RESPECTED, TOP-RATED INJURY LAWYERS
Automobile accidents are often life-changing events. One minute, you are on your way to work or the store, and the next you are fighting to overcome a serious injury. If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident caused by another driver, it is important to know that you have legal rights and that you don’t have to exercise those rights alone.
After a car crash, emotions run high, and it can be challenging to make informed decisions, especially when dealing with injuries, vehicle damages, and the other party’s insurance company. A Minneapolis car accident lawyer brings expertise and an objective viewpoint to your case, helping you understand your legal options. We will guide you through filing insurance claims, negotiating settlements, and, if necessary, pursuing a lawsuit to secure the compensation you deserve.
If you’ve recently been involved in a car accident in Minneapolis, navigating the aftermath can feel overwhelming. Seeking the assistance of a Minneapolis car accident lawyer can make a significant difference in coping with the situation and ensuring your rights are protected.
The leading causes of car accidents in Minneapolis include distracted driving, speeding, and impaired driving. Each of these factors contributes significantly to crashes that result in injuries or fatalities, making it vital to understand how and why these accidents occur.
Understanding these common causes is key to identifying liability and strengthening legal claims after a crash.
Car accidents often result in a wide range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to severe, life-threatening conditions. The nature and severity of injuries typically depend on factors like the speed of the vehicles involved, the angle of impact, and whether seat belts or airbags were used.
Victims of car accidents should always seek immediate medical attention, even if injuries initially seem minor. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for recovery and can serve as critical evidence in any legal claim.
Minnesota follows a no-fault insurance system, meaning that after most traffic accidents, an injured person’s insurance company pays for medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who caused the collision. However, drivers also have the option to sue the other driver in cases of severe injury or death. Additionally, Minnesota law requires all motor vehicles to carry specific minimum insurance coverage to help ensure that resources are available to compensate for accidental losses. This system aims to streamline the claim process after an accident, though navigating the specifics can sometimes require legal assistance. Even if you are bringing a claim against the other driver, you are truly bringing a claim against their insurance company.
Liability for a car accident in Minnesota is determined by examining evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and physical damage to vehicles. Minnesota is a comparative negligence state, meaning that a victim can recover damages even if they share some fault, as long as they are not more than 50% responsible for the accident.
Key factors in determining liability include:
Since liability can be contested, it is critical to collect as much evidence as possible after a crash to strengthen your claim and secure fair compensation.
Individuals may pursue various forms of compensation, depending on the specifics of their case. Damages are classified into two broad categories: economic and non-economic.
In Minnesota, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a car accident is six years from the date of the crash. This means that victims generally have up to six years to take legal action against the at-fault party. Nonetheless, specific circumstances may affect this timeline:
Missing the statute of limitations deadline can bar you from recovering compensation, so acting promptly is important.
At the Schmidt-Salita Law Team, we support victims and families who have suffered injuries in all types of auto accidents, including:
Auto accidents can involve a combination of Personal Injury, Workers’ Compensation, and insurance laws, making it important that you have an attorney capable of managing all aspects of your case. Our team handles all details of your accident claim, allowing you to focus on your physical and emotional health.
We investigate the full cause of your accident to ensure we pursue the right compensation for you. Common car accident causes include:
Legal representation is crucial in tackling complex legal procedures and paperwork. We gather evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and medical records, to build a strong case on your behalf. They understand the nuances of Minnesota’s no-fault insurance laws and how they apply to your situation, ensuring you are fairly compensated for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
An experienced Minneapolis car accident lawyer also levels the playing field when dealing with insurance companies, which often employ tactics to minimize payouts. With a skilled lawyer advocating for you, you’re more likely to achieve a favorable outcome through settlement negotiations or a court trial.
Choosing a lawyer with a proven track record in car accident cases is essential. Excellent communication skills and a commitment to achieving the best possible result for their clients are also essential. In the aftermath of an accident, the support of a car accident attorney in Minneapolis is invaluable. With our help, you can focus on your recovery while they handle the legal complexities, striving to secure the compensation you need to move forward.
As soon as you retain our services, we begin building your case and pursuing compensation using a proven step-by-step process:
The first and most crucial step in the claims process is investigating the accident and the events immediately before the crash. This includes photographing the scene, interviewing all available witnesses, reviewing accident reports, taking a statement from the responding police officers, and working with accident specialists to reconstruct the events leading to the crash, if necessary.
Your insurance company and the insurance company of the other driver involved in the crash play a large role in covering your losses. We handle the process of contacting all insurance providers and beginning discussions relating to compensation for your losses.
Official documentation of your injuries and treatment is needed to file a Personal Injury and Workers’ Compensation claim. We work with your medical providers to gather all documentation related to your care to prove the type and extent of injuries—ranging from airbag and seatbelt injuries to whiplash and more severe injuries—you have suffered.
The negotiation of a settlement is a viable strategy for some accident victims. Our Minneapolis car accident lawyer conducts assertive negotiations to secure a settlement that covers all your current and future losses. We will never advise you to accept a settlement that does not address all your financial and emotional losses.
A settlement is not always possible or the right strategy. If a settlement cannot be reached or is against your best interests, we take your case to court to pursue a judgment in your favor.
Throughout the legal process, we make sure to help you understand what you can expect from your proceedings, and the steps you should take to protect your health and legal rights.
At Schmidt-Salita Law Team, we know how important it is to recover compensation for your medical costs, lost wages, and other losses. To help you recover the maximum compensation possible, we explore every available legal option. To schedule a free consultation to discuss your case, call 952-473-4530 or contact our auto accident lawyers.