Car accidents can happen any time and anywhere. This includes public roads, parking lots and even on private property. Injuries from car accidents can affect your life in ways few people consider. As a result, you may be losing time from work, dealing with medical bills, running to medical appointments, and struggling just to deal with the most basic aspects of your daily life. Furthermore, car accident victims are left trying to navigate the confusing and complex insurance claims process, which can be frustrating, and fraught with traps for the unwary.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, in Elk River you may have two, and sometimes three potential insurance claims. These include no-fault claims, personal injury claims and “underinsured” or “uninsured” motorist claims, depending on the circumstances.
No-fault Claims
No-fault insurance coverage is required to be carried on cars in Minnesota by Minn. Stat. § 65B.06. For a detailed discussion of required Minnesota no-fault coverage, see our no-fault web page.
Personal Injury Claims
Because all motorists in Minnesota are required to carry no-fault insurance to cover medical expenses, income loss and replacement services, the Minnesota legislature has limited when and how injured accident victims can bring a personal injury claim against other drivers who were negligent in causing your injuries. In order to bring a personal injury claim, the injured victim must meet at least one of the following “so called” threshold requirements set forth in Minnesota Statute §65B.51:
- medical treatment expenses of $4,000 or more; or
- a permanent injury; or
- a disability of 60 days or more; or
- a permanent disfigurement (scar); or
- a death as a result of their injuries.
If you have met one of the above thresholds, you can bring a personal injury claim against any negligent (at-fault) driver and their insurance company. In a personal injury claim, you may be entitled to recover the following damages:
- past medical bills and wage loss not covered by your no-fault claim;
- future medical expenses and income loss or loss of earning capacity; and
- past and future pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
Whether your claim is large or small, at Nelson Personal Injury, we treat every client, like they are our only client. When you choose to work with us, you can be confident that your case is being handled by a competent, experienced and compassionate professional. That’s why referrals to our office come from some of the most important people we know…our clients. Unlike some attorneys, we devote our entire practice to representing individuals who have been injured due to the negligence of another. For more than 30 years, our attorneys have been fighting for the rights of our clients in Sartell. We have taken on the large insurance companies and have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for thousands of victims of car accidents. Beyond that, we strive to provide car accident victims with the peace of mind that comes from knowing that they have an experienced car accident attorney on their side.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, our attorneys are here to help. We know that you will have many questions about your rights and the claim process, and we always take the time to explain the process and your rights to you. Complete the form below, or call us today to see how we can help you. All consultations with our experienced accident attorneys are free, confidential and there is no obligation.
