Best Car Accident Lawyers in Saint Paul

FAQs

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

  Dial +1 651-291-1111 to call the Saint Paul Police Department for non-emergency concerns.

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

  You may request a copy of your accident report from the Records Unit of the Saint Paul Police Department in person or online. To request the record in person, proceed to the 1st Floor Customer Service window of the office at 367 Grove Street, Saint Paul, MN 55101. To obtain it online, fill out the request form, which can be found at: https://www.stpaul.gov/datarequest.

• How much time does a car accident victim in Saint Paul have to file a lawsuit?

  Saint Paul and the rest of Minnesota have a six-year statute of limitations, meaning victims of car accidents in the city have six years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. This deadline is different if the victim passed away in the accident and their family wishes to take legal action. In this case, the victim’s relatives are allowed up to three years to bring a wrongful death action to the court.

• After a car accident, can you receive compensation from an uninsured driver in Saint Paul?

  It is possible to recover damages from a car accident in Saint Paul even if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, given that the victim carries uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage (a requirement by Minnesota law for all drivers). As uninsured or underinsured car accident cases are rather complex, a skilled and experienced car accident lawyer can help victims obtain the compensation they deserve from insurance companies.

• What is the minimum insurance coverage that drivers in Saint Paul should carry?

  As everyone who drives in Minnesota, a no-fault car insurance state, is required to have a valid car insurance policy, drivers in Saint Paul must have coverage that satisfies the minimum as set by state law:

  • Bodily injury: $30,000 per person/$60,000 per accident
  • Property damage: $10,000 per accident
  • Personal injury protection (PIP): $40,000

• Can you still make a claim or file a lawsuit against the negligent driver in a no-fault insurance city like Saint Paul?

  You can still make a legal claim or file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver even in a no-fault insurance city like Saint Paul, but your case must meet certain thresholds, which include:

  • spending more than $4,000 on total medical expenses.
  • suffering from permanent disfigurement, permanent, injury, or disability for 60 or more days.

• Can you recover damages from a car accident in Saint Paul if you are partially at fault?

  As Saint Paul is located in a comparative negligence state, you might not be able to collect maximum compensation if you are found to be partially at fault for the accident. Under the comparative negligence system, the judge or jury will determine how much fault each party has in the car crash. If you’re partly responsible for the accident, the amount you will receive is decreased by the proportion of your responsibility. Additionally, if you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you won’t be entitled to 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.