Auto Accidents

When legislators voted to legalize cannabis use in Minnesota, they created a significant challenge for law enforcement officers. There is currently no widely accepted roadside test for marijuana and other drugs like there is for alcohol.

However, this challenge was anticipated, and the Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety is already working to begin solving the problem. Minnesota law enforcement officers are set to start using new oral tests as part of a pilot project to detect drivers impaired by drugs. Beginning next month, selected officers will be equipped with two types of roadside tests aimed at identifying impairment from substances like THC, opioids, and methamphetamine.

This initiative, overseen by the Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety, was authorized by the state legislature. Mike Hanson, the Director of the Office of Traffic Safety, emphasized the need to expand the current tools available for detecting drug impairment, citing technological advancements as a key driver of this initiative.

The takeaway for drivers is clear: Driving while intoxicated by drugs, including cannabis, is against the law and the police are taking steps to safeguard Minnesota roads and the public from this reckless behavior.

Understanding the New Testing Devices

The two devices included in the pilot project are the SoToxa Oral Fluid Mobile Analyzer and the Dräger DrugTest 5000. Both devices, which have been used in other states and selected after an extensive review process, are designed to detect several classes of drugs in a person’s saliva within minutes. According to Abbott, the healthcare company producing SoToxa, the device can identify substances like THC, cocaine, and opioids, among others.

The Pilot Project and Its Implications

Highly trained drug recognition evaluators will be the primary users of these tests. Importantly, the tests will be voluntary, and the results will not be permissible in court or as probable cause for an arrest. Instead, the focus is on data collection, as officers cannot view the results during traffic stops.

The pilot project, which is expected to last about a year, aims to gather data on the effectiveness of these tests and identify any emerging trends. This information will be compiled in a report to the state legislature by February 2025, potentially influencing future law changes regarding their use in evidence collection.

Concerns and Challenges

Jim Stuart, Executive Director of the Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association, welcomed the project but expressed concerns about taking officers off the street for certification, especially amid recruitment and retention challenges. However, he acknowledged the critical need for effective tools to address the growing issue of drug-impaired driving.

Comparisons to the early days of breathalyzers for alcohol detection were drawn by Minnesota State Patrol Chief Col. Matt Langer, highlighting the potential for these devices to become trusted tools in law enforcement. There is widespread trust in breathalyzers, despite questions many people had about their accuracy when they were first implemented.

The pilot project is seen as a step towards addressing the increasing problem of drug-related impaired driving, which has seen a significant rise in recent years.

Looking Ahead

By the end of the year, law enforcement groups in Minnesota hope to have concrete data to present to lawmakers, underlining the need for additional tests and legal adaptations for their use. The pilot project in Minnesota follows the footsteps of other states, like Michigan, where similar tests have been conducted. These earlier pilot projects revealed interesting insights into drug use patterns among drivers.

This new initiative by Minnesota law enforcement marks a crucial step in tackling drug-impaired driving. As the state navigates the complexities of enforcing laws post-marijuana legalization, these oral tests represent a forward-thinking approach to ensuring road safety and responsible driving in our communities.

People do all kinds of activities while listening to music through their AirPods or earbuds. The problem is that music can be distracting, especially when engaging in activities that require higher levels of focus, like driving.

While drivers may prefer to listen to music through their earbuds instead of their car stereos, this is a highly dangerous activity that can result in severe car crashes.

TSR Injury Law’s experienced Minneapolis car accident lawyers discuss Minnesota’s state law on using headphones while driving, the dangers of this activity, and liability for collisions that may occur. We have been assisting crash victims in Minnesota for decades, recovering millions on their behalf.

There are no upfront fees when you hire our services. Call (612) TSR-TIME.

Is It Legal To Use Earbuds or AirPods While Driving in Minnesota?

Minnesota law is quite clear on the use of headphones or earphones while driving:

It is illegal to wear headphones or earphones on or in both ears to listen to broadcasts or reproductions, such as music or podcasts, from sound-producing or transmitting devices.

However, the law does make some exceptions:

• Minnesota does not prohibit the use of hearing aids for individuals who need them.
• Firefighters are allowed to use a communication headset while operating a fire department emergency vehicle when responding to an emergency.
• Emergency medical services personnel can also use a communication headset while operating an ambulance.

The bottom line is you can use a single earpiece, but using headphones or earphones in both ears for entertainment purposes while driving is against the law.

Why Driving While Using Earbuds or AirPods Is Dangerous

Headphones create a distraction for drivers, and distractions can make drivers much more likely to cause a collision that could result in significant injuries.

Ford Study on Wearing Headphones While Driving

In 2021, Ford Motor Company did a study about how wearing headphones affects drivers’ spatial recognition. Disrupting your spatial recognition behind the wheel could impair your ability to respond to audio cues, like sirens, horns or pedestrians calling out.

Ford used an app that played 8D spatial audio and displayed a virtual-reality street with sound cues that participants were asked to identify. For instance, study participants would be asked if they heard an ambulance approaching them from behind.

The 2,000 participants in the study were divided into two groups: one group wore headphones that played music, and another did not.

The study revealed that individuals who wore headphones while driving and listening to music were, on average, 4.2 seconds slower in recognizing and responding to auditory cues compared to those without headphones. This delay in reaction time could be the difference between avoiding a crash and not.

Risks of Using AirPods or Earbuds Behind the Wheel

Ford’s study serves as a compelling reminder of the importance of maintaining full awareness while driving and refraining from potentially hazardous distractions like headphones.

When headphones are in your ears, you are less likely to hear audio cues, such as horns honking, police car sirens and various other traffic sounds. In addition, headphones can also be a manual distraction. For example, you may take your eyes off the road to change songs or podcasts on your phone. Often, people may take one or both hands off the wheel to do this.

Liability for a Collision Caused by a Driver Who Was Using Earbuds or AirPods

If you were injured in a crash and you think the driver was wearing headphones in both ears at the time of the collision, he or she is more likely to be liable for damages. This is not only a violation of Minnesota law, but also dangerous behavior.

Crash victims must provide evidence of the other driver’s negligence to establish liability. You may be wondering what evidence there could be, short of a picture or video of the driver in the moments before the crash.

However, you may not need to prove the other driver was distracted. You just need to show the driver did something negligent behind the wheel, such as drifting into your lane of traffic and hitting your vehicle or rear-ending you when you were stopped at a red light.

The experienced lawyers at our firm have helped many crash victims establish liability for damages. We know how to investigate collisions to determine what happened and explain how the incident could have been prevented. We also know how to preserve evidence that may be vital to the success of your compensation claim.

Injured by a Distracted Driver in Minnesota? Call TSR Today

If a distracted driver has caused you harm, remember that you have the legal right to seek compensation for the losses you have endured. At TSR Injury Law, our team of experienced attorneys is fully equipped to guide you through every step of the legal journey.

Do not hesitate to reach out to us today. Your well-being and pursuit of justice are our top priorities, and we are here to support you during this challenging time.

