*The results are conditioned to the unique circumstances of each case. These results do not guarantee your case will result in the same compensation.
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 results are conditioned to the unique circumstances of each case. These results do not guarantee your case will result in the same compensation.
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.
I understand how overwhelming this can be. Let me handle the legal complexities while you focus on your recovery and getting back to normal.
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 952-234-8540 or contact our auto accident lawyers.
Dean Salita is a seasoned Personal Injury lawyer with over 30 years of experience, specializing in workplace injuries and occupational diseases like asbestos-related illnesses. He’s the chair of the Minnesota Association for Justice Workers’ Compensation section and has been recognized as a Super Lawyer with an AV rating by Martindale-Hubbell. Dean is dedicated to providing personal, compassionate legal support to his clients, guiding them through trials and the legal process.
Client Reviews
Google Review Schmidt Law Firm is so much more than the usual out for their back pocket firm they are a group of truly caring people. I was hit by a car & have memory loss. I don’t know how many times they all had to go over and over the same thing with me. They even gave me reminder calls for my doctors appointments. When things were so overwhelming I would call and all I could do is cry and they listened and never once complained or cut me short. Doug and Vanessa were all very helpful so was the rest of the staff. God Bless them all. By the way they got me a lot more than I had hoped for. You really don’t want to be on the opposing side of the table of Doug, he will rip you before you know he did it and he does it in such a nice way.
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When you schedule your free consultation with a personal injury attorney in Minnesota, you should come prepared with specific questions for us to address. Some of the common questions clients ask us are:
Yes, in almost all cases, having an attorney is crucial to protect your rights and secure the settlement you deserve. The Schmidt & Salita Law Team is here to guide you through the entire process, from collecting evidence to handling medical bills and lost wages. We’ll help you gather medical records and reports to support your claim, determine the value of your case, and negotiate a fair settlement. If needed, we’re prepared to file suit and take your case to court to ensure the best possible outcome.
It’s very important to start collecting evidence right away to support your case. The Schmidt & Salita Law Team will help obtain accident reports, interview witnesses, and work with treating doctors to ensure you get the proper medical care. We’ll also handle communication with insurance adjusters. Delaying the decision to hire an attorney can lead to lost time and missed opportunities. We’re here to guide you through the process from the start, ensuring you have the best chance for a successful outcome.
Many people worry about the cost of legal fees, but with Schmidt & Salita Law Team, your first consultation is free. We handle most Personal Injury and Workers’ Compensation cases on a contingent fee basis, meaning you won’t pay attorney fees unless there’s a settlement. If we win, you’ll only pay a percentage of the settlement for fees and costs, ensuring you never end up “in the hole.” This system is often called “No fees until you recover” and works like a real estate agent’s commission—paid only when you win.
It’s crucial to hire an attorney with experience in Personal Injury, Workers’ Compensation, and Wrongful Death claims. The Schmidt & Salita Law Team brings over 160 years of combined experience, handling thousands of cases, including auto accidents, construction injuries, medical malpractice, and more. Our team is dedicated to providing personal service and treating you like more than just a case number. We believe in a team approach to ensure the best possible outcome and your satisfaction every step of the way.
Most Personal Injury and Workers’ Compensation cases typically take at least a year or more to settle, and some can take even longer. This is mainly due to medical reasons, as it takes time to determine the permanent nature of an injury. Doctors or Chiropractors are often better equipped to assess the permanency of your injury. Once we have medical evidence, we compile all necessary documents and submit a settlement demand to the insurance company. The negotiation process can take several months, and if an agreement isn’t reached, we may need to file a lawsuit.
The value of a Personal Injury or Workers’ Compensation case depends on several factors. These include the degree of fault of the responsible party, the severity of your injuries, pain, and permanent disability, as well as medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. The financial ability of the at-fault party, often determined by insurance coverage, also plays a role. Schmidt & Salita Law Team, with over 160 years of combined experience, is here to help you evaluate the worth of your case and guide you through the process.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured, please fill out the form below for your free consultation or call us at (952) 473-4530
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“I wanted to extend my personal thanks and appreciation, as well as that of my siblings. We are appreciative of the representation you extended to our father. He always battled for the “little guy,” and you did that for him thru this process. Please extend this thank you to Molly as well. Thank you.”
“Doug Schmidt and his team were a godsend – they were compassionate and professional in helping my sister and I navigate our mother’s Wrongful Death. They were easy to communicate with, and I always felt my concerns and opinions were being heard. I would recommend Schmidt Law Firm to anyone who asks.”
“I feel very lucky to have Mr. Schmidt working for me. He took my case when my first lawyer would not and could not fight his way out of a paper bag. My case was very involved but Mr. Schmidt made it look so easy.”
“Doug and his team are top notch. They are hard working and meticulous with getting the best results… I felt like I was in good hands through the entire process. I couldn’t be happier with the outcome.”
“I wanted to tell you thank you for everything you have done for me I really appreciate it…I truly appreciate everything you did just taking the time to answer my questions, makes me feel good about what was going on and understanding what was happening and everything and just being patient with me. Again I truly appreciate ha...
“Just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you and your staff for all your efforts to collect benefits on behalf of my husband. Your kindness and sympathy during our initial visit with you was very much appreciated.”
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Dean M. Salita, with more than 30 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
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1600 Hopkins Crossroad
Minnetonka, MN 55305
Phone (952) 473-4530
Toll Free 1-800-656-8450
Fax (952) 544-1308
call us: 952.473.4530
