Protecting The Rights Of Auto Accident Injury Victims
Every day millions of Minnesotans use their cars to commute to work or run errands, going about their daily business without much cause for concern. But according to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, over 200 accidents occur per day resulting in an average of one fatality and 81 injuries. On a national scale the problem is even more pervasive with serious accidents occurring every 14 seconds and a fatality every 16 minutes.
As distracted driving and other reckless behaviors increase, even the most attentive and careful drivers may not be able to avoid a collision. If you were injured in a car accident, the attorneys at The Cody Law Group can help you with the recovery process.
An Accident Can Permanently Change Your Life
While not every accident results in a wrongful death fatality, a collision can leave an injury victim permanently disabled or disfigured. A serious accident can cause severe burns, back and neck injuries, amputations, multiple fractures and traumatic brain injuries. After the accident, you may no longer be able to work or perform simple acts to care for yourself. Recovering compensation after an accident can help you deal with your increased needs and unplanned expenses. You may be eligible for:
- Reimbursement for medical expenses
- Payment for damaged property
- Payment to maintain and care for your house if your injuries limit your ability to do so
- Lost wages, both past and future
- Disability benefits for injuries that prevent you from working
- Compensation for pain and suffering
Understanding No-Fault Insurance
The No-Fault Act provides for $40,000 of coverage for basic economic loss benefits, with $20,000 being allocated for medical expenses and $20,000 for other no-fault benefits, including income loss, replacement services, funeral expense loss, survivor’s economic loss and survivor’s replacement services loss arising out of the injury to any one person.
Medical expense benefits include all reasonable expenses for necessary medical, surgical, X-ray, optical, dental and rehabilitation services. The Minnesota No-Fault Act specifically provides for inclusion of chiropractic care and treatment.
Obviously the care and treatment sought must be causally related to the motor vehicle accident.
The decision as to the form of medical care is left entirely to the injured person. The insurance company does not have any right to make a choice as to your treating physician.
As long as the treatments are reasonable and necessary to provide relief from the effects of the automobile accident, the insurance company remains responsible for payment up to the statutory maximum of $20,000.
In addition to the actual cost of treatment, the insured is entitled to the reasonable cost of transportation to and from treatment, transportation costs include medical mileage which is typically reimbursed in the area of 56 cents per mile, cab fare, bus fare or other costs of transportation.
Let Us Prioritize Your Recovery
The statute of limitations for recovery after a car accident in Minnesota is six years, but you should seek legal help right away to preserve evidence and properly document your claim. Our firm will provide personalized service at every step of the claim process. To learn more about how to file an injury claim, please contact us online or call our Vadnais Heights offices at 612-444-9418 to speak with a lawyer.
