"Blink of an eye." "Drop of a hat." No matter what expression you prefer, it doesn't take long at all for a motor vehicle accident to unleash lasting damage on individuals and families. A quick errand can become a daunting future filled with intense rehabilitation and a struggle to make ends meet.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in an accident caused by negligence, you should not have to bear the financial, physical, and emotional burden alone. Contact a Minnesota car accident lawyer from Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers to discuss your case and your options for financial recovery.
Why Choose Us for Your Minnesota Car Accident Case?
In Minnesota, you can turn to the experienced personal injury lawyers of Nicolet Law Offices to protect your interests and pursue maximum financial compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more.
Operating from various office locations across numerous cities and states, our robust focus remains unaltered — seeking justice for victims and survivors of accidents. We focus on making things right for the victims and survivors of car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, ATV accidents, boating accidents, and other personal injury matters.
We work with professional experts such as accident reconstructionists, medical professionals, and vocational experts to identify the cause of an accident, assess the damage, and determine the full compensation necessary to make you whole again. Our only goal is to obtain the compensation you deserve and provide you with the support you need in the process.
What The Nicolet Difference Means For You
Our team is committed to our clients throughout every stage of a case. Whether you need help covering your medical bills, dealing with insurance companies, setting up a plan for long-term care, or all of the above, you can rely on us to take care of it so you can focus on getting better.
Our representation goes far beyond the courtroom, including:
- Shielding you from creditor harassment
- Dealing with insurance company requests
- Making sure you have the resources you need to cover your bills and expenses while your case is in progress
We will prepare you for every step, making sure you have the information you need to have peace of mind about your case and what lies ahead. You don't have to take our word for it. See what our past clients have to say.
Injured in Minnesota? Get Nicolet.
Do I Have a Minnesota Car Accident Case?
Negligence is a legal concept that forms the basis for most personal injury cases, including car accident claims. It refers to a person's failure to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm or injury to another person. In other words, if someone's careless or reckless actions cause an accident that injures someone else, they may be considered negligent and held liable for the resulting damages.
To have a successful car accident case in Minnesota, four essential elements of negligence must be established:
- Duty of Care: The first element is to show that the defendant (the person accused of causing the accident) owed a duty of care to the plaintiff (the injured party). In the context of car accidents, all drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles safely and follow traffic laws to avoid causing harm to others on the road.
- Breach of Duty: The second element involves proving that the defendant breached their duty of care. This means demonstrating that the defendant failed to act as a reasonably prudent person would under similar circumstances. Examples of breaching the duty of care include speeding, running a red light, or driving while distracted.
- Causation: The third element requires showing that the defendant's breach of duty directly caused the plaintiff's injuries. In other words, the plaintiff must prove that the accident and their resulting injuries would not have occurred if not for the defendant's negligent actions.
- Damages: The final element necessitates that the plaintiff suffered actual damages, such as physical injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, or property damage, as a result of the defendant's negligence. Without demonstrable damages, there is no basis for a personal injury claim.
Establishing these four elements of negligence is crucial for car accident victims to have a successful personal injury claim in Minnesota.
Minnesota is a No-Fault State
As a no-fault insurance state, Minnesota requires all drivers to carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. This coverage provides benefits for medical expenses and other losses resulting from a car accident, regardless of who was at fault.
Minimum Insurance Requirements in Minnesota
The Minnesota Department of Commerce mandates the following minimum insurance coverage for drivers in the event of auto accidents:
- $40,000 in PIP for one person per accident
- $30,000 in bodily injury liability (BIL)
- $10,000 in property damage liability (PDL)
Additionally, motorists must carry uninsured/underinsured motorist protection:
- $25,000 for injuries to one person
- $50,000 for injuries to two or more people
Pursuing Compensation Beyond No-Fault Benefits
While no-fault insurance aims to streamline the claims process and reduce lawsuits, it doesn't always work as intended. If you're struggling to obtain the PIP benefits you deserve, a skilled car accident attorney at Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers can help.
Under Minnesota law, you may seek compensation from an at-fault driver if:
- Your medical expenses surpass $4,000
- You sustain a permanent injury, permanent disfigurement, or a disability that lasts 60 days or more
You can also pursue a claim against the at-fault party if your loved one dies due to a car accident injury. However, to secure compensation, you must demonstrate that the other driver's negligence caused the crash.
Common Examples of Driver Negligence
- Distracted driving (texting, eating, adjusting navigation systems, etc.)
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
- Aggressive or reckless driving
- Disregarding traffic signs and signals
- Failing to maintain proper lane position
- Making improper turns
Should I Accept the First Offer from the Insurance Company?
No, you should not accept the first offer from an insurance company without carefully considering your options and the full extent of your damages. Here's why:
- Initial offers are often low: Insurance companies are businesses that aim to minimize their payouts. The first offer is usually lower than what your claim is actually worth, as they hope you'll accept a quick settlement.
- You may not know the full extent of your car accident injuries: Some injuries may not be apparent immediately after the accident or may require ongoing treatment. Accepting an early offer could mean settling for less than your actual medical expenses.
- There may be additional damages: Besides medical bills, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering, and other accident-related expenses. The first offer may not account for these damages.
- You have the right to negotiate: You are not obligated to accept the first offer. You can negotiate with the insurance company to reach a fairer settlement that adequately covers your losses.
- Consulting an attorney can help: An experienced personal injury attorney can assess your case, determine the value of your claim, and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to secure the compensation you deserve.
Remember, once you accept an offer, you typically cannot go back and ask for more money later. It's essential to have a clear understanding of your rights and the full extent of your damages before accepting any settlement offer from an insurance company. If you're unsure about an offer or feel pressured to accept, consult with a knowledgeable car accident lawyer who can protect your interests and fight for fair compensation.
How Can a Lawyer Help with My Car Accident Claim?
The experienced Minneapolis car accident attorneys at Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers can help you navigate the complex legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Here are some ways our team can assist with your claim:
Providing legal guidance
We can explain your rights, options, and the potential outcomes of your case, helping you make informed decisions throughout the process.
Investigating your accident
Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your crash, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and consult with experts to build a strong case on your behalf.
Assessing your damages
We will evaluate the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future costs, to ensure we pursue fair compensation for your losses.
Communicating with insurance companies
Our team will handle all communications with the insurance companies involved, protecting your rights and advocating for your best interests.
Negotiating a settlement
We will negotiate with the insurance company to secure a fair settlement that adequately compensates you for your damages. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators and will fight tirelessly on your behalf.
Representing you in court
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to trial. Our experienced litigators will present a compelling case to the jury and argue for the compensation you deserve.
Providing support and guidance
We understand that a car accident can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. Our compassionate attorneys will be by your side throughout the process, offering support and guidance every step of the way.
Contact the Minnesota Car Accident Lawyers at Nicolet Accident & Injury Lawyers Today
At Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers, we are dedicated to helping car accident victims in Minnesota secure the compensation they need to move forward with their lives. If you've been injured in a crash, contact our office today for a free consultation.
It will cost you nothing to learn more about how our Minnesota personal injury lawyers can help you get the compensation you need.
Get started today by calling (612) 688-4459 or emailing us to schedule your initial consultation.
If you cannot come to our office, we can meet you at your home or at the hospital.