Just because you were partly at fault for a car accident in Minnesota doesn’t necessarily mean you’re not entitled to compensation. Whether or not you can recover damages depends on the details of the crash.
First, Minnesota is a no-fault insurance state. This means your auto insurance policy covers most of your economic losses, such as medical bills and lost wages. It doesn’t matter who caused the crash. However, if your injuries are severe enough, you can pursue a claim against the other driver. Once you step outside the no-fault insurance system, your contribution to the accident can affect your ability to recover compensation.
How much were you at fault?
If multiple drivers contributed to a crash, each driver is assigned a percentage of fault. You can only recover compensation from the other driver if you were less than 51% to blame. Additionally, your damages will be reduced by the extent of your contribution to the accident.
For example, if your total damages are $100,000 but you’re found to be 20% at fault, you will receive $80,000. However, you cannot file a claim against the other driver if you’re found to be 51% or more at fault.
Fault isn’t always clear-cut
Insurance companies make the first call on who’s to blame for an accident, but they sometimes get it wrong. If you think they’ve pinned too much blame on you, you can dispute it to protect your right to fair compensation. Such disputes are often resolved through negotiations with the insurance adjuster or, if necessary, a lawsuit.
Get guidance you can count on
It helps to have qualified legal support if you share responsibility for a crash. These situations can involve complex technicalities, and having the proper guidance can help protect your interests and make the process less overwhelming.