The time following a Minnesota car accident is often a very stressful, traumatic time. It may be filled with medical tests and doctor’s appointments, physical therapy, and surgeries. Depending on your injuries, you may be unable to work, or even unable to move properly. You could be dealing with emotional stress and financial strains, all while trying to heal.
At Patterson Dahlberg, we have guided countless clients through this difficult time. We’ve helped them determine their best options and fought to obtain millions of dollars for them while protecting their rights.
Here are some questions you or your family members might have following a car crash.
What do I do after a Minnesota car accident?
Following an automobile accident, you should call the police to report the accident. If you are able to, take photos of the accident scene, document the damage, and note any details you can remember. If you have injuries, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you are seen at the hospital, see your regular general practitioner as soon as possible, as they know you and may identify any additional injuries that the hospital did not.
Inform your insurance company of the car accident and contact an experienced automobile accident attorney as soon as possible.
What should I expect during the recovery process?
This depends on the nature of your injuries. Keep in mind, however, that some injuries are not apparent until days or even weeks after the accident. Even if you’ve walked away from a motor vehicle crash, there is a chance that some symptoms will take a while to appear.
Depending on your injuries you may require surgery, medicine, medical tests, physical therapy, and other therapies to help you recover. Less severe injuries could resolve shortly after the accident while more severe injuries could take a lot longer and may never fully resolve.
When should I speak to a Minnesota car accident attorney?
Ideally, you should speak to a motor vehicle accident lawyer as soon as possible following your crash. Doing so gives your attorney the best possible chances of collecting relevant evidence and obtaining witness statements before their memories fade. Also, the sooner you speak with an attorney, the sooner the attorney can begin dealing with the insurance company to ensure your claim is handled properly.
If you have already started the claims process, it’s not too late to talk to a lawyer. You can reach out at any point in the process, especially if you feel the insurance company is being unreasonable or unethical or is violating its policy in how it handles your claim.
If your loved one has died in a motor vehicle crash it’s vital you speak to an attorney as soon as possible regarding a wrongful death lawsuit.
What Causes Car Accidents
There are a variety of factors that cause car crashes, including vehicle factors (defective brakes), human factors (speeding, driving while distracted), and external factors (weather).
How do I know if I should file a car crash lawsuit?
You should speak to a highly experienced car accident lawyer to determine if your best option is a car accident lawsuit. The specific factors of your case—including the accident type, accident cause, and nature of your injuries—will all determine whether you must file an insurance claim or are able to file a lawsuit.
What if I was a passenger in a Minnesota automobile accident?
If you were a passenger in a Minnesota car accident, your own vehicle insurance will be used to cover some medical bills and lost wages. If you did not own a vehicle when you were involved in the accident, the car insurance of a family member you live with is used to cover those damages. If you do not live with a family member who owns a vehicle, then the claim is covered by the vehicle you were in.
What is no-fault insurance? How does that affect my rights?
No-fault insurance means that car crash victims must use their own car insurance to cover some medical bills and lost wages, regardless of who was at fault in the accident. No-fault coverage is sometimes called Personal Injury Protection, and it covers medical bills, lost wages, and replacement services. Under Minnesota law, insurance policies must provide $20,000 of medical coverage and $20,000 of non-medical coverage.
No-fault insurance does not mean you are prevented from filing a liability claim against the at-fault driver. Furthermore, if you have more than $4,000 in medical expenses, or permanent injuries, scarring or 60 days of disability, you can bring a claim against the driver responsible.
Why should I hire a car crash attorney?
Insurance companies say they will make decisions in your best interests, but they act in their own best interests often putting profits ahead of people’s health. It is in their best interest to pay as little as possible. They may unreasonably delay, deny or reduce your claim based on the information you submit and how you answer their questions. An experienced car accident lawyer can help you prepare a thorough claim, including obtaining your medical information and speaking with experts, if necessary.
In some cases, a car accident lawsuit is your best option. A personal injury attorney at Patterson Dahlberg will discuss your case with you and determine whether to file a claim or a lawsuit, depending on the circumstances of your injuries. We will help you make decisions that are in your best interests, not in the interests of the insurance company.
Should I talk to an insurance agent?
Do not talk to an insurance agent—either your agent or the other driver’s agent—until you have spoken with your attorney. Insurance agents act in the best interests of their car insurance company and can use anything you say to deny or reduce your claim.
If you have a car crash lawyer, any questions from insurance agents should be directed to your attorney. By allowing us to deal with the insurance company, you’re reducing the stress on yourself so you can focus on recovering from your ordeal.
Minnesota Car Crash Attorney
Attorneys at Patterson Dahlberg specialize in personal injury claims, including car accidents. This specialization means we are uniquely equipped to deal with insurance companies because we have repeatedly fought against them to protect our clients’ rights. We have recovered more than $120,000,000 for our personal injury clients and fight tirelessly to ensure they receive the compensation they are owed.
We are dedicated to our clients and do not back down from insurance companies. If you or a loved one has been harmed in a Minnesota car accident, contact one of the highly skilled attorneys at Patterson Dahlberg for a free consultation today. We can answer your questions and provide you with vital guidance to help you through this difficult time.