Best Car Accident Lawyers in Rochester

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Rochester, Minnesota?

  Call 507-328-6800 for non-emergency matters in Rochester.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Rochester, Minnesota?

  You may obtain a copy of your traffic accident report by filing a request at the official website of the Public Records Center of Rochester: https://rochestermn.govqa.us/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(ulxjw0ni4yo2tjtzfqiznp3k))/supporthome.aspx.

• Is insuring your vehicle required in Rochester?

  Under Minnesota law, all licensed vehicles in Rochester are required to carry four coverage types with the following minimum thresholds:

  Personal Injury Protection (PIP) -$40,000 per person per accident ($20,000 for medical expenses and $20,000 for non-medical expenses)

  Liability -$30,000 for injuries to one person -$60,000 for injuries to two or more people -$10,000 for physical damage

  Uninsured -$25,000 for injuries to one person -$50,000 for injuries to two or more people

  Underinsured -$25,000 for injuries to one person -$50,000 for injuries to two or more people

• What should you do if an insurance company calls you after a car accident in Rochester?

  If an insurance company calls you after you get injured in a car accident in Rochester, it would be best to decline their request for a statement from you. You are not obligated to provide them with a recorded statement, and if you do, what you say can be used by the insurance company to deny or undervalue your claim. Instead, get the name and contact information of the insurance company’s representative and seek the help of an experienced personal injury attorney to handle your case.

• What can a car accident lawyer do for you if you get injured in a Rochester crash?

  A car accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and obligations, complete and file paperwork, navigate through the complicated insurance system, and speak to any witnesses or experts to build a strong claim for your case. Your lawyer can also handle all dealings with insurance companies and their adjusters, while you take the time to focus on recovering from your injuries.

• How much compensation will you receive after getting injured in a Rochester car accident?

  The amount of compensation you will receive after a car accident in Rochester will depend mainly on the evidence you have on hand, as well as the extent of your injuries and the damage you incurred. More specifically, the factors that can influence the settlement you receive include the severity of your injury, how your injuries have impacted your financial situation, and how your injuries have impacted your personal life.

• Is there a deadline for filing a car accident lawsuit in Rochester?

  Rochester has a deadline for filing a car accident lawsuit. Following the statute of limitations of Minnesota, the city generally allows car accident victims up to six years from the date of their accident to file a lawsuit. Failure to file a lawsuit within this time window may forfeit the victim’s right to recover any compensation.

• How do I choose a car accident lawyer?

  To select a car accident lawyer, consider the lawyer's experience, focus, and reputation. While nearly any attorney can negotiate with insurers for a settlement, not all attorneys have amassed experience litigating a claim in a court of law. Choose an attorney with a background that includes car accident claimants; it's helpful if the attorney is focused on personal injury law. Lastly, read reviews from previous clients to get a feel for the attorney's helpfulness and responsiveness to clients. The best lawyer for your case is one that you feel comfortable and confident working with.

• What steps should I take after a car accident?

  Immediately following a car accident, get out of traffic as soon as possible and dial 9-1-1. Exchange car insurance information with any other involved drivers and get a police report as soon as possible. Be truthful about what happened, even if you are at fault, but stick to reporting the facts of the accident without offering an opinion on who is to blame. If possible, take photos of your car, other cars at the scene, and the scene itself.

• (When) Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?

  Start working with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible following your car accident (some attorneys even make hospital visits). By reaching out for legal help early on, you avoid some of the pitfalls of trying to handle your claim on your own. Your attorney can also get the ball rolling on reimbursement for your medical bills and lost wages while awaiting the outcome of your claim.

• How long after a car accident can you claim an injury?

  The length of time you can file a claim for an injury following a car accident is governed by the statute of limitations in your state. Although it varies, most states set the statute of limitations for injured parties to seek compensatory damages at three years following the accident or three years after you discover your injuries. In cases where children are injured, the statute of limitations may be longer.

• What do I do after a car accident that I'm not responsible for?

  After an accident that's not your fault, seek immediate medical help if you are injured. Once it's safe to do so, obtain the other driver's contact and insurance information, any statements from witnesses, and photos of the scene. Obtain a police report and contact your insurer and the at-fault party's insurer. If you are injured, schedule a consultation with a car accident attorney to discuss your legal options.

• What happens if someone sues you after a car accident?

  If you have car insurance in force at the time of the accident, your insurance is contractually bound to represent you on any claims that arise, indemnifying you against loss up to the limits of your policy. You can help your insurance company by cooperating fully. If the plaintiff in any lawsuit obtains a judgment above your policy limits, then you can be held personally responsible for any damages awarded.

• What/how much can I expect from a car accident settlement?

  According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average bodily injury claim in 2018 was $15,785. The amount of any particular car accident settlement hinges primarily on the severity of the injuries sustained as a result and whether or not any partial or total permanent disability was caused by the accident. Claims that involve broken bones or nerve damage likely settle for more than claims where soft tissue injuries are present.

• How do I arrange a rental car after an accident?

  To arrange a rental car after an accident, first consider whether your insurance or the other party's insurance will be paying for the rental. If another driver is found to be at-fault for the accident, that driver's insurance may pay the costs. If you are responsible, your insurance may pay if your policy covers such expenses. Speak with your insurance adjuster to determine if you have benefits available.

• How long does it take for car insurance to go back down after an accident?

  Post-accident rate spikes can last anywhere from three to five years, depending on your insurer. However, if damages incurred during the accident are less than $2,000, your rate may not go up at all. Three years is typical for collision and property damage claims. Five years is not uncommon in accidents involving bodily injury claims, DUI or DWI, reckless driving, or serious violations at the time of the accident.

• How to settle a car accident claim without a lawyer?

  To negotiate a car accident settlement without a lawyer, you'll have to prove that the other party was to blame for your damages. Gather evidence at the scene to support your claim, including witness statements and photos. Seek medical treatment for your injuries immediately. Notify the other driver's insurer of your intent to file a claim. If you reside in a no-fault state, you will need to use your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits first before filing a claim against the other party for medical expenses and bodily injury. Be prepared with medical records, police reports, receipts for out-of-pocket accident-related costs, and proof of lost income due to the accident before beginning negotiations.