Questions Injury Victims Often Have for Lawyers

Posted on behalf of Steve Terry
on April 30, 2021 in Personal Injury
Updated on December 5, 2022

Are you unsure if you may have a case? Do you have questions about what damages you may be able to include in a personal injury claim?

These are just a couple of the questions injury victims often have when they speak with a lawyer to discuss their claim. While you could also ask the insurance company these questions, it is important to remember the insurance company only cares about its bottom line. Insurance companies often give low values on claims, much lower than their true value, because they are trying to pad their profit margins.

The licensed Bloomington personal injury lawyers at TSR Injury Law are here to answer questions you may have after being injured in an accident that was not your fault. Our focus is securing compensation for all your damages to help you move forward in life.

What is the Next Step?

That depends. Have you already filed a claim or are you unsure if you may have a case? Have you already been to the doctor? Are insurance companies calling you?

We need to look at where you are in the process to determine what the best course of action may be. Our firm is prepared to manage each step of the process on your behalf, which could include:

Filing a claim
Responding to the insurance company’s compensation offer
Investigating the accident

Bringing in experts to help validate your claim
Educating you on medical options to help with your pain

How Long Could This Process Take?

While each situation is unique, the answer often depends on the severity of the victim’s injuries. Typically, settlement negotiations do not begin until the victim’s injuries have reached maximum medical improvement. The more severe your injuries, the longer that may take.

However, the insurance company may still try to get you to take a lowball offer. If that happens, you have the option to file a lawsuit to pursue full compensation for your damages. Even if the case never makes it to trial, preparing for a trial could take a significant amount of time.

The important thing to remember is our firm is focused on your best interests. We want to recover full compensation for your damages and do so as quickly and efficiently as possible. It is often the insurance company that delays the process.

Will I Need to File a Lawsuit?

Generally, accident victims recover compensation through an insurance settlement. This is true for most injury cases. Even if a lawsuit is filed, the case may never end up in court because the insurance company will make a favorable settlement offer.

However, there may be times when going to trial may be in your best interest. It is important to hire an experienced attorney who regularly takes cases to court because he or she will be ready to do so for you.

Even though your case may never see the inside of a courtroom, you do not want to have a lawyer who always settles and never files a lawsuit. Insurance companies know the lawyers who do not take cases to court and they offer those lawyers much less for their client’s.

At TSR Injury Law, we try more personal injury cases in the State of Minnesota than any other law firm with fantastic results. The insurance companies know us, our results and what we are capable of.

Should I Accept the Insurance Company’s Offer?

The answer to this question is often “no”, as the insurance company’s offer is usually well below the full value of the claim. However, it is important to discuss settlement offers with an experienced attorney, as he or she can explain if the offer may be fair. You may feel pressure to make a quick decision, but you have time to talk things over with your lawyer.

Is the Insurance Company Going to Make More Offers?

This answer to this question is often “yes”. Despite how they may have presented things on the phone or in person. Insurance companies often make lowball offers initially, but they may offer more compensation later.

Talking to a lawyer is often an important first step in pursuing more compensation. Discuss any lowball offers with your lawyer so he or she can get an idea of the gap between what the insurance company is offering and what your claim may be worth.

Is it Too Late to Get Help from a Lawyer?

It might not be. A consultation with one of the licensed attorneys at our firm is free of charge. In this meeting, an attorney can determine if he or she may be able to assist you. Sometimes a lawyer can help an accident victim secure a settlement even if the victim did not call until after the claim was denied.

How do I Pay My Medical Bills?

There are various options for paying your medical bills while our attorneys pursue compensation for your damages. For example, until you reach a settlement, you may be able to manage your medical costs by:

Using your auto insurance no-fault benefits
Using your health insurance

Negotiating payment plans with the doctor or hospital
Delaying collection efforts until you reach a settlement

We understand this is a difficult time for you and mounting medical bills can create much anxiety. We are committed to trying to secure a settlement as quickly as possible. We may also be able to help you negotiate with your medical providers.

