Author: Steve Terry

There is no question insurance companies regularly undervalue car crash claims. It is often shocking to see the gap between the insurance company’s initial offer and the final amount an attorney recovered. Sometimes the victims in these cases are permanently injured, yet the insurance company’s offer barely begins to cover medical treatment.

The good news is attorneys are often able to negotiate with the insurance company to obtain significantly more than the insurance company initially offers. However, you need an experienced attorney with a history of results.

Call TSR Injury Law today to learn more about how our Bloomington-based car accident lawyers may be able to assist you. We have recovered millions on behalf of car crash victims. The initial consultation is free.

Below, learn more about why insurance companies undervalue claims and what your attorney can do about it.

Reasons Claims are Undervalued

Insurance companies are a business, and like any other business, they must make a profit to survive. In other words, they need to have more money coming in than going out. For an insurance company, that means taking in more money with customer’s premium payments than they pay out in compensation to injured people.

Insurance companies’ interests are at odds with the interests of their customers. It is in the best interests of the insurance company to look for some way to deny or lowball a claim.

When the insurance company cannot flat out deny a claim because there is enough proof of liability on their behalf, the second option for them is to at least devalue the claim. But the insurance company needs to give a reason for why a claim is not worth the amount you are asking for.

You Caused the Crash

Insurance companies often say this even when it seems blatantly obvious you are not at fault. In a case where the victim was hit by another car whose driver was excessively speeding or did not have the right of way, the insurance company may claim you made some minor mistake and that was the cause of the crash. They argue you are 10 percent at fault for being on the road. Every 10 percent reduction adds up to their profit margin.

You must be careful what you tell the insurance company because an innocent statement like “I was in a rush,” will be used against you.

The insurance company may cite your failure to wear a seat belt as a reason to deny your claim even though it has nothing to do with the actions of the other driver.

You are Partially at Fault

Even if you are partially at fault, you can still seek compensation for your damages. However, insurance companies like to pin significantly more fault on victims because if you are found to be more than 50 percent at fault, you cannot recover any compensation, no matter how hurt you are.

It is best not to take the insurance company at their word about your percentage of fault. You should discuss the issue with your lawyer, and above all do not admit fault to the insurance company.

Your Injuries are not That Serious

There is a myth that soft-tissue injuries are not as bad as broken bones. However, soft-tissue damage can cause lingering pain and other medical problems

The people who work at insurance companies are not doctors. Medical professionals are the ones who should judge the severity of your injuries. Often, the severity of an injury is not known right away. It takes weeks or months for doctors to see how a patient responds to treatment to determine the long-term impact of a car crash injury.

It is important to not give the insurance company something to use against you. That is why it is important to seek treatment right away and continue that treatment. That makes it harder for the insurance company to argue about how bad your injuries may be.

You did not Seek Treatment Quickly Enough

Insurance companies will look to see when you sought treatment after the crash. If there is a significant gap in time between the crash and the date you first sought treatment, they may use it against you. Minnesotans are often injured in crashes, but delay seeking medical care. They assume the “pain will go away”, or do not like visiting doctors or have a “high threshold for pain.” All of these are real reasons to delay seeking medical treatment, but they are also ammunition for the at fault insurance to claim you are not hurt. The insurance company will say you were injured because of something else besides the crash and you are just trying to get money.

You did not Continue Your Treatment

If you stop going to treatment, you risk having your injuries worsen. You also give the insurance company a reason to devalue your claim. If you stop treatment, they will argue you are fine and do not need compensation for future treatment. Stopping treatment allows the insurance company to call your credibility into question.

Need Help After a Car Crash? Call Today

Talking to a lawyer can be an important step after suffering an injury in a car crash. You cannot rely on the insurance company to take care of you.

Our experienced attorneys have seen how insurance companies deny and devalue legitimate claims. We have also challenged them and secured compensation for many victims.

Our attorneys work on contingency, which means there are no upfront fees and no fees while we work on your case. There is no risk in contacting us.

Millions Recovered. No Upfront Fees. Call (612) TSR-TIME.

Many car crashes are the result of another driver’s actions. For example, many drivers simply do not pay enough attention to those around them or exercise caution when changing lanes or making other driving maneuvers.