Call to schedule your free legal consultation: (612) TSR-TIME.

Headaches are a common side effect of a car crash injury, but some victims may also experience migraines. These are intense headaches that cause debilitating pain and many other symptoms. Sometimes the pain is bad enough that it is impossible to work or engage in other activities you once enjoyed.

Below, we discuss how Minneapolis car crashes can cause migraines, the types of symptoms you may experience, and how our lawyers can include your migraines in a compensation claim.

If you experience migraines after a car crash, TSR Injury Law may be able to help you seek compensation for medical costs, pain and suffering, and more. Our Minneapolis car accident lawyers have extensive experience and represent car crash victims at no upfront cost. The initial legal consultation is also free of charge.

Are you getting medical care after a car crash? Call TSR to discuss legal options: (612) TSR-TIME.

What Is a Migraine Headache?

It is nearly impossible to understand how debilitating a migraine can be unless you have experienced one. A migraine is much more than a headache. It is a neurological condition that presents certain symptoms, including:

Three Types of Migraines

You can divide migraine headaches into three categories:

• Migraines with no aura – These migraines occur with no warning symptoms. One minute you are fine and the next you experience migraine symptoms.
• Migraines with an aura – Some people experience warning signs of a migraine, such as numbness or spots in their vision. The pre-migraine phase is known as the prodrome stage. There is also a postdrome phase, which can be thought of as a migraine hangover.
• Silent/acephalgic migraines – These migraines may be harder to diagnose as victims do not suffer head pain. However, they still experience other symptoms of a migraine.

You can also classify migraine headaches by how often they occur. For example, chronic migraines happen a minimum of 15 times each month. If you deal with migraines less than 15 times per month, you are likely suffering from episodic migraines.

How Could a Car Crash Cause a Migraine?

It is common for a single traumatic event to cause an injury that triggers the onset of migraine headaches. For example, a crash could cause a traumatic brain injury that alters the victim’s blood flow in the brain. This change could cause you to experience migraine headaches.

Certain types of injuries involving pinched nerves, especially to the back or neck, could trigger a migraine. For example, whiplash can sprain or strain muscles, or even damage a spinal disc, which could create the conditions for a migraine. A skull fracture could also cause these same effects.

Sometimes people do not connect the onset of a migraine to their car crash, especially if the symptoms do not present for several weeks.

How Long Could Post-Car Crash Migraines Last?

Each situation is different. You might experience migraines during the early stages of your medical treatment, but they may reduce or stop happening altogether as you heal from your injuries and your condition improves. Unfortunately, some people suffer injuries that result in chronic migraines long after the crash. That is why it is vital to seek treatment immediately, as it may help to lower your risk of long-term problems.

How Do Doctors Treat Migraine Headaches?

There is currently no known cure for migraines, but there are many forms of treatment that may stop symptoms and help victims to have fewer migraines. Some forms of treatment that can be used are Botox injections or radiofrequency neurotomies, which are used to block a patient’s nerve pathway for transmitting pain.

Other medications are used to help counteract the effects of a migraine headache as they are happening. For example, you may have seen commercials for over-the-counter drugs like Excedrin or Motrin. Prescription nasal sprays also help to make migraines much less painful. Some patients may also get migraine relief from massage therapy and acupuncture.

Including Migraines in a Minneapolis Car Crash Claim

It can be challenging to prove a car crash claim for migraine headaches. The insurance company is very likely to push back and say your migraines are caused by something else, like genetic factors or mental health issues.

Another layer of complexity is that there is no agreed-upon method for diagnosing migraines. Doctors often use imaging tests like MRIs or CT scans to find brain damage, which may be an indicator of migraine headaches. However, they also rely on patients to report symptoms that are consistent with migraine headaches. Even then, the liable insurance company may claim you are making up your symptoms to inflate the value of your claim.

Insurance companies may also argue that they cannot confirm you are suffering migraines. As they attempt to devalue or deny your claim, they may even try to convince you that you are only experiencing run-of-the-mill headaches.

It is critical that you seek medical care right away and report all your symptoms to your doctor. You should also be diligent to follow through with your medical treatment. This consistency helps to demonstrate to the liable insurance company that you are taking the situation seriously, which could also help to bolster your claim.

We recommend that you contact an experienced lawyer, one who will be committed to securing full compensation for your damages. There are many details in the legal process, and managing a case on your own is a lot to ask, especially when you are dealing with an injury.

TSR Injury Law Helps Crash Victims Secure Compensation. Call Today

Are you dealing with severe symptoms from a car crash injury, such as migraine headaches?

You may be able to secure compensation for the cost of treating your migraines, and other symptoms from your car crash injuries.

TSR Injury Law helps crash victims in the Minneapolis area secure compensation for the damages they suffered. We have obtained more than $1 billion in compensation for our clients and are known for securing favorable outcomes through settlement negotiations and our litigation in the courtroom.

No upfront costs or legal obligations. Call us at (612) TSR-TIME.

Car crash victims may not experience injury symptoms for weeks or even months after a collision. For example, if you suffered a joint injury, you might not experience any arthritis symptoms for several months.

If you sustained post-traumatic arthritis as the result of your crash, you may be able to include it in your claim for compensation. However, you should hire a Minneapolis auto accident lawyer to help you connect these damages to the collision that caused your injuries. You will need strong evidence to prove the onset of delayed symptoms, and the experienced lawyers at TSR Injury Law know what evidence is needed and how to get it.

We know you may be concerned about the cost of hiring a lawyer, given you may already have medical bills from your injury. However, our firm works on contingency, so there are no upfront costs.

TSR Injury Law. More than $1 billion recovered. Call (612) TSR-TIME.

What Is Post-Traumatic Arthritis?

Most people associate arthritis with overuse of a joint, such as from working in a physically demanding job.

However, arthritis often develops after an injury to one of the body’s joints. Joints that are typically more prone to arthritis include:

These injuries affect not only the bones but also the soft tissue (muscles, ligaments, tendons and cartilage). When cartilage suffers damage from an injury, it starts to deteriorate. Over time, this can lead to arthritis, which can prevent the joint from functioning properly. However, it may take weeks, months or even longer for post-traumatic arthritis to develop.

How Can a Car Crash Cause Post-Traumatic Arthritis?

Many car crash joint injuries are the result of blunt force trauma. For example, if you hit your knee on the dashboard, you could suffer a serious knee injury. While broken bones can heal, this injury may be the onset to post-traumatic arthritis.

A side-impact collision could cause an injury to your elbow or shoulder, as car doors are not built to withstand the impact of a crash.

In addition, people often tense up when a crash occurs. For instance, they may tightly grip the steering wheel, which can increase the chances of causing a serious injury to one or both of their wrists.

During a collision, your legs could get stuck under the dashboard. The impact could force or twist them into a direction they are not supposed to go. This awkward movement could damage the soft tissue supporting one or more joints.

