Did you know when you are in a motor vehicle accident in Minnesota the law says your own insurance company is responsible for up to $20,000 in medical bills? Minnesota is a no-fault state, which basically means, regardless of who is responsible for the accident, your auto insurance will pay your medical bills first. One nice aspect of auto insurance is you do not need a referral to see a medical provider – wherever you decide to treat (“in-network”  or not)  your insurance will pay your bill. This same auto insurance policy will pay medical bills and lost wages, pay mileage to medical appointments, and provide for replacement services.

Making a claim for medical benefits, often called the “PIP” claim (PIP = personal injury protection), does not equal an increase to your insurance rates. Auto insurance companies look to see who was at fault for the accident, and then the rates may be raised for the person who caused an accident. Simply making a claim for medical benefits does not raise your insurance rates.

In Minnesota, your no fault benefits claim will provide up to $20,000 for medical bills and up to $20,000 for economic losses. The key word in that last sentence is “up to,” because every auto insurance policy issued in Minnesota contains a provision that allows your insurance company to have their own doctor examine you. This is called in independent medical examination (IME). By having you attend an IME, the insurance company is effectively able to decide when they want to stop paying benefits under your auto insurance policy. However, getting your claim denied after the IME is not the end of the story, but it does mean you should talk to a lawyer who is experienced and knowledgeable in ”no-fault” insurance claim law.

If you, or someone you know has been involved an a motor vehicle accident and is having trouble with his or her no-fault claim, I am happy to answer their questions or help with the claim.