Pedestrian Accident Injuries: Who Pays for Medical Treatment?
Pedestrian accidents occur when a pedestrian is struck by a moving vehicle. The injuries resulting from these accidents such as head injuries, broken bones, cuts and scarring are often severe, requiring serious and prolonged medical treatment.
Have you been the victim of a pedestrian accident? In many situations, there are insurance remedies and potential claims for compensation available for your injuries.
Your No-Fault Insurance Policy Covers Your Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Minnesota is a no-fault state. This means your own personal injury protection (PIP) coverage under your auto insurance policy must pay for your medical treatment after a pedestrian accident. It doesn’t matter who caused the crash.
However, in Minnesota, you must follow a set list of priorities for coverage. Depending on the specific facts of your case, another party’s insurance may afford you the right to PIP benefits. For example, if you don’t have an insurance policy covering your vehicle, and don’t live with a relative who has a policy, you may turn to the policy covering the vehicle that struck you.
Other scenarios may result in a different application of the no-fault law. Although compensation varies for each case, PIP benefits (no-fault) will pay for special damages after your accident, including:
- Medical expenses: Your insurer will cover necessary medical expenses up to $20,000, including hospital bills, chiropractic care, therapy and more.
- Wages: Should you be unable to work, your insurer will cover up to $20,000 in wage loss.
- Mileage expenses: Your insurer will cover a percentage of your mileage to and from medical treatment.
- Replacement services for household duties: If you can’t perform your regular household duties such as cooking and cleaning, your insurer will pay for some of those replacement services.
PIP coverage with a minimum coverage of $40,000 per person/per accident is a requirement in Minnesota. The breakdown is usually as follows: $20,000 for medical benefits and $20,000 for wages and essential services as outlined above.
What If I Don’t Have Enough Coverage to Pay My Medical Bills?
It’s common for individuals in Minnesota to only carry the minimum PIP coverage required. Unfortunately, many accidents result in injuries that require complex medical care such as rehabilitation, surgery and more. This care often results in medical bills far exceeding basic PIP coverage.
Should this happen to you, you can seek compensation from the at-fault driver by filing a claim for bodily injury against the third party’s liability coverage. Before you move forward, it’s best to reach out to a professional personal injury attorney who can help you understand your options.
Injured in a Pedestrian Accident? Call Brazil Law Group Today.
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, you don’t have to try and heal with the weight of medical bills on your shoulders. The team at Brazil Law Group can help you receive the compensation you deserve. To learn more about our legal services or to request a free consultation, send us a message today.
