Who Pays For My Medical Bills and Lost Wages Right After the Car Accident in Minneapolis?
Getting into a car crash on a busy Twin Cities highway or at a local intersection can turn your life upside down…
Learn MoreMinneapolis Car Accident Attorney
Experienced Car Accident Lawyers Serving Clients in Minneapolis, Minnesota
A car accident turns your world upside down in a split second. One minute you are driving to work on I-94 or running errands in the Twin Cities, and the next, you are facing a long, painful recovery, a wrecked vehicle, and a mountain of financial stress. Suddenly, you are forced to deal with pushy insurance adjusters who want to settle your claim for as little as possible while your medical bills continue to pile up. You do not have to carry this heavy burden alone, and you do not have to let a massive corporation dictate what your recovery is worth. At 612-Injured, we help everyday Minnesotans level the playing field and get their lives back on track. Our Minneapolis car accident attorneys handle the aggressive insurance companies, the complex legal paperwork, and the frustrating phone calls so you can focus entirely on healing and your family. If you were hurt on Minnesota roads due to someone else’s carelessness, we are ready to stand by your side as your shield and fight hard for the full compensation you deserve.
Why Choose 612-Injured for Your Car Accident Case
When you are hurt on Minnesota roads, you need more than just legal advice. You need a powerful shield against aggressive insurance companies and a team that stands by your side like a trusted neighbor. Here is what we bring to your fight:
Veteran-Led, Battle-Tested Trial Warriors
Our founding partners are military veterans. Ben Heimerl served in the U.S. Marine Corps with the Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team, and Mike Lammers served in the U.S. Navy during the Gulf War. We bring that same discipline, focus, and “never back down” attitude to the courtroom to fight for your recovery.
Direct Access to Elite, Seasoned Attorneys
We do not pass your case off to junior associates or file clerks. You get direct access to elite trial attorneys who are recognized by their peers with distinctions like Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America®. We know how to build strong, winning cases.
Over 25 Years of Minnesota Institutional History
We have been defending everyday Minnesotans for more than a quarter of a century. We are not guessing. We know the local Twin Cities courts, the hazardous roads, and the exact tactics insurance companies use to avoid paying what they owe.
Your Ultimate Shield Against Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are massive businesses focused on saving money, not helping you heal. They will try to downplay your pain or pressure you into a fast, lowball settlement. We step in to handle all the phone calls and paperwork so they cannot push you around.
Our 24/7 Availability & Same-Day Guarantee
Car crashes do not just happen during regular business hours, so we are here for you whenever you need us. You can call or text our team 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We guarantee a same-day response because your peace of mind cannot wait.
Absolutely No Upfront Fees Unless We Win
You never have to worry about out-of-pocket legal costs while trying to pay your medical bills. We handle your car accident claim on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay us a single penny unless we successfully win money for you.
Why the Insurance Company Is Not on Your Side
After a crash, the insurance adjuster might sound friendly on the phone. They might pretend to be your neighbor, looking out for your best interests. Do not be fooled.
Insurance companies are massive businesses, and their main goal is to protect their own bottom line. To save money, they will often try to:
- Blame you for the accident, even if you did nothing wrong.
- Downplay your injuries and claim you are not as hurt as you say.
- Pressure you into accepting a quick, lowball settlement before you even know the full extent of your medical bills.
Think of us as your shield. When you hire one of our Minneapolis car accident attorneys, we step between you and the insurance company. We know their playbook inside and out, and we do not let them push you around.
★ Award Recognition
612-Injured Attorneys Named to Best Lawyers in America® 2026 Edition
Four of our attorneys have earned recognition in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America®—an honor based entirely on confidential peer review. No attorney can pay for inclusion; recognition is earned through consistent excellence.
Best Lawyers in America® 2026
Michael B. Lammers
Personal Injury Litigation—Plaintiffs
Best Lawyers in America® 2026
Scott Kruger
Personal Injury Litigation—Plaintiffs
Best Lawyers in America® 2026
Benjamin Heimerl
Workers’ Compensation Law—Claimants
Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® 2026
Ingrid Wahlquist
Workers’ Compensation Law—Claimants
Understanding Minnesota No-Fault Insurance Laws
Many people believe that because Minnesota is a “no-fault” state, it means nobody is blamed for a car crash. That is a common misunderstanding. In reality, it simply means that your own auto insurance company is responsible for paying your immediate medical bills and lost wages, no matter who caused the accident.
Every auto insurance policy in Minnesota is required to include Personal Injury Protection, which is often called PIP. This coverage acts as an immediate safety net so you can get medical care without waiting months for a legal dispute to settle. Here is how standard Minnesota PIP benefits break down:
- Medical Expenses: Your policy provides up to $20,000 to cover reasonable and necessary medical treatment, including hospital visits, chiropractic care, physical therapy, and prescriptions.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries keep you away from work, PIP will reimburse up to 85% of your lost gross income, with a maximum limit of $500 per week.
- Replacement Services: If you are unable to handle everyday household chores, your policy provides up to $200 per week to pay for help with tasks like shoveling snow, mowing the lawn, grocery shopping, or cleaning.
Why Our Minneapolis Car Accident Clients Trust Our Legal Team
With years of dedicated practice in the Twin Cities, we’ve helped hundreds of families navigate the complexities after a car accident. Here is what they have to say.
When Can You Take Legal Action Against the At-Fault Driver?
Your no-fault benefits cover your basic financial losses, but they do not pay for your pain, suffering, or emotional distress. To step outside of the no-fault system and file a lawsuit against the careless driver who hit you, your case must meet specific guidelines set by Minnesota law.
