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Month: July 2024

What if the At-Fault Driver Was Driving Without a License?

Posted on behalf of Steve Terry
on July 25, 2024 in Auto Accidents
Updated on August 9, 2024

Driving without a license is not only illegal, but it could also complicate a car crash claim. Unlicensed drivers often do not have insurance, raising questions about how victims can seek compensation.

If you were injured in a crash caused by an unlicensed driver, our Minneapolis car accident lawyers may be able to help secure compensation on your behalf. You pay nothing unless we win your case.

More than $1 billion recovered. Schedule your free consultation: (612) TSR-TIME.

someone driving in a car

What Does it Mean to Drive Without a License in Minnesota?

Driving without a license means that the license was:

  • Never Issued: The driver never obtained a driver’s license.
  • Suspended or Revoked: The driver’s license was suspended or revoked due to previous traffic violations or legal issues.
  • Expired: The driver is operating a vehicle after his or her license has expired.
  • Not Within Possession: Some drivers may have a valid license, but it is not in their possession at the time of the crash.

What Are the Penalties for Driving Without a License in Minnesota?

It is illegal to drive without a valid license in Minnesota or any other state. This offense is a misdemeanor that comes with a fine of about $200. This includes surcharges on top of the standard fine.

The police can also cite drivers who have a valid license but do not possess it when they get pulled over or questioned by officers. However, courts usually dismiss the ticket if you present evidence that you had a valid license when you were cited.

Driving with an expired license is punishable by a $200 fine, which is a $100 fine along with another $100 in surcharges.

What if Your License Was Revoked, Suspended or Cancelled?

Most of the time, these drivers will receive a $200 ticket that costs about $300 after fees are added. However, if your license was canceled in the name of public safety, you can be charged with a gross misdemeanor. This could mean up to one year in jail and fine of $1,000.

The state only cancels driver licenses after multiple serious offenses, such as a third driving while intoxicated charge within a 10-year period.

While the criminal penalties can be steep, unlicensed drivers who cause collisions also face civil liability for the damages that resulted.

What if an Unlicensed Driver Borrows My Car and Causes a Crash?

If an unlicensed driver is using your car and causes a crash, there are several possible legal and insurance-related consequences:

Criminal Charges

The unlicensed driver may face misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the details of the incident. These charges can lead to fines and possible jail time, especially if the driver is a repeat offender or if the crash caused serious bodily injury or death.

Civil Liability

The injured parties can sue the owner and driver for compensation related to property damage, medical expenses and other losses from the collision.

No Insurance Coverage

If you allow an unlicensed driver to use your vehicle, in rare cases your insurance might not cover the collision. This is true even though Minnesota car insurance tends to follow the car and not its driver. However, coverage is going to depend on the terms of your policy.

How Can I Recover Compensation for a Crash With an Unlicensed Driver?

Minnesota’s no-fault insurance system allows crash victims to obtain compensation for medical care and certain other damages regardless of who is at fault. In other words, the fact that the at-fault driver is unlicensed should not affect your ability to obtain compensation from your own insurance policy.

It may also be possible to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s liability insurance, if he or she has any. However, unlicensed drivers often do not have insurance. In such a case, you could use your uninsured  motorist coverage.

What Should I Do After a Crash With an Unlicensed Driver?

There are several steps you should take to protect your safety and your legal rights:

  • Ensure Safety: First, check for injuries and make sure everyone is safe. Call 9-1-1 if anyone is hurt and needs emergency medical care.
  • Report the Collision: You are required to report most crashes that occur, but this is especially important when the at-fault driver does not have a license. The police will file a report about the crash, noting what happened and the fact the at-fault driver is unlicensed. A police report can be a valuable tool for insurance claims.
  • Exchange Information: Collect the unlicensed driver’s contact and vehicle information, and the vehicle owner’s information, if the owner and driver are not the same person. You may be able to seek compensation through the vehicle owner’s policy, so you need to know how to get in touch with the owner and/or the insurance company.
  • Document the Scene: Take pictures of the crash, including the vehicles involved, including license plates, visible damages, injuries and road signs or conditions.

Did an Unlicensed Driver Cause Your Collision? Schedule a Free Consultation

If you have been injured in a car crash caused by an unlicensed driver in Minnesota, TSR Injury Law is here to help you fight for your rights.

If you need help navigating your claim or recovering compensation, contact TSR Injury Law to discuss your case and explore your options for recovery. You pay nothing unless we win your case and recover compensation, either through negotiation or a courtroom decision.

