The Help You Need After A Car Accident In Minnesota

If you were injured in a car accident in Minneapolis or the surrounding area, you need a motor vehicle accident attorney with the ability to fight back against the insurance company’s deny-delay-defend tactics. These unscrupulous auto insurance companies make it exceedingly difficult for injured parties to collect the money necessary to cover the medical bills and lost wages resulting from the injuries sustained in a car accident, even when the auto accident is not the injured party’s fault.

At the Law Office of Jeffrey A. Jones, P.A., our Minneapolis car accident lawyers are well-equipped and experienced in dealing with insurance companies. We help injured people across the state recover the benefits they deserve so that they can move on with their lives.

Minnesota Car Accident Injuries And Deaths Are Sadly Common

According to the state’s Office of Traffic Safety, Minnesota roads continue to be dangerous for all travelers. In 2022 alone, there were more than 70,000 car accidents statewide. Those crashes were responsible for 444 deaths and 23,704 injuries, of which 1,910 were considered serious.

Most of the deaths that year were preventable. Data shows that the leading causes of fatal crashes were speeding, drunk driving and distracted driving.

As the most populous area in Minnesota, Hennepin County had by far the highest rate of motor vehicle crashes, with nearly 19,000 car accidents for the year. In Minneapolis and throughout the rest of Hennepin County, motorcycle accident death rates were also higher than in other areas of Minnesota.

All told, the estimated economic losses associated with Minnesota car accidents in 2022 were approximately $2.24 billion. If your accident and injuries were caused by the negligence of another driver, you shouldn’t be put into financial peril for someone else’s bad decisions. An experienced injury attorney can aggressively advocate for you in negotiations or litigation with insurers, increasing your chances of a successful settlement or jury award.

Standing Up For Victims Of Car Crashes

With our office in Golden Valley, we represent those who have been seriously injured in motor vehicle accidents across Minnesota, including:

• Auto defects product liability – Motor vehicle manufacturers have a history of falling short of safety standards. The oversights can result in unnoticed defects.
• Construction zone accidents – Construction sites carry inherent dangers, even with safety standards in place. Vehicle accidents of all forms can result in severe injuries and deaths.
• Distracted driving – Distracted drivers represent an ongoing, clear and present danger. Despite countless campaigns to prevent cellphone use and other distractions, injuries and deaths continue on roads nationwide.
• Drunk driving – Initiatives have tried to discourage drunk driving. Yet, someone’s night out on the town too often results in getting behind the wheel of a car, resulting in life-threatening, if not life-ending, consequences.
• Electric vehicle (EV) – Regardless of the power source, electric vehicle collisions usually have the same outcome. Regarding EVs, battery damage could result in dangerous and deadly fires.
• Highway accidents – With higher speed limits, the possibility of accidents only increases. Countless drivers exceed those already excessive miles per hour, resulting in collisions.
• Hit-and-run accidents – When a driver – insured or uninsured – collides with another vehicle and leaves the scene, the accident goes beyond personal injury claims and could result in criminal charges.
• Passenger injuries – Aside from improved technology and seat belt warning systems, vehicle occupants are not immune to injuries. Regardless of where they are sitting, serious and deadly injuries can still occur.
• Rear-end collisions – One of the most common types of accidents, a sudden crash from behind can cause significant damage. Occupants may suffer life-altering injuries, particularly to the spine, back and neck.
• T-bone/side-impact accidents – Accidents can result in more direct and dangerous injuries, with countless fatalities. Sadly, these collisions are easily avoidable if drivers are more attentive.
• Texting while driving – Distracted driving occurs when a driver looks at a smartphone instead of the road ahead. Though Minnesota has made texting while driving illegal, it continues to be a top cause of accidents.
• Uninsured/underinsured drivers – State laws impose criminal penalties for uninsured drivers, but many people still drive without insurance. When they cause an accident, an attorney can offer guidance on these complicated personal injury claims.
• Vehicle rollovers – A violent impact from a distracted or impaired driver can send a vehicle into a rollover. For those who do not wear seat belts, these types of accidents often result in fatalities.
• Workplace car accidents – These collisions combine personal injury with workers’ compensation claims for employees who drive as part of their job and cannot return to work for an extended period.