Joint injuries often cause people to make irregular body movements to accommodate pain and limited mobility. Over time, this type of physical compensation can cause further deterioration of the surrounding bone and cartilage, which could eventually cause arthritis.

How Does Post-Traumatic Arthritis Affect You?

If you suffered a joint injury, you should watch for these post-traumatic arthritis symptoms:

Arthritis can make simple, everyday activities incredibly painful. It may also limit your physical activity, including the ability to play with your children or participate in sports or other leisure activities. Some jobs can be much more difficult to do because of the pain and discomfort from arthritis.

What Is a Post-Traumatic Arthritis Claim Worth?

If you develop arthritis from a car crash injury, you may be able to seek compensation for the cost of medical treatment. For example, you may need prescription medication to help manage the pain and discomfort from your injury. You may also need physical therapy and rehabilitation to help regain strength and mobility in the affected joint.

If post-traumatic arthritis affects your ability to work, the lawyers at TSR Injury Law may be able to get you compensated for wage loss.

Additionally, you may be able to seek certain non-economic forms of compensation, such as:

Connecting Post-Traumatic Arthritis to a Car Crash

One of the challenges of seeking compensation for arthritis caused by a crash is connecting arthritis to the injury. Arthritis often develops later so you will need strong evidence connecting post-traumatic arthritis to your collision.

It is critical that you seek treatment right away and continue going to the doctor as recommended. When you notice symptoms of arthritis, report them right away. Make sure to explain how arthritis affects your daily life and the level of pain you experience each day.

You should also ask your lawyer for advice on what you need to do to help document your damages. Your lawyer can bring in a medical expert to explain how arthritis developed and how it is likely to affect you in the future.

What if A Crash Aggravated Existing Arthritis?

Car crash injuries could aggravate existing injuries and symptoms, like arthritis. If your arthritis gets worse after the crash, explain to your doctor in detail how your symptoms have escalated. An experienced lawyer will know how to determine if you can include aggravation of arthritis in your claim for compensation.

Call TSR Injury Law Today To Discuss Your Crash

Post-traumatic arthritis can negatively impact your quality of life after a car crash and long-term pain can make it difficult to work and take part in the activities you took part in before.

At TSR Injury Law, we understand the many effects of motor vehicle crashes, as we have been helping injured victims for decades. We have secured millions for those injured in collisions caused by the negligence of others.

You can review our case results page to learn more about the results we have obtained. Check out some of the five-star reviews our clients have left us on our testimonials page.

Free legal consultation. No upfront fees. Phone: (612) TSR-TIME.

You may not be surprised to learn that 50 percent of traffic fatalities occur at night, according to the National Safety Council. This statistic may sound counterintuitive, as there are fewer cars on the road after the sun goes down.

However, there are unique risks when driving at night. Below, TSR Injury Law’s experienced attorneys discuss the dangers of nighttime driving and how these dangers increase the risk of serious, potentially fatal car crashes.

If you were injured in a crash that happened at night, our firm is here to help you seek full compensation for your medical care and other damages you may have suffered. Our legal services come with no upfront costs, and an initial consultation is always free.

TSR Injury Law. More than $1 billion recovered. Call (612) TSR-TIME.

What Are the Dangers of Driving at Night?

These are some of the main reasons why nighttime driving can be more dangerous than daytime driving:

Decreased Visibility

Simply put, it is harder to see things in the dark, including vehicles and other potential hazards. This reduced visibility affects your reaction time and inhibits driver’s chances of avoiding a crash.

These are many reasons why drivers are advised to increase their following distance, slow down, and take their time when deciding if it is safe to make a turn in front of oncoming traffic.

It is also harder to see road signs and landmarks that can help drivers determine where they are going. This is why a lack of visibility at night may often result in sudden stops and unexpected turns.

Increased Presence of Drunk Drivers

According to Minnesota Crash Facts 2020, 46 percent of alcohol-related crashes happen between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m. As you could have guessed, this is because there are more drunk drivers on the road at night.

Drunk drivers have impaired vision, reaction time and judgment. When you combine these added risk factors with reduced nighttime visibility, you have a recipe for a traffic disaster.

Impaired drivers are more at risk of driving the wrong way, such as entering a highway off-ramp or crossing the center line into oncoming traffic, putting responsible drivers in danger.

It’s important to keep in mind that while driving at night, you are more likely to encounter drunk drivers on weekends as 56 percent of alcohol-related crashes in Minnesota happen on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.

Increased Presence of Drowsy Drivers

Many drivers you share the road with at night are tired. They may feel exhausted because of a long day at work or because they did not enough sleep the night before.

Many people who drive at night may suffer from chronic fatigue due to sleep deprivation, especially those with sleep apnea, insomnia, or other medical conditions.

If you get behind the wheel after midnight but before dawn, you may be sharing the road with people who work night shifts. No matter how hard these workers try, their bodies may be unable to adjust to this schedule and may be struggling to get enough sleep.

Drowsy drivers may be more at risk for:

• Rear-end collisions
• Sideswipes
• Wrong-way accidents
• Head-on crashes
• Intersection crashes

Speeding Drivers

Speeding is often a result of distraction, impairment by drugs or alcohol, drowsiness, or simply reckless behavior. Speeding gives all drivers in the area less time to react to hazardous situations, especially at night when visibility is impaired by the darkness. If a reckless driver makes a dangerous maneuver at high speed, other drivers may have less time to react to avoid a collision.

What if I Get Injured in a Nighttime Car Crash?

If you get injured in a nighttime car crash that you think was caused by another driver’s negligence, you might be right. Drivers have a legal duty to take proper precautions to lower the risk of a crash, especially at night. When they fail to uphold this duty and a crash results, they could be held liable for damages.

However, crash victims who decide to seek compensation for their damages will need to be able to prove the other driver’s negligence. Even seemingly straightforward cases can be challenging to prove. That said, crash victims can be proactive and take steps to improve their chances of securing full compensation for damages by contacting the trusted attorneys at TSR Injury Law.

Call 9-1-1

You should always report car crashes to the police, even if you are not sure you sustained injuries. When the police come to the scene, they can complete a report that helps to prove you were involved in a collision.

If you suspect the other driver is drunk or fatigued, tell the officer when he or she asks you to explain what happened. If the officer suspects drunk driving, he or she may conduct a sobriety test. If the police arrest the other driver for drunk driving, it may be easier to prove liability for your damages.

Get to the Hospital

You need to document your injuries as soon as possible. Seeking medical care right away helps you in two ways. First, it prioritizes and protects your health, and secondly, since your visit will be documented, it helps to connect your injuries to the crash. Waiting to seek treatment could delay the recovery process or even put your health at added risk.

Contact a Lawyer Right Away

If you were injured in a collision and you need medical care, you should not count on the insurance company to provide full compensation. This is especially true for crash victims with severe injuries. Insurance companies are not your friend and will actively work to minimize what they owe you.

The experienced lawyers at TSR Injury Law can help you seek full compensation for your damages. We have decades of experience helping motor vehicle accident victims achieve favorable results, including in the courtroom.

