Car accidents happen in Minnetonka every day, but their effects can last a lifetime.
If you’ve been injured in an auto accident caused by another driver, the Minnetonka car accident lawyers at Fields Injury Law can guide you through the process of pursuing compensation for your injuries.
While each case is different, our team of experienced vehicle accident lawyers can evaluate your case and determine if legal action is right for you.
Why Choose Fields Injury Law as Your Car Accident Attorney?
A car accident is a traumatic experience. Trying to handle the legal aftermath only adds stress when you should be focused on recovery.
Fields Law has served as car accident personal injury attorneys for Minnetonka clients for over 25 years. We’ve seen just about everything there is when it comes to auto injuries.
Many car crashes are the result of negligent drivers. Our auto accident lawyers investigate the details of the accident and gather evidence of who was at fault. We collect medical records that back up your case.
Even when it’s clear the other driver was at fault, we’ve seen insurance companies attempt to deny responsibility for their client’s actions. We’ve seen them offer settlements far below the cost of the injured party’s medical bills.
Fields Injury Law’s car crash attorneys know how to negotiate with the insurance companies to get our clients fair compensation for their injuries.
And when needed, we can represent you in court.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents are unpredictable. Some victims walk away without a scratch. Others face months of grueling recovery or even death.
When you sustain injuries that result in substantial medical bills and lost wages, you may be entitled to compensation.
Some of the most common injuries sustained in car accidents include:
- Whiplash
- Head injuries
- Broken bones
- Spinal injuries
- Internal injuries
- PTSD and emotional trauma
If you’ve suffered any of these or other serious injuries as the result of a reckless driver’s actions, our Minnetonka car accident attorneys can evaluate your case and determine the best course of action.
Minnesota Car Accident Laws
Minnesota uses a no-fault insurance system. This means that your personal insurance covers your medical bills and wage loss, regardless of who initiated the accident. Most insurance policies in Minnesota list this coverage as Personal Injury Protection (PIP).
However, PIP coverage has limits, which serious car accidents quickly surpass.
Only when your injuries exceed specific thresholds can you initiate a legal claim against the at-fault driver.
Minnesota also uses a comparative fault rule when both drivers share blame for an accident. In this system, if you are less than 50% at fault for an accident, you can attempt to recover compensation, however it will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example: there is $100,000 in damage. You are 30% to blame, and the other driver is 70% to blame. The maximum you could recover would be $70,000 in damages. If you are both considered 50% at fault, neither driver can recover damages from the other.
Lastly, Minnesota has a six year statute of limitations for personal injuries lawsuits, including auto accidents. Property damage claims have a two year statute of limitations.
If you do not take legal action within these deadlines, you may forfeit your right to pursue compensation.
Who May Be Liable for an Auto Accident?
Determining liability in a Minnetonka auto accident isn’t always straightforward. However, there are some instances where liability is clear.
When a driver exhibits negligent behavior, such as running a red light or stop sign, they are typically considered to be 100% at fault. Distracted drivers, like those who were texting at the time of the accident, are usually held liable.
Some of the most serious liability cases involve drunk drivers. When a person causes an auto accident while intoxicated, their actions are often considered to be negligent.
Consulting with a Minnetonka auto accident lawyer can help you analyze the facts of your case and determine who bears the responsibility for your accident.
Compensation Available in Auto Accident Cases
Minnesota law allows victims to pursue several forms of damages depending on the specifics of the case.
Victims may be able to recover compensation for economic damages including:
- Medical expenses
- Physical therapy
- Medication
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Vehicle damage
When their injuries meet the legal threshold, some Minnesota car accident victims may pursue compensation for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and long-term impact on their quality of life.
Remember, each auto accident case is different. Consulting with a motor vehicle accident lawyer in Minnetonka will give you the best idea of the potential compensation available for your claim.
What to Do After an Auto Accident?
If physically able, the first thing you should do in the immediate aftermath of an auto accident is call 911 to report the incident and request medical attention. Even if you feel fine, you need to be evaluated by a medical professional.
Many car accidents cause head injuries or internal bleeding that doesn’t show signs for days or even weeks after the accident. Seeing a doctor right away protects your own health, as well as creating a valuable medical record of the effects of the accident.
If you are able to, take photos of the scene of the accident and exchange contact information with the other driver before leaving the scene. Ideally by calling 911, law enforcement will also arrive and provide a neutral traffic accident report regarding the accident.
As soon as you’re able to, you’ll need to report the accident to your insurance company so that your PIP benefits become immediately active.
We also strongly recommend that you don’t accept blame for the accident when you contact your insurance. Simply give your account of the facts to your insurance company and let them handle the rest.
Once these steps have been taken, consider contacting a Minnetonka lawyer for auto accidents, like Fields Injury Law. We can help you handle the paperwork and negotiate with the insurance company while you focus on your recovery.
When needed, we can represent you in court as you seek additional damages beyond PIP coverage limits.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accident Injury
What if the other driver is uninsured?
If you have coverage for uninsured motorists on your personal coverage, that often takes over. By contacting the auto injury lawyers at Fields Injury Law, we can discuss your available options for recovery beyond what that coverage provides.
Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
Minnesota is a comparative fault state. If you were less than 50% responsible for the accident, you may be able to recover the remaining percentage in damages.
What is Minnesota’s statute of limitations for car accidents?
In Minnesota, personal injury claims have a six year statute of limitations. Property damage claims have a two year statute of limitations. But that doesn’t mean you should wait to contact an auto accident attorney and file a claim. Filing sooner than later helps preserve crucial evidence and keeps your options open.
How much does a car accident lawyer cost?
Many people worry about the cost of filing a lawsuit. Fields Injury Law works on a contingency basis. We don’t charge any upfront fees. We only get paid if we recover money for you.
What if I’m offered a settlement by my insurance?
You do not have any obligation to accept the first offer your insurer provides. Many times early settlements do not account for the full extent of your recovery or losses.
We recommend consulting with a motor vehicle accident lawyer before accepting any settlement. We can evaluate your offer and tell you if it is fair based on your specific situation.
Need a Car Accident Lawyer in Minnetonka? Contact Fields Injury Law Today
Car accidents can change your life in an instant.
If you or someone you know has suffered injuries in an accident, contacting a car accident lawyer in Minnetonka will help you understand your options.
Fields Injury Law has represented Minnesota clients as car accident personal injury attorneys for over 25 years.
Our team combines experience with compassionate representation to help you understand the facts of your case and explain your options, so you can make the best decisions in seeking compensation for your injuries.
