I got hit by a car on Tuesday. The car was turning right (against a red) and I was riding off of the sidewalk to cross (with a walk light) in front of her. (I know, I know...it's not a good maneuver and one I rarely make. I was unfamiliar with the street layout and had crossed to the left side of the street two blocks earlier to go down a cross-street. Noticing that the cross-street was a dead end, I proceeded down the sidewalk on the left-hand side.) Anyway, she didn't look to the right and pulled out as I was crossing in front of her. Except for some bruises and strained muscles, I'm OK. I went to the doctor today just to make sure. The bike is unrideable (sp?). The left crank was bent way in so that it won't rotate, and the front rim is all bent up. Fortunately, it was my old beater and not the new Trek 1200 I got earlier this year!

Anyway, here's my question:

I just talked to the woman's insurance company. After the agent did a taped interview with me, she told me that they were claiming fault. She told me to get an estimate for repair from my LBS, and she will be stopping over early next week to look at the bike. However, she also told me that since Minnesota is a no-fault state, they wouldn't be covering any injuries unless they were over $4000, which I certainly don't see happening. She suggested that I contact the insurance company that covers my pickup truck.
But, I don't think I want to file a claim with my insurance company and, then, watch my premium increase. This morning when I went to the Dr., I gave the clinic the name and address of the woman's insurance, but I didn't (and still don't have) the claim number. They told me to call it in later. However, given the no-fault information the insurance company gave me, I'm not sure what to do. I really don't foresee having to go back to the clinic. So, I'm thinking maybe I should just pay the $20 copay and have my health insurance through work pay for the Dr. visit to avoid making a claim with my insurance company. Thoughts?

Peace,
Tim