After a car accident, one of the first worries most people have is medical bills. Ambulance rides, emergency room visits, follow up appointments, and physical therapy add up fast. Many injured drivers assume that if the crash was not their fault, the other driver’s insurance should automatically cover everything. In Minnesota, the reality is more complicated.
If you were hurt in a crash, understanding how insurance works can protect your health and your finances. Below, we explain how medical bills are paid after an accident in Minnesota, what insurance applies first, and when you may need legal help from 612-Injured.
Minnesota Is a No-Fault Insurance State
Minnesota follows a no-fault insurance system. This means that after most car accidents, your own auto insurance pays for your medical expenses first, even if another driver caused the crash.
No-fault insurance is designed to ensure that injured people get medical treatment quickly without waiting for a liability investigation. It applies regardless of who caused the accident.
What Is Personal Injury Protection Insurance?
Personal Injury Protection, often called PIP, is required on every Minnesota auto insurance policy. PIP coverage typically pays for:
- Medical bills related to accident injuries
- Hospital and surgical costs
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Chiropractic care
- Lost wages if you cannot work
- Replacement services like household help
By law, Minnesota drivers must carry at least $40,000 in PIP coverage, with $20,000 designated for medical expenses.
If you are injured in a crash, your PIP coverage is usually the first source of payment for your medical care.
So Yes, Your Insurance Pays First Even If You Are Not at Fault
This is often surprising and frustrating for accident victims. Even when another driver clearly caused the crash, your insurance company is still responsible for paying your initial medical bills through PIP.
This does not mean the at-fault driver gets a free pass. It simply determines the order in which insurance coverage applies.
What Happens When PIP Coverage Runs Out?
Serious injuries can exhaust PIP benefits quickly. Emergency care, imaging, and ongoing treatment can push medical costs well beyond $20,000.
Once PIP is exhausted, other payment sources may include:
- Your health insurance
- Medical payments coverage if available
- A claim against the at-fault driver’s bodily injury liability insurance
- A personal injury lawsuit if insurance coverage is insufficient
Health insurance can help, but providers often assert subrogation rights. This means they may expect reimbursement if you later receive a settlement or verdict.
When Does the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Pay Medical Bills?
You can pursue the other driver’s insurance once your injuries meet Minnesota’s injury threshold. This threshold allows you to step outside the no-fault system and bring a bodily injury claim.
You may qualify if the accident caused:
- More than $4,000 in medical expenses
- Permanent injury
- Permanent disfigurement
- Disability lasting 60 days or more
- Death
If you meet any of these criteria, you may seek compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, future treatment, and other damages.
What If the Other Driver Has No Insurance or Flees the Scene?
Unfortunately, not every driver follows the law. If you are hit by an uninsured driver or involved in a hit and run, the situation becomes more complex.
Minnesota policies often include uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. This coverage can step in when the at-fault driver cannot be identified or does not carry adequate insurance.
If you were injured in a hit and run, it is important to act quickly and document everything. Our firm explains this in more detail in our guide on how to handle hit and run accidents in Minnesota.
Common Mistakes People Make with Medical Bills After an Accident
Many injured drivers unintentionally hurt their claims by making avoidable mistakes, such as:
- Delaying medical treatment and creating gaps in care
- Paying bills out of pocket without submitting them to PIP
- Giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters too early
- Assuming the insurance company will act in their best interest
Insurance companies are businesses. Their goal is to limit payouts, not maximize your recovery.
Why Medical Documentation Matters
Medical records connect your injuries to the accident. They also establish the severity and duration of your condition.
Even if you feel sore rather than seriously injured, it is important to get checked by a medical professional. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, many crash-related injuries worsen over time or present delayed symptoms.
Following your treatment plan consistently strengthens both your recovery and your claim.
Can I Choose My Own Doctor?
Yes. In Minnesota, you generally have the right to choose your own medical providers. Insurance companies may suggest certain clinics, but you are not required to treat with providers chosen by the insurer.
It is often wise to select doctors who understand accident-related injuries and proper documentation.
What About Passengers, Pedestrians, and Cyclists?
PIP coverage also applies to passengers and, in many cases, pedestrians and cyclists struck by vehicles.
The order of coverage can vary depending on the situation. For example:
- Passengers typically use their own auto insurance first
- Pedestrians may use their own policy or that of a household relative
- If no policy applies, the vehicle involved may provide coverage
Sorting out coverage can be confusing, which is why legal guidance is often helpful.
How Long Do I Have to Pursue a Claim?
Minnesota has strict deadlines for insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar recovery.
The Minnesota Statutes outline time limits for both no-fault benefits and injury claims against at-fault drivers.
Speaking with an attorney early can help protect your rights and ensure proper filings.
When Should I Talk to a Lawyer?
You should strongly consider legal help if:
- Your injuries are serious or long lasting
- Your PIP benefits are running out
- The insurer disputes treatment or denies bills
- The other driver was uninsured or underinsured
- You are unsure how to pursue full compensation
An experienced attorney can manage insurance communications, gather evidence, and pursue compensation beyond basic PIP benefits.
If you are searching for guidance, our Minneapolis car accident team can help. Learn more about your options by visiting our car accident lawyer Minneapolis page.
How 612-Injured Helps Accident Victims
At 612-Injured, we help people understand their rights and navigate the insurance process after a crash. We know how overwhelming medical bills and insurance paperwork can be when you are trying to heal.
Our team focuses on clear communication, aggressive advocacy, and practical solutions so you can focus on recovery.
Final Thoughts
In Minnesota, your insurance usually pays your medical bills first after an accident, even when you are not at fault. This system is meant to provide quick access to care, but it can also create confusion and frustration.
Knowing how PIP works, when you can pursue the at-fault driver, and when to seek legal help can make a meaningful difference in your outcome.
If you were injured in a car accident and have questions about medical bills or insurance coverage, speaking with a knowledgeable attorney can help you move forward with confidence.