Car Accident Attorney in Alexandria, Minnesota
Car accident victims may experience serious and permanent injuries that they never fully recover from. High medical expenses and time off work often lead to a significant financial burden for the victim and their family.
At Nelson Personal Injury, LLC, our Alexandria, Minnesota attorneys have years of experience handling even the most complex car accident cases and have a proven track record of getting results. We can provide the same high level of representation for you and your car accident claim.
If you been injured in a car accident caused by another motorist, contact our office today for a free initial consultation. We never collect a fee unless we obtain a recovery for your accident and injuries.
Common Causes of Minnesota Car Accidents
Minnesota drivers are involved in thousands of car accidents each year. In 2020 alone, there were 394 traffic fatalities in the state, and thousands of injuries reported. Even though the state is considered one of the safest in the country for drivers, accidents still occur. Usually, car accidents result from a driver’s negligent, reckless, or careless behavior.
Here is a list of some of the most common causes of car accidents in the state:
- Speeding: Exceeding the set speed limit is the top cited cause of Minnesota car accidents.
- Drunk Driving: Driving under the influence reduces a driver’s reaction time and ability to operate a vehicle safely, increasing the likelihood of car accidents.
- Distracted Driving: Distracted drivers are cited as the cause of one out of every nine car accidents in the state.
- Aggressive Driving: This involves several unsafe behaviors, such as improper passing, improper lane changes, tailgating, and brake checking (among others).
- Failure to Yield Right of Way: It is necessary to yield right of way when the law dictates, and failing to do so can result in serious and even deadly car accidents.
- Driver Fatigue: Fatigue can significantly impair a driver’s performance and increase the possibility of a car accident.
How We Can Help You Seek Compensation After a Minnesota Car Accident
In Minnesota, if you are injured in a car accident that is someone else’s fault, you will typically have two, and sometimes three, potential claims. First, you will have a no-fault insurance claim against your own insurance company. Second, you may have what is called a personal injury claim against the at fault driver and their insurance company. Finally, you may have what is called an underinsured motorist claim against the underinsured motorist portion of your own insurance policy.
Minnesota has a no-fault insurance laws, which means you collect certain benefits from your own personal injury protection (PIP) coverage of your insurance policy. This policy is used regardless of who was at fault. It is required that Minnesota drivers have a PIP policy of $40,000 per person per accident. This coverage is used for up to $20,000 in medical expenses and mileage, and up to $20,000 wage loss and replacement services benefits.
In certain situations, you may be able to bring a personal injury claim against any party who caused the accident. You are only eligible to bring a claim against the at-fault driver and their insurance company to receive monetary compensation if you have met one of five of the so-called statutory tort thresholds:
- A death;
- At least $4,000 in accident-related medical costs (excluding costs for diagnostic imaging);
- A scar or permanent disfigurement;
- A permanent injury; or
- A disability that lasts for a minimum of 60 days.
Once you decide to pursue a personal injury claim against the at-fault party’s insurance company, they will assign a claims adjuster to evaluate the claim. This person is an employee of the insurance company who analyzes and investigates claims to determine if the claimant is entitled to compensation.
A major mistake we often see car accident victims make is believing that this insurance adjuster is working in their best interest. This is not the case. The adjuster’s goal is to reduce or deny claims to save the insurance company money. They often do this by attempting to get the car accident victim to admit things that are against the interests, or get them to settle their claim as early as possible for as little money as possible.
In order to maximize the value of your case, we always want to get you to a point where a doctor can give an opinion about the nature, extent, and permanency of your injuries. At that point, we attempt to settle your claim with the insurance company. If the insurance company does not make a fair and reasonable settlement offer, you can begin a personal injury lawsuit against the at fault driver in Minnesota civil court. Generally, for car accident claims based on negligence, you have six years to settle your case or start a lawsuit; after that, any attempt to collect compensation will likely be denied as untimely.
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FAQs About Minnesota Car Accident Claims
After a Minnesota car accident, knowing what to do is challenging. Some common questions accident victims have are answered here.
How long do you have to file a lawsuit after a Minnesota car accident?
Generally, for car accident claims based on the negligence of another driver, you have six years from the date of your car accident to either settle your case or file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. For car accident claims involving wrongful death, you generally have three years from the date of the person’s death to settle the case or start a lawsuit against the at-fault party.
Do you have to file a police report after a car accident in Minnesota?
Minnesota law requires that all drivers who are involved in a motor vehicle accident report it to law enforcement if property damage, bodily harm, or death occurs. You must provide your personal and contact information and provide aid to anyone injured.
Are you required to seek medical treatment after a car accident?
If you experienced a serious car accident, you might have been taken to the nearest emergency department for treatment. However, for other accidents, you may believe you are fine. If this happens, you may refuse medical treatment at the scene. However, accidents can cause hidden injuries, or injuries that do now show up until your adrenaline wears off, so it is smart to seek medical care immediately for a thorough medical examination.
Contact Our Legal Team for Help with Your Car Accident Claim
If you are involved in a Minnesota car accident, contact Nelson Personal Injury, LLC, for help with your case. We will review the facts of your case and help you file a claim to recover compensation. We will fight for your rights and help you get the results you deserve.
Car accident cases can be complex, so do not wait to contact us for assistance with your claim