It may not be easy to determine the chain of events leading up to a nighttime car crash. In addition to the challenges of reduced visibility, it is also possible that the at-fault driver may lie or leave out important details to try to avoid liability.

Our experienced lawyers know how to gather detailed evidence no matter when the crash occurred. We can also bring in experts when needed.

Reducing Your Risk of a Crash After the Sun Goes Down

There are several steps you can take to help lower your risk of a nighttime crash:

• Slow down to give yourself more time to react to danger
• Leave more space in front of your car to lower the risk of a rear-end crash
• Exercise more caution when making turns in front of approaching traffic
• Avoid distractions, such as your smartphone, the radio or conversations with passengers
• Dim the lights on your dashboard as it can help improve night vision
• If you are too tired to drive, get off the road
• Avoid driving during times when you would normally be asleep

Call Us Today To Discuss Your Post-Crash Legal Options

Do you know the benefits of hiring an experienced lawyer after a car crash?

Victims who hire lawyers often obtain more compensation than those who deal with the insurance company themselves. This is not just because a lawyer can file a lawsuit if the insurance company does not offer enough compensation. A lawyer can also manage each step of the process, making sure not to miss important details, like filing deadlines or critical pieces of evidence.

TSR Injury Law. Zero Upfront Costs. More than $1 billion recovered. Call (612) TSR-TIME.

Many people have experienced highway hypnosis, such as if they were driving late at night or on a long road trip. This is a trance-like state that increases the risk of a dangerous collision.

In this blog, TSR Injury Law’s experienced Minneapolis car crash lawyers discuss the dangers of highway hypnosis and how victims of highway hypnosis crashes may be able to seek compensation. While at-fault drivers may cite highway hypnosis as the cause of a collision, this is not a valid defense.

If you were injured in this type of crash, call our experienced law firm to learn how we may be able to help you. There are zero upfront costs, and an initial consultation is 100 percent free.

Local Lawyers. Proven Results. Call (612) TSR-TIME.

What Is Highway Hypnosis/White Line Fever and Why Does it Happen?

Drivers who are on long trips spend a lot of time staring straight ahead at the white lines on the road. This can have a hypnotic effect, making it difficult for drivers to remain consciously aware of their actions. This effect is known as highway hypnosis or white line fever.

Highway hypnosis often happens on long road trips, but it can also happen to drivers who are on the road at night or taking a familiar route.

If you are on the road at night with little to no scenery or traffic, it can be much more difficult to keep your mind on driving. Scenery and traffic can help stimulate drivers’ senses, so they are less likely to lose focus on the road.

If you are on a familiar route, you may not be conscious of your actions because you have driven through the area so many times.

Highway hypnosis is more likely to happen if you are drowsy or operating on little sleep. Driving at times when you are normally asleep or at home can also be dangerous.

Common Symptoms of Highway Hypnosis

One of the most common symptoms of highway hypnosis is forgetting some portion of your trip. Something may cause you to snap out of your trance and you may struggle to remember the last few miles you traveled.

Other symptoms of highway hypnosis include:

What Are the Dangers of Highway Hypnosis?

Driving while you are drowsy, distracted or under the influence of alcohol or drugs is incredibly dangerous as they inhibit your fine motor skills and your ability to focus on driving. Highway hypnosis can affect drivers in similar ways to drowsiness, distraction or intoxication.

Drivers who are experiencing highway hypnosis may be more likely to:

What Types of Crashes Are Often Caused by Highway Hypnosis?

Drivers experiencing some form of mental fog or highway hypnosis may end up causing traffic crashes, such as:

Can Drivers Use Highway Hypnosis as a Defense?

Highway hypnosis is not a legitimate defense against liability for a car crash. Drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles safely. If they are too tired to drive, they need to get off the road. If they cause a crash because of reckless actions while they were in a trance-like state, they can be held liable for the damages they cause.

If you were injured in a highway hypnosis crash, TSR Injury Law may be able to assist you in recovering compensation. In Minnesota, victims can seek medical expenses and other damages from their own car insurance policies. Victims may also be able to seek compensation from the liability insurance of the at-fault driver.

Our experienced lawyers know how to prove driver negligence, which may include evidence of highway hypnosis. For example, our lawyers may be able to prove the at-fault driver was working late into the night and wasn’t able to get adequate sleep before going back out on the road. We may also be able to obtain evidence that the driver was on their way home from a long road trip and would have been struggling to stay awake while driving.

Crash damage could also help lawyers prove the cause of a collision. For example, head-on collisions are often caused by drunk, distracted or drowsy drivers. Black box data from the vehicles can also be accessed and can show a lack of reaction time by the driver that caused the crash.

Reducing the Risk of White Line Fever

There are many steps drivers can take to help reduce the risk of highway hypnosis. For example, try to avoid driving for extended periods after the sun goes down. You may think of yourself as a night owl, but there is a higher risk of a crash at night as the darkness makes it harder to stay focused on driving.

Another step drivers can take is to talk to passengers or listen to more energetic music. However, if you are too tired, louder music and conversation are not going to be enough to combat fatigue. You may need to get off the road or have one of your passengers drive as a safe alternative.

Contact TSR Injury Law For Experienced Legal Help After a Crash

Car crashes can cause significant, sometimes life-changing injuries. These injuries are often the result of another driver’s negligent actions, such as staying on the road for too long and falling into highway hypnosis.

TSR Injury Law has been helping victims of another driver’s negligence for decades. Our law firm has secured more than $1 billion on behalf of our clients, many of whom were injured in a motor vehicle crash.

TSR Injury Law. No Upfront Costs. Contact us today: (612) TSR-TIME.

The trauma from a car crash can have a domino effect, as one injury can lead to another. For example, a broken bone could be accompanied by soft-tissue damage and/or a nerve injury. Some secondary injuries can cause significant pain and lengthen your recovery, while others can be life-threatening.

TSR Injury Law discusses secondary injuries from Minneapolis car crashes, including causes, symptoms and steps victims can take to reduce the risk of secondary injuries.

Our firm has decades of experience helping crash victims recover favorable compensation for the damages they suffered. Our services come with no upfront costs and your initial legal consultation is free.

Injured by a negligent driver? Call TSR today: (612) TSR-TIME.

Seeking Compensation For Secondary Injuries From a Car Crash

If you suffered injuries in a car crash, you have the right to seek medical coverage from your own insurance policy, as Minnesota is a no-fault state. If the secondary injury is related, you may also seek compensation from the at-fault person’s coverage. Technically the secondary injury may not have happened in the crash, but the secondary injury would not have occurred unless you suffered the primary injury.

That said, it is critical that you immediately report a secondary injury. This helps to establish a connection between the secondary injury and the crash. Waiting to report the injury gives the insurance company room to dispute how this additional injury happened.

Our Minneapolis car accident lawyers help crash victims seek full compensation for their damages. Call to learn more.