There are still things you can do to help lessen your risk of a crash, even when approaching and passing through a dangerous intersection.

Below, learn more about some of the most dangerous intersections in the Minneapolis area and how to lower your risk of a crash.

If you suffered an injury caused by another driver’s negligence, give us a call today to discuss how we may be able to help you. The consultation is free and if we validate your claim, there are no fees while working on your case.

Our Minneapolis auto accident lawyers have recovered millions on behalf of our clients.

Dangerous Minneapolis Intersections

If you can avoid going through these intersections and find an alternate route, you should do so. However, sometimes this is just not possible. That is why you need to know about what makes these locations dangerous and how you can lower your risk of a potentially serious crash.

East 26th Street and MN 55

There are a lot of rear-end crashes here because it is the first light when exiting the freeway. Drivers are often speeding or distracted, and they do not give themselves enough time to stop. There are often dozens of crashes every few years.

66th Avenue and MN 252

Drivers often do not yield when turning right, which results in many crashes. Unfortunately, if you give drivers too much freedom, they often abuse it and put themselves and others at risk.

MN 55 (Olson Mem) East Ramps and IS 94

Unfortunately, drivers are often confused and trying to find out where to go. When drivers are unsure about what to do, they often do not pay enough attention. They may slow down unexpectedly or change lanes without signaling. This increases the risk of a crash.

Lake Street West and Lyndale Avenue

This is a risky area for pedestrians. If you are on foot, keep your eye out for approaching cars. Only cross the street in designated crosswalks and do not assume drivers see you. Try to make eye contact and wave at drivers.

Some of the other dangerous intersections that may have a higher risk of crashes include:

Meanwhile, these intersections can be very dangerous for pedestrians:

Avoiding Crashes in Intersections in Minnesota

There are some general rules for staying safe in intersections. As with other driving situations, the key is not to assume other drivers will act responsibly.

Never Change Lanes

This is a rule people often forget or simply ignore. Not only is this illegal, but other drivers are not expecting it. Changing lanes in an intersection could easily cause a sideswipe crash.

Pay Attention When Turning Right

Sometimes drivers rear-end other drivers while waiting to make a right turn on a red light. If you are in a line of cars waiting to turn right, do not pull ahead until the car in front of you makes the turn.

Do Not Assume Other Drivers Will Stop

Sometimes drivers run red lights. You should always check for oncoming cars when you turn right. If you are unsure, slow down and wait a second.

Use Extra Caution When the Traffic Lights Are Not Working

When this happens, the intersection become a four-way stop. Try to make eye contact with the other drivers to determine when it is safe to go. Remember, it is one line of cars at a time. Do not try to sneak in behind other cars.

Keep an Eye Out for Pedestrians

Stop before the front of your car gets into the crosswalk. Watch for pedestrians as you pull up to make a right turn. As you complete your turn, look left and right to be sure no one is coming. Unfortunately, pedestrians do not always pay enough attention.

Give Us a Call Today for Help After a Crash

Think you do not need an attorney after a crash?

You cannot count on the insurance company to take care of you. Insurance companies regularly deny and devalue claims, even when fault is clear, and victims have suffered severe injuries.

You need an experienced attorney to help you recover maximum compensation for your damages. While compensation cannot change what happened, recovering compensation can be an essential part of moving forward after a crash.

Give us a call today to learn more. Call: (612) TSR-TIME.

One of the last things you want to have to deal with after a crash is the other driver approaching your vehicle yelling or screaming at you or making threats. Unfortunately, this happens, even though the other driver may be to blame for the crash.

You do not know this person, so it is difficult to know how serious the other driver may be about any threats he or she makes. Even though you do not want to simply sit there and take the verbal abuse, engaging with the other driver could make things worse.

It is important to know how to respond to these situations to stay safe, after all you may already be injured, and you do not want to suffer further injury.

If you were injured in a crash caused by another driver, call today to discuss possible legal options with a Bloomington-based car accident lawyer. There are no upfront fees.

Why do Drivers Experience Road Rage?

There are many reasons why someone may experience road rage. For example, drivers who often drive in an aggressive manner may experience road rage. People who speed on a regular basis are more likely to have road rage.