Call TSR today to learn more: (612) TSR-TIME. Free initial legal consultation.

What Do You Need to Know About Seeking Compensation for an Amputation Injury From a Collision?

Posted on behalf of Steve Terry
on July 18, 2024 in Auto Accidents
Updated on August 9, 2024

While it is rare, some car crashes can cause amputation injuries. Crash victims either lose the limb in the collision itself or suffer a severe injury that requires doctors to amputate.

This is one of the most life-changing outcomes of a collision, as victims must change the way they do countless tasks. The financial and emotional impact cannot be overstated.

If you or your loved one suffered an amputation or another severe injury in a Minneapolis collision caused by a driver’s negligence, call us for legal assistance. Our Minneapolis motorcycle accident lawyers has successfully recovered millions for crash victims, and there are no upfront costs or fees.

Need legal help? Contact TSR Injury Law: (612) TSR-TIME.

man walking with amputated leg

How Can You Lose a Limb in a Car Crash?

Car crashes can cause traumatic amputations, where a limb is severed from the body during a collision. Crashes could also cause catastrophic damage to one of your limbs. Doctors may need to amputate to prevent infections from spreading from the damaged limb to the rest of your body.

These are some of the injuries that could result in limb amputation after a crash:

Crush Injuries

A crush injury could cause catastrophic damage that results in an amputation. For instance, your arm or leg could get crushed or caught between parts of your vehicle. Prolonged pressure can cause irreparable damage, including severe fractures, lacerations, crush syndrome and the release of toxins that could put great stress on your internal organs, especially your kidneys. Some victims suffer compartment or crush syndrome. Even with treatment, doctors may need to amputate to save patients’ lives.

Severe Fractures

High-impact collisions can shatter bones in such a way they cannot be prepared. If the fractures restrict blood flow to the affected limb or cause significant tissue damage, doctors may need to amputate.

Penetrating Injuries

Sharp objects, such as metal pieces from the vehicle or broken glass, can cause deep lacerations or puncture wounds. These injuries can sever your blood vessels, muscles, nerves and bones, making it nearly impossible to salvage your limb.

Compartment Syndrome

This condition occurs when swelling within an enclosed muscle compartment increases pressure to dangerous levels, cutting off ‌blood flow to your body parts and destroying tissues. If not treated quickly, the affected limb may need to be amputated.

Burns

If there is a fire or explosion, crash victims could suffer severe burns. If you suffer third-degree burns, amputation might be the only viable option to prevent life-threatening infections from spreading to other parts of the body.

Vascular Damage

Severe trauma can damage major blood vessels, leading to loss of circulation in your limb. If vascular repair is not possible or does not restore enough blood flow, amputation may become necessary to prevent gangrene and other complications.

Secondary Infections

In some cases, your initial injuries may lead to severe infection. Amputating the affected limb can be crucial to preventing the spread of infection and saving your life.

What Body Parts Could be Amputated After a Severe Minnesota Car Crash?

Some of the most common car crash amputations include:

  • Leg amputations
  • Arm amputations
  • Elbow disarticulation amputations, which are through the elbow joint instead of the bone
  • Shoulder disarticulation amputations, which are through the shoulder joint
  • Finger and hand amputations
  • Partial hand amputations
  • Wrist disarticulation amputations, which are through the wrist joint
  • Foot and toe amputations
  • Partial foot amputations
  • Transtibial amputations (below the knee)
  • Transfemoral amputations (above the knee)
  • Hip disarticulation amputations, which are through the hip joint

Why do They Amputate Legs After a Car Crash?

Doctors often amputate legs because patients suffered crush injuries. Compression caused catastrophic damage to bones, muscles and nerves and restricted blood flow to the leg for too long.

This could happen in a rear-end car crash or underride truck crash, both of which could cause the driver’s leg to get pinned under the dashboard. The driver could get trapped in the vehicle, leading to prolonged compression.

What are the Potential Complications from an Amputation?

Amputations can cause a variety of serious complications that may affect patients for a long time. For instance, losing a leg or foot could cause a decline in your physical activity. This may raise the possibility of blood clots that could threaten your life.

Other possible complications from an amputation include:

  • Excessive bleeding and loss of blood; victims may need a transfusion to save their lives
  • Post-operative infections that could damage remaining tissues; doctors may need to do surgery to treat the infection and prevent it from spreading
  • Muscle weakness in the remainder of the limb
  • Phantom limb pain, which happens when the victim feels like he or she still has the missing limb; the pain could be constant

How Long do Amputations Take to Heal?

