Resolving Insurance Coverage Issues So You Don’t Have To

Stephens Law P.A., receives a lot of questions about insurance coverage because of the outstanding reputation of attorney Francis Stephens. As a skillful and compassionate advocate for injury victims, he puts his over 25 years of experience to work helping clients navigate the complex world of insurance law. If you were injured in an auto accident, at work, or experienced any other type of injury in the state of Minnesota, you have an insurance dispute attorney you can reach out to before you sign any paperwork or make a single decision about your case.

What Is The No-Fault Automobile Insurance Act?

Minnesota is a no-fault state. This means that if you are injured in a car or truck collision in Minnesota and you are insured, you will be entitled to benefits through no-fault insurance, even if you shared fault in the accident. You will notice when looking at your insurance policy that the no-fault insurance is called personal injury protection (PIP) coverage.

Usually, no-fault insurance coverage provides for reasonable and necessary medical costs of up to $20,000 in motor vehicle accidents. Reasonable and necessary expenses under Minnesota’s no-fault automobile insurance act include:

• Prescription drugs
• Medical treatment
• Rehabilitation
• Traveling expenses to receive medical care
• Nursing and hospital services

The PIP coverage also provides lost wage benefits in the amount of $500 per week.

What If My Treatment Exceeds $20,000?

If the entire $20,000 or the no-fault limit is reached or the claim is denied in whole or part, the uncovered bills can be submitted to your own insurer. However, it is typical for you to have to submit your claim to the no-fault insurance provider before submitting them to the health insurance company. If health insurance is not available or the claim is denied by the insurer, then it may be necessary to file a personal injury lawsuit against the individual at fault for the accident, as well as their insurance company. These lawsuits can be very complex. You need to work with a car accident insurance dispute attorney who has handled many cases.

When The Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance

If you or a loved one suffered an injury due to someone driving without insurance or without enough insurance, you can file a claim with your own auto insurance company under your uninsured/underinsured (UM/UIM) policy. This type of coverage provides victims with the amount of coverage purchased. Unfortunately, even accident victims’ own insurers try to deny their claims. This is why you should contact Stephens Law P.A., as soon as possible to seek compensation.

Is Property Damage Covered?

In a car accident, the property damaged is the car and its contents. If the other driver caused the accident, their insurance company has the responsibility to pay for the damage without you having to pay a deductible. Even if you do not have collision coverage, they must still pay. If you were partially at fault, the other driver’s insurance company will pay for only the damage that was the fault of the other party.

The Importance Of Hiring A Lawyer

There are certain laws in the state regarding coverage for vehicles, property damage and other insurance-related matters. The bottom line is that the rules must be followed. However, the facts of the car or truck accident will have an influence on the insurance benefits collected. Sometimes, insurance companies are very difficult to work with when it comes to getting the money for medical costs, property damage and other damages sustained in an accident. The most important rule of thumb is to never give a statement to the insurance company for the other driver without talking to your attorney first. You also don’t have to speak with insurance adjusters without your attorney.

Let An Attorney Help With The Insurance Process

At Stephens Law P.A., you can count on having a powerful advocate to help you. Schedule a free consultation with the firm’s Duluth office at a time that is convenient for you. You can begin by calling 218-514-4043 or by using the online contact form. You can also request evening and weekend appointments.