Losing someone you love in a sudden accident brings grief and uncertainty. At the same time, you may face serious financial pressure. Funeral costs arrive quickly, and medical bills may remain unpaid.
When you learn that the person responsible has little or no insurance, the future may feel even more uncertain. It may seem like there is no way to recover financial support. In reality, Minnesota law may still provide options that can help your family move forward.
Insurance coverage may still apply
Even if the responsible person has limited insurance, other policies may help cover your losses. Minnesota drivers must carry certain types of coverage that can apply after a fatal crash.
For example, your own auto policy may include uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. This coverage can help pay for losses when the at-fault driver does not have enough insurance to cover the harm they caused.
A wrongful death claim may still be possible
Minnesota law allows certain family members to bring a wrongful death claim when someone dies due to another person’s negligence. In 2023, the law was updated to allow families to seek more than just money for lost income. You can now seek a recovery for::
- Pain and suffering your loved one felt before they died
- Funeral and burial costs
- Medical bills related to the fatal injury
- Loss of the income the person provided
- Loss of companionship, care and guidance
Even when the responsible person has little insurance, a claim may still lead to financial recovery through your own policy or other liable parties.
Other parties may share responsibility
In some cases, more than one person or organization may have contributed to the fatal accident. Minnesota follows a modified comparative fault rule, which means fault may be shared among multiple parties. Identifying every responsible party can be important when the main driver involved has little insurance.
For example, a trucking company may share responsibility after a commercial vehicle crash. An employer may be liable if the driver was working at the time. A business or property owner may also be responsible if unsafe conditions contributed to the death.
Understanding your next steps
Learning that the responsible person has little insurance can add stress during an already painful time. However, it does not always mean your family is out of options.
Understanding how wrongful death claims and insurance coverage work in Minnesota may help you decide your next steps.