Pursuing Compensation For Serious Auto Accident Injuries

There is a wide range of car crash injuries that can have long-lasting impacts. Our team can help you seek full financial relief for:

• Amputations: Losing a limb in a car crash can deeply change your life and take a massive physical and emotional toll on you.
• Back and neck injuries: They can cause chronic pain and limit your mobility. Back and neck problems often require long-term treatment.
• Burn injuries: When vehicles catch fire in accidents, it can lead to burns that cause severe pain and permanent scarring.
• Child injuries and fatalities: These heartbreaking auto accident injuries can impact your family in deeply fundamental ways.
• Head and brain injuries: Brain trauma from a crash can alter and impair many things, including your memory, mood and cognitive functions.
• Shoulder and knee injuries: They can make everyday tasks difficult. Recovering from knee and shoulder problems may require surgery or physical therapy.
• Spinal cord injuries: When your spinal cord suffers damage in a collision, it could result in partial or full paralysis.
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) injuries: These jaw injuries can come from blows to the face or head. They can be very painful and cause difficulty eating or speaking.
• Whiplash/Soft-tissue injuries: They can initially be difficult to detect. However, it is important to address whiplash and similar injuries early, as they have the potential to cause great pain and deeply alter your everyday life.

We understand the many challenges you can face as a result of auto accident injuries. Let us take care of the legal steps of seeking justice so you can focus on getting better.

What Is The Statute Of Limitations On Car Accident Claims In Minnesota?

The statute of limitations on a personal injury claim in Minnesota is six years, and it is the same for property damage claims. That means most car accident lawsuits must be filed (not settled) within six years or you permanently lose your right to make a claim.

However, you generally only have three years to file a wrongful death claim. If a loved one dies in an accident with a motor vehicle, you must act much sooner to preserve your right to compensation.

What Factors Affect The Value Of A Car Accident Claim In Minnesota?

Multiple factors have to be considered when valuing a car accident claim. In general, compensation is related to:

• Injuries: Severe injuries or those that leave permanent damage tend to result in higher compensation than minor injuries.
• Medical expenses: These often represent a large part of the value of a claim and can include future anticipated medical expenses as well.
• Lost wages: Compensation often includes lost income when an injury prevents the victim from working or reduces their earnings capacity.
• Pain and suffering: Emotional distress, diminished quality of life and physician pain endured during healing can all be factored in.
• Insurance: Insurance policy limits can cap the amount of compensation a victim can receive unless the at-fault party has other assets that can be used to pay the debt or the victim’s own underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage comes into play.
• No-fault threshold: To file a personal injury claim for a car accident, the victim must have incurred either at least $4,000 in medical expenses, 60 days of disability, permanent injury, permanent disfigurement or death.

Minnesota follows a modified comparative fault rule, known as the 51% Bar, that only allows you to seek compensation for an injury so long as you are 50% or less at fault for the accident. However, any compensation you receive will be reduced by your degree of fault.

Pursuing Compensation For Serious Auto Accident Injuries

There is a wide range of car crash injuries that can have long-lasting impacts. Our team can help you seek full financial relief for:

• Amputations: Losing a limb in a car crash can deeply change your life and take a massive physical and emotional toll on you.
• Back and neck injuries: They can cause chronic pain and limit your mobility. Back and neck problems often require long-term treatment.
• Burn injuries: When vehicles catch fire in accidents, it can lead to burns that cause severe pain and permanent scarring.
• Child injuries and fatalities: These heartbreaking auto accident injuries can impact your family in deeply fundamental ways.
• Head and brain injuries: Brain trauma from a crash can alter and impair many things, including your memory, mood and cognitive functions.
• Shoulder and knee injuries: They can make everyday tasks difficult. Recovering from knee and shoulder problems may require surgery or physical therapy.
• Spinal cord injuries: When your spinal cord suffers damage in a collision, it could result in partial or full paralysis.
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) injuries: These jaw injuries can come from blows to the face or head. They can be very painful and cause difficulty eating or speaking.
• Whiplash/Soft-tissue injuries: They can initially be difficult to detect. However, it is important to address whiplash and similar injuries early, as they have the potential to cause great pain and deeply alter your everyday life.

We understand the many challenges you can face as a result of auto accident injuries. Let us take care of the legal steps of seeking justice so you can focus on getting better.

Our Guidance Can Be Your Advantage

Car accidents are often complicated, involving several potentially liable parties. We work with an extensive network of experts, including:

• Accident investigators, reconstruction experts and other specialists to establish liability
• Medical experts who can determine the nature of your injuries, including the likelihood of a full recovery and the estimated cost of your medical care
• Forensic accountants and life-care planners to estimate lost income and other economic losses

In addition to this vast network of specialists, our lawyers have the financial resources, knowledge and determination necessary to fight for full compensation for your physical, emotional and financial losses caused by the injuries sustained in your accident, from the negotiation and mediation stages to the courtroom.