The wound at the amputation site usually heals within a matter of weeks, anywhere from a month to about six weeks. However, the scar on the amputation site could take a year to a year and a half to fully heal.

Doctors typically must wait for the site to fully heal to give the patient a prosthetic. Doctors must also wait to make sure there are not any complications.

How Painful is Losing a Limb?

The physical pain from an amputation is considerable, and it may be chronic. The pain can cause a decline in physical activity, as it may be just as severe as the pain from the original injury. Anyone who has ever dealt with chronic pain knows how debilitating it can be.

If the patient lost a limb, he or she can get a prosthesis, but this means the victim needs to relearn how to do some things. For example, if the patient lost a leg, he or she will need to learn how to walk with a prosthetic. Moving around often takes more time and can be exhausting.

Losing a hand or an arm means the patient is going to need help or to relearn how to write, bathe, cook and handle any number of tasks he or she once took for granted.

Often, physical pain is accompanied by emotional pain. Victims may experience severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) where they relive the experience of losing the limb.

Chronic pain can lead to depression, stress and trouble sleeping. This greatly reduces quality of life.

Amputations change the victim’s personal appearance, which serves as a constant reminder of the injury and the crash. This can diminish the victim’s self-esteem, making it harder for him or her to engage in the same activities he or she once enjoyed.

The Importance of Expert Witnesses in Amputation Injury Claims

Expert witnesses play a pivotal role in amputation injury claims. Medical experts can provide detailed insights into:

  • The extent of your injuries, such as which body part is amputated and how much.
  • Treatments required, such as rehabilitation or occupational therapy with prosthetics.
  • The long-term impact injuries have on your life, such as the inability to walk and the emotional trauma you experience

How Much Compensation Can You Get for Losing a Limb?

Amputation victims may be eligible for various forms of compensation. Injury compensation is generally divided into two categories:

  • Economic damages: These are quantifiable losses, such as medical expenses, including surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, prosthetic devices and ongoing care are economic damages. Also, you may be eligible for lost wages and loss of earning capacity if you are unable to return to work.
  • Non-economic damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life and loss of consortium are non-economic compensation. For example, if you experience significant emotional trauma and can no longer enjoy activities like attending concerts or social clubs due to your amputation, you may claim compensation for these non-economic losses.

Contact TSR Injury Law Today

If you or a loved one has suffered an amputation injury from a collision, contacting a lawyer is an important step.

Your lawyer can educate you on your legal rights and guide you through the claim process. This includes negotiating with insurance companies and representing you in court if your case goes to trial.

We have recovered over $1 billion for our clients and want to help you seek the compensation you deserve.

Our lawyers are ready to speak to you: (612) TSR-TIME.

Dangers of Penetrating Injuries From Car Crashes in Minneapolis

Posted on behalf of Steve Terry
on July 11, 2024 in Auto Accidents
Updated on July 29, 2024

Penetrating injuries, though less common than other types of injuries, pose serious risks to car crash victims. These types of injuries often result from shattered glass or projectiles from inside or outside of the vehicle.

Did you or a loved one suffer a penetrating injury? TSR Injury Law may be able to help you recover compensation for your damages, including pain and suffering. Our Minneapolis motorcycle accident lawyers has recovered more than $1 billion for our injured clients in Minnesota, and we do not charge any upfront fees.

Call TSR for legal assistance: (612) TSR-TIME.

man with chest pain

How a Penetrating Injury Could Happen in a Crash

Penetrating injuries occur when an object pierces the skin, potentially causing significant damage to internal organs and other parts of your body. These injuries are often caused by broken glass or flying debris that enters the car during a crash.

When two cars crash into each other at high speed, the force of impact can cause objects to become projectiles:

  • If the collision happens near a construction site, loose materials or tools might become dangerous projectiles.
  • On a highway or in rural areas, debris like rocks, branches or even parts of vehicles can get thrown around.
  • If one of the cars is carrying cargo, it could spill out of the car, creating more hazards and flying objects.

What Are the Types of Penetrating Injuries?

Penetrating injuries can affect any area of your body, which carries different risks and complications:

Extremity Trauma

Penetrating injuries to the arms and legs can cause extensive damage. If a sharp object, such as a piece of metal, penetrates your arm or leg, you could suffer significant damage to your muscles, nerves, blood vessels and bones.

In some cases, pressure can build up within closed muscle compartments, known as compartment syndrome, leading to further tissue damage and complications.

