Auto Accident Injury in Minnesota
Have you suffered an injury from a car accident in Minnesota? If so, your life may never be the same again. Injuries from a car accident can interfere with your ability to work and enjoy everyday activities. They can also be incredibly painful. As such, you need an auto accident attorney who understands the laws in MN that will fight for your legal rights and help you receive the financial compensation you deserve.
Auto Accident Injury Statistics in Minnesota
This has been a critical issue with the auto accidents and the injuries that result in Minnesota. During 2022, the overall tally in the state was 364 in terms of traffic fatalities — just a nuance more in 2021. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety also reported crashes causing injuries in 27,260. Out of these, 1,203 crashes led to serious injuries. The primary causes of these accidents relate to drunk driving, distracted driving, over-speeding, and unstrapped seat belts.
What to Do After an Auto Accident
It’s important to be prepared in the event you are a victim of a car accident. Below are the steps to remember immediately after your crash.
Receive Immediate Medical Attention
What is the most important step that you need to take after an auto accident? You need to receive immediate and proper medical treatment. You may believe that the injuries sustained after an auto accident are minor. Proper medical treatment helps ensure that you have not sustained any internal injuries that you may not be aware of.
File a Police Report
Even if no one is injured, it’s important to call 911 and request law enforcement assistance. When the officers arrive, make sure to record their names and badge numbers. Answer their questions honestly, but refrain from offering extra details, especially your thoughts on what caused the accident. Before the officers leave, ask for the police report number and inquire about when and where you can get a copy, as well as any fees involved.
According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, if you are involved in a car crash that results in death, injury, or property damage over $1,000, you have 10 days to submit a crash report.
Gather the Appropriate Documentation
While waiting for officers to arrive after a car accident, collect information from all other drivers involved in the accident, including the following:
- Full name, address, phone number and email address
- Driver’s license state and number
- Auto insurance company name, policy number, and phone number
Use your cell phone to take pictures of each driver’s license, auto insurance card, your vehicle, and each additional vehicle involved in the car accident. Don’t rely on verbal communication. Having as much information as possible will only help you and your case later on. Try to keep this exchange as civil and friendly as possible. However, do not apologize for causing the accident or indicate in any way that you think you may have caused it.
Recovering Damages After an Auto Accident Injury
After surviving a car accident, the emotional and economic toll it takes can be staggering. You are not only dealing with the mental anguish that comes with being involved in a crash, but you may also be experiencing severe physical harm as well.
Common injuries associated with motor vehicle accidents include:
- Burn injuries
- Back and neck injuries, such as whiplash
- Brain and head injuries
- Broken bones
- Spinal injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
Hiring a car accident lawyer ensures you have the financial ability to cover any losses that have occurred as a result of a crash. An auto accident attorney will also help you handle the paperwork that you will have to complete from insurance companies. This boosts your odds of receiving the insurance compensation you deserve.
Auto Accident Laws in Minnesota
Liability Laws for MN
When car accidents happen, it is essential to determine who bears responsibility for the resulting damage and medical bills. Determining fault impacts everything from your insurance claim and level of liability to the amount of confusion you may endure during the claims process.
For insurance purposes alone, Minnesota is a “no-fault” state, which means you must initiate your claim with your own insurance company. This is intended to ensure that basic costs are covered for the driver, regardless of who is at fault. However, if death occurs or injuries or property damage crosses a threshold, a claim may be filed in court. In this instance, Minnesota’s comparative fault statute bases plaintiff awards on the defendant’s percentage of fault.
Statute of Limitations in MN
Each state has its tort laws that determine the statute of limitations on a claim. In some states, this gives you just one year to file a claim in court, while some others may give you up to six years. According to Minnesota statute 541.07, any claims for personal injury must be filed within two years from the date of the incident. This is why it is important to consult with an attorney immediately after your car crash. Don’t wait and risk losing out on any compensation they can recover.
Work With an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer In Minnesota
After a car accident, you have enough to worry about. We can help you find an auto accident attorney for your unique case. Get the financial restitution that you deserve if you’re the victim of someone else’s conduct.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in MN!
About the Author
Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.
With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations.
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