Minnesota's no-fault insurance law states that you should receive fair compensation for the losses you have suffered, even if the accident was partly due to your negligence. This should cover your medical bills, loss of wages or income, and payment to others for tasks you can no longer perform, such as landscaping. If the collision was mainly or totally someone else's fault, you may also be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering.

Accidents happen quickly, but they can cause serious injuries, including broken bones, spinal chord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries that require lengthy and expensive treatment. At such a time, you will want to contact an experienced Minneapolis MN law firm that will be concerned about your welfare and work to see that you are fully compensated for your losses by going to trial or going head-to-head with major insurance companies and corporations.

How you can receive compensation

You will be entitled to damages if you satisfy Minnesota's no-fault insurance thresholds. Among other factors, they include:

- a permanent injury,

- medical expenses that exceed $4,000 with the exclusion of diagnostic testing,

- a residual deformity or scar, and

- 60 days of disability or death. In certain cases, the injured party's heirs can maintain a claim, the spouse of the deceased can recover damages, and those caring for an injured minor can be compensated for medical expenses.

What to do if you are injured

Act quickly to report a car accident or collision to your insurance company, and seek medical assistant immediately, remembering that serious internal injuries may not be apparent at first. At the scene, you should obtain the other driver's license plate number, driver's license number, and insurance information, but do not dispute the causes of the accident with the other driver, and refuse to sign any written statement that this individual may attempt to provide as a summary of what took place. (You will also need a copy of the police report for future reference.)

Why you will need a personal injury lawyer

You should not discuss the details of the case if a representative from the other driver's insurance company or that person's attorney contacts you. Never accept a claim until you contact a personal injury attorney who will interview witnesses, gather evidence, speak on your behalf, and take care of other important details related to your case.

Large insurance companies have established policies requiring their claims adjusters to offer quick settlements to those seeking damages, and you will want to avoid acting on impulse. Also, while it is likely that your case can be resolved without going to trial, you will want to be represented by a skilled attorney in case you fail to reach a settlement.

In regard to your ongoing expenses, the Minnesota No-Fault Act states that you will be entitled to 85% of your weekly wages (with a cap of $250.00) when you are unable to work because of injuries sustained in an automobile accident, and this will become part of your general claim against the other driver for compensation.

The information you obtain from this article is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation.