Car accidents are commonplace. While inconvenient, most do not cause significant long-term harm. Unfortunately, some crashes can be serious, causing permanent injury and even death.
If you were injured or a loved one was killed in a crash, contact a Glencoe car accident lawyer at Maschka Personal Injury. Based in Mankato but serving the surrounding area, our personal injury attorneys share your values, understand your concerns, and will prioritize your needs throughout the claims process.
Minnesota is among the minority of states that have a no-fault system for auto accident claims. Everyone registering a vehicle must show proof of no-fault insurance that includes personal injury protection (PIP).
This insurance covers your medical expenses and reimburses part of your lost wages if you are hurt in a crash, regardless of which driver is at fault. The minimum PIP coverage is $20,000 for medical expenses and $20,000 for non-medical costs, but you can opt for a higher coverage limit.
After a crash, you will first file a claim with your PIP insurer. If you were a passenger in a vehicle and did not have your own PIP, you would typically make a claim against either your driver’s insurance or a family member’s insurance. Our Glencoe car wreck attorneys can help you determine how to file a claim if you do not have your own PIP.
The minimum coverage may be adequate if you only suffer minor injuries. If your injuries are severe, your PIP may not provide enough coverage. Your injury also may cause you to suffer substantial physical pain and emotional distress, and you can only claim compensation for pain and suffering if you pursue a claim outside the no-fault system.
Minnesota Statutes § 65B.51 allows you to bring a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance if your injury meets the statutory threshold. Your injury generally must have caused medical costs exceeding $4,000, permanent injuries or disfigurement, or disability for at least 60 days. You do not need to exhaust or exceed your PIP benefits before pursuing a liability claim. The family of fatal accident victims can also pursue a claim against an at-fault driver outside of the no-fault system.
If you believe you are entitled to pursue a legal claim after a Glencoe car wreck, discuss your options with our attorneys.
If you pursue a claim outside the no-fault system, you must prove that another party is responsible for your injuries and any other damages. You can do this by proving that the other party was negligent, and their negligence was a direct cause of the accident.
People, businesses, organizations, and governments can be negligent. A party was negligent if they owed a duty of care to another party, breached that duty of care, and that breach was a direct cause of a person’s injuries. If our attorneys prove another party’s negligence caused your injury in a Glencoe vehicle crash, that party is liable for your damages.
You cannot claim damages if you are primarily responsible for the wreck. If your actions contributed to the accident but were not the primary cause, the court will reduce your compensation to reflect your degree of fault.
Serious vehicle crashes can cause pain, disability, stress, and financial loss. A Glencoe car accident lawyer can help you manage your recovery and obtain fair compensation for your damages. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team.
