Unfortunately, there are a lot of myths and misconceptions about filing a car crash claim after a crash in Minneapolis. These misguided beliefs can cause crash victims to make bad decisions that hurt their chances of recovering favorable compensation.

Below, TSR Injury Law debunks 10 of these myths, explaining some of the things crash victims need to know about their legal options.

At TSR Injury Law, our Minneapolis-based car crash attorneys understand the confusion and stress that victims face. Our goal is to provide clarity and support throughout your legal journey. We represent crash victims on contingency, which means there are no upfront costs for you to pay.

Call us to find out if you have a case and learn how we may be able to help you.

TSR Injury Law. Experienced lawyers with a proven record of success. (612) TSR-TIME

Myth: You Do Not Need an Attorney for a Car Insurance Claim

Some crash victims mistakenly believe they do not need a lawyer unless they are filing a lawsuit. However, most car crash claims are resolved through an insurance settlement, and victims who hire lawyers often recover more compensation from the insurance company.

An experienced lawyer can also manage the process on your behalf. This means you do not need to worry about building a case, interpreting state laws or the many other aspects of the legal process for a car crash case.

Myth: You Do Not Have Enough Money To Hire an Attorney

Many people do not know that most injury lawyers, including those at TSR Injury Law, work on a contingency fee basis. This means they only get paid if they win your case, either in the courtroom or through an insurance settlement.

This approach makes legal representation accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation.

Myth: You Need to File a Lawsuit To Secure Compensation

A significant number of car crash claims are settled through negotiation, without ever needing to file a lawsuit. Insurance companies would like to avoid the extra time and expense of going to court. They also do not want to leave the case in the hands of a jury, which might award more compensation than the insurance company could have paid to settle the case.

However, it is important to hire an experienced lawyer, as he or she will have a much better chance of resolving the case through a settlement.

Myth: You Can File a Claim Any Time After a Collision

In Minnesota, the statute of limitations for filing a car crash claim is generally six years from the date of the crash. Once those six years pass, you will not be able to seek compensation.

You may think that six years gives you plenty of time to call a lawyer, but it is best not to wait. The sooner you contact a lawyer, the sooner he or she can investigate and start building a case, assuming you have a valid claim.

The insurance claims process can take several months or longer. Contacting a lawyer soon after the crash gives him or her plenty of time to pursue insurance compensation and file a lawsuit if the insurance company denies or undervalues your claim.

Myth: You Do Not Need To File a Claim For Minor Injuries

Sometimes crash victims think they have a minor injury only to later discover it is much more severe than they realized. For example, you may think soft-tissue injuries are not as severe as broken bones. However, soft-tissue damage can lead to months or years of pain and discomfort that require ongoing treatment.

Myth: You Cannot Recover Compensation if the Other Driver Is Uninsured

Minnesota mandates uninsured motorist coverage on all auto insurance policies.  If you are injured by an uninsured driver, you still have a valid claim for recovery through your own auto insurer. However, sometimes it may be necessary to file a liability claim as well.

Myth: You Cannot Claim Compensation if You Are Partially at Fault

There are a handful of states where this is true, but Minnesota is not one of them.

Under Minnesota law, even if you are partially at fault, you may still be eligible for compensation, provided you are not more at fault than the other party. In other words, any victim who is 50 percent or less at fault, can seek compensation for damages.

It is also important to consider if it is true that you are partially at fault. The insurance company may have told you that, but you should be careful taking their words at face value.

Myth: If You Reject the First Settlement Offer, You Will Not Get Compensation

First offers from insurance companies are typically starting points for negotiation. You are entirely within your rights to reject an offer, and the idea that rejecting an offer means you will not receive any compensation is false.

However, you should hire an experienced attorney to manage your negotiations. At TSR Injury Law, we have been negotiating with insurance companies for decades and have a proven history of securing favorable compensation for our clients.

Myth: The Insurance Company Will Offer a Fair Settlement

The insurance company’s primary goal is to pay as little as possible. They routinely offer less than the full value of a claim.

An experienced attorney can assess if an offer truly covers all your damages, including future medical expenses, emotional distress, and more.

Myth: The Only Thing I Need To Prove My Claim Is the Police Report

Police reports are certainly important in a car crash case, and it is important to call the police after any crash, even if you think it is not that big of a deal. However, police reports often do not capture the complete picture of a crash, nor are they admissible as evidence.

Gathering additional evidence, such as witness statements, photos of the scene, and medical reports provides additional proof and insight about how your crash occurred, and it can significantly strengthen your claim.

Injured by a Reckless Driver? Contact Us For Legal Assistance

The information provided here is just a starting point. For personalized advice and representation, our Minneapolis-based attorneys are here to assist you every step of the way.

At TSR Injury Law, we understand the challenges and uncertainties that come with car crash claims in Minnesota. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car crash in Minnesota, you do not need to navigate the legal process alone. Contact us to set up a free consultation.

Have legal questions following a crash? Contact us today: (612) TSR-TIME.