Strong Advocacy For Victims Of Minnesota Motor Vehicle Accidents

Even the most cautious drivers may end up in an accident due to another driver’s negligent actions. A serious car crash can result in severe injuries and impact your daily life, including your career and your financial situation.

At Berens & Miller, P.A., we are skilled motor vehicle accident attorneys who represent clients throughout Minneapolis. With years of experience, we know how to handle these accident cases and help you seek the compensation you deserve.

How Our Firm Can Help

If you or a loved one were injured or killed in a car accident, the attorneys at Berens & Miller, P.A., can help you get compensation that covers:

• Your medical bills
• Your lost wages
• Your pain and suffering
• Your property damage

We are familiar with how insurance companies offer lowball settlements in the hopes of making your claims go away.  We have your best interests at heart. We’ll fight to protect your rights and negotiate a settlement that will better address the full extent of your injuries and damages. Car accidents can result in injuries that range from the relatively minor, such as whiplash, to the catastrophic, such as traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injuries, and worst of all, death.

Our firm is prepared to take your case to trial and our attorneys have years of experience in litigating complex cases. We build solid cases based on evidence –  including witness statements, police and medical reports, accident photos, and expert opinions – to present your story to a jury and seek fair compensation.

Steps To Take After A Car Accident in Minnesota

Understanding what to do after you’ve been in a car accident is crucial to help protect yourself and your interests. Here’s what to remember no matter what firm you retain:

• Call the police – Once you’re out of harm’s way, it’s important to call the police immediately to report the accident. The police will create a report that you can use for your personal injury claim. They can also send for an ambulance if you or anyone else is injured.
• Don’t admit fault – Admitting fault or apologizing for an accident can often be used against you by the other driver, which can complicate your personal injury claim. It’s best to avoid saying anything that can make you look responsible for the accident.
• Gather information – Exchange contact, insurance and license information with the other driver. You should also collect the contact information of any eyewitnesses to the accident.
• Document the scene – Take photos and video of the accident site, including any property damage to your vehicle as well as your injuries.
• Get medical attention – Go to the hospital as soon as possible to have a doctor examine you for any injuries that aren’t visible. Some accident injuries don’t appear until days or weeks later, so it’s critical to get medical attention right away.
• Contact your insurance company – Call your insurance company immediately to report the claim. They can help you understand the claims process and the next steps that you might need to take.  But remember, they may not have an interest in ensuring that you receive the compensation to which your entitled.
• Contact an attorney – Talking with a lawyer can help you seek compensation for your injuries and other damages.

In Minnesota, you have two years from the date of your accident and injury to file a personal injury claim. Reaching out to an attorney sooner rather than later can help them collect evidence and build a strong case much faster so you can get the compensation you need more quickly.

Common Car Accident Injuries

A serious motor vehicle accident can result in many types of injuries ranging from minor to catastrophic. The more serious your injury, the more medical care and treatment you might need, which often means longer recovery and more time away from work. The financial cost of a serious injury can be a heavy weight on your mind as you navigate the aftermath of an accident. This is why it’s important to work with an attorney who can focus on getting you the compensation you need while you recover from your injuries.

The most common motor vehicle accident injuries include:

• Whiplash
• Concussion
• Broken bones
• Fractures
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Burns
• Internal bleeding
• Neck injuries
• Spinal cord injuries

No matter how you feel immediately after a crash, you should get checked out by a doctor to determine if you have any hidden injuries or injuries that are likely to worsen over time or end up causing permanent damage.

In many cases, serious injuries do not exhibit signs or symptoms until days, weeks, or even months after the accident.  For example, traumatic brain injuries may not manifest immediately. By seeking medical attention as soon as possible after the accident, a doctor can ascertain whether or not you have any underlying injuries as well as taking care of any obvious injuries that you might have sustained in the accident.

How Does Minnesota Handle Car Accident Claims?

Minnesota follows a “no-fault” system when it comes to car accident claims, which is designed to reduce the need for full-blown litigation as much as possible. Under this system, injured parties must file a claim based on their own insurance policy. Your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage will pay for medical expenses and certain other damages, regardless of who was responsible for the accident.

However, if the accident caused at least $4,000 in medical expenses or you have suffered 60 days of disability, a permanent injury or a permanent disfigurement, you are entitled to filing a lawsuit directly against the at-fault driver.

Understanding these rules can be complicated if you have never dealt with them before. Our lawyers will help you understand your specific situation and file the appropriate claim in a timely manner.

Do All Accident Cases Go to Trial?

No, not all accident cases are filed with a court and proceed to trial. In fact, many accident cases are resolved during the negotiation and settlement phase before a lawsuit is commenced. After a motor vehicle accident, you should consult with an attorney to represent your interests, help you to prepare a strong case and communicate with the insurance companies and the other driver’s legal team. Our lawyers will work diligently to build a strong claim against the other party and negotiate thoroughly to achieve an out-of-court settlement that is favorable to you.

However, if we are unable to reach an acceptable settlement during negotiations, we are prepared to try a case on your behalf. Our lawyers have significant trial experience and are well prepared to litigate your case and protect your rights via litigation and if needed, appeal.

Schedule A Consultation Today

Whether you were in a car accident, a bicycle accident or injured as a pedestrian, you’re entitled to compensation. Our attorneys will assist you every step of the way.

Call us today at 612-688-6516 to have your questions answered or email us online at your convenience.