Experienced Car Accident Attorneys Serving Rochester and Bloomington

In the aftermath of a car accident, victims and family members face significant challenges. Medical expenses, physical rehabilitation, loss of income due to not working and a potential battle with insurance companies over compensation can make an already difficult situation even tougher.

At Bird, Stevens & Borgen, P.C., with offices in Rochester and Bloomington, we can provide you and your loved ones the relief you need. We have the resources to go toe-to-toe with powerful adversaries and achieve full compensation for Minnesota car accident survivors, including those injured in head-on crashes, T-bone accidents and rear-end collisions.

Local Attorneys Who Actually Try Cases And Win

Why does this matter? Because your opponent needs to know you can win at trial for you to get the best possible settlement. We have gone to trial and won compensation for people injured in car accidents, semi truck accidents and even bus accidents. Our team has what it takes to win, and the insurance companies know it.

As you look to put your life back together after a catastrophic injury, we will fight for the resources you deserve, including financial compensation for medical expenses and lost earnings, as well as your pain and suffering. Our firm represents clients in injury cases involving:

• Car accidents
• Commercial vehicle crashes
• Drunk driving accidents
• Pedestrian injuries
• Motorcycle accidents
• Tractor-trailer wrecks

Every case is unique, but our Rochester attorneys have the experience and knowledge to help you fight for the compensation you deserve.

Common Causes Of Car Accidents

If you are injured in a car accident caused by another driver, determining fault and liability is very important. While over 90% of car accidents are caused by human error – whether through negligence or intentional action – it is important to identify the specific root cause. Examples include:

• Distracted driving
• Fatigued driving
• Drunk driving
• Speeding
• Aggressive driving
• Driving inappropriately in the weather
• Road design flaws
• Mechanical failures

In some car accident cases in Minnesota, the other driver knows they are acting dangerously, such as when someone chooses to follow too closely or drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In other cases, the driver is oblivious to the danger, such as when a driver is distracted by daydreaming or listening to music in the car. Either way, understanding the cause helps determine who was at fault.

What Compensation Do You Deserve?

Typically, you can seek compensation for direct costs that stem from the car accident in Rochester, Minnesota. It is important to consider this chain of events:

1. The other driver made a mistake or was intentionally reckless.
2. That mistake led to a car accident between the two of you.
3. The accident itself led directly to your injuries.
4. The damages you face are because of your injuries.

When you can show that these four conditions have been met, then you may be able to seek financial compensation for:

• Initial medical bills after the crash, including emergency treatment.
• Ongoing medical costs, especially with serious issues like spinal cord injuries (SCIs).
• Lost wages from the day of the crash and the time you spent out of work.
• Reduced earning capacity – such as if you have a traumatic brain injury (TBI), that means you can never work again.
• Pain and suffering, along with the loss of enjoyment in your life.

These are the five main areas to start with, and our experienced attorneys can help you carefully consider all potential costs. One of the most important things to do is to factor in your long-term costs. Do not accept a payment or a settlement that will be too low to cover all costs stemming from that crash. Covering immediate medical bills is important, but long-term medical costs and reduced earnings could be more costly.

What We Can Do For You

An insurance company’s settlement offer may seem appealing, but it is likely less than you deserve. Insurance companies often pressure accident victims to accept a lowball offer as a way of saving the company money. Instead of settling for less, we can review your case, determine the actual cost of your injuries, and pursue a fair settlement on your behalf.

We have secured millions of dollars in settlements from major businesses and insurance companies, and we are not afraid of a fight in these cases. We see ourselves as problem solvers and want to make a difference in the lives of injured people throughout southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin.

Did you know that insurance companies often use two types of adjusters? One to speak with injury victims who are unrepresented. And another type to speak with attorneys.

Our dedication to clients has also resulted in a long history of referrals, and we are fully prepared to help you through your case in the manner that best reflects your needs. At our offices, you can rest easy knowing someone is fighting for you.

If Minnesota is a no-fault state, can I even file a personal injury claim against the negligent driver?

While Minnesota is a no-fault state, another driver can still be held liable for their negligence in certain situations. You may be able to file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier if your accident results in more than $4,000 of medical experiences, permanent injuries, scarring, disfigurement, or 60 days of disability.

What does it mean that Minnesota follows a “comparative negligence rule?”

Comparative negligence looks at each accident participant’s relative degree of fault in causing the crash and pays out damages based on your determined degree of responsibility.

For example, if the other driver is 80 percent at-fault for the crash, you can recover 80 percent of the potential compensation.

Note that the other driver must be more than 50 percent responsible for the crash for you to collect any damages.

What is the statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim in Minnesota?

You typically have six years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim after a car accident. However, if the crash resulted in a death, a wrongful death claim must be brought against the at-fault driver within three years after the date of accident.

Am I required to report my car accident?

You must report your car accident to Minnesota’s Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) if your crash results in injury, death or property damage that is $1,000 or more in value. You must file a report with the DVS within 10 days of the motor vehicle accident.

What should I do if I am in a car accident?

The steps you take immediately after a crash can greatly impact your health and potential personal injury claim. The attorneys at Bird, Stevens & Borgen, P.C., recommend that you take the following actions:

1. Call the police and ask for a copy of the police report.
2. Seek medical care and make sure that all injuries (however seemingly minor at the time) are documented.
3. Take photos of the property damage to all vehicles, any visible injuries and the surrounding area.
4. Take photos of the other driver’s insurance card, state-issued ID and license plate.
5. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses.
6. Speak with a personal injury attorney before you report the crash to your insurance carrier.

If I was not wearing a seat belt at the time of my car accident, can I still file a personal injury claim?

Minnesota law requires both drivers and passengers to wear seat belts. Failure to wear a seat belt can result in a fine. However, Minnesota law prevents the use, or lack thereof, of a seat belt to impact your personal injury or property damage claim. Popularly known as the “seat belt gag rule,” this law states that evidence proving whether a seat belt was used during a motor vehicle accident is not admissible in litigation. This rule also extends to child passenger restraint systems.

Our Minnesota Car Accident Lawyers Can Make A Difference

After a car accident, if an insurance company quickly offers you a settlement for your injuries, you may be wondering why you need a lawyer at all. The truth is that without a Minnesota attorney at your side in your personal injury case, you may miss out on the money you deserve. There is a lot a lawyer can do for you, so it pays to have a skilled one at your side.

At the Bloomington and Rochester offices of Bird, Stevens & Borgen, we have been representing the injured for more than 30 years. We know the challenges that come with a personal injury claim, and we know how to help our clients in their pursuit for the money they need.

Contact Us To Discuss Your Case | The Consultation Is Free

Insurance companies, including your own, are in the business of saving money – not making sure you have what you need in the aftermath of an auto accident. Our only interest is in protecting the well-being of you and your family. It will cost you nothing to talk about your case with a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer from our Rochester firm.

Call our Rochester office at 507-218-2392 or our Bloomington office at 952-209-9978 to get in touch with our firm. You may also contact us online. We offer free initial consultations.