What to Do After a Car Accident, Work Injury, or Personal Injury — Why Seeking Care Early Matters

Being injured in a car accident, on the job, or in another personal injury situation is stressful, painful, and often confusing. Knowing your rights — and the care you’re entitled to — is critical to your health, your recovery, and your financial protection.

At the Natural Care Center of Woodbury, we help patients navigate the care process after these kinds of injuries and make sure they get the appropriate treatment backed by compassion, evidence, state law and insurance coverage.

1. Understanding Minnesota’s No-Fault Auto Insurance System

Minnesota is a no-fault state for automobile accidents under the Minnesota No-Fault Automobile Insurance Act (Minn. Stat. ch. 65B). This means that after a crash, you turn to your own auto insurance company first to cover your medical bills and other economic losses regardless of who caused the collision.

This coverage is known as Personal Injury Protection (PIP), and it typically includes:

• Medical expenses related to the crash

• Wage loss if you miss work

• Replacement services if you need help with daily tasks because of your injuries

These benefits are payable even if you were at fault in the accident, helping you focus on healing rather than battling over fault. Your insurance policy must meet Minnesota’s required minimums, and in most cases, this starts with at least $40,000 in PIP coverage, split between medical ($20,000) and non-medical benefits ($20,000).

2. Secondary Claims — When No-Fault Isn’t Enough

No-fault coverage has limits. If your medical bills or lost income exceed the PIP limits, Minnesota law allows you to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver for additional compensation, including pain and suffering, permanent impairment, and other non-economic losses — as long as you meet certain legal thresholds.

This is why documenting your injuries and seeking thorough medical care right away is important — it preserves evidence in case you or your attorney need to file a liability claim.

3. Workers’ Compensation — Care for On-the-Job Injuries

If you’re injured at work, Minnesota’s workers’ compensation system covers your medical care and wage loss benefits regardless of fault (except in limited circumstances such as intoxication).

Workers’ compensation benefits provide:

• Free medical care related to your injury

• Wage loss if you are unable to work

• Rehabilitation and treatment to help you return to work safely

Chiropractic care (and often acupuncture and massage therapy when referred for) is covered under Minnesota workers’ comp, though the state’s treatment parameters may limit the number and frequency of visits unless the insurer agrees otherwise or the case has extraordinary circumstances.

4. Personal Injury Cases — More Than Just Auto Crashes

“Personal injury” covers a broad range of injuries caused by someone else’s negligence — including slip-and-fall incidents, dog bites, and other accidents not involving a car or job.

In these cases, you may have the right to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim against the responsible party’s insurance. This can cover:

• Medical bills beyond no-fault or PIP limits

• Lost income

• Pain and suffering

• Future care needs

A medical provider like ours can supply detailed records that support your claim, improve your recovery outcomes, and ensure your care is documented thoroughly.

5. Why Seeking Care Early Makes a Difference

Whether you were in a car crash, injured at work, or hurt in another accident:

Getting evaluated and treated right away is essential.

Here’s why:

✔ Medical needs come first – Early care prevents complications and helps you heal faster.

✔ Legal claims require documentation – A timely medical record strengthens your insurance claim or lawsuit.

✔ Insurance requires proof of injury – Delaying care can result in denied benefits.

✔ Compensation is tied to your care – Treatment notes, imaging, and physician recommendations support your case.

Waiting weeks to be seen makes it harder to prove your injuries were caused by the accident and may limit your compensation.

6. How Natural Care Center Helps You

At Natural Care Center in Minnesota, we specialize in:

✔ Comprehensive injury evaluations

✔ Chiropractic care, soft tissue therapy, and rehabilitation

✔ Coordination of care with attorneys and insurance companies

✔ Complete medical reporting for claims

We understand Minnesota’s legal framework and work with you and your adjusters to make sure your care is covered and your recovery is prioritized.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been injured in any type of accident:

• Seek medical care now

• Notify your insurance company promptly

• Follow your treatment plan consistently

• Keep all medical and billing records

• Consult an attorney if your injuries are serious

Don’t let missed deadlines or lack of documentation compromise your health or your claim.

Ready to get started? Contact us today to schedule an evaluation with our caring and expert providers — we’re here to support your recovery every step of the way. 651-232-6830