If you’re hurt in a car accident in Minnesota, you might wonder how you’ll cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses.
Minnesota law requires drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, which pays for certain costs after an accident, no matter who caused it.
Here’s what you need to know about how PIP coverage works, what it covers, and how a personal injury lawyer can help you after a crash.
What Is PIP Insurance in Minnesota?
Minnesota is a “no-fault” car insurance state. That means after a car accident, you turn to your own auto insurance for immediate help paying medical bills and certain other expenses, regardless of who was at fault. This mandatory insurance coverage is known as Personal Injury Protection (PIP).
PIP insurance covers a variety of costs related to your injuries. The goal is to help accident victims quickly get medical care without having to argue about who caused the crash. Because PIP coverage applies no matter who is at fault, you get help right away.
What Does Minnesota PIP Insurance Cover?
PIP insurance in Minnesota helps pay for specific types of expenses following a car accident.
These expenses include:
- Medical and hospital bills
- Ambulance costs
- Prescription medications
- Rehabilitation treatments, like physical therapy
- Lost wages if you can’t work due to your injuries
- Replacement services, such as housekeeping or childcare, if your injuries prevent you from performing regular tasks
Minnesota PIP provides up to $20,000 for medical expenses and an additional $20,000 for lost wages and replacement services, totaling $40,000 in basic benefits. You can also purchase additional coverage to raise these limits.
Who Can Receive PIP Benefits in Minnesota?
PIP coverage in Minnesota usually protects the policyholder, family members who live in the household, and passengers involved in the accident. It even applies if you’re injured while walking or biking, as long as a vehicle was involved.
However, motorcyclists aren’t automatically covered by standard PIP insurance in Minnesota. They usually need special coverage to receive these benefits.
If you have questions about whether your accident qualifies, it helps to talk with a personal injury attorney.
How Do I File a PIP Claim in Minnesota?
To receive PIP benefits after an accident, you’ll need to file a claim with your own insurance provider. Notify your insurer promptly and provide them with basic details about the accident and your injuries.
However, be careful about any further correspondence without getting legal advice first, as insurance companies do not have your best interests in mind. They are in business to make a profit, not pay the maximum value of your claim.
Before providing a statement or accepting a settlement offer, it’s likely in your best interest to contact an attorney for a free consultation.
Can I File a Personal Injury Lawsuit if I Have PIP?
Even though Minnesota is a no-fault state, you can still pursue a personal injury lawsuit in certain circumstances. Typically, you can step outside the no-fault system and sue the at-fault driver if your injuries and damages are severe enough.
Under Minnesota law, you may file a lawsuit if your medical expenses exceed $4,000 or if you suffer serious injuries. Serious injuries might include broken bones, permanent scarring, disfigurement, or significant disability lasting at least 60 days.
If you meet these conditions, you can seek additional economic and non-economic damages, including pain and suffering, beyond what your PIP coverage provides.
How a Minnesota Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help You
Navigating PIP insurance claims and potential lawsuits can be confusing, especially when dealing with injuries.
An experienced personal injury attorney can help by:
- Explaining exactly what your PIP coverage includes and how much you’re entitled to receive
- Assisting you with filing your insurance claim properly and on time
- Negotiating with your insurance company to secure the full benefits you’re owed
- Evaluating whether your injuries qualify you for a personal injury lawsuit
- Representing your interests in court if your claim is disputed or denied
Working with a lawyer helps ensure you get the financial support you need after an accident.
Contact Our Minnesota Car Accident Attorneys Today for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Minnesota, getting your full PIP benefits is essential, as is learning about whether you can file a claim against the other driver for additional compensation. Understanding your rights and the claims process can be complicated, but you don’t have to manage it alone.
Get in touch with a Minneapolis car accident lawyer at Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys today for a free consultation. Our experienced team will walk you through the entire process and fight for the compensation you deserve. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay attorney’s fees if we win your case. Don’t wait—contact us online or call (800) 292-1979 now to get the legal support you need.
