If you were injured as a passenger in a rideshare or private vehicle in Jackson, Minnesota, you have options to seek care and compensation. Minnesota’s no-fault system provides initial medical and wage benefits, and additional coverage may apply through Uber, Lyft, or other insurers. Metro Law Offices helps Jackson residents and visitors understand insurance layers, document injuries, and navigate claims with clarity. Whether your crash happened along I-90, US-71, or a neighborhood street, timely guidance can protect your claim. We tailor a plan that fits your situation, communicates with insurers, and focuses on your recovery while preserving your rights under Minnesota law.
As a passenger, you did not cause the crash, yet you may face medical bills, missed work, and ongoing pain. Claims can involve multiple carriers: your own policy for Personal Injury Protection, the rideshare company’s policy, and insurers for at-fault drivers. Coordinating these layers takes care and persistence. Our team works with local providers and understands the practical realities of Jackson and Jackson County roads. From first notice of loss to final resolution, we keep you informed, gather the proof your claim deserves, and pursue a fair outcome. When you’re ready to talk, call 651-615-3322 for a free, friendly consultation.
Insurance companies track every word you say, every form you sign, and every gap in treatment. Having a steady hand to coordinate benefits helps you avoid missteps that can reduce your claim value. In passenger and rideshare cases, it is common to juggle PIP, liability, UM/UIM, and rideshare policies with different triggers depending on app status and fault. Thoughtful guidance can keep medical bills moving, preserve evidence from the app and vehicles, and present your losses in a complete way. You gain time to heal, consistent communication, and an advocate focused on your goals under Minnesota’s no-fault framework.
Metro Law Offices is a Minnesota personal injury law firm that represents passengers and rideshare riders throughout Jackson County and beyond. Our approach is hands-on: we listen, gather records promptly, and coordinate with your providers so billing routes through the right coverage. We understand how Uber and Lyft policies interact with Minnesota no-fault benefits and how to address delays or denials. Clients appreciate clear timelines, practical expectations, and regular updates. Whether your claim resolves through negotiation or requires filing suit, we prepare each step with care. When you call 651-615-3322, you’ll speak with a team committed to your recovery and results.
Passenger and rideshare injury representation helps you access benefits, prove liability, and pursue compensation for medical care, wage loss, and other damages allowed under Minnesota law. Because you were a passenger, your claim may be more straightforward on fault, but insurance coordination can be complex. The process often begins with a no-fault application for Personal Injury Protection benefits, followed by claims against at-fault drivers and, when applicable, Uber or Lyft coverage. Proper documentation of injuries, treatment, and how the crash affected your daily life strengthens your case. Your legal team handles communications so you can focus on getting better.
In rideshare cases, coverage depends on the driver’s app status: offline, available, or on a trip. Each status activates different policy limits and responsibilities. Evidence can include trip records, dashcam footage, telematics, and witness statements, all of which are time-sensitive. We help secure this material, track your medical progress, and present a cohesive claim to the correct insurers. If settlement falls short, we discuss litigation options and timing under the statute of limitations. At every stage, our aim is to reduce stress, avoid delays, and seek the full value that the facts and law support for a Jackson passenger.
A passenger and rideshare lawyer assists injured passengers and rideshare riders with claims arising from car crashes, coordinating Minnesota no-fault benefits and pursuing liability coverage where appropriate. The role includes gathering medical records, accident reports, app data, and witness statements; notifying the correct insurers; and preparing a detailed demand that reflects your medical needs, wage loss, and other harms. If settlement is unfair, your lawyer files suit, manages discovery, and prepares the case for mediation, arbitration, or trial. Throughout, the focus is on clear communication, timely action, and practical advice to help you make informed decisions about your Jackson claim.
Passenger and rideshare claims typically follow a series of steps. First, file a no-fault application to open PIP benefits for medical bills and wage loss. Next, identify all potential liability and UM/UIM policies, including rideshare coverage triggered by the driver’s app status. We collect records, bills, and proof of your losses, while preserving evidence like trip logs, photos, and vehicle data. After your medical condition stabilizes, we prepare a demand and negotiate with the responsible insurers. If negotiations do not reach a fair resolution, we evaluate litigation, file suit within the statute of limitations, and continue seeking a favorable outcome.
