When you’re injured in a car accident that’s someone else’s fault, Minnesota law allows you to seek compensation after exhausting your applicable no-fault benefits. However, it’s not always obvious who is at fault if you hit an illegally parked car. If you were injured in an accident with an illegally parked car, Sieben Polk P.A. can help you determine who is liable and seek fair compensation.
Hitting an Illegally Parked Car
If the car you hit was illegally parked, that does not necessarily mean you are free from liability. You still have a responsibility to drive carefully and avoid collisions, even near improperly parked cars. Parties can be held jointly liable for a car accident in Minnesota, and that’s often what happens in accidents between illegally parked cars and moving vehicles.
Visibility is a common issue in these cases. If the car was parked in a way that made it unreasonably difficult to see, the owner may bear some or all liability. Suppose, however, that you were speeding. If you would have seen the parked car in time to stop had you been driving at a safe speed, you may also share some of the fault.
Minnesota's Comparative Negligence Laws
Under Minnesota’s modified comparative negligence law, all parties may be assigned a degree of fault based on their contribution to an accident. You may recover compensation for your injuries if your percentage of fault was less than the defendant’s. However, your compensable damages will be reduced in proportion to your contribution.
For example, suppose you hit an illegally parked car but were found to be 40 percent at fault due to distracted driving. If the total value of your damages is $100,000, your compensation would be reduced to $60,000.
Hurt in an Accident? Schedule a Free Consultation Today.
Car accident claims sometimes involve legal gray areas that can complicate the process of determining liability. That’s where we come in. If you’ve been injured in a car accident and are unsure who is at fault, contact Sieben Polk P.A. before speaking to insurers.
If you hit an illegally parked car, we can review your case to determine if the owner was at fault. Our experienced personal injury lawyers will protect your rights and fight to secure maximum compensation for your damages. Call (651) 437-3148 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.