Other reasons people experience road rage include:

How Road Rage Can Lead to a Crash

It is important to note there is a difference between aggressive driving and road rage. Someone can drive in an aggressive manner without experiencing road rage. The difference is those having a bout of road rage intend to do harm to others by using their vehicle as a weapon.

For example, many people speed, but they are not all experiencing road rage. However, if someone intentionally tailgates another vehicle with the intent to scare the driver or cause a rear-end crash, it is an example of road rage.

Other examples of road rage include:

All these things could potentially lead to a crash that injures another driver. Road rage could also cause other drivers to act aggressively, potentially putting others at risk for a crash.

What if I Get into a Crash Because of Road Rage?

You should take steps to try to prevent the situation from escalating. If the other driver approaches you, do not make eye contact and do not get out of your car. Call the police and wait for them to arrive. You should also lock your doors.

It can be difficult to simply sit there listening to someone call you names or make threats, but if you engage, you risk making things worse.

When you call the police, tell the dispatcher if the other driver is confronting you or is angry and making threats.

Sometimes it may be best to drive to the nearest police station instead of pulling over. Hopefully, this results in the driver calming down, but if not, the police will be around to help protect you.

Are There Ways to Avoid Becoming a Victim of Road Rage?

There is no foolproof way to avoid ever becoming a victim of road rage – you cannot control the actions of other drivers. However, there are some things you can do that may reduce your risk:

• Avoid getting overly angry with other drivers – There is no need to take the actions of other drivers personally. Avoid making eye contact or gesturing at other drivers, as this could cause the situation to escalate.
• Try to be considerate of the drivers around you – This means avoiding distractions, avoiding tailgating other vehicles, and making sure to check your blind spots before changing lanes.
• Never pull over and bring your car to a stop ­– There is no way to know how a situation may escalate. If you stop your car, you are giving the other driver a chance to get out and confront you, and potentially initiate physical violence against you. You do not know if this person has a gun or other weapon.
• Never drive to your home or place of work if an angry driver is following you – You do not want to show this person where you live or work.
• Avoid using your horn – You should only use this if you are trying to prevent a crash. People can get very angry when they are honked at, particularly if someone holds down the horn for more than a second or two.

Contact Us to Schedule a Free Case Review

After a crash involving a driver who has road rage, you may not be sure what to do or who may be able to help you. That is why talking to an experienced attorney can be an important step. You may be eligible for compensation for medical bills for treating any injuries caused by the crash as well as other damages that were caused by an angry driver.

For nearly 20 years, TSR Injury Law has helped crash victims in Minnesota pursue the compensation they need and have recovered millions on their behalf.

We offer a free consultation and do not charge you anything up front or while we work to build your case.

Call today to learn more about our services. Phone: (612) TSR-TIME.

Car crashes can happen anywhere at any time because you never know when you may cross paths with a negligent driver. It could even happen while you are on vacation or driving out of state for some other reason, such as a business trip.

You may be unsure about how to pursue compensation after such a crash, particularly because Minnesota is a no-fault state and most other states are not.

If you have any questions after an out-of-state car crash, you should strongly consider contacting an experienced attorney. The Minneapolis-based auto accident lawyers at TSR Injury Law are prepared to help you pursue maximum compensation for your damages. Our firm has obtained over a billion in compensation on behalf of our clients.

Does My Insurance Policy Still Cover Me?

This is often one of the first questions victims have after an out-of-state car crash. The good news is if you have Minnesota auto coverage, it will apply everywhere in the U.S., and often in Canada. That means the coverage you have in Minnesota will be the same in another state, such as Wisconsin, Iowa, Florida or New York.

You will still be able to use your car insurance to recover Minnesota no fault benefits such as wage or medical bill compensation for your damages. However, the laws of the state where the crash happened also play a part. There are many examples of each state having different laws that can affect your right to make a claim. For example, the statute of limitations varies per state, or thresholds required to be compensated for pain and suffering, or the right for your auto insurance so subrogate against the at fault insurance carrier, to name a few. Because each state is different, we recommend speaking with a licensed attorney because an out-of-state accident claim could become quite complicated.