Defining Secondary Injuries

Secondary injuries are a side effect of a primary injury. In other words, the secondary injury would not have happened without the primary injury occurring first.

Often, an injury can be so devastating to the body that it causes further damage. Sometimes the secondary injury shows up right away. However, in some cases, the secondary injury takes days or weeks to show up.

The term secondary injury is not commonly used. Most often, these injuries are simply referred to as complications.

Medical complications are often the result of compensating for an existing or new injury by doing things in a way your body is not used to. For example, crash victims might walk differently or get up from a sitting position in a different way.

A secondary injury could also occur when doctors provide treatment for a primary injury. For instance, you could develop an infection or the surrounding tissues or organs could be damaged. Improperly fitted prosthetics or mobility devices could also cause people to strain themselves and suffer a secondary injury.

Primary vs. Secondary Brain Injuries

While any secondary injury can be dangerous, secondary brain injuries could have fatal complications. An example of a secondary brain injury is one that occurs after an injury to your skull. Initial damage to your skull can often lead to future brain damage.

The primary injury results in immediate damage, such as injury to the blood vessels, cells and tissues in your brain. This can cause further damage over time, particularly if the primary injury is not properly treated. As more brain cells deteriorate, there is a risk of debilitating cognitive issues and possibly death.

Common Examples of Secondary Injuries

There are numerous examples of secondary injuries that may result from a Minnesota car crash. For example, you could suffer a knee injury and eventually develop back problems. This could be because you start moving awkwardly to compensate for your knee injury which puts an unusual strain on your back.

Here are some other examples of secondary car crash injuries:

Consequences of Secondary Injuries

Secondary injuries can lengthen the healing process and put you at higher risk for long-term medical issues. For example, you could develop long-term back pain or a brain injury that creates significant cognitive difficulties, such as problems remembering things or focusing on tasks.

Brain damage could also result in painful, chronic headaches that affect your ability to work or maintain personal relationships with family and friends.

Mental health challenges can take a long time to overcome. Even with therapy and medications, victims may still struggle to engage in their lives the same way they did before.

Can You Prevent Secondary Injuries?

Complications/secondary injuries from a car crash may be unavoidable, but sometimes you can take steps to prevent them. For example, seeking immediate medical treatment so doctors can more quickly diagnose the primary injury. This step is vital as it can help you to receive earlier treatment, potentially eliminating the development of a secondary injury.

However, preventing a secondary injury may also depend on how well you follow your doctor’s treatment recommendations. For example, if your doctor tells you to limit physical activity, such as walking, bending down to pick things up, or getting up from a seated position, you need to follow these recommendations. Too much physical activity increases the risk of aggravating your primary injury, puts additional strain on your body, and can lead to the development of secondary injuries.

Symptoms of a Secondary Brain Injury

Another step you should take is informing your doctor about any new symptoms that develop, particularly symptoms that may indicate a secondary brain injury. Some of these symptoms include:

Contact Us For Legal Assistance Following a Car Crash Injury

Crash victims should get immediate medical treatment to diagnose and stabilize injuries. While this can help prevent the primary injury from getting worse, it could also prevent dangerous secondary injuries.

After seeking treatment, you should consider talking to an experienced lawyer about pursuing compensation for your medical costs and other damages.

TSR Injury Law has helped thousands of Minnesota car crash victims secure compensation. We know how difficult the aftermath of a crash can be and how insurance companies often try to deny and underpay claims. We take these billion-dollar insurance companies head on and secure favorable outcomes for our clients.

TSR Injury Law. Experienced Lawyers. Proven Results. Call (612) TSR-TIME.

Hearing loss is often caused by aging or prolonged exposure to loud noises, but hearing loss can also be a side effect of a car crash injury. For example, crash victims who suffered whiplash or a head injury could suffer impaired hearing.

The experienced lawyers at TSR Injury Law discuss some of the ways a Minneapolis car crash could cause hearing loss or impairment. We discuss the symptoms of a hearing injury and how to seek compensation for medical care and other damages.

Our attorneys have been helping crash victims recover compensation for more than 25 years and there are no upfront costs to hire our services for your case.

Local Lawyers. Proven Experience. Call us today at (612) TSR-TIME.

How a Car Crash Could Damage Your Hearing

Hearing loss could be a symptom of another injury suffered in a crash, such as:

Head/Brain Injuries

Drivers or other vehicle occupants could hit their heads on something inside the car, such as the steering wheel, dashboard or window. These kinds of blows to the head could result in traumatic brain injuries that could damage your auditory pathways.

Some traumatic brain injuries may be accompanied by a skull fracture that damages the ear canal, leading to hearing impairment. It is also important to note that pieces of your broken skull have the potential to rupture your eardrum.

Other hearing-related side effects of a head or brain injury may include disruption of blood flow to the cochlea and fractures of the bones in the middle ear.

The cochlea is a bone in your inner ear that converts sound waves into electrical impulses. Damaging this bone can result in permanent hearing loss.

Whiplash

You could also suffer whiplash, a painful injury to the soft tissues in your neck caused by your head getting thrown forward and whipped backward during impact. Contrary to what some believe, you do not need to hit your head to suffer a brain injury. If your head gets thrown forward and whipped back hard enough, your brain could slam against your skull, causing a concussion.

While whiplash can result in limited mobility in your neck and pain that radiates down your shoulders and back, you could also suffer damage to your inner ear. Other conditions resulting from whiplash could include temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), a symptom of which is hearing loss or tinnitus.

Airbag Injuries

Sometimes hearing loss is not the result of a blow to the head, but the noise of the airbag being deployed. You may not know, but the sound of an airbag deploying can reach 160 decibels (dB). Anything over 140 dB can cause permanent loss of hearing, even if you only hear the noise once. The sound of two airbags deploying simultaneously can reach 170 dB, well above the threshold for the potential to sustain hearing loss.

What Are the Symptoms of Hearing Loss From a Car Crash?

There are several symptoms that may accompany hearing loss from a Minneapolis car crash, including:

If you experience hearing loss or muffled hearing after a car crash, our Minneapolis auto accident lawyers are here to help you seek compensation for your damage.

How Hearing Impairment Could Affect Your Life

Hearing loss or impairment is much more than a physical injury. For example, victims may need to change careers because they cannot work in the same field as before their injury.

This can have negative psychological consequences, as victims may experience depression and social withdrawal. Withdrawing from social situations can make depression, loneliness and other mental health challenges even worse.

Hearing loss can also affect relationships with family members and the willingness to take part in the same social and recreational activities as before the crash.

Hearing aids and other treatments may help regain hearing loss and improve your quality of life. However, these treatments can be expensive and difficult to afford without compensation from your insurance company and potentially the liable driver’s insurance company.

Proving a Hearing Loss or Tinnitus Claim

If you want to recover compensation for hearing loss from a car crash, you will first need to link your injuries to the crash. You will also need to establish the value of your damages. While bills and receipts can establish the value of your past medical bills, determining the value of other damages is not so easy.

