Steps to Claim Travel Expenses for Medical Appointments in a Minnesota Personal Injury Case
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
1. Understand Your Right to Recover Travel Expenses
Under Minnesota law, plaintiffs in personal injury cases can recover “economic damages,” which include reasonable and necessary transportation costs to and from medical appointments. See Minn. Stat. § 573.02 (defining economic damages). You are entitled to reimbursement for:
- Mileage or other vehicle costs
- Public transit fares or taxi expenses
- Parking fees
2. Keep Detailed Records and Receipts
Accurate documentation is essential. Follow these steps:
- Maintain a mileage log with dates, starting point, destination, and purpose of each trip.
- Save all fuel, toll, parking, bus or taxi receipts.
- Use the IRS standard mileage rate (for example, $0.655 per mile in 2023) to calculate your vehicle costs if you have no fuel receipts.
3. Disclose Your Travel Expenses Early
Minnesota Rule of Civil Procedure 26.02 requires parties to exchange information on claimed damages before trial. To comply:
- Prepare an itemized statement of economic damages, including medical bills and travel expenses.
- Serve the statement on the defendant with your initial disclosures.
4. Include Travel Costs in Settlement Negotiations
When you or your attorney present a demand package, attach your travel expense documentation. Make sure it’s clear and organized in a separate section labeled “Transportation Costs.” This helps the insurer or opposing counsel evaluate your claim accurately.
5. Submit Evidence at Trial or in Summary Judgment
If your case proceeds to trial or summary judgment, you must present your travel expense evidence effectively:
- Introduce your mileage log and receipts as exhibits.
- Explain the necessity of each trip through witness testimony or affidavits.
- Reference economic damage definitions (Minn. Stat. § 573.02) to justify your claim.
6. Seek Court Costs if You Prevail
Although travel to medical treatment is part of your damages, if you prevail at trial, you may also recover certain court costs, such as witness mileage fees under Minn. Stat. § 549.211. File a Bill of Costs promptly after judgment.
Helpful Hints
- Start the mileage log on the day you learn of your injury to capture all future trips.
- Use a dedicated app or spreadsheet to track dates, miles and purpose to avoid errors.
- When possible, consolidate appointments to reduce overall travel costs.
- Ask medical providers to verify appointment dates in writing to eliminate disputes.
- Review opposing counsel’s disclosures to ensure they recognize your transportation costs as damages.