Navigating the Maze: Gig Worker Injuries & Complexities in Minnesota’s No-Fault System
The gig economy is now part of the common employment tapestry. People across age demographics take part to earn extra money in addition to full-time work, help pay for school, subsidize their retirement income, or make a living while enjoying the freedom it can offer. Like a traditional job, there are hazards that can lead to injury. Since you are not participating as one would with a traditional 9-5 job, the application of state laws can be a little murky without the help of an experienced personal injury attorney. This can especially be evident when working as a gig worker for a delivery service like Instacart, Grubhub, or DoorDash.
The biggest danger is on the roads. Car accidents happen, and sometimes, the negligent motorist is uninsured. Fortunately, Minnesota is a no-fault state, and all auto policies include personal injury protection (PIP). This coverage can also extend beyond the cars in the accident, which can be especially important in bad accidents when a gig driver was operating a company-insured car. If the injuries are extensive, the policy of the company vehicle may not cover all medical expenses.
Minnesota No-Fault Insurance
Minnesota has no-fault laws. What this means is that even if you are not at fault for a car accident, your insurance will cover medical expenses and wage loss. Minnesota policies cover the driver, spouse, children, relatives living with you who are not insured, and other drivers operating your vehicle with permission. This is good news if you were injured in an accident due to the negligence of an uninsured driver.
It is good to note the reach of policies as a gig economy worker. For example, if you were driving a car insured by your employer, were struck by another car running a red light, and that driver was uninsured, the no-fault coverage from your employer’s policy would cover your medical bills and wage loss. In the case where your injuries are extensive and reach the limits of your employer’s policy, Minnesota car insurance policies cover uninsured motorists.
Another possibility exists if you are on a spouse’s policy for a car that was not even in the accident. If you are named on the policy, you can get added coverage. That policy follows you to other vehicles and other states. An insurance company cannot withhold coverage if it conflicts with Minnesota No-Fault Laws.
Contact Us
If you were injured as a gig worker in Minnesota, call or text the attorneys at 612-INJURED at (612) 465-8733 for a free consultation. Our lawyers understand how the laws apply to gig economy workers in situations involving both personal injury and workers’ compensation.