How do you place a value on the emotional and psychological consequences of your injury? How do you determine the value of treatment you have yet to receive?

These are just two of the many reasons why car crash victims should seek help from an experienced attorney. We have been working with crash victims for decades and have a proven track record.

If you have a valid claim, our attorneys can determine the next steps you can take to document your injuries and damages. For example, you will need to see a medical specialist to fully document your hearing loss/impairment, such as an otolaryngologist and/or an audiologist. You may also need to see a neurologist if your hearing loss was caused by a brain injury.

Contact TSR To Discuss Legal Options After a Minneapolis Car Crash

Hearing loss can have a devastating impact on your life, and if it was caused by negligence, you should consider seeking legal help. An experienced lawyer may be able to pursue compensation for the cost of medical care, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Give us a call to learn more about how we may be able to assist you. There is limited time to take legal action, so it is important to reach out to a lawyer right away.

There are no upfront costs with our services and the initial legal consultation is free of charge.

Call TSR Injury Law today: (612) TSR-TIME. We are dedicated to helping accident victims.

Hazmat truck crashes are rare, but in the past 10 years, the number of hazardous material truck crashes across the U.S. has been on the rise. In fact, according to a CBS News analysis of U.S. Department of Transportation data, these crashes have increased by 155 percent.

While any commercial truck crash is dangerous, hazmat truck accidents add an additional layer of danger. Crash victims could suffer injuries in the crash, as well as exposure to toxic materials that could lead to long-term injuries and medical issues.

At TSR Injury Law, our Minneapolis truck accident lawyers know how devastating commercial truck crashes can be, including those involving toxic cargo. Below, we discuss what drivers in Minneapolis should know about these situations, including liability and seeking compensation.

Call today for legal assistance. No upfront fees. (612) TSR-TIME

What Is the Definition of a Hazmat Truck?

A hazmat truck is a commercial truck that is specifically designated and authorized to transport hazardous materials, such as flammable liquids, explosives or acids. Hazmat trucks come in many shapes and sizes, depending on the types of hazardous materials they are transporting.

There is an extra layer of danger in operating a hazmat truck, which is why drivers must have a specific endorsement certifying they have been trained on how to safely transport hazardous cargo. Hazmat truck drivers are often required to pass a special type of background check to further ensure drivers will take the proper safety precautions.

Hazmat trucks are also required to have more liability insurance than other commercial trucks because of the additional danger their cargo poses.

Types of Hazardous Materials Carried By Commercial Trucks

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) created nine classes of hazardous materials, which include:

• Class 1: Explosive materials – These are combustible materials that carry a risk of explosion, such as dynamite, flares, fireworks, ammunition and blasting agents.
• Class 2: Compressed gases ­– This class includes compressed gases that are flammable or non-flammable, such as propane, helium and fluorine.
• Class 3: Flammable liquids – Examples of substances in this class include gas, jet fuel, motor oil and ethanol.
• Class 4: Flammable solids and spontaneously combustible materials – This class includes materials like activated charcoal, sulfur and aluminum powder.
• Class 5: Oxidizers and organic peroxides – These are substances that help burn other materials, like ammonium nitrate.
• Class 6: Toxic materials and infectious biological substance – This class includes things like rat poison, potassium cyanide and infectious viruses, like anthrax, Hepatitis B and Marburg virus.
• Class 7: Radioactive substances – There are numerous examples of radioactive substances, such as uranium.
• Class 8: Corrosive substances – These are substances that can quickly corrode or burn other substances, like battery fluid and other strong acids.
• Class 9: Miscellaneous materials – Substances that do not fall into any other classes are considered miscellaneous. Common examples include lithium-ion batteries and dry ice.

Injuries That May Result From a Hazmat Truck Crash

Commercial truck accidents with smaller passenger vehicles, bicyclists or pedestrians can cause a variety of severe injuries, from soft-tissue damage to traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and amputations.

Hazmat truck crashes also create a risk of exposure to toxic chemicals that could cause serious or life-threatening illness. Once toxic substances become airborne, they can no longer be contained and even people miles away from the crash site could be in danger of breathing in toxic fumes.

In some cases, toxic substances cause short-term symptoms, like skin or eye irritation. However, others could develop a range of permanent respiratory or neurological problems or increase your risk of other dangerous medical conditions later in life. For example, exposure to a high dose of radiation could increase the risk of cancer.

Hazmat trucks often carry flammable substances that could cause large explosions. These explosions could cause serious or life-threatening burn injuries to those nearby, along with smoke-inhalation injuries. The substances that burn may also be toxic, increasing your risk of respiratory or neurological complications.

Safety Violations That Could Cause the Release of Toxic Substances

Despite the best efforts of the driver and the company that loaded the hazardous cargo, toxic substances could leak out in a crash. While the truck driver may have been cautious about loading the cargo, he or she may have been negligent behind the wheel, causing the crash. For example, the driver may have been speeding, distracted or making an unsafe turn or lane change.

Unfortunately, drivers and other parties are not always as cautious as they should be about securing hazardous cargo. There may have been various violations of FMCSA regulations on transporting hazardous materials. In fact, the FMCSA maintains a dashboard of HazMat violations. These are some of the most common violations for the 2023 fiscal year, as of September 28:

• Package not secured in trailer – 3,427 violations
• Transporting materials that were not prepared according to regulations – 639 violations
• Failure to properly mark the cargo with tank with an emergency shutoff – 617
• Failure to maintain or make emergency response information accessible – 1,398

There are specific rules about the loading, transporting and unloading of bulk tanks, and if these rules are not followed, it puts others at risk of exposure to toxic or flammable materials. There are also rules on which materials can be loaded together and which ones should not be loaded together.

Improper labeling could result in crash victims not knowing they were exposed to toxic substances during and after the collision. This could result in a delay in medical treatment, which could increase the risk of permanent illness.

Who Can Be Held Liable For a Hazmat Truck Crash?

While truck drivers are often held liable for truck crashes, their employers may also be vicariously liable. They may have been negligent in the hiring process or in the process of ensuring hazardous materials were handled properly. Trucking companies may have let a truck continue to be on the road even though it had failed inspections. The owner of the hazardous cargo may also bear liability for improper labeling and any other oversights.

Why You Need an Experienced Lawyer To Manage Your Claim

It takes an in-depth investigation to determine liability for a hazmat truck crash. This includes everything from reviewing state and federal regulations and trucking company records, to hiring a crash reconstruction expert and pulling black box details from the vehicles involved. You also need to know what to look for and what steps to take to quickly preserve evidence before it is altered or lost.

These are just a few of the many reasons victims need help from an experienced law firm. We know commercial truck crashes can result in life-changing injuries, and hiring the right law firm is the first step in determining who may be liable for the crash and which insurance policies are involved.

Are You a Victim of a Minneapolis Truck Crash? Call TSR Injury Law

Commercial truck crash victims need experienced legal assistance. These cases are not the same as car accident cases. There are so many factors involved in a commercial truck crash case, including powerful insurance companies and trucking companies fighting hard to avoid accountability.