Which State’s Laws Govern the Claim?

Generally, the laws of the state where the crash happened governs the claim. That means if your crash happened in Wisconsin, your claim would be governed by Wisconsin tort law and not Minnesota tort law, but Minnesota no-fault laws would also apply. This is a particularly important distinction because Minnesota is a no-fault state and Wisconsin is not.

While there may be some disadvantages to this, there can also be some advantages. For example, in Minnesota you cannot file a lawsuit for car crash damages unless you suffered:

However, in tort states you generally do not have these limitations. That may make it easier to seek injury compensation. Back to our Wisconsin example, they do not require any thresholds for a pain and suffering claim.

Tort States

Most states in the U.S. follow a tort system, including:

No-Fault States

These states follow a no-fault system after car crashes:

What Should I do After an Out-of-State Car Crash?

You should handle it the same as if you were injured in a crash in Minnesota. Call the police and then, if you can do so safely, take pictures of the accident scene and talk to witnesses. You should also consider reaching out to an experienced attorney to represent you and protect your legal interests. Remember, insurance companies are a business first, so they often look for some way to deny or devalue your claim.

You need an attorney who has a track record of success and one who has previously handled claims involving crashes like yours.

Call TSR Injury Law Today to Learn More

You could greatly benefit from a free initial consultation with a licensed attorney following a car crash. Having an attorney on your side helps to ensure your best interests are protected throughout the legal process.

At TSR Injury Law, there is no risk in meeting with us. Not only is the consultation free, but there are also no fees while we work on you case. Our lawyers are not paid unless you get paid.

Give us a call today to learn more. Call (612) TSR-TIME.

For most of us, going just a few hours without reliable transportation can make our lives very difficult. That is why crash victims often need to rent a car to get to and from work, to pick up their kids from school or make it to doctor appointments for their injuries. They may drive the rental for several days or longer while their car is either repaired, or while they wait for the check from the insurance company so they can start shopping for a new vehicle.

Renting a car for just a couple days can be quite expensive. Fortunately, these costs are likely to be covered by insurance, particularly after a crash. Below, learn more about how rental car costs may be covered after a crash.

Rental Car Coverage

If your car insurance policy has rental car coverage, it should cover the cost of renting a car after a crash. If your policy does not have this coverage, you may be able to obtain coverage from the at-fault driver’s policy.

Rental car coverage may only apply for a specified time, such as until your car is repaired or you have time to replace your totaled car. There may also be caps on amount per day or total amount allowed for the rental car duration of use. That is why it is important to get your car repaired as fast as possible or get a new car as soon as possible. Otherwise, you may need to pay out of pocket to continue renting a car.

While insurance is likely to cover the cost of renting a car, you may not get the exact rental car you want. You will be limited by the terms of the coverage or what the insurance company will allow. In other words, you may not be able to rent a car that is as big as your own car.

Talk to the insurance company so you are clear on how long they will cover the rental car. You want to make sure you will not receive an unexpected bill a few weeks or months later.

Coverage for Damage to the Rental Car

Fortunately, state law requires all insurance policies to cover damage to a rental vehicle and loss of use of a rental vehicle. Minnesota insurance policies must also extend basic economic loss benefits, liability insurance and uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.

Minnesota prohibits rental car companies from selling collision damage waivers or other insurance products unless you acknowledge in writing that your personal auto insurance must cover the cost of damage to the rental car.

Optional Rental Car Coverages

You can choose to purchase additional coverage from the rental car company. For example, you can buy a collision damage waiver that eliminates your liability for damage to the car. Another optional coverage is supplemental liability protection that covers you if you cause a crash. However, this coverage does not kick in until you exhaust your other auto insurance coverage. These extra coverages are also not paid for by the insurance company. You will owe the added costs.

Tips on Avoiding Extra Costs

It is important to remember the rental car company will expect the car to be returned in the same condition as it left the lot, aside from normal wear and tear. Other than that, they will hold you financially liable for any damage to the vehicle, even if it is not your fault.

That is why it is important to carefully inspect the vehicle and tell the rental car company about any damage. Make sure the damage is documented. You may also want to take pictures of the vehicle before you leave the lot, so you have photographic proof of how the vehicle was before you drove it.