Schedule a Free Consultation to Discuss Your Situation

Our firm has helped countless injury victims secure compensation for their damages – over a billion recovered over more than two decades. If you think you may have a case, or are unsure, give us a call to see if we can assist you.

Our firm operates on contingency, which means there are no upfront fees. The initial consultation is free and there are no fees while we work on your case. Our firm only gets paid at the end of the legal process if you get paid first.

Our award-winning attorneys are ready to assist you in pursuing favorable compensation.

TSR Injury Law. Licensed. Local. Lawyers. (612) TSR-TIME.

Mistakes That Could Hurt Your Chances of Recovering Car Crash Compensation

Posted on behalf of Steve Terry
on April 28, 2021 in Auto Accidents
Updated on December 6, 2022

Car crashes are traumatic, often unexpected events. Victims may have many questions and much uncertainty about what to do. Unfortunately, this could lead to many mistakes that may hurt your chances of recovering all the compensation you need.

It is important to learn more about some of these common mistakes so you can avoid them if you get into a crash.

If you have questions after a crash, give TSR Injury Law a call to schedule a free legal consultation with a licensed attorney. There are no upfront fees for our services, and our firm is dedicated to securing maximum compensation for Minnesota injury victims.

Admitting Fault

You may bear some amount of fault for what happened. However, you might be blameless – sometimes crash victims apologize or think they could have done more when that is inaccurate. It is important not to make quick judgments about the crash, particularly when you are talking to the insurance company. If you admit fault, they will use that against you to devalue your claim.

If you have concerns about your role in the crash or think it may have been partially your fault, contact TSR as soon as possible. A licensed Bloomington auto accident lawyer can discuss the situation with you.

Waiting to Get Treatment

It is best to get treatment immediately after the crash. It is difficult to know how severe your injuries may be, as pain is often masked by adrenaline.

If you wait, you risk allowing your injuries to become much worse. You could also hurt your chances of securing full compensation for your damages. The insurance company will use the gap between the crash and the start of treatment against you. By seeking treatment immediately, you help show you are taking the situation seriously, you are injured, and you are making an effort to get better.

Accepting the First Offer

Do not be surprised if the insurance company offers you a settlement soon after the crash. They are not doing this because they want to fairly compensate you. They are trying to get a release for as cheaply as possible. Insurance companies make a profit by collecting premiums and then not paying out. If they can convince you to settle for $10,000.00 when the claim is truly worth $30,000.00, they just saved $20,000.00 for profit.

If you receive a settlement offer, you should discuss it with a licensed attorney. Unlike the insurance company, an attorney is committed to your best interests.

It is also important to remember the first offer is not the only offer. Typically, the first offer is a baseline to negotiate from. If you accept the first offer, you cannot later ask for more compensation, even if your claim is truly worth more. This would potentially include waiving future medical coverage, wage loss reimbursement or compensation for pain and suffering in the past and for the rest of your life.

Waiting Too Long to Talk to a Lawyer

If you wait too long to discuss the situation with a lawyer there may be little a lawyer can do to help you. By waiting, you risk evidence disappearing (such as video and witness’s memories) by signing releases you may waive privacy rights we cannot regain, and you may miss the timeline to start a lawsuit. For example, there is a statute of limitations (sometimes as short as two years) from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. It takes time to build a strong case, as lawyers need to investigate, gather evidence, write a demand letter, etc.

At our firm, the initial consultation is free and comes with no obligation to take legal action. The initial consultation is to determine if you may have a case and if you may need an attorney’s help. We get paid on a contingent basis, so our fee is the same if we get hired on day one or day 100. There is zero risk allowing TSR to investigate your case and help you earlier rather than later.

Posting About the Crash on Social Media

You can continue posting things to social media while pursuing compensation after a car crash. However, be careful not to post things about the crash or things that could be used to attack your credibility.

For example, posting pictures from your vacation is a bad idea. The insurance company may use these pictures to argue you are not really hurt. If you can go on vacation and enjoy yourself, how much pain can you really be in? Are you following the doctor’s orders about physical activity?

You may think it does not matter what you post on social media, but insurance companies often review a claimant’s social media accounts to find things that can be used against them. Even if you are using privacy settings, there may be ways around them. Make sure not to accept friend requests from people you do not know, as they may be insurance company representatives snooping for information.