Understanding common terms helps you follow each step of your claim. Minnesota’s no-fault system provides Personal Injury Protection, often called PIP, to cover initial medical expenses and wage loss regardless of fault. Comparative fault determines how responsibility is assigned among drivers, though passengers are usually not at fault. Rideshare insurance changes with the app’s status and can include both contingent and primary coverage. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage may apply when the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance. Deadlines matter, including the statute of limitations and notice requirements. Clarity on these terms can significantly improve decision-making throughout your Jackson case.
Personal Injury Protection, or PIP, is a no-fault benefit under Minnesota law that pays for reasonable and necessary medical treatment and may provide wage loss and replacement services after a crash, regardless of who caused it. As a passenger, you may access PIP through your own policy or potentially a household policy. PIP helps keep treatment moving while liability is sorted out. It is important to file the application promptly, follow provider recommendations, and keep copies of bills and records. These benefits do not bar additional recovery from at-fault parties or applicable rideshare policies when losses exceed PIP limits.
Uber and Lyft provide insurance that varies by the driver’s app status. When a driver is available but not yet carrying a passenger, contingent coverage may apply if the driver’s personal policy does not. When a trip is accepted or in progress, primary coverage with higher limits typically becomes available for injuries to passengers and others. Understanding these triggers is essential, as coverage can shift based on seconds of app activity. Promptly preserving trip data, driver communications, and screenshots can help prove status. In many cases, rideshare coverage works alongside Minnesota no-fault benefits and any applicable UM/UIM protections.
Minnesota follows a modified comparative fault system, which assigns percentages of responsibility to involved drivers. Passengers are rarely assigned fault, but comparative fault can still affect how much each insurer pays and how negotiations unfold. For example, if multiple drivers share responsibility, their insurers may apportion damages based on those percentages. Evidence such as crash diagrams, witness statements, and vehicle data is used to evaluate fault. While your no-fault PIP benefits are available regardless of fault, liability recovery can be influenced by these findings. Clear documentation helps ensure your passenger claim reflects the true facts.
The statute of limitations sets the deadline for filing a lawsuit. In Minnesota personal injury cases, this period is often measured in years from the date of the crash, but specific timelines can vary based on claim types, insurance contracts, and other factors. Missing the deadline can end your ability to pursue additional compensation beyond PIP. Because evidence can fade quickly, it’s wise to start early, preserve records, and track key dates. We review your situation, identify all potential claims, and calendar deadlines so your case stays on track while you focus on healing after a Jackson collision.
Handling your claim alone may seem straightforward, especially if your injuries appear minor. However, passenger and rideshare cases often involve multiple insurers, shifting coverage, and forms that can affect benefits. Going DIY may work when treatment is brief and PIP fully covers bills, but it can be challenging once insurers dispute causation, delay authorizations, or question the scope of care. Full representation brings experience with insurance layers, timely evidence preservation, and measured negotiation. The goal is not conflict for its own sake, but a structured path that protects your rights and places your recovery at the center of the process.
If your injuries are minor, resolve quickly, and your PIP benefits cover the medical care and any brief time off work, a limited approach might be appropriate. In these situations, documenting symptoms, attending appointments, and keeping copies of bills may be sufficient to close the claim efficiently. You should still notify relevant insurers and confirm there are no outstanding balances. If pain returns, imaging is recommended, or bills begin to exceed PIP, you can reassess. We are available to answer questions and make sure your rights remain protected as you decide how much help your Jackson claim needs.
A limited approach may be reasonable when liability is undisputed, records are complete, and an insurer presents a prompt offer that covers medical bills, wage loss, and any additional harms supported by the file. Even then, it helps to review releases carefully and confirm liens or subrogation claims are resolved. Rideshare policies and multiple insurers can complicate payouts, so matching the offer to documented losses matters. If you are unsure whether the offer reflects the full impact of the crash, we can provide guidance. The goal is a fair resolution that lets you move forward without unnecessary delay.
When several drivers dispute fault, or when rideshare coverage and personal policies overlap, a comprehensive approach helps protect your claim. We identify every applicable policy, preserve app and vehicle data, and coordinate statements to avoid conflicting accounts. In multi-insurer situations, delays can occur unless someone actively advances the file. Our role is to keep momentum by gathering the right records, challenging improper denials, and organizing a settlement package that aligns with Minnesota law. If negotiations stall, we discuss litigation, explain timelines, and prepare filings to keep your Jackson passenger claim on course toward a fair outcome.
