IF THE AUTO ACCIDENT WAS THE OTHER DRIVER’S FAULT, DO YOU STILL HAVE TO PAY A DEDUCTIBLE?
Our car accident lawyers are frequently asked that question. Generally, when your vehicle is damaged because of the other driver’s fault, the other driver’s insurance will pay to fix or replace your car. (If they agree that their driver was at fault.) In that case, you will NOT have to pay a deductible. They will also provide you with a rental car while your car is fixed, or you shop for a new one.
However, there are still three circumstances where you would have to turn the claim over to your own auto insurance company. If the other driver caused the accident, you still go through your insurance company if:
(1) The other driver is uninsured,
(2) The other driver’s insurance company won’t admit the accident was his fault and refuses to pay.
(3) Your car is totaled and you don’t agree with the other insurance company on the fair value of your vehicle.
In these situations, you will have to submit the claim to your auto insurance company. If you have collision coverage, your insurance company will pay to fix or replace your vehicle. However, you will have to pay the deductible (at least temporarily), even though the other driver was at fault. Your insurance company will try to get their money back from the other driver’s insurance. They will also go after the other driver if he was uninsured. If your insurance company is successful at getting money from the other driver or his insurer, they will pay you back your deductible.
CAR ACCIDENT MEDICAL BILLS
Also, if you are injured in a car accident in Minnesota, YOUR car insurance pays your initial medical bills and wage loss. Your auto insurance has to pay even if the other driver was completely at fault.(That’s what MN ‘No-Fault‘ means.) You will also have a deductible for that, which you will have to pay. The other driver’s insurance is then responsible for additional medical bills and compensation for pain and suffering.
Many people have questions after an accident about getting repaid for the damage to your car or your insurance deductible.You are welcome to call us and speak with a lawyer for a free consultation. If you have been injured in an auto accident in MN, you should call us as soon as possible. A lawyer will investigate your case and advise you of your rights. The primary focus of our car accident lawyers it to make sure you receive all the benefits you are entitled to.