TSR Injury Law is Here to Help. Call to Schedule a Free Consultation.

For more than two decades, TSR Injury Law has been helping injury victims in Minnesota recover compensation to help them move forward with their lives. Our Bloomington-based car accident attorneys have obtained tens of millions of dollars on behalf of our clients, including many car crash victims.

We are prepared to thoroughly investigate your crash, build a strong case and aggressively pursue maximum compensation.

There are no upfront fees for our services, which means there is no risk to you in contacting us.

Give us a call today. We are here to help. Call (612) TSR-TIME.

Alcohol-related accidents happen all too often, resulting in serious injuries and deaths. When an at-fault driver is found intoxicated after an accident, the injured victim may be able to file a claim against him or her. But what about the third party who served the alcohol to the driver?

In Minnesota, a vendor (such as a bar or restaurant) or social host (such as at a house party) generally cannot be held liable if they served alcohol to an adult who then causes an accident. However, a bar could be jointly responsible if they served alcohol to a minor who then caused an injury or death. This also holds true if the bar serves an obviously intoxicated person who later causes a crash.

If you have been harmed or lost a loved one due to an intoxicated driver, TSR Injury Law is here to help. Our firm offers free initial consultations with no risks or obligations. We are well-versed in dram shop laws and social host liability. Our firm has a proven track record of recovering millions in compensation on behalf of our clients.

Understanding Minnesota’s Dram Shop Law

Minnesota’s dram shop law says a third party could potentially be held liable for the actions of a drunk driver if:

Generally, the third party cannot be held liable unless alcohol was served to a minor or served to an obviously intoxicated customer.  Investigation is vitally important to prove a dram shop.  How can we prove a person was overserved?  What witnesses were at the bar?  What employees were on the clock and what was their training to make sure they do not overserve customers?  What drinks were served and can we find credit card receipts to prove it?  Is there video of a customer falling down or acting drunk, yet kept getting served?  Necessary evidence often disappears over time.  Memories fade or receipts get lost.  Videos get erased or recorded over.   The blood alcohol of the driver is often not enough evidence by itself to prove over serving.

In addition to evidence being tough to gather, bars aggressively defend these claims.  If accused of serving a minor, they may claim a fake I.D. was used.  If accused of overserving, they may argue there is no video, that a friend came to their bar and took the alcohol back to a table so the bar tender never saw the obvious intoxication, or they may argue the driver left their bar and went to another bar before causing the crash.  The claimant has the burden to prove the claim.  The bar simply has to poke holes in the evidence.

Social Host Liability for Underage Drinking

A social host is an adult who hosts parties where alcohol is served on a property he or she owns, leases or otherwise controls. For instance, parents may allow their underage children and underage friends to consume alcohol in their home.

However, this is illegal. If a social host served alcohol to a minor who then drives while intoxicated and injures someone else in an accident, he or she could be sued for negligence.

Taking Legal Action Against a Third Party

Anyone injured or killed in an alcohol-related accident by an underage driver may be eligible to bring a claim for damages against any third party who knowingly provided alcohol to the minor.

Vendors or social hosts cannot be held responsible unless your attorney can prove negligence played a role in the accident and your injuries. In other words, your lawyer must establish a third party had a legal duty to act as another reasonable entity would have by refusing to serve alcohol to someone not of legal drinking age.

Having legal representation on your side would be beneficial in these cases. Our experienced Bloomington car accident attorneys are prepared to conduct a thorough investigation and gather evidence to help build a strong case for compensation on your behalf.

Damages Available for Alcohol-Related Accidents

The amount and types of damages injured victims of alcohol-related accident could recover will vary. However, some damages that may be available include:

No Upfront Fees for Our Legal Services

TSR Injury Law is ready to hold those responsible for your injuries accountable. We have decades of experience pursuing compensation for car crash victims. To date, our firm has recovered millions of dollars in compensation on behalf of Minnesota residents.

Call us today to discuss your potential case in a free initial consultation. We do not charge upfront fees to represent you and no costs unless we are successful in recovering damages for you.

Trusted. Local. Lawyers. Ph: (612) TSR-TIME.

Traffic safety officials take certain precautions to keep drivers and pedestrians safe. Often, those measures are taken by analyzing driving patterns and traffic density.

One of the measures taken by traffic safety officials in Minnesota is the use of white safety lines called “stop lines” to designate the spot where drivers are meant to stop at an intersection. However, a recent study shows these lines were ineffective in keeping driver’s safe by getting them to stop sooner.

What Are Stop Lines?

Stop lines, also called stop bars, are white lines drawn on the road at intersections where there is a stop sign or traffic light. They are meant to show drivers where they should come to a full stop at the intersection.

These lines are often put in because of vision obstructions for other drivers on the road. Say the stop sign at a particular intersection is right at the intersection, this could potentially be troublesome for drivers who are making a turn that crosses the path of the vehicle stopped at the intersection – if the car at the stop sign is pulled all the way up to the sign, the car making the turn could scrape the front of the other car by not making a wide enough turn.

What Does the Study Show?

The study, which was conducted by the Minnesota Local Road Research Board, was carried out for over 14 years observing the metropolitan intersections where the stop lines are painted. The study found that the lines were ineffective at getting drivers to stop where they are meant to stop.

The Star Tribune reports that the study’s lead investigator, John Hourdos of the University of Minnesota, says that the stop lines are effective in slowing drivers down.

Hourdos tells the Tribune “stop lines do affect the driver’s approach behavior, so if they are used, they need to be used appropriately. Since they are not globally beneficial, they can be used on locations where vehicles are approaching at high speeds to slow down the unavoidable roll-and-stoppers.”

What was the Purpose of the Study?

Stop lines, or bars, are used almost everywhere in the United States. And although drivers are legally required to stop at stop signs and traffic lights, there is no law that says they must stop on or before the stop lines. That is why researchers wanted to review the effectiveness of the stop bars in reducing crashes and promoting driver safety.

Have Questions? Call Us Today

If you have been involved in a crash with a driver who did not stop at the designated stop lines of an intersection, you may be wondering what legal options are available to you.

The Bloomington-based car accident attorneys at TSR Injury Law are prepared to review your claim and see if you are eligible for compensation.

We do not charge you anything up front and only get paid if you do.

Call today to schedule a free consultation at (612) TSR-TIME

Crash victims may experience confusion after a car crash. Insurance companies love to take advantage of this uncertainty to deny or lower the value of a claim. It also comes into play for simply trying to fix your car damage.

That is why it is so important for crash victims to meet with a licensed attorney. Our Bloomington-based auto accident attorneys expect these types of tactics from insurance companies, and we are prepared to deal with them on your behalf.

Below, learn more about handling damages to your vehicle, including whether you get to choose the shop that does your car repairs.

At TSR Injury Law, we charge nothing for an initial consultation or while working on your claim. Meeting with one of our lawyers is risk-free. We have obtained millions on behalf of crash victims.

Choosing a Repair Shop After a Car Crash

You have the right to decide where to get your vehicle fixed after it gets damaged in a crash, just like you have the right to decide where to get treated for your injuries. The insurance company cannot require you to take your car to one shop or interfere with your decision to take it somewhere else.

Your insurance should cover the reasonable costs of repairing your vehicle back to its pre-crash condition. Using your car insurance to repair your vehicle is not like using your health insurance for medical treatment. There is no network of repair shops that limits your choices. Your car insurance company cannot decide to cover less of the cost because you chose the mechanic, and they did not.

You should take your car to a repair shop you feel will do quality work and charge a fair price for parts and labor. You need reliable transportation to get back and forth between your home and your workplace. You may find a reputable shop simply by asking friends and family members for recommendations and doing your own research, including looking at customer reviews.

It is also a good idea to check whether a repair shop carries the appropriate industry qualifications, such as certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and/or Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair. These certifications help to ensure mechanics meet the appropriate standards when working on your car.

There are also things you may notice about a shop when you walk in. For example, are they busy? If not, that may be a bad sign. Is the place dirty? Does it seem chaotic? If so, you may want to take your car somewhere else.

Am I Required to Get a Few Estimates?

There is no law requiring you to get multiple estimates for repairs after a crash. That said, your insurance policy may require getting multiple estimates for repairs. That is why it is important to carefully review an insurance policy before purchasing it.

Are There Benefits to Working with a Shop Approved by the Insurer?

There is nothing wrong with using a repair shop recommended by the insurance company. In fact, because the insurance company is used to working with the repair shops they recommend, it could speed up the claims process. They will likely handle all the paperwork and do so more efficiently than if you had to deal with it yourself. That may result in you getting your car back sooner. Repair shops may prioritize work done on vehicles insured by a company they regularly work with.

Another potential benefit is related to the warranty for the work done on your car. A repair shop usually issues a warranty of about one to two years on its work. However, the insurance company may extend the warranty for as long as you own the car if you use their approved shop.

Contact TSR Injury Law Today for Legal Help

Give us a call today to learn more about the importance of experienced legal help after a crash. Our lawyers have helped many crash victims over more than 20 years serving Bloomington, Minneapolis, and the surrounding areas.

Learn more by calling to set up a free consultation. Call: (612) TSR-TIME.

When policyholders file a claim after a crash, car insurance companies will look for any reason to accuse them of negligence. They may even refer to things that have nothing to do with the cause of the crash, such as your driver’s license status, a front headlight being out on a rear end crash or an expired tag.

Insurance companies are hoping crash victims will take their word for it about their role in the crash and accept whatever lowball offer of compensation they make. Crash victims are often desperate for compensation and unsure of the value of their claim.

Below, learn more about what effect, if any, an expired tag may have on a car crash claim. We also discuss Minnesota regulations on renewing vehicle tags and penalties for failing to do so.

If you have questions after suffering an injury in a car crash, give us a call to schedule a free initial consultation. We have helped many crash victims recover compensation to help them move forward with their lives.

Expired Tags and Car Crashes

An expired tag has nothing to do with what caused a crash to happen. Most crashes are caused by one driver’s negligent actions, such as speeding, tailgating, distracted driving or drunk driving. While it is careless to forget to renew your tag, it does not mean you are to blame for the crash.

You are likely to be cited by police when they arrive at the scene. However, citations or tickets for things that had no bearing on the crash should not affect your claim for compensation. If you were cited for reckless driving or violating the rules of the road, that may affect your claim.

It is important to note Minnesota is a no-fault state, which means fault plays no role in pursuing a claim against the personal injury protection coverage for medical bills and wage loss. That is not to say fault plays no role in a claim – if you are injured and want to pursue a bodily injury claim, you will pursue compensation from the other driver’s insurance coverage and fault does factor into that.

You should take anything the insurance company says with a grain of salt and strongly consider discussing things with a licensed attorney. You do not need to say much to the insurance company, and if you are not cautious, you could say something that hurts your claim.

Minnesota Regulations on Tag Renewal

In Minnesota, you have until the last day of the month your tag expires to pay to renew it. You must display the new sticker within the 10th day of the next month.

Penalties for Failing to Renew Your Vehicle Registration

The fee for failing to renew your vehicle registration in time is four or five times the fee to renew. That means you could end up paying a fine of somewhere between $125 and $225. If you do not pay the fine, a warrant could be put out for your arrest. If you get stopped because of an expired tag and the police discover such a warrant, you could be placed under arrest and your vehicle could be impounded.

The last thing you want to have to deal with after a crash is your vehicle being impounded and you being placed under arrest.

Have You Been Injured in a Crash? TSR Injury Law may be able to Help

There are many benefits to meeting with an experienced Minneapolis-based auto accident lawyer after a crash. Learn more by calling TSR Injury Law to set up a free, no-obligation legal consultation. This is an opportunity to learn how we may be able to assist you during this difficult time.

No upfront fees or obligations. Call TSR today: (612) TSR-TIME.

Unfortunately, many people hold a variety of misconceptions about seeking compensation after a car crash. People may even be discouraged from pursuing compensation because they think it will be too difficult or complicated, particularly if they are partially at fault.

However, it is never a bad idea to call an experienced lawyer to discuss the situation. You could still be able to seek compensation, even if you received a citation from the police officer at the scene.

