A car accident can cause severe harm or injury to the victim. Often, victims sustain injuries that may end up causing temporary or permanent disability or physical and emotional damage. As such, the extent of these injuries may hinder these victims from living a normal life or working.
That said, the personal injury law sets out to protect such victims from the financial burden associated with the injuries. Put briefly, if you sustain an injury in a car accident in Minnesota, you have a right to pursue compensation for the injury. Essentially, this compensation cushions you from suffering additional losses and, at the same time, enables you to recoup the amount of money lost because of the injury.
However, the claim process in Minnesota is complex. The procedural guidelines and substantive laws governing the claim process make it challenging for victims to obtain compensation easily. Consequently, most victims who pursue compensation independently often don’t succeed in their claim. As such, you require a competent and qualified personal injury attorney to help you navigate the claim process.
But when should you call an attorney? And, how soon is too soon to call a car accident attorney? Here’s what you should know.
Understanding Personal Injury Law in Minnesota
If you sustain any injury in a car accident, you have a right to pursue a claim for compensation as provided for under Minnesota’s personal injury law. Although the right to compensation is guaranteed under the law, you can’t pursue compensation on your own terms. In other words, you have to abide by the strict provisions of the law for your claim to be deemed valid.
One of Minnesota’s stringent provisions governing personal injury claims is the timeframe for filing a claim. Put briefly, Minnesota has a statute of limitations that governs the claim process. The statute envisions two years for filing a personal injury claim after a car accident in Minnesota.
As such, if you fail to file a claim within two years after the accident, your claim may be deemed time-barred and would not be considered valid under the law.
Noteworthy is that it may be challenging to determine the exact time when the clock starts ticking. For this reason, it is crucial to speak to a reputable personal injury attorney who can tell you how much time you have and, at the same time, help you prepare the necessary paperwork.
How long should you wait after a car accident to contact a lawyer in Minnesota?
Like most victims, you might be confused after an accident. Seeking medical attention and the decision to initiate a claim for compensation make it even more confusing. Despite this, it is imperative to take into account the statute of limitations that guides the claim process.
As such, you shouldn’t wait long before contacting a personal injury attorney in Minnesota. A slight delay may jeopardize your claim and make it seem like you were the one at fault in the accident.
The role of an attorney in a personal injury claim is to safeguard your rights. Noteworthy is that there are various parties involved after an accident, one of them being the insurance company. Insurance companies are known to take advantage of victims following an accident in Minnesota. They do this by tricking them into signing documents or providing information that may harm their case.
With such strategies in place, insurance companies can gather evidence that may help dispute your claim or lower the amount of compensation you deserve. In simpler terms, the insurance companies don’t have your best interest at heart and are out to maximize their profit.
That said, having an attorney by your side after the accident should be your primary consideration. Essentially, an attorney will :
- Safeguard your interests
- Negotiate on your behalf
- Gather evidence to support your claim
- Provide you with legal representation in case of a lawsuit.
Situations Where It is Necessary to Have a Personal Injury Attorney in Minnesota
Sometimes you may be able to pursue a claim even without an attorney. However, there are certain exceptional circumstances where it is imperative to have an attorney. Such circumstances include:
- If the insurance company denies your claim and is acting in bad faith
- If the liability for the accident is disputed
- If you are being blamed for contributing to the cause of your injury
- If there are multiple parties involved
- If you sustain a traumatic injury or permanent disability
Essentially, a competent and qualified personal injury attorney in Minnesota can help safeguard your rights and help you obtain the amount of compensation you deserve.
Injured in a car accident in Minnesota? Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
If you or your loved one sustained an injury due to a car accident in Minnesota, you should contact an attorney immediately. Essentially, an attorney will help you file your claim within the timeline provided in the statute of limitations.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation.