically consider the type and severity of your injuries, if they are permanent, if you will be able to return to work, any restrictions on daily activities, how your life and family have been impacted, and more.
Causation
There must be documentation that directly links your injuries to the car accident caused by the at-fault party. If you did not seek medical care immediately after the collision, the insurance company can use the gap in treatment to fight causation.
Settlement Value vs. Trial Value
Settling your car accident claim before it reaches a courtroom can save you a considerable amount of money in legal costs and court fees. However, your case’s settlement value will most likely be smaller than its potential trial value. The benefit of a settlement, although smaller, is you altogether avoid the risk of losing. An experienced car accident lawyer can advise you on the specific risks of a settlement vs. trial in your case.
Contact Us Today
To discuss the amount of compensation you are entitled to for your car accident claim, contact Hall Law, P.A. Our Minneapolis Car Accident Lawyer is ready to speak to you, and we offer free initial case consultation. Call 800-292-1979 today.