At TSR Injury Law, we level the legal playing field, fighting for the best interests of those injured by another’s negligence. Like you, our goal is to secure maximum compensation for your injuries and damages.

Our legal services come with no upfront costs or obligations.

Give us a call today to discuss how we may be able to help you: (612) TSR-TIME.

In Minnesota, crash victims can seek certain forms of compensation from their own insurance companies. Some victims may think they are more likely to recover full compensation if they are dealing with their own insurance company.

Unfortunately, your insurance company is likely to employ the same tactics as any other. They are going to look for any reason to dispute the severity or existence of your injuries. That is why they often request that you undergo an adverse medical exam, also called an independent medical examination.

TSR Injury Law’s experienced attorneys explain what you need to know about independent medical exams after Minneapolis car crashes, including whether you are required to attend.

Contact us to discuss legal options after a Minneapolis car crash: (612) TSR-TIME.

What Is an Independent Medical Examination?

A request for an independent medical exam (IME), or adverse medical exam, may sound innocent enough. The insurance company may tell you they just want to confirm your treating doctor’s evaluation of your injury.

The word “independent” can also give crash victims a false impression, making it sound like the exam is merely an attempt to get an objective assessment of your injuries.

The truth is the doctor who performs the evaluation is anything but independent. Insurance companies select doctors who are likely to have a different opinion about your injuries than your treating doctor. Some of these doctors make a lot of money conducting these evaluations. Insurance companies hire them over and over because their opinions support insurers’ interests.

The doctor picked by the insurance company is likely to say your injuries are not as severe as your treating doctor claims. The doctor may even deny the existence of an injury or say you have a condition that existed before the crash.

The insurance company may also try to use the evaluation to attack your credibility.

When Do Insurance Companies Usually Request These Evaluations?

Some insurance policies require victims to undergo an independent medical exam in order to continue receiving treatment and having their bills paid. However, insurers may also request these exams in third-party claims when an injured person makes a claim against the at fault driver’s policy.

If the insurance company does not offer the compensation you need, your lawyer may need to file a lawsuit. After the suit is filed, the liable insurance company may request an independent medical exam while both sides are preparing for trial.

Insurance companies are more likely to request an adverse medical examination when victims are seeking significant compensation for long-term injuries.

Do I Have To Attend the Exam?

Sometimes you may be required to attend and other times you may not. For example, you are often required contractually to attend if you are filing a no-fault claim. There are limitations and the request must be “reasonable.” If you file a lawsuit against the at fault party’s insurer, you will be required to attend with few exceptions.

You should not take the insurance company at their word about whether you are required to attend. Even if they do not say you are required to attend the exam, they might tell you it will allow them to process your claim more quickly. However, it is important to keep in mind that their goal is to settle your claim for far less than it is worth, or for nothing at all.

If you are unsure about whether you are required to attend the exam, you should call an experienced Minneapolis car crash lawyer who can determine your legal rights. One of the benefits of calling a lawyer early in the process is that he or she can deal with the insurance company from that point forward. You will not need to worry about what to do when the insurance company calls or how to answer their questions.

Preparing For an Independent Medical Examination

Another advantage of being represented by an experienced lawyer is that he or she can make sure you are prepared for an independent medical exam. He or she can explain what happens during the exam and what to expect after it is done.

Getting Ready To Go To the Exam

It is important to dress well for the exam. That does not mean you need to wear a suit, but you need to look like you are taking the situation seriously. Avoid wearing worn or ripped clothing or a lot of jewelry. Women should avoid wearing high heels, as the doctor may think your injuries are not a big deal if you can walk in them.

You need to keep in mind that you may be under observation from the moment you get into the parking lot where the exam will occur.  It is important to be honest about the injuries and not to exaggerate or downplay the severity.

What Happens During the Exam?

An independent medical exam should not take much more than a half hour. The doctor is going to ask you a series of questions about your injuries, perform a physical examination and write a report. Some of the questions you may be asked include:

Even though the doctor may be looking for some reason to downplay your injuries, you should still be respectful and polite. Provide honest answers to the doctor’s questions, but be concise and do not exaggerate, as this can hurt your credibility. Make sure not to ramble or provide unnecessary information.

When the examination is over, the doctor may ask you to sign some paperwork. However, you should tell the doctor to send the paperwork to your lawyer for review.

What Happens Afterward?

When you get home, you should take notes about the examination. Write down what you were asked, what the doctor said and anything else you remember that you think may be important. Make sure to share your notes and observations with your lawyer, so he or she will have a better idea of how the exam went.

What if You Get a Bad IME Report? Can You Challenge It?

No matter how well you prepare, the IME doctor’s report may conflict with the evaluation of your treating doctor. Your lawyer can dispute the IME report and file a no-fault arbitration with the American Arbitration Association. TSR Injury Law has won thousands of these no-fault hearings by gathering evidence to back your claim, which can include:

Contact TSR for Legal Assistance After a Crash

Is the insurance company demanding you attend an adverse medical exam?

You need to know your rights in this type of situation, which is why it is important to contact a licensed attorney who has significant experience with Minnesota car crash claims.

At TSR, we have been helping crash victims for decades, securing millions on their behalf. Our services are provided on contingency, so there are no upfront fees and no fees while we work on your case.

Need legal help following a car crash injury? Contact us today: (612) TSR-TIME.

Hip pain is a common symptom reported by car crash victims. While some experience pain right after the crash, some may not feel soreness or have any sign of an injury for several hours or days later. Either way, hip pain should be treated without delay.

If you or a loved one are experiencing hip pain or have been diagnosed with a hip injury after a car crash, our firm may be able to help you obtain compensation. While compensation may not be the first thing on your mind, it is vital to your recovery.

TSR Injury Law has recovered more than $1 billion on behalf of our clients, many of whom were injured in motor vehicle collisions.

Zero upfront costs or legal obligations. Call us at: (612) TSR-TIME.

Why Am I Experiencing Delayed Hip Pain After a Car Crash?

While some crash victims may feel symptoms of a hip injury immediately after being involved in a crash, others may not feel any pain for hours or even days. This is often a result of your body releasing chemicals (adrenaline and endorphins) that help mask the pain.

If you begin to feel pain in your hip hours or days after a collision, you may have sustained a hip injury. Unfortunately, delayed symptoms may increase the risk of complications and long-term hip problems.

Pain could indicate one of many hip injuries, including:

Hip Fracture

The impact of a crash could cause you to break one or more of the three bones in your hip, including the ilium, pubis or ischium. Some crash victims may suffer stress fractures, which may not hurt much right away, but the pain can worsen significantly as time goes on.

Hip Dislocation

Your femur could pop out of the hip socket and possibly sprain or tear supporting soft tissues. This may happen if your leg hits the dashboard during the impact of a crash.

Labral Tear in the Hip

Each hip socket contains a ring of cartilage that could get torn during a car crash.

