Minnesota is a no-fault automobile state. This means that when you are in a collision there are basic benefits of medical bills, wage loss, medical mileage and replacement services that will be covered by your own car insurance policy. The no-fault benefits goes back to a deal from the 1970s where insurance companies got tort thresholds (items proving a severe enough injury to bring a personal injury claim) in return for guaranteeing that they would provide no-fault coverage. Using your no-fault benefits does not raise your insurance rates and should be a relatively easy and fast system.
A young single mother is in an accident. Her insurance company arrives and gives her $500.00 in advance payment on her medical bills. The adjuster tells her that she can use this money for her bills and then come back after it is used to get more. Is this an attempt to coerce her into using the money for non-medical reasons and be embarrassed to come back? The woman comes into our office to deal with making sure the initial medical bills are paid, and for a no-fault arbitration to fight to pay the additional medicals which they denied for no apparent reason. The arbitrator awarded all benefits with interest and costs. The defense attorney attempted to argue fraud concerning the use of the initial money, which she was given by their company.
If you are in a motor vehicle collision in Minnesota, you need to notify your insurance agent in order to start the no-fault process. If you have questions, you should talk to an attorney who is experienced in handling these types of injuries
A founding partner with Bradshaw & Bryant, Mike Bryant has always fought to find justice for his clients—knowing that legal troubles, both personal injury and criminal, can be devastating for a family. Voted a Top 40 Personal Injury "Super Lawyer" multiple years, Mr. Bryant has also been voted one of the Top 100 Minnesota "Super Lawyers" four times.
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