Significant injuries, extended treatment, or lasting limitations warrant a thorough approach that captures future care, ongoing wage loss, and the daily impact of your injuries. We work with your providers to obtain clear opinions on causation, prognosis, and reasonable medical needs. Careful documentation helps show how the crash changed your routines at home and at work. Insurers often scrutinize larger claims, so presenting a well-supported file is essential. If settlement does not reflect the full picture, we are ready to file suit and continue building your case while you focus on healing and returning to normal life in Jackson.
A comprehensive approach brings structure to a complex process. It ensures timely notice to all carriers, early preservation of rideshare data, and methodical collection of medical records and bills. Coordinated communication reduces confusion, keeps benefits flowing, and helps prevent gaps in treatment that insurers could question later. When your claim is presented, it tells a clear story about the crash, your injuries, and the road to recovery. This clarity supports meaningful negotiations and positions the case for litigation if needed. The result is a claim that reflects your full losses under Minnesota’s no-fault and liability frameworks.
Beyond process, a comprehensive approach provides peace of mind. You gain a point of contact who can answer questions, flag deadlines, and manage insurers so you can concentrate on healing. We tailor the plan to your needs, whether that means arranging recorded statements, addressing lien issues, or preparing for mediation. Throughout, we revisit strategy as new information arrives, adjusting to maximize strengths and address challenges. For Jackson passengers and rideshare riders, this steady coordination often translates into smoother care, fewer delays, and a more complete presentation of damages when it matters most.
Passenger and rideshare claims may touch multiple policies: your PIP for immediate care, the at-fault driver’s liability coverage, possible rideshare coverage, and UM/UIM if insurance is lacking. Coordinating these layers avoids missed opportunities and duplicate payments that can complicate final settlement. We track benefits, address denials with targeted responses, and ensure bills route to the right carrier at the right time. This organization strengthens negotiations because it demonstrates a well-managed claim with verified damages. In short, smart coordination helps your Jackson case move forward efficiently while protecting the full value of your recovery under Minnesota law.
Strong documentation is the backbone of a fair settlement. We gather medical records, provider opinions, wage information, photos, and app data to build a complete file. Then we craft a demand package that explains liability, connects your injuries to the crash, and details how life has changed. During negotiations, we anticipate insurer arguments and respond with evidence, not assumptions. If an offer falls short, we explain options clearly and prepare for the next step, including filing suit when appropriate. This steady, strategic approach gives your Jackson passenger or rideshare claim the best chance at a favorable resolution.
Prioritize your health by seeking medical attention as soon as possible, even if symptoms seem mild. Early evaluation documents injuries and links them to the crash, which helps both your recovery and your claim. Keep a simple journal of pain levels, missed work, and activities you can’t do. Save receipts, prescriptions, and appointment summaries, and take photos of visible injuries and the vehicles if available. Share only accurate, concise information with insurers and decline to speculate about fault. When questions arise, call 651-615-3322 to discuss next steps tailored to Jackson riders using Minnesota’s no-fault framework.
Deadlines and evidence preservation can shape outcomes. Save screenshots of the trip, driver communications, and payment receipts. If available, note the driver’s app status and any witness contact information. Ask providers to send bills to the correct carrier and keep copies for your records. Minnesota’s statute of limitations and contractual notice periods may apply, so it’s wise to calendar important dates early. If a vehicle had dashcam footage or nearby businesses captured video, request preservation quickly. Our team helps secure this material and keeps timelines on track for Jackson passenger and rideshare claims.
Legal guidance offers clarity during a stressful time. Many passengers are surprised by how quickly bills arrive and how many insurers get involved. A thoughtful plan helps you access PIP benefits, avoid treatment gaps, and present your losses with the right documentation. We explain options in plain language, outline likely timelines, and help you weigh settlement offers against the strength of your file. Our focus is your recovery and a fair result that reflects the full impact of the crash on your life in Jackson.
When multiple policies are in play, careful coordination can make a noticeable difference. We monitor denials, address coverage disputes, and keep negotiations moving by providing what insurers need to evaluate your claim. If settlement does not match the evidence, we discuss litigation and the steps involved. Throughout, you have a team to answer questions and keep you updated. For many Jackson passengers and rideshare riders, this support brings confidence and consistency at a time when both are needed most.
