One of the first concerns of many people involved in a car accident in Minnesota is how are my medical bills going to be paid? The answer is, your no fault benefits. But what is no fault?

What is no-fault?

Minnesota has adopted a law known as no-fault that affects many aspects of car accidents in Minnesota. Under this law, if you are injured in a car accident and have car insurance in Minnesota, your own car insurance pays for your reasonable and necessary medical bills related to the accident up to $20,000. This includes medical bills as well as chiropractic bills. It does not matter if you were not at fault for the accident. Your own insurance pays for your bills. However, your insurance rates will not go up because of this payment of medical bills unless you were at fault in causing the accident. In that case, your insurance rates may go up for your negligent driving, but not for your receipt of medical bills.

The $20,000 limit is a minimum and it is possible to buy additional no-fault medical coverage. Since $20,000 doesn't last long in a serious accident it is a good idea to consider additional insurance coverage. Ask your insurance agent about this possibility.

Your insurance company has a right to have you seen by a doctor of their choice to determine if your medical bills are reasonable, necessary and related to the accident. You have an obligation to go to this medical appointment, but before you do you should seriously consider contacting an attorney handling these types of matters. Your entitlement to additional medical benefits may depend on what happens at that medical appointment.

If your insurance company refuses to pay your medical bills you have the right to have that dispute arbitrated. For more information about no fault arbitrations you should seek the advice of a Minnesota attorney who handles car accident cases.