Below, learn more about the types of traffic citations often given out after a car crash and how they may impact your claim for compensation. If you have questions about the legal process, you can call TSR Injury Law for help.

No-Fault Insurance Coverage

It is important to note Minnesota is a no-fault state, which means you can file a claim (for medical bills and wage loss) against your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage no matter who is at fault for the crash.

However, if you are injured, you may also want to make a bodily injury claim against the at fault driver’s insurance.  This is especially true when a crash results in severe injuries and your damages may easily exceed your PIP limits. Fault does matter when making a bodily injury claim.

If fault must be considered, things like traffic citations may be used against you by the insurance company. They may claim a citation for some minor offense indicates carelessness on your part. The insurance company may try to exaggerate your amount of fault to lower the value of your claim.

Common Traffic Citations for Crash Victims

While the other driver may bear most of the fault for your crash and receive a traffic citation, victims could also be ticketed. Sometimes these citations are for minor infractions that had nothing to do with the crash itself.

For example, you may be ticketed for not wearing your seat belt. Not wearing a seat belt could dramatically increase your risk of serious injury in a crash. That is why many states have seat belt laws – in Minnesota, not wearing a seat belt is a primary offense and you could be ticketed and fined $25, but it cannot be used against you in a civil injury claim.

You might also be ticketed for having a broken headlight, even though this is unrelated to the crash. The broken headlight did not cause the bad driver to rear-end you, so while it may matter for a criminal ticket, it does not for the civil injury claim.

The insurance company may try to use these tickets against you, and that is why you should strongly consider hiring a Bloomington-based auto accident lawyer to assist you. The attorneys at our firm know the tricks insurance companies use against crash victims, including arguments they often use to deny or devalue claims.

Tickets for More Serious Offenses

You may be cited for more major infractions after a crash, such as a right-of-way infraction or speeding. No matter who did what, you can always make the pip claim.

However, serious criminal violations can greatly affect the bodily injury claim against the other driver’s insurance. Under Minnesota’s comparative negligence law, you can still recover compensation if you are not more at fault than the other party. In other words, you cannot be more than 50 percent to blame for a crash. Your claim will be reduced by whatever true fault you are assigned. For example, if you are 20 percent at fault for the crash and have $10,000.00 in property damage and $20,000.00 in injuries, the other insurance (who is 80 percent at fault) still owes you $24,000.00.

That means your percentage of fault for the crash is crucial. If you think you are being assigned more fault than you deserve, you should contact a lawyer to advocate for you. Even though the traffic ticket you were given may be valid, the percentage of fault the insurance company is assigning based on that ticket may too high. Insurance companies often argue everyone is 20 percent at fault for just being on the road, so when they see a ticket, the fault blame game only goes up.

Another factor to consider is: was the ticket violation a cause of the crash? If your ticket is for drunk driving or going the wrong way on a road, the crime also matches fault and there will be no injury claim.  However, some serious ticket violations are not a “cause” of the crash. Two examples are driving without insurance or without a license.  Each of these offenses are illegal and bad, but not having insurance did not cause the other driver to rear-end you. The “crime” of no insurance did not cause the crash and there is no fault that can be fairly assigned to you.

Contesting Tickets

Many people simply pay their traffic tickets and move on. However, it may be possible to contest your ticket. The ticket should say how you can contest it and how much time there is to do so.

It is important to note that if you do contest the ticket, it will be your word against the officer’s. That is why it is important to have witnesses or other evidence (pictures, dash cam footage) to support your argument. If the officer was not at the scene to witness the crash, but an impartial witness was there, he or she may provide the evidence you need to overturn the ticket.

If you successfully contest the ticket, the insurance company will not be able to use it against you, helping to potentially increase the value of your claim.

Injured in a Crash? Call Today for Assistance

Our law firm has been helping crash victims for more than two decades and we have recovered millions on behalf of our clients.

The initial consultation with one of our licensed attorneys is free of charge and comes with no obligation to take legal action. That means there is no risk to you in calling to find out what we may be able to do for you. Unlike the insurance company, our goal is to obtain maximum compensation for your damages to help you move forward.

Call TSR Injury Law today to schedule a free consultation. Phone: (612) TSR-TIME