Passenger and rideshare claims in Jackson often arise from rear-end collisions, intersection crashes along US-71, or highway incidents on I-90 where speeds intensify injuries. App-on rideshare trips can trigger additional insurance layers, which must be identified and preserved quickly. Multi-vehicle crashes may involve several insurers and conflicting accounts, delaying benefits unless someone pushes the claim forward. Uninsured or underinsured drivers add another layer, making UM/UIM protections important. In each situation, we gather records, verify coverage, and prepare a clear, well-supported presentation of your injuries and losses under Minnesota’s no-fault system.
When an Uber or Lyft ride is in progress or a trip is accepted, primary rideshare coverage may apply for passenger injuries. Proving app status matters, which is why early screenshots, trip receipts, and driver communications are useful. We coordinate your PIP benefits for medical care while confirming the rideshare policy limits and any other liable carriers. If another driver caused the crash, their insurer may also be involved. Our team organizes the moving pieces, keeps bills routed correctly, and builds a demand that accurately reflects your injuries and the effect on your daily life in Jackson.
Highway speeds and multiple vehicles can lead to serious injuries and complex fault allocation. These cases often involve several insurers, questions about comparative fault, and careful reconstruction of events. We collect police reports, witness statements, and available video, and we secure your medical records as treatment progresses. Because delays can occur when carriers debate percentages of responsibility, we proactively move the claim forward with timely updates and a clear damages picture. If settlement discussions stall, we are prepared to file suit and continue advocating for a fair result for Jackson passengers.
If the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance, your own UM/UIM coverage and rideshare policies may become vital. We verify limits, provide notice, and coordinate benefits to avoid missed opportunities. Documentation of injuries, wage loss, and future care needs becomes especially important when coverage is tight. We present a concise, evidence-based claim to each carrier, address denials or delays, and pursue all available avenues for recovery. Our goal is to align coverage with your actual losses while keeping you informed at every step of your Jackson claim.
We focus on people, not files. That means you receive attentive communication, help coordinating care, and a plan tailored to your medical and financial needs. In rideshare and passenger cases, insurers look for gaps and inconsistencies; we work to keep records complete and timelines clear. We also understand the local landscape in Jackson and Jackson County, from road conditions to common crash scenarios on I-90 and US-71. Our goal is a resolution that reflects the real impact the collision had on your life.
Coordination is key when multiple policies are involved. We identify all potential coverage, provide timely notice, and address denials with targeted responses. Our demand packages explain liability and damages in a straightforward way, supported by records and provider opinions. If offers fall short, we discuss litigation frankly and prepare your case for the next phase. Throughout, we keep you informed and involved so decisions align with your priorities and comfort level.
Access is important during recovery. We make it easy to reach our team, schedule updates, and get your questions answered. The consultation is free, and you pay no attorney’s fee unless we recover compensation. Call 651-615-3322 to get started. Whether your Jackson claim is simple or complex, we bring organized process, consistent communication, and a steady commitment to seeking the best outcome supported by the facts and Minnesota law.
We follow a clear, step-by-step process designed to protect your rights and keep you informed. First, we learn your story and map all potential insurers. Next, we open benefits, gather medical records, and preserve rideshare data. As treatment progresses, we monitor bills and wage loss, address denials, and assemble evidence. When your condition stabilizes, we prepare a demand and negotiate. If needed, we file suit and continue building the claim through litigation. At each stage, you’ll know what to expect, when to expect it, and how we’re moving your Jackson case forward.
Your case begins with a free consultation to understand the crash, injuries, and your priorities. We identify insurers, confirm whether the rideshare app was active, and explain how Minnesota no-fault works with liability coverage. We outline documents to gather, like medical records and trip receipts, and set communication preferences so you’re never in the dark. By the end of the consult, you’ll have a roadmap and next steps customized for your Jackson claim, including how to route medical bills and document losses from day one.
We begin by hearing your account of the crash and its effects on your life. Then we map coverage, including PIP through your policy, any household policy, the at-fault driver’s liability insurance, rideshare coverage based on app status, and UM/UIM if needed. We open claims, confirm adjuster contacts, and set expectations for timing. This coverage map guides billing, helps avoid gaps, and prevents missed opportunities. With clear goals in place, we proceed to evidence gathering for your Jackson passenger or rideshare claim.
