Eagan Car Accident Lawyer
The negligence of other drivers on the road often leads to collisions between vehicles. Injured victims may be entitled to compensation for their losses in these cases. At Sieben Polk P.A., our Eagan car accident lawyers are committed to helping victims of accidents, ranging from fender benders to hit and runs, pursue the justice they deserve. From traumatic brain injuries, to broken bones, or even wrongful death, we’ve seen it all and are prepared to seek justice for those who have suffered.
If you have suffered injuries in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may have the right to seek compensation for your losses. However, successfully recovering the maximum compensation you’re owed isn’t easy when you’re going it alone. When the insurance companies have their representatives speak with you, they are there to protect the insurance company’s interests, not yours.
At Sieben Polk P.A., our Eagan car accident lawyers understand how insurance companies and their large legal teams handle these matters. When you turn to our legal team, we’ll work closely with you to investigate the circumstances of your accident. We know how to gather the evidence and information necessary to build a strong case that stands up in negotiations and at trial. We’ll also connect you with the necessary resources to get through this difficult time, medically and financially.
Vehicle Accidents and Injuries
Drivers have a legal duty to operate their vehicles safely and avoid collisions. Car crashes typically occur because of one or more drivers’ negligence. Some of the most common examples are:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Texting and driving
- Driving while intoxicated
- Improper passing
- Tailgating
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Merging errors
- Improper turns
- Running red lights and stop signs
- Aggressive driving
- Road rage
A motor vehicle accident may also involve a pedestrian, a semi-truck, a bike, a bus, a DUI, or a motorcycle. If the accident occurred due to a defective product, such as a tire blowout or an airbag malfunction, the case would fall under product liability law.
A car accident may occur if a mechanic fails to properly repair a vehicle. In that situation, those who improperly repaired the vehicle may be responsible for the injuries sustained.
Other factors, such as poorly maintained roads and malfunctioning traffic control signals, can contribute to injuries. Improper design, maintenance, construction, signage, lighting, or other highway defects can also cause serious accidents.
Car crashes can result in serious injuries, such as the following:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Burn Injuries
- Scarring
- Amputation
- Loss of vision
- Wrongful death
What Should I Do After a Car Accident?
The steps you take in the immediate aftermath of a car accident can make all the difference if you file a personal injury claim. To protect your rights and best interests, be sure to do the following:
- Call 911 – Even if it appears that no one was injured, you may need assistance clearing the scene, managing traffic, and creating the accident report.
- Seek immediate medical assistance – It is important to determine what injuries you have sustained. Serious internal injuries can occur that you may not be aware of right away.
- Collect information from all parties – Collect information from the accident scene, including time and location, road and weather conditions, contact and insurance information of those involved, contact information of witnesses, vehicle license plate numbers, and driver’s license numbers.
- Do not sign anything – Signing some types of documents may compromise your rights. You may, however, sign items from the police, such as a ticket or report.
- Protect your rights – If the other driver’s insurance company contacts you, do not discuss the facts of the collision with them. Instead, consult with a car accident attorney to protect your rights.
- File a report with the state – An official report can serve as crucial evidence if you file a claim.
- Do not permit anyone to interrogate you about the events of the accident – This is particularly true for the other party’s attorney or insurance company. If your insurance policy requires that you report your accident within a certain period—as many do—this is another reason to call an attorney immediately.
- Do not accept any settlement offer before you speak with an attorney – Many large insurance companies offer quick settlement payments to people involved in automobile accidents. These insurance companies do not have your best interests in mind. Accepting a quick settlement may jeopardize future claims.
How Much Is My Case Worth?
The only way to know for certain how much your case is worth is to consult with a Eagan car accident lawyer. When you bring your case to our firm, we’ll evaluate a wide range of variables to calculate the value of your claim, including:
- The cost of past, current, and future medical care necessary to treat your injuries
- The amount of time you’ve had to take off work during your recovery
- The expected impact of your injury on your ability to work and earn a living
- The impact of the injury on your quality of life, such as chronic pain or disfigurement
We’ll use this information to present a comprehensive claim for the full extent of your losses resulting from the accident. We may also seek punitive damages from the responsible party if their negligent behavior was especially egregious or reckless, which can further increase the value of your claim.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
Personal injury claims are subject to a strict deadline known as the statute of limitations. Minnesota’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims involving car accidents is six years.
The clock starts ticking on the date of the accident. You could lose your right to seek compensation if you don’t file a claim within the allotted time frame.
Keep in mind that the longer you wait to file a claim, the harder it might be to find evidence and witnesses that support your case—even if you are within the statute of limitations. That’s why it’s vital to get legal help as soon as possible after an accident.
How No-Fault Insurance Works in Minnesota
Minnesota has a “no-fault” insurance law that requires the policyholder’s car insurance company to pay for medical bills, loss of income or wages, and replacement services for daily activities the injured person cannot do. This obligation is regardless of fault. Thus, drivers must first look to their own policies for coverage of their injuries from a crash. However, this coverage, known as personal injury protection insurance, doesn’t cover pain and suffering and other non-economic damages.
If the expenses exceed your policy’s limit and the crash was the fault of another driver, you can file a claim against the other driver to hold them liable. Such claims can include damages for pain, suffering, and disability.
However, insurance companies often do not have the victims’ best interests in mind after an accident. The Eagan car accident attorneys at Sieben Polk Law Firm will use their 50+ years of experience handling accident cases to investigate every possible aspect of your claim to guarantee that you will receive full compensation for your injuries.
Trust Our Experienced Minnesota Car Accident Lawyers With Your Case
The Eagan car accident lawyers at Sieben Polk Law Firm are committed to protecting the injured. Our attorneys have successfully represented and fought for clients in thousands of car accident cases, many resulting in large verdicts and settlements.
In all car accident cases, it is essential to take action promptly to preserve evidence, investigate the accident, and enable physicians and other experts to thoroughly evaluate any injuries. The sooner you involve an experienced Minneapolis car accident lawyer, the better we can address important factors in your case.
If you’ve been injured in an accident near Minneapolis, Minnesota, Sieben Polk P.A. is here to help. Contact our Minneapolis personal injury lawyers today at 651-437-3148 for your free, no-obligation consultation. Let us take care of every detail of your case so you can concentrate on what matters most—your recovery.
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