Hip Bursitis

Many joints in your body, including your hips, contain bursae, which are fluid-filled sacs to cushion and lubricate the joints. Bursitis refers to inflammation of these sacs.

Tendonitis

Tendonitis refers to inflammation of tendons and ligaments. This soft tissue can have an impact to your overall mobility as it connects your muscles to various bones.

Sprains and Strains in the Hip

During a car crash, ligaments can get stretched too far or torn. This type of injury is extremely painful, and it can also make the affected joint unstable.

What Are The Symptoms of a Car Crash Hip Injury?

Pain is just one symptom that may indicate you have a hip injury. However, you could experience pain in a variety of places. There are other symptoms to watch for that may indicate a hip injury, including:

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should seek treatment right away. If you wait, you may increase your risk of long-term complications from the injury.

After doctors diagnose and stabilize your injuries, you should strongly consider reaching out to an experienced Minneapolis car accident lawyer. Expensive medical care will often be needed in the event of a car crash, and victims who hire lawyers often recover more compensation than those who do not.

How Do Car Crashes Cause Hip Injuries?

Blunt force trauma is one of the most common causes of car crash injuries, including hip injuries. Your hip could get hit in a side-impact crash if the door gets bent inward. It is also possible that one or both your legs may also hit the dashboard and/or get pinned under the dashboard. Hip injuries could also occur if your body gets tossed around or violently twisted during the collision.

Treatment For Your Car Crash Hip Injury

Severe hip fractures may require surgery to repair the breaks or replace the hip. Doctors will need to do imaging tests (X-rays, MRIs or CT scans) to determine the extent of the damage and how it can be treated.

Soft-tissue injuries often do not require surgery. However, you may need to rest and limit physical activity to allow your injury to heal correctly. If you engage in too much physical activity, you risk further injury, such as another fracture.

Even if you do not need surgery, you are likely to need physical therapy to strengthen the surrounding muscles and tissues to prevent further injury. Doctors may also prescribe pain medication and anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling and promote healing.

While minor injuries may heal in a matter of a few weeks, severe injuries could take months to heal. Rehabilitation could also add significant time to the healing process.

What Are Your Legal Options For Recovering Compensation For Hip Injuries?

Minnesota is a no-fault state, so you can seek compensation for medical care from your own car insurance policy. Your lawyer may also be able to pursue a separate claim against the liability insurance in the at-fault driver’s policy.

Even though the insurance company may be liable for your damages, they are going to look for some way to deny or underpay your claim. When this happens, you may need to file a lawsuit to obtain the compensation you deserve.

At TSR, we are always prepared to go to trial, as our goal is to recover full compensation for medical care, lost wages and other damages.

If you have questions about legal options after a car crash hip injury, TSR Injury Law is here to help.

Call TSR Injury Law Today To Discuss Your Car Crash Claim

Many crash victims are unsure where to turn for help with the insurance company. While they might consider calling a lawyer, they may be unsure of how a lawyer can help.

TSR Injury Law manages the legal process on behalf of crash victims, which means we communicate with the insurance company, negotiate for compensation, write the demand letter, and much more. If you are already dealing with an injury, let TSR Injury Law handle the challenges of the legal process while you focus on healing.

We have been helping crash victims for decades and have established a proven record of success.

There are no upfront costs with our services. Call us today: (612) TSR-TIME.

Minnesota car crashes are dangerous for everyone involved. While some at-fault drivers avoid serious injuries, others aren’t so lucky.

This raises many questions in the minds of victims. Can I still file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company? Am I pursuing compensation from the deceased driver’s family?

If you were seriously injured in a crash caused by another driver, and that driver did not survive the collision, TSR Injury Law may be able to help you take legal action.

Our firm has been helping those injured in Minneapolis car crashes for many years. Our Minneapolis vehicle crash lawyers have secured millions to help these victims take back their lives.

Contact our firm today to schedule your free consultation: (612) TSR-TIME.

What Happens to the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Policy?

If the at-fault driver had car insurance before the crash, the policy should cover the collision, whether the driver was injured, killed or unharmed. The policy does not suddenly become invalid because of what happened to the policyholder during the incident. Generally, the injuries suffered by this driver do not affect the victim’s ability to seek compensation.

This means the victim of the crash may be able to seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s liability insurance. The victim and his or her lawyer must prove the driver was negligent and link the victim’s injuries to the deceased driver’s negligence.

You may be concerned about seeking compensation, thinking that you are taking money from the family of the at-fault driver. However, it is unlikely you will be dealing with the family of the deceased at all. You and your lawyer would be asserting a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Your claim will have no financial impact on the decedent’s family.

Another reason to hire a lawyer is because the insurance company might not agree to pay out the compensation you need. A lawyer will be able to file a lawsuit on your behalf.

What if the at-Fault Driver Did Not Have Liability Insurance?

The at-fault driver may not have had insurance, or the policy may have expired before the collision occurred. In this type of situation, you would not be able to file a liability insurance claim because there would be no policy to pay out on the claim.

When there is no liability policy to recover from, you would need to turn to the uninsured motorist coverage in your own policy. This coverage is reserved for crashes with drivers who do not have insurance.

Can You File a Claim or Lawsuit Against the Deceased Driver’s Estate?

If the at-fault driver was uninsured, it may be possible to file a lawsuit against their estate. The lawsuit would make you a creditor of the decedent’s estate. If your lawsuit is successful, you would be paid as part of the probate process.

However, while filing a lawsuit against the deceased driver’s estate may be possible, it is an unlikely scenario. Most people do not have the assets to pay for medical care and other damages caused by a crash. When people get injured in Minnesota car crashes, compensation is usually paid out by the liable insurance company, uninsured or underinsured coverages.

Challenges of Recovering Compensation if the At-Fault Driver Died

People often think it should be easier to recover compensation if the at-fault driver is not there to dispute your account of the crash.

However, this could make the case more difficult to resolve. The insurance company may say it is difficult to determine what happened without hearing the deceased driver’s account of the collision. They may even say the fact their policyholder died means you are to blame for the collision. The insurance company is not going to pay out the claim because you were seriously injured.

This is why you should contact an experienced lawyer to manage your case. The experienced lawyers at TSR Injury Law have been helping crash victims for decades. We have been through the legal process thousands of times and have helped victims injured in a wide variety of collisions. We know how to build strong cases and pursue maximum compensation for victims.

Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate the collision to determine the cause of the crash, how negligence was involved, and ultimately outline a plan to get you the justice you deserve.

Call TSR Injury Law For Legal Help Following a Crash

Injured victims often have many questions after a crash. During this uncertain time, you could greatly benefit from meeting with an experienced attorney.

Our firm is deeply committed to securing full compensation to help you move forward from this unexpected crisis. There are no upfront costs with our services. That means the initial legal consultation is free and there are no fees while we work on your case.

TSR Injury Law helps injured victims with the legal process. Call us at: (612) TSR-TIME.