Unsure if You Can Recover Compensation? Call Today

Our firm has a proven track record of securing compensation for crash victims. We have recovered tens of millions of dollars in compensation over more than 20 years serving Bloomington and the surrounding areas.

The initial consultation is free and comes with no obligation to hire our firm. We take cases on contingency, which means no upfront fees while working on your case.

Get the Legal Help You Need. Call (612) TSR-TIME.

Filing a Claim for Compensation After a Crash Involving a Ridesharing Vehicle

Posted on behalf of Steve Terry
on April 20, 2021 in Auto Accidents
Updated on December 6, 2022

While people often use ridesharing services to avoid the stress of driving, there is still a risk of a crash. You do not know the person driving or his or her driving habits. The driver may also be in a rush because once he or she arrives at your destination he or she can pick someone else up to earn more money.

The last thing you want to think about is getting into a crash, but it might happen. If it does, do you know how to seek compensation? What if you were driving for a ridesharing service?

Unfortunately, people often do not think about these things before they happen, and people may be unprepared when they do. Our Minneapolis auto accident lawyers discuss what you should know about filing these claims.

If you have questions after being injured in a crash, give us a call to schedule a free legal consultation. There are no upfront fees for our services.

Insurance Coverage for Ridesharing Drivers

Minnesota Statute 65B.472 requires drivers, or the companies that they work for, to carry certain amounts of insurance coverage to provide compensation in case of a crash. Coverage requirements differ depending on whether the driver is transporting a passenger or is simply logged into the app and ready to pick up a passenger. This insurance is considered primary coverage. That means this is the first insurance policy crash victims would file a claim against.

Insurance While Logged into the App

Drivers or ridesharing companies are required to carry liability coverage for injury and property damage:

$50,000 for injury or death to one person
$100,000 for death or injury to two or more people in one crash
$30,000 for property damage

Drivers can satisfy the requirements of this section by purchasing this coverage on their own or by relying on the ridesharing company’s coverage, or through a combination of their own insurance and the ridesharing company’s insurance.

Insurance While Transporting a Passenger

The driver or ridesharing company must have insurance for injury or property damage of at least $1,500,000. As with coverage while the driver is not transporting a passenger, the requirements can be satisfied by the driver, ridesharing company or a combination of the two.

What if I Was Not in a Ridesharing Vehicle?

The law considers the ridesharing driver’s coverage to be the primary coverage. That means you would likely file a claim against that coverage first.

What Should I Do After a Crash Involving a Ridesharing Vehicle?

Try to get the names and contact information of everyone involved in the crash. That will help you and your attorney pursue compensation for your damages.

If you are able, contact the police so an officer can be dispatched to the scene to investigate and complete a police report. The police report helps to prove the crash happened and involved a ridesharing driver.

Even if you do not feel much pain or think you have minor injuries, it is important to go see a doctor right away. Your injuries could be worse than you think and going to the hospital right away helps to link your injuries to the crash.

When your injuries have been diagnosed and stabilized, you should strongly consider calling an attorney for assistance. The attorneys at TSR Injury Law have secured millions in compensation on behalf of crash victims. If we represent you, our goal is to secure maximum compensation to help secure your future.

It is important to receive full compensation so you can obtain the treatment recommended by doctors. Many people do not have the financial resources to pay for ongoing medical treatment for a severe injury. Without recommended treatment, it may be harder to make the best recovery possible.

TSR is Here to Assist You After a Crash

Since 1998, TSR Injury Law has been an advocate for those injured by the negligence of others. We have secured tens of millions in compensation on behalf of our clients and are prepared to help you with the legal process.

We take cases on contingency, which means no upfront fees or obligations. Our attorneys do not get paid unless you get paid.

TSR Injury is here to help after a crash. Call (612) TSR-TIME.

Do I Have a Case if My Injury Symptoms were Delayed After the Crash?

