A car accident can turn your life upside down in the blink of an eye. Recovering should be your first priority but that could be challenging when the incident burns a hole through your finances.
You’ve already suffered physical distress, emotional trauma and disrupted routines. The last thing you need is the added stress of figuring out what damages you can file for while you’re trying to recover.
To understand what damages you can claim, you first need to know how Minnesota’s insurance system works.
Minnesota as a no fault state
Minnesota is a no-fault state. Hence, you should file claims under your own insurance providers first regardless of who’s at fault for the accident. These claims can cover your medical bills and lost wages you’ve incurred while trying to recover.
Once the driver responsible for the accident has been identified and you’ve exceeded the limit to your own policies, you may also file claims under their insurance policies under specific circumstances.
Now that you understand Minnesota’s no-fault system, you can start looking into additional compensation that may be available to you.
Different types of damages you can claim
There are two types of damages that you can file against the driver responsible for the accident.
First, there are economic damages. It pertains to measurable financial losses you’ve incurred due to the accident. Common types of economic damages include:
- Medical expenses
- Property or vehicle damages
- Lost wages
There are also non-economic damages. These damages compensate you for intangible harm. Most of the time, these damages are not easily quantifiable such as pain or suffering. These losses are not easily seen or measured but have significantly impacted your life in one way or another. Common examples include:
- Loss of quality of life
- Loss of consortium
- Disfigurement
Understanding both economic and non-economic damages gives you a clear picture of what damages you can claim after a car crash.
Getting the compensation you deserve
Your recovery after a car accident matters most. The first step towards a full recovery starts with making sure that you get fair compensation for your pain and suffering. From covering medical bills and lost wages to reimbursing property damage, each type of compensation plays a role in helping you move forward.
If you’ve been involved in a car crash in Minnesota, the right legal guidance can make a difference not only in your recovery process but also in making sure that you secure the right compensation to get you back on the road.