In Minnesota the insurance industry is promising to take care of any claims arising out of the Minneapolis bridge collapse tragedy without delay.

The Insurance Federation of Minnesota is a non-profit trade association that represents companies that provide many different lines of insurance. Their public relations representative has stated that the MN insurance industry wants to take care of claims coming out of the bridge collapse without delay.

Insurers expect that claims for auto damage, workers' compensation and commercial property damage will be the bulk of the initial claims to come in.

A bridge collapse with your car being hit by concrete of the bridge and / or falling into the river would normally be covered under comprehensive coverage because of this situation being "other than collision."

If this type of tragedy were to occur to you or your vehicle you would need to speak with your agent or your insurance company to help you determine whether you have more than one policy that applies to your loss.

Auto, workers compensation, health, and life policies may be available to begin paying you and your family benefits depending upon what policies you have and what damages and injuries you sustained. Proper notification will of course help expedite payments by the insurance companies for your covered losses.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) normally cover you if you are injured in an accident, this portion of your policy pays you and members of your household, within the stated limits, for medical expenses, lost wages, and replacement services. These costs are paid no matter who is at fault.

If the injuries sustained go above the driver's PIP coverage then the MN Department of Commerce, the insurance regulator for Minnesota, should be able to advise the victims what options they may have in order to get their medical expenses covered.

When a state bridge collapses or causes damages and injuries to motor vehicles and their inhabitants there is the possibility of claims and lawsuits involving the construction and design of the bridge and against state agencies involved in maintaining the structure

Liability claims and lawsuits relating to the bridge design and construction could be coming against state agencies, especially if there were warnings that were ignored that the bridge was unsafe. Minnesota has a relatively lengthy statute of limitations which is 6 years.

The state of Minnesota will likely be coming forward in the next few weeks with information about what they will be held responsible or liable for in terms of those affected by this bridge collapse and if state laws will allow insurance companies and others to file lawsuits or subrogate with them.