A bicycle accident can be terrifying – not only during the event but also long afterward. Victims often have to deal with excruciating pain as well as horrible uncertainty. They have no idea how they’ll be able to afford the extensive medical treatment they need.
The skilled bicycle accident attorneys with Sand Law are here for you if you’re in this unfortunate situation through no fault of your own. If someone else caused the accident, we’ll work hard to help you get every penny of compensation you deserve. Just as important, we’ll provide peace of mind. You can rest easy knowing we’ll protect your rights at every turn.
Schedule a free case evaluation by contacting us online or calling 651-291-7263. You focus on your recovery, and we’ll handle everything else associated with your case.
Minnesota’s No-Fault System
Minnesota operates under a no-fault insurance system, which has significant implications for individuals involved in bicycle accidents and seeking compensation for their injuries. The no-fault system is designed to provide prompt and efficient coverage for medical expenses, regardless of who caused the accident.
Under this system, if you suffer an injury in a bicycle accident, your auto insurance (if you have it) is generally responsible for covering your medical expenses. Even if another party is at fault for the accident, you’ll turn to your own insurance company for coverage rather than seeking compensation directly from the at-fault party.
The key component of the no-fault system is Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which is mandatory in our state. PIP coverage provides immediate payment for medical expenses and related costs, such as rehabilitation expenses and other damages resulting from the accident. It ensures that accident victims receive necessary medical treatment without establishing fault or waiting for a liability determination.
Minnesota’s no-fault system requires drivers to carry minimum PIP coverage. This coverage helps injured parties quickly access medical treatment and pays for reasonable and necessary medical expenses up to the policy limits. Minnesota’s minimum required PIP coverage is $20,000 per person and $20,000 for non-medical expenses, such as lost wages.
Again, PIP coverage applies not only to motor vehicle accidents but also to bicycle accidents. If you have PIP coverage under your auto insurance policy, it should cover your medical expenses resulting from a bicycle accident.
What if No-Fault Insurance Doesn’t Cover My Bills?
In some cases, the medical bills resulting from a bicycle accident may exceed the coverage provided by your no-fault insurance. If this happens, you may need to explore other options to cover the remaining expenses. One option is using your health insurance to pay these additional bills.
Using Health Insurance to Pay Medical Bills
When utilizing your health insurance, you must review your policy carefully to understand applicable deductibles, copayments, or coverage limitations. Different health insurance plans may have varying degrees of coverage. You must also be aware of any out-of-pocket expenses you may be responsible for.
It’s worth noting that using health insurance to pay your medical bills may come with specific considerations. For instance, your health insurance company may seek reimbursement from any settlement or compensation you receive later. If you pursue a claim against the at-fault party and receive compensation, your health insurance company may have the right to recover the amount they paid for your medical expenses.
Filing a Lawsuit Against the At-Fault Party
But what if your injuries are so extensive that your health insurance won’t cover all your medical bills? If another party’s negligence caused the bicycle accident, you may have grounds to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Filing a lawsuit can allow you to seek compensation for your medical bills and other losses you’ve suffered due to the accident. An experienced personal injury attorney can guide you through the legal process, represent your interests, and help maximize the potential compensation you may receive.
Increasing Your Chances of Success
You’ll need to hire a lawyer immediately to have the best chance of winning your case. The faster you do, the earlier your attorney can investigate the accident and gather critical evidence before it disappears. This evidence will make the difference between achieving a positive result and being responsible for all your accident-related expenses.
Your attorney will interview witnesses and obtain the police report. They’ll also request footage from surveillance cameras that might have captured the accident. If there’s a chance the at-fault driver was distracted due to texting or talking on their phone, your lawyer may be able to obtain their phone records.
An attorney will also negotiate with the driver’s insurance company to settle the case. This is how the vast majority of personal injury cases end. But sometimes, an insurer will refuse to give an accident victim what they deserve. If that happens in your case, a skilled lawyer will be well prepared to take the insurer to court. They can then present the evidence supporting your argument, bringing in expert witnesses if needed to strengthen your case.
How Much Compensation Can I Receive?
The compensation you can receive after a bicycle accident depends on various factors. These factors may include the severity of your injuries, their impact on your daily life, the extent of the damages you’ve suffered, and the applicable laws.
Compensation for a bicycle accident may cover several different damages, including the following:
- Medical expenses (both past and future)
- Rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages (both past and future)
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
To assess the potential value of your claim and ensure you pursue fair compensation, speak with a personal injury attorney with experience handling bicycle accident cases. They can evaluate the specific details of your situation, consider relevant factors, and estimate the potential compensation you may be entitled to pursue.
Contact Sand Law to Schedule a Free Consultation
The attorneys with Sand Law are standing by to help you get the money you have coming. We’ll use our extensive knowledge and experience to seek fair compensation for your medical bills and other damages. Call 651-291-7263 or use our online form for a free case review.