You can pursue a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance if your accident results in any of the following:
- More than $4,000 in reasonable medical expenses
- A disability that lasts for 60 days or more
- A permanent injury or permanent disfigurement
Navigating these legal requirements while healing can be incredibly difficult. Our Minneapolis personal injury lawyers can help ensure you receive every dollar you are entitled to from your own insurance company, while building a strong case to hold the at-fault driver accountable.
Related Minneapolis Car Accident Content
How To Get Your Car Fixed or Replaced After a Total Loss
Dealing with the aftermath of a serious car accident is overwhelming enough on its own. But when the insurance company tells you…
Learn MoreWhen The Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance: A Guide
Getting into a car accident is stressful enough. Finding out the other driver does not have insurance can make the situation feel…
Learn MoreWe Handle All Types of Minnesota Auto Accidents
Minnesota driving comes with its own unique hazards. From icy winter pile-ups on I-94 to summer construction zone crashes, we know the local roads and the specific laws that apply to your accident. We successfully represent clients in all types of crashes, including:
- Rear-end collisions on congested Twin Cities highways
- Distracted driving accidents caused by texting
- T-bone crashes at busy local intersections
- Semi-truck and commercial vehicle accidents
- Drunk driving crashes
- Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
Meet Our Car Accident Attorneys
Scott Kruger
Partner
Scott has dedicated his legal career to standing up for people hurt by the carelessness of others. He cuts through complex legalese to guide clients in a calm, straightforward manner, ensuring they always know what to expect and feel completely protected against pushy insurance companies.
Lauren Wenaas
Attorney
Lauren focuses her practice on civil litigation, fighting hard for victims of personal injury, medical malpractice, and wrongful death. Born and raised in Minnesota, she works tirelessly to make sure insurance companies don’t downplay the real physical and emotional pain her clients are experiencing.
Joseph Strand
Attorney
Joe understands that a serious accident completely disrupts your life well beyond just the medical bills. He takes a thoughtful, practical approach to holding insurance companies accountable, taking the time to listen to your concerns and fighting to secure full and fair settlements.
What to Do Immediately After a Twin Cities Car Accident
The moments following a crash are chaotic, but the steps you take can deeply impact both your health and your future legal case. If you are involved in a wreck on Minnesota roads, try to follow this simple checklist to protect yourself:
- Move to Safety and Call 911: If possible, pull your vehicle to the side of the road to avoid further collisions. Call the police immediately so an official accident report can be filed.
- Seek Medical Attention Right Away: Even if you feel fine or think your injuries are minor, see a doctor immediately. Adrenaline can mask severe pain, and Minnesota law requires you to address medical needs promptly to protect your personal injury protection benefits.
- Gather Evidence at the Scene: If it is safe to do so, use your phone to take photos and videos of the damage to all vehicles, the surrounding intersection or roadway, any visible injuries, and weather conditions.
- Exchange Information: Get the names, phone numbers, and insurance details of all drivers involved. Also, try to get contact information from any bystanders who witnessed the crash.
- Watch What You Say: Be polite, but do not apologize to the other driver or the police. Saying “I am sorry” can be twisted by the insurance company as an admission of fault.
- Report the Crash, but Keep It Brief: Notify your own insurance company that an accident occurred, but do not give a recorded statement or sign any paperwork until you have spoken with a lawyer.
Get a Free Consultation Today
You do not have to face the insurance companies alone. Let a trusted, local professional protect your family and your future. We are here to listen, answer your questions, and guide you forward with confidence.
Call or text us today at (612) 465-8733 for a completely free, no-pressure consultation. If your injuries make it hard to travel, we can come directly to your home or your hospital bedside.
Car Accident FAQ’s
Who pays for my medical bills and lost wages right after the car accident in Minneapolis?
Your own auto insurance company pays. Minnesota is a "no-fault" insurance state. This means regardless of who caused the accident, your initial medical expenses, a portion of your lost income, and replacement services (like house cleaning or childcare) are covered by your own policy under Personal Injury Protection (PIP). By law, standard Minnesota policies provide a minimum of $40,000 in PIP benefits ($20,000 for medical expenses and $20,000 for non-medical expenses like lost wages).
In Minneapolis, can I sue the at-fault driver for my injuries after a car accident?
Yes, but only if your injuries meet specific "tort thresholds." Because of Minnesota's no-fault system, you cannot automatically sue the other driver for pain and suffering or remaining medical bills. To step outside of the no-fault system and file a lawsuit against the negligent driver, your situation must meet at least one of these legal thresholds:
-
Your medical treatment costs exceed $4,000 (excluding diagnostic tests like X-rays or MRIs).
-
You suffer a permanent injury or permanent disfigurement/scarring.
-
You experience 60 days or more of continuous disability.
What happens in Minneapolis if I am partially to blame for the car crash?
You can still recover compensation, as long as you are not more than 50% at fault. Minnesota follows a modified comparative fault rule. Under this system, you can pursue damages from the other driver even if you share some blame, but your final financial recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if a court determines your total damages are $100,000 but rules you were 20% at fault for the collision, your final payout will be reduced by 20%, leaving you with $80,000. If your fault is 51% or higher, you are legally barred from recovering anything from the other driver.
How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Minnesota?
Generally, you have six years from the date of the crash. Minnesota features one of the most generous timelines in the country; the statute of limitations for a standard car accident injury lawsuit based on negligence is six years.
Critical Exception: If the accident resulted in a fatality, a wrongful death claim must be filed within three years of the death. Additionally, if the crash involved a government vehicle (like a Metro Transit bus or a city truck), you must file a formal notice of claim within 180 days of the incident, or you forfeit your right to sue.
While six years sounds like a long time, it is highly discouraged to wait, as physical evidence disappears, traffic camera footage gets overwritten, and witness memories fade quickly.