Don’t Fall for These Common Myths About Car Accident Claims in Minnesota

If you were hurt in a car accident, you might be inclined to turn to the internet for guidance. That may even be how you found your way here, to this very post.

While you can certainly find lots of helpful information online, you should always scrutinize its source because there’s also a lot of misinformation out there, too. Sadly, this has caused a number of misconceptions about car accident claims to spread rapidly.

If you’re in the process of putting together your case, don’t fall for any of these common myths:

1. You Can Only Seek Compensation from Your Own Carrier

Because Minnesota operates under a no-fault system, those who are involved in wrecks must generally file claims with their own carriers to cover the damages. This is usually true regardless of whether they actually played a role in the crash.

If you end up incurring significant damages, however, you may be able to hold the at-fault party responsible. Minnesota has a “serious injury” threshold, and those who meet it can bypass the no-fault system and instead file a third-party claim with the liable party’s insurer.

To proceed with such a claim, you must be able to prove that you suffered disability, permanent injury, or permanent disfigurement for at least 60 days. Incurring more than $4,000 in reasonably necessary medical bills also makes one eligible for bypassing the no-fault system.

2. You Cannot Afford Legal Counsel

As your medical bills and lost wages accumulate, it’s only natural to stress about your financial security. That doesn’t mean, however, that you won’t be able to afford to hire an attorney.

All the most reputable personal injury firms accept claims on contingency, which means their fee comes out of the final payout. And if the action doesn’t yield a settlement or verdict, they don’t charge the client any fees at all.

3. You Can Trust the Insurance Adjuster

No matter how compassionate and helpful the insurance adjuster seems, they do not have your best interests at heart. Their primary goal is to protect the carrier’s bottom line, while yours is to secure a payout big enough to cover all the losses you suffered.

If you want someone to advocate for your rights at every stage of the proceedings, you should hire a personal injury attorney. Your legal team will:

• Investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident;
• Track recoverable damages;
• Compile evidence of liability;
• Handle all correspondence with the insurance adjuster;
• Negotiate for a fair settlement; and
• Prepare your case for court, if doing so proves necessary.

Speak with a St. Cloud Car Accident Lawyer

At Bradshaw & Bryant, we’re all too familiar with the devastating impact that motor-vehicle collisions can leave in their wake. If you or someone you love was seriously hurt in a wreck, we’ll help you gather the evidence needed to build a strong claim so your family can pursue the maximum payout possible. To schedule a free case review with a car accident attorney in St. Cloud, fill out the Contact Form on our website or call 320-259-5414.