A car crash often results in two kinds of harm: to people and to property. Personal injury and property damage claims are dealt with separately. Property losses are usually paid earlier in the case, and any personal injury compensation is often acquired much later. Only some collisions result in personal injuries, while virtually every collision results in property damage.
A report released by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety estimates that Minnesota motor vehicle accidents caused $1,642,062,600 in economic loss in 2020. Property damage-only crashes caused $333,587,400 in economic damage. Injury and fatal accidents are less common but far more impactful, with fatalities averaging $1,704,000 in economic damage, based on estimated costs according to the National Safety Council in 2019.
If you’re in a car accident, you need to know there is a difference between an injury claim and a property damage claim. Here’s the difference:
Property damage claims
Property damage claims focus on damage caused to vehicles and other property. Insured Minnesota vehicles cover at least $10,000. The insurance policy for vehicle driven by the negligent driver is required to pay for property damage. That commonly includes damage to other vehicles, personal belongings like cell phones, or other physical property damaged by that driver. If there is not enough coverage, it may need to be divided up fairly amongst the various property losses.
Personal injury claims
You may have a claim for personal injuries against the other driver, but it’s rather complicated and best to consult with a personal injury lawyer, who can help sort out the value of your case and get you the compensation you deserve. You may be entitled to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and several other categories. Insured drivers in Minnesota must have at least $30,000 per person (and $60,000 per accident) in liability coverage to compensate personal injury victims. And remember, once you settle your case, you can’t return later and ask for more. Asserting your claim to maximize your results requires experience and knowledge of your legal rights.
We’re thrilled to serve clients in Rochester, Austin, Owatonna, and Winona.