We help set up medical billing to the correct insurer, discuss treatment options with your providers, and create a simple system to track expenses, mileage, and missed work. Early, accurate documentation makes a measurable difference later. We also request crash reports, trip logs, and any available photos or video. If recorded statements are requested, we prepare you and coordinate logistics. By organizing these pieces at the start, we keep your Jackson claim moving and position it for productive negotiations down the road.
During investigation, we gather medical records, bills, and provider opinions, while preserving rideshare and vehicle data. We communicate with all insurers, respond to requests, and challenge denials or delays that threaten care. If comparative fault issues arise, we obtain witness statements, diagrams, or expert input as needed. Throughout, we update you regularly and refine strategy based on findings. The goal is to develop a well-supported claim file that accurately reflects your injuries and losses under Minnesota law.
Evidence can fade quickly, especially app-related data. We request trip records, driver communications, and any telematics or dashcam footage. We also secure police reports, scene photos, and medical documentation that connects your symptoms to the crash. This material supports liability and damages, helps address comparative fault, and keeps negotiations anchored in facts. When necessary, we work with professionals who can clarify technical issues. For Jackson passengers, this attention to detail helps ensure the full story is preserved and presented at the right time.
We notify all potential carriers, confirm policy limits, and maintain clear communication so benefits continue without interruption. If an insurer requests an examination or additional records, we evaluate the scope and protect your interests. We also track liens and subrogation rights to prevent surprises at settlement. By actively managing communications, we reduce delays and demonstrate that your Jackson claim is organized, documented, and ready for fair evaluation.
When your condition stabilizes, we compile a demand that outlines liability, medical treatment, wage loss, and other harms supported by records and provider statements. We negotiate with insurers and address counterarguments with evidence. If settlement falls short, we file suit and continue building the case through discovery, motion practice, and mediation. At each step, we explain options and develop a plan that aligns with your goals. Our priority is a fair resolution that reflects the true impact of the crash on your life in Jackson.
We approach settlement with a complete, organized file and a clear damages presentation. During negotiations, we respond to questions promptly, provide missing items, and address liability arguments with facts. When agreement is reached, we confirm lien amounts and subrogation claims, working to resolve them efficiently so funds are disbursed without unnecessary delay. You’ll receive a settlement breakdown and have the chance to ask questions before anything is finalized.
If negotiations do not produce a fair offer, we file suit within the statute of limitations and continue developing your case. We manage discovery, depositions, and expert involvement when appropriate, while exploring mediation or other resolution options. We prepare you for each phase, explain timelines, and make sure you understand what to expect. Litigation is a tool to pursue a better outcome, and we use it thoughtfully to seek the result your evidence supports under Minnesota law.
Start by getting medical care, even if symptoms are mild. Report the crash in the rideshare app and obtain the trip or incident number. Take photos of injuries and vehicles if you can, and collect names of drivers and witnesses. Avoid guessing about fault. File your no-fault application promptly so PIP benefits can begin covering treatment. Keep a simple log of pain, missed work, and activities you can’t do. These records help connect your injuries to the crash and support your Jackson claim. Next, coordinate with insurers thoughtfully. Provide facts, not speculation, and be cautious with recorded statements or broad medical authorizations. Save screenshots of the ride, receipts, and communications. If more than one insurer contacts you, track who asked for what and when. We can guide you through these steps, preserve key evidence, and keep bills routed to the correct carrier while you focus on recovery.
Minnesota’s no-fault system provides Personal Injury Protection that pays for reasonable and necessary medical treatment and may cover wage loss, regardless of fault. Your own policy usually provides PIP, though a household policy may apply. This coverage is meant to get care started without waiting for liability decisions. Keep copies of bills and treatment notes to ensure smooth processing and reduce delays. If your losses exceed PIP limits, you may pursue additional recovery from the at-fault driver’s liability policy and, when applicable, rideshare coverage. Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage can also play a role. Coordinating these layers can be complex, especially when insurers disagree. We identify all available coverage, give timely notice, and assemble documentation that supports your claim while you focus on healing in Jackson.