Posted on behalf of Steve Terry
on April 9, 2021 in Auto Accidents
Updated on May 3, 2023

For some reason, injury victims tend to downplay their injuries. Maybe they do not want to deal with the inconvenience of seeking medical treatment and having a doctor tell them to limit physical activity. Maybe they think they are just a little sore and will recover within a few days or a week. Perhaps the millions of dollars insurance companies spend claiming everyone is suing each other makes you feel guilty for actually being hurt. Whatever the reason, many victims discover their injuries were much worse than they thought once they get treatment. This often raises important questions about your ability to seek compensation, since insurers frequently use delaying the start of medical treatment as an excuse to deny an injury claim.

The Bloomington auto accident lawyers have experience helping injury victims and may be able to help you recover the compensation you need, even if your injuries were delayed.

Below, learn more about seeking compensation for a delayed injury. TSR Injury Law offers a free legal consultation to discuss legal options following a crash injury.

Car Crash Injuries with Delayed Symptoms

There are some injuries that may leave you feeling a little sore at first. You may also experience headaches. Unfortunately, many crash victims think of these as minor symptoms and think they will likely heal on their own.

However, these kinds of symptoms could be signs of more serious injuries. Symptoms of these injuries are likely to get worse in the coming days and weeks.

Back Injuries

Back pain could be much more serious than you think. Pain could indicate damage to the spinal cord, a herniated disc or whiplash.

If you have back pain, watch for other symptoms, such as tingling in your legs. A neck injury could also cause tingling or zapping pain into your arms or hands. This may indicate a pinched nerve.

Other symptoms to watch for include:

Headaches
Trouble breathing

Losing your balance
Losing bladder or bowel control

Whiplash

If your head and neck were whipped forward or back during and after impact, the tendons in your neck and shoulders may have been stretched too far. While you may have some pain right away, it may not get bad until the next day or the next few days.

While whiplash sometimes heals on its own, it is important to seek treatment right away. This could help the injury heal faster and prevent other symptoms, which may include:

Ringing in the ears
Blurry vision
Trouble sleeping

Concussion/Traumatic Brain Injuries

Contrary to what some people may believe, you can suffer a concussion without being knocked out. You do not even need to hit your head on something to suffer a concussion. Simply being jolted around violently could cause the brain to slam against the inside of your skull. The term shaken baby syndrome is an unfortunate reality because of this exact phenomenon.

Potential symptoms of a concussion may include:

Headaches
Sensitivity to light or sounds

Mood swings
Disorientation or dizziness

Internal Bleeding

If you cannot see an injury, you may not think it exists. However, some injuries do not cause damage you can see. Crash victims may dismiss abdominal pain without realizing it may be a sign of internal bleeding. If you feel dizzy or faint you may have suffered internal bleeding. Sometimes internal bleeding causes large dark bruises.

Filing a Claim for a Delayed Injury

If you waited to seek treatment, you should strongly consider meeting with an attorney. The insurance company may claim your injury was caused by something other than the crash. You need an experienced attorney to build a strong case that may help you counter these claims.

It is also important to tell the doctor you see that you were in a car crash, and your symptoms started then and have become worse since. The doctor will note that in your medical records, which should help link the crash and your injuries.

You may be concerned the insurance company will review your medical history to discover preexisting medical conditions and blame your injury on one of these conditions. However, you do not automatically need to give them access to old medical records. If you are concerned about a preexisting injury affecting your claim, discuss it with your attorney, as it will be protected by attorney-client privilege.

You should also make sure to follow the doctor’s advice and continue your treatment. This helps to show the severity of your injuries and you are taking the situation seriously. Missing appointments and stopping treatment gives the insurance company something to use against you.

Need Help Filing a Claim? Call TSR Today

If you were in a car crash and suffered an injury diagnosed by a doctor, you should be able to seek compensation through an insurance claim. This is likely true even if you delayed seeking treatment after a crash.

However, in these situations, it is important to find an experienced attorney with a track record of success. You cannot rely on the insurance companies to treat you fairly after a crash. You need an experienced attorney with a history of negotiating with insurance companies and obtaining compensation.

There are no upfront fees, and the initial consultation is free of charge.

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

Month: April 2021