When two or more vehicles collide, someone is generally at fault for the crash. If negligence is the reason for the car accident, you may be able to pursue compensation for your damages. But proving negligence requires the identification of the at-fault party. A Minnesota car accident lawyer uses their skills and experience to help car accident victims through the civil process, including determining who was at fault for the crash.
Determining Fault in a Car Accident
Identifying the responsible party is crucial for victims.
Determining fault in a car accident begins with the report made by the responding police officer. It will provide valuable information that can be crucial evidence in a civil case. Clues at the accident scene and interviews of witnesses and victims can also help determine which party was responsible for the crash. But car accident fault is not always easy to determine. Some accidents require reconstruction of the scene or other steps, which take time.
Minnesota is a comparative fault state. If victims are 50 percent or less at fault, they may recover compensation from the other party; however, the percentage of fault you bear can influence the amount of compensation you receive.
Comparative fault is a complex subject. It is something that a Minnesota car accident attorney understands. They can determine how it applies to your personal injury claim or lawsuit. Consider contacting a car accident lawyer to discuss your legal options and whether comparative fault applies to your accident.
Fault and Your Car Accident Damages
Negligence is a core component of civil cases.
Understanding negligence is crucial for your Minnesota car accident case. Negligence occurs when someone fails to exercise the same care a reasonable person would exercise in a similar situation.
All drivers must obey the rules of the road, yet many take risks behind the wheel. The following actions and behaviors are a few examples of car accident negligence:
- Driving under the influence: Drunk or drugged driving
- Aggressive driving: Tailgating, speeding, or other acts of road rage
- Distracted driving: Focusing on anything other than the road
- Driving sleep-deprived: Drowsiness due to lack of rest or an undiagnosed sleep disorder.
One or more of these actions and behaviors can cause a driver to lose control in a second. However, the impact on the victims in their path is often long-lasting.
If you or a close loved one suffered harm due to a negligent driver, consider contacting a Minnesota car accident attorney. A free evaluation of your case lets you learn if you have a case for compensation against the at-fault driver.
How to Protect Your Best Interests
Why protecting your best interests matters.
One of the most vital steps an accident victim can take is never to admit fault. A traumatic crash turns your world upside down in an instant, and the immediate aftermath is confusing. However, it is not time to apologize for the collision. While it is human nature to apologize when you see someone hurt, doing so may be viewed as an admission of guilt. An insurance company and their lawyers may use your statements against you.
Focusing on your injuries or those of a close loved one is a top priority. No victim should deal with phone calls from aggressive insurance adjusters. Additionally, no victim should have to pay out-of-pocket for medical care due to another person’s negligence. Instead, victims can place their case in a car accident attorney's capable and qualified hands.
A Minnesota car accident attorney understands state civil laws. Their education and experience help clients relax, knowing someone is protecting their best interests.
Once fault is determined, your attorney can negotiate with an insurance company for a fair settlement. The negotiation process requires skills, as insurance companies seek to protect their best interests, not yours.
Traumatic car accidents can result in significant and costly injuries, such as:
- Spinal cord injury: A spinal cord injury affects movement and sensation. This type of severe injury often requires the use of a power chair and home modifications.
- Bone fractures: Depending on the type, multiple bone fractures may require multiple surgeries, physical or occupational therapies, and home health assistance.
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI): A disruption to normal brain function can impact movement and communication and possibly result in permanent disability.
This is not a complete list of injuries possible in a traumatic car accident. From back and neck injuries to internal bleeding, all injuries gravely affect a victim’s life.
Some injuries are too severe to survive. If you lost a close loved one at the scene or sometime later from their injuries, you may be able to pursue a wrongful death case. A Minnesota wrongful death attorney can assist you with a free evaluation.
It is impossible to predict the outcome of your case. However, you can protect your best interests by not admitting fault and contacting a car accident attorney today.
Get Help from Tyroler Leonard Injury Law
Let us help you fight for what you deserve.
At Tyroler Leonard Injury Law, we understand that accident victims suffer physical, emotional, psychological, and financial stress. We firmly believe that no accident victim should pay out-of-pocket for the care their injuries require.
We have experienced every insurance tactic, and our negotiation and trial skills are professional and strategic. Most insurance companies chose to settle rather than face a member of our team in court.
We communicate with you regarding the progress of your case from the moment we take it. We acknowledge that the legal process can confuse those unfamiliar with the system.
Car accident victims have enough on their minds without having to secure funds to pay for an attorney. Tyroler Leonard Injury Law works on a contingency fee basis. This means you will not pay any legal fees unless we win your case. This can relieve a great deal of stress as you deal with enough financial concerns. Our goal is to serve our Minnesota car accident clients with compassion and to aggressively fight for the best outcome of their case.
A free evaluation of your case helps us and you. We learn if you have a case for a civil claim or lawsuit and determine the best path forward for pursuing compensation. Schedule your free evaluation with Tyroler Leonard Injury Law by calling us at 651-259-1113. We will determine who is at fault for your damages and whether comparative fault applies to your case.