Rideshare insurance depends on the driver’s app status. When the driver is available but has not accepted a trip, contingent coverage may apply if the personal policy does not. Once a trip is accepted or in progress, primary rideshare coverage with higher limits typically applies for passengers and others. Establishing status requires prompt preservation of app data, screenshots, and trip receipts. These policies interact with Minnesota PIP benefits, which handle medical bills and wage loss at the outset. After PIP, claims may proceed against liability coverage and, if needed, UM/UIM. Because coverage triggers can shift based on moments of app activity, quick action helps safeguard your rights. We secure the necessary records and present a clear claim to the responsible carriers.
You should be careful when speaking with any insurer, including the other driver’s. Adjusters may ask broad questions or request authorizations that reach beyond what is necessary. Provide accurate facts, avoid guessing, and do not minimize symptoms. It is reasonable to decline a recorded statement until you understand the scope and potential impact on your claim. We often coordinate communications to keep messages consistent and protect coverage. If a statement is appropriate, we help prepare so answers remain clear and factual. Our role is to manage the flow of information, prevent misunderstandings, and keep your Jackson passenger claim on track while you focus on treatment.
Minnesota law sets deadlines for filing lawsuits and may include contractual notice requirements. The specific timeline can vary based on claim type, involved policies, and additional factors. Missing a deadline can end your ability to pursue compensation beyond PIP. Because evidence can fade, it’s wise to start early and track key dates from the beginning of your case. During your consultation, we review the facts, identify applicable limits and notice provisions, and calendar critical deadlines. This allows time to gather records, preserve rideshare data, and build a well-supported file. If litigation becomes necessary, filing occurs before the statute of limitations expires, keeping your Jackson claim viable.
Not wearing a seat belt does not automatically bar recovery in Minnesota, but it can affect how insurers evaluate injuries and causation. Insurers may argue that some injuries were worsened, so thorough medical documentation is important. Your PIP benefits still apply regardless of fault, providing initial coverage for treatment and wage loss. We focus on evidence that links your injuries to the crash and shows the real-world impact on your life. Clear provider opinions, imaging, and consistent treatment strengthen your claim. Even with seat belt questions, a well-documented file can support a fair resolution under Minnesota law for Jackson passengers.
Yes. Minnesota’s comparative fault system allows recovery when multiple drivers share responsibility, subject to certain limitations. For passengers, fault is seldom assigned, but how insurers apportion responsibility among drivers can affect payments. Strong evidence helps clarify liability and reduce disputes that cause delays. We collect police reports, witness statements, photos, and any available video or app data to build a clear picture of what happened. Then we present your damages in an organized way so insurers can evaluate the claim accurately. If settlement stalls due to fault disagreements, we explore litigation to continue pursuing a fair outcome for your Jackson case.
If the rideshare driver was offline, rideshare coverage typically does not apply. In that situation, claims may proceed against the driver’s personal policy and any at-fault parties. Your PIP benefits can still provide initial medical and wage coverage. We also look at UM/UIM in case the responsible driver lacks sufficient insurance. Because app status can change quickly, it’s important to preserve evidence that shows whether the driver was logged in, waiting, or on a trip. Screenshots, receipts, and communications can be decisive. We work to verify status and pursue all applicable coverage so your Jackson passenger claim is fully protected.
We handle passenger and rideshare cases on a contingency fee. That means you pay no attorney’s fee unless we recover compensation for you. The initial consultation is free, and we explain the fee structure, case costs, and what to expect financially before you decide how to proceed. This approach aligns our interests with yours and allows you to focus on healing without upfront legal fees. If we obtain a settlement or verdict, the fee and case costs are paid from the recovery, and you receive a detailed breakdown. Call 651-615-3322 to learn more about fees and next steps for your Jackson claim.
Many passenger and rideshare cases resolve through settlement after treatment stabilizes and records are complete. Settlement can be efficient and allows you to avoid the time and uncertainty of court. We prepare a thorough demand and negotiate with insurers to seek a fair result that reflects your injuries and losses. If offers do not match the evidence, we may recommend filing suit. Litigation keeps the claim moving and gives us tools to obtain additional information. We explain each phase, from discovery to mediation and, if necessary, trial. Throughout, we discuss options and timelines so you can make informed decisions about your Jackson case.
Explore our vehicle accident practice areas
"*" indicates required fields