Contacting your insurance provider is a necessary step, but it’s advisable to do so with caution. Provide them with a basic account of the incident, but hold off on detailed statements or agreements until you’ve had the chance to consult with a personal injury attorney. An attorney can offer you guidance on how to navigate the complexities of your claim and help you negotiate with insurance companies to protect your rights and interests.

Be Diligent With Your Recovery

As you move forward, continue to follow your doctor’s medical advice and keep all follow-up appointments. Keep a thorough record of all documents related to the accident and your medical care. These records will be essential in demonstrating the extent and impact of your injuries. In the digital age, it’s also wise to be mindful of your online presence; avoid discussing your accident on social media platforms, as such posts can be used in legal proceedings.

Recovery from a serious car accident is a journey that encompasses both your physical and emotional well-being. Take the time you need to rest and heal, adhering to professional medical guidance. When you’re ready to seek compensation for the hardships you’ve endured, reach out to a reputable car accident attorney who can help you build a strong case to secure the justice and support you deserve.

Getting Answers To Your Car Accident Questions

Recovering from a car accident can be a confusing process. When you are looking for guidance after someone hurt you in a car accident, our team at the Law Office of Jeffrey A. Jones, P.A., is here to help. Our Minnesota attorneys help clients throughout the state with their personal injury claims. As we help clients with cases such as those involving car accidents, we take the time to answer their questions, such as:

When should I get an attorney for a car accident?

The sooner you reach out to a lawyer for help the better, but your health comes first. Before you contact us for the help you need with your claim, be sure to report the accident to the police and ask for an ambulance if you need one. Once you have contacted the authorities and gotten the necessary medical attention, reach out to us to proceed with your recovery process.

Why should I get a car accident attorney?

The services a personal injury attorney offers can be instrumental in the success of your claim. We can manage the details of your case while you focus on your health, identify a fair compensation goal that reflects the current and future costs of your injuries, negotiate for an outcome you deserve or fight for in court if necessary.

What to do after a car accident when it is not your fault?

There are many mistakes that can cost you the compensation you deserve, even when you are not at fault. After an accident, make sure you do not apologize for an accident you did not cause, as the liable party may try to use that against you. Additionally, make sure you do not discuss the details of your case without your attorney present, as saying the wrong thing can give an insurance company an opportunity to minimize the compensation they provide you. Lastly, be sure to keep thorough documentation of every detail related to your case, including medical information, lost income and property damage expenses to help bolster your compensation claim.

What is considered a serious car accident?

Serious accidents involve long-term injury consequences, known as catastrophic injuries. These injuries include broken bones, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), nerve damage, paralysis, loss of a limb, and scarring or burning. Because these injuries can affect you for a lifetime, the compensation you receive should reflect those costs.

How long after a car accident can you file a lawsuit?

In Minnesota, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a compensation claim. While this may seem like plenty of time to pursue a settlement, keep in mind these cases can take months or longer in some cases.

Should you report the accident to your insurance company?

Yes. Even if the accident was not your fault, you will need to make a report to your insurance provider. They can help you as you seek compensation from the party that was responsible. You are not necessarily asking your insurance company to cover the costs, and the accident may not impact your rates if it was the other driver’s fault, but you should still make the report.

Should you speak to the other driver’s insurance company?

No, you typically do not have to talk to the other driver’s insurance company. Once you make the report to your own company, they will work on your behalf to inform the other driver’s insurance company that they’ve been involved in an accident.

How soon should you see a doctor after a serious car accident?

If it’s a serious car accident, your number one goal should be getting medical assistance as quickly as possible. Not only is this helpful because you get the medical care that you need, but you also get medical reports and documentation of your injuries. You may need to seek compensation for these costs from the other driver.

Were you involved in a car accident where the other driver had no insurance?

It’s illegal for drivers in Minnesota not to carry insurance, but some of them choose to do so anyway. If you are hit by one of these drivers, you may be able to get coverage from your own insurance provider. It’s often important to have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage as part of your policy.

What is the one thing you must never do after an auto accident?

Do not admit fault. Remember that, even if you believe you were at fault in the chaos following the car accident, a crash investigation may actually determine that you didn’t do anything wrong. Don’t say anything at the scene that can be used against you—just exchange information with the other driver, contact the authorities and take pictures to document the scene.

Begin Building Your Car Accident Claim

At the Law Office of Jeffrey A. Jones, P.A., all motor vehicle accident cases are taken on a contingency basis, meaning that you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

Contact us online or call 612-234-2992 today to arrange a free consultation at our Golden Valley office to discuss your car accident claim with experienced lawyers.