When it comes to motor vehicle accidents, the journey from collision to legal resolution can be a long, winding road. In Minnesota, understanding the process of a car accident claim is crucial for car accident victims seeking compensation for their damages and injuries.
While many claims are settled out of court, there’s always the possibility that your case could end up going to trial. Our Minnesota car accident lawyers can help you better understand when taking your case to trial might be in your best interest.
The Process of a Car Accident Claim in Minnesota
When pursuing a personal injury claim after a car crash in Minnesota, you will need to have evidence to support fault on another party (how the event occurred), as well as your damages. Evidence can include:
- Traffic camera footage
- Weather and road condition reports
- Expert opinions
- Medical records
- Insurance information
- Vehicle damage assessments
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Accident scene photographs
- Cell phone records
You will also need to notify the appropriate insurance companies about the accident. The insurance companies will assign a claims adjuster who review and investigate the claim, and will assess the damages.
When the time comes, you and your lawyer will work with the insurance adjusters to try to resolve your claim by reaching a settlement. However, if no settlement agreement is reached through negotiation or liability is denied, then starting a lawsuit might become necessary. If a lawsuit is started, there is still a good chance that it will resolve before a trial ever occurs. However, if it doesn’t, a trial may be necessary to determine fault and your damages. If this becomes necessary, our experienced injury lawyers in Minnesota can help you with the litigation process to ensure you well represented throughout the process.
Factors to Determine if Your Car Accident Claim Will Go to Trial
The majority of car crash claims are able to be settled without going to trial. However, some factors may increase your likelihood of having to present your case in front of a judge or jury.
Insurance Company Behavior
The insurance companies’ behavior can impact whether your car accident claim goes to trial. If an insurer is unwilling to offer a fair settlement or engages in bad faith practices, pursuing the matter in court may be your only option.
Severity of Injuries
One of the primary factors influencing the likelihood of a trial is the severity of injuries you suffered in the car accident. Cases involving significant injuries that result in extensive medical treatment, long-term rehabilitation, or permanent disability are more likely to go to trial as they are often more complex and have more significant damages.
Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Claims
Resolving the claim may require legal action when the at-fault party is uninsured or underinsured. Pursuing compensation through uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage can lead to a trial if the insurance company disputes the claim.
Quality of Evidence
The strength of the evidence plays a vital role in determining the outcome of your car accident claim. If the evidence is clear, compelling, and supports your car accident case, it may encourage the at-fault party or their insurer to settle. However, if evidence is lacking or disputed, a trial may be necessary to resolve the dispute.
Liability Disputes
If there is a dispute over liability, with each party blaming the other for the accident, reaching a settlement may be challenging. To ensure you are able to recover fair compensation, a trial may be necessary to determine fault and allocate responsibility for the accident.
Disagreements on Damages
Disputes over the extent of damages, including immediate and long-term medical expenses, property damage, and pain and suffering, can escalate the case to trial. Clear documentation and expert testimony may be crucial in establishing the true extent of the losses you incurred.
Statute of Limitations
Minnesota has a statute of limitations that sets a deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a car accident. If the statute of limitations is approaching, and a settlement hasn’t been reached, filing a lawsuit may become necessary to preserve the right to compensation.
Our injury lawyers in Minnesota can meet with you for a free consultation to discuss your crash’s circumstances and determine the most appropriate course of action. Once hired, our injury lawyers in Minnesota will work quickly to gather evidence on your behalf and build the strongest case possible. If we have to go to trial, we will leave no stone unturned in protecting your legal rights and best interest.
How Long Will It Take to Recover Compensation?
Although every case is unique, some factors determine how quickly you will receive compensation for your damages. These factors include the nature and extent of the injuries, the type of injuries, the insurance policy limits, the particular insurance company adjuster involved, or questions of fault and liability.
If the case has to go to court, receiving money for your losses and expenses can take several years. Our lawyers will be able to provide you with a better understanding of how long your case will take during our consultation.
Call Our Minnesota Car Accident Lawyers Today
Our team at Nelson Personal Injury, LLC has extensive experience handling all types of car accident cases and will fight tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Remember, insurance companies may not have your best interests in mind, but with our legal representation, we can help navigate the complex process and negotiate a fair settlement or take your case to court if needed.
Contact our Minnesota car accident lawyers today for a free consultation so we can help you on the path toward recovery.
