A car accident may leave you with a serious injury. You may initially believe you are solely responsible for your injury-related costs. Thankfully, car accident lawyers are available. They can help you file a claim for compensation to cover your injury expenses and other accident-related losses.
Tyroler Leonard Injury Law is a top choice for those who need legal help after an auto accident. Our car accident lawyers in Minnesota and Wisconsin are available to review your case and go over your legal options with you. To learn more, reach out to us.
Why Choose Us
We have plenty of experience with car accident cases. Our attorneys learn about you and your accident. We discuss your legal options with you and answer any questions you have. If you decide to file a claim, we help you every step of the way. Plus, we advocate for you, protect your legal rights, and help you get the most compensation possible from any at-fault parties.
How We Can Help
When you choose our auto accident law firm, we help you prepare an argument that resonates with a judge or jury. Before we take your case, though, we will explain what happens after you hire us. If you decide to move forward, we represent your best interests. Our lawyers help you gather evidence and work with the at-fault party and their insurance company to reach a settlement. If no settlement agreement is reached, we represent you in court. At this point, we explain why you deserve damages and dispute any claims from the defendant. If we succeed, you may get 100% of the damages you initially requested.
How Attorneys Can Help Car Accident Victims
If you believe you are capable of representing yourself in a car accident case, think again. Ultimately, attorneys offer knowledge, experience, legal support and guidance to auto crash victims. Here are five ways lawyers may help you following your car collision:
1. Communicating with an Insurance Company
It is mandatory for drivers to carry auto insurance in Minnesota and Wisconsin. If you get into an auto crash in Minnesota, you may be protected under no-fault insurance coverage. With this protection, your insurance policy may cover your accident-related losses. This applies even if you are not responsible for your crash.
In Wisconsin, the at-fault driver’s insurance may have to pay for your crash-related losses. This is due to the fact that Wisconsin is classified as a “fault” state for car insurance.
When you request compensation for an auto accident through an insurance company, problems may come up. For example, if you are involved in a car crash in Wisconsin, the at-fault driver’s insurance company may dispute your claim. The insurer may make it tough to get compensation for your losses, to the point where you are tempted to give up on your case altogether.
Lawyers know how to handle communications with insurance companies. They are focused on the best interests of their clients. As such, attorneys may help you work with an insurer to get the compensation you want following your auto collision.
2. Filing Your Claim
In Minnesota, there is a six-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. If you were injured in an auto crash, you may have up to six years from the date of your accident to seek damages from any at-fault parties. Otherwise, if you do not file a claim within this window, you may be solely responsible for your collision-related losses.
You may not have to file an injury lawsuit after an auto accident in Minnesota. If your car insurance policy covers the full cost of your losses, you may be able to get the compensation you need. However, there are times when the damages suffered exceed those your auto insurer will cover. At these times, you may have to submit an injury claim against an at-fault party.
There are also instances where an at-fault driver may not have insurance or lacks sufficient coverage, which may affect your ability to get damages from them. As an example, you may get into an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist in Wisconsin. To request damages from this driver, you may have to file a personal injury lawsuit against them.
In Wisconsin, you have a maximum of three years to pursue damages in an injury claim, per Wisconsin Statutes § 893.54. If three years from the date of your auto crash passes and you have not filed a claim within this time frame, you may no longer be eligible to pursue damages from an at-fault party.
Lawyers understand the statute of limitations relating to injury cases. They will help you file your claim for damages in accordance with this period. Along with this, they will work with you to calculate your losses and determine how much you should ask for in damages.
3. Gathering and Evaluating Evidence
Figuring out liability in a multi-car collision or any other type of auto crash may be difficult. The evidence you provide to support your case may help you show an at-fault party should be liable. On top of that, how you present your proof may go a long way toward helping you get the damages you want.
Attorneys will work with you to help you collect and assess a wide range of evidence relating to your auto crash, including:
- Accident scene photos and videos
- Medical records
- Pay stubs
- Police reports
- Witness statements.
Evidence may help you prove negligence, resulting in damages. To show an at-fault party was negligent, you must be able verify they had a legal obligation to act in a cautious and reasonable manner. In addition, you must prove this party breached their duty of care toward you and caused your car accident. You must also confirm the party’s actions have forced you to incur quantifiable or subjective losses.
With a wealth of evidence at your disposal, attorneys can help you show all of the elements of negligence were present at the time of your auto collision. Thus, lawyers may be able to show a judge or jury the defendant was negligent, allowing you to get the damages you want and need.
4. Negotiating a Settlement
Just because you ask for compensation, this does not mean you will have to bring your case to trial. In many instances, the plaintiff and defendant in a car accident case may be able to negotiate a settlement.
A settlement may prove to be a viable option in your auto crash case. It would likely provide you with compensation sooner than you would get it if you go to trial. Also, the damages you receive may provide you with enough money to cover most or all of your accident-related losses.
Attorneys understand what it takes to help their clients get fair settlements. They will handle settlement negotiations on your behalf. If the defendant in your case proposes a settlement, your attorney will let you know. You then have the opportunity to accept, reject, or counter a settlement offer.
Even though lawyers may negotiate your settlement, you have the final say on what to do with it. Attorneys will be able to give you insights into a settlement offer and let you know what may occur based on the decision you make. If lawyers believe a settlement offer is far less than what you may get if you bring your case to trial, they will tell you. Regardless, if you believe a settlement proposal lines up with your best interests, you may accept the offer.
5. Representing You in Court
Going to court to explain to a judge or jury why you deserve damages after a car accident may be daunting. If you make a mistake, you may compromise your ability to secure compensation.
Minnesota has a comparative fault statute in effect. Based on this statute, if you are found to be anywhere from 1% to 50% responsible for your auto accident, the damages you receive may be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are determined to be primarily responsible for your collision, you may not be awarded any damages at all.
For instance, a judge or jury may find you are 20% responsible for your auto collision. They may then award you 80% of the compensation you originally requested. On the other hand, if you are found to be 51% at fault for your car crash, you may be ineligible for compensation.
Wisconsin has a contributory negligence statute that works similarly. Basically, if you are in any way responsible for your auto collision, you may not be able to receive the full damages you want.
Lawyers are familiar with fault and negligence statutes. They focus on crafting an argument to show the defendant in your case is completely responsible for your auto crash. If they are successful, they will help you make it clear to a judge or jury that you deserve all of the damages you are requesting.
Get Started with Your Car Accident Case
The car accident attorneys at Tyroler Leonard Injury Law offer exceptional legal representation. If you want legal help with your auto accident claim, we are here to assist you in any way we can. Our lawyers are available 24/7. To schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation, contact us online or call us at 651-259-1113.
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