You can collect medical benefits regardless of who caused the crash — but that doesn’t mean you’re fully protected
Minnesota is a no-fault car insurance state. Most people have heard that phrase but have no
idea what it actually means — or how badly it can trip them up when they’re hurt.
Here’s the short version: after a crash in Minnesota, in general and with a few exceptions, your
own insurance pays for your initial medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who caused
the wreck. That sounds generous. In practice, it creates confusion and that’s where we can step
in.
What No-Fault Benefits Cover
- Under Minn. Stat. § 65B.44, your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage pays:
• Medical expenses up to your policy limit (minimum $20,000 under Minnesota law).
• Lost wages at 85% of gross income, up to $500 per week minimum.
• Replacement services for tasks you can no longer perform, like childcare or housework.
• Funeral expenses and survivor benefits if someone is killed.
These benefits kick in immediately and don’t require proving fault. But they are limited — and
they are separate from what you may be entitled to recover from the at-fault driver.
The Threshold: When You Can Sue the Other Driver
Here’s the catch. Minnesota’s no-fault law restricts when you can bring a personal injury lawsuit
against the driver who hurt you. Under Minn. Stat. § 65B.51, you must meet a threshold: your
medical expenses must exceed $4,000, or you must have suffered a permanent injury,
permanent disfigurement, or disability for 60 days or more.
Many serious injury victims meet this threshold easily. But without knowing it, sometimes an
injured person to settle for PIP benefits alone, without ever pursuing the full value of their claim
against the at-fault driver.
The Myth: PIP Is Enough
PIP is a floor, not a ceiling. If another driver’s negligence caused your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, future medical expenses, and long-term lost income — none of which PIP covers. A strong personal injury claim against the at-fault driver can be worth substantially more than your PIP policy ever will be. And, before you ever get into a wreck, its good to take time to examine your current coverage to see if you have enough. You might even have an option to “stack” your PIP, which sometimes can help create a larger benefit if you ever need it.
Call Pacyga Trial Lawyers
Don’t let insurance company math determine the value of your injuries.
Pacyga Trial Lawyers | 612-339-5844 | arrestedmn.com
Call us at 612-339-5844. We’l tell you exactly where you stand.