Chest Trauma

Penetrating trauma to the chest could injure vital organs such as the heart, lungs and major blood vessels.

For instance, in a high-speed car crash, if a piece of broken glass from the windshield pierces your chest, it could cause a collapsed lung, internal bleeding in the chest cavity or even compression of the heart due to accumulated blood. These injuries require immediate medical attention to prevent life-threatening complications.

Neck Trauma

Penetrating trauma to the neck threatens major blood vessels and the spinal cord. Depending on the location and depth of penetration, you could experience difficulty breathing, severe bleeding or even paralysis.

Abdominal Trauma

Your abdomen has essential organs, such as the liver, spleen, kidneys and intestines. If an object penetrates your abdomen, it could cause severe internal bleeding and potential organ failure. Your injury may also result in hemorrhagic shock, where your body loses a significant amount of blood, causing a dangerous drop in blood pressure.

Risks of Penetrating Injuries

Even with prompt medical intervention, victims face a high risk of complications from penetrating injuries, including:

  • Organ Damage: If an object pierces your skin, it could cause catastrophic damage to internal organs, such as your kidneys, spleen, liver or intestines. Damage to these vital organs could lead to life-threatening complications, including organ failure.
  • Infection: Harmful bacteria from a penetrating object or the surrounding area could enter your body. Without quick medical attention, infections can escalate, potentially causing sepsis.
  • Hemorrhage: Another risk you could encounter with penetrating injuries is significant bleeding, especially if the object damages any of your major blood vessels. Uncontrolled bleeding might result in hemorrhagic shock, preventing vital organs from receiving oxygen.
  • Nerve Damage: Depending on where and how severe the injury is, penetrating objects can damage your nerves, leading to loss of feeling, weakness or even paralysis in the injured area. Nerve injuries can have long-term effects on your mobility and function, which may require extensive rehabilitation and medical care.
  • Complications During Surgery: Surgery to treat a penetrating injury exposes you to the risk of additional complications, including infections, excessive bleeding, or damage to nearby tissues or organs.
  • Psychological Trauma: Dealing with a penetrating injury can also take a toll on your mental health. You might experience feelings of anxiety, depression or even PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) as you navigate the physical and emotional aftermath of the collision. Coping with these challenges might require ongoing therapy and support.

Including a Penetrating Injury in a Motor Vehicle Crash Claim

If you suffered a penetrating injury in a Minneapolis car crash, you can seek coverage from your personal injury protection coverage. This coverage applies regardless of who is at fault for the crash. This coverage also pays for medical bills and lost income when the injury prevents you from working.

In cases of a penetrating injury, the effects may be so severe that you have the right to seek pain and suffering compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. In Minnesota, you can file a car crash lawsuit if you meet one of these four requirements:

  • Minimum of $4,000 in medical bills
  • Permanent injury
  • You cannot work for a minimum of 60 days
  • You suffered permanent disfigurement

You can also file a lawsuit on behalf of a loved one who was killed in a Minneapolis collision.

Determining Fault

A car crash lawsuit is outside of the no-fault system. That means you must prove that the other driver is responsible for your damages. Your lawyer must prove negligence, which has four elements:

  • Duty of care
  • Breach of duty of care
  • Causation
  • Damages were suffered

For example, a driver who runs a red light breaches a duty of care. If running a red light caused a collision, the driver could be held responsible for your damages.

However, sometimes, a driver’s negligence is not clear and straightforward. In a crash caused by a lane change, both drivers may share responsibility for the collision. Sudden movements in this type of collision can also make it difficult to prove whether a driver was reckless or attempting to avoid an obstacle. 

Minnesota’s modified comparative negligence law might reduce your compensation if you are found to be partially at fault. For example, if you are determined to be 20 percent responsible for the crash because you were speeding, and the total compensation awarded is $20,000, you would receive $16,000 (80 percent of $20,000).

However, if you were found to be 51 percent or more at fault for the crash, you would not be eligible to receive any compensation under this Minnesota law.

Have You Been Injured in a Crash? Call Our Firm Today

If you or a loved one has suffered a penetrating injury in a car crash due to the actions of a negligent driver, you have the right to seek compensation for your damages. The costs of your medical treatment, lost wages and long-term care can be overwhelming and could create a heavy financial burden for you.

At TSR Injury Law, our experienced legal team understands the challenges of moving forward after a serious injury. We are dedicated to helping victims navigate the complex legal process, advocating for their rights and pursuing the compensation they need to move forward with their lives.

Complete a free case evaluation form or call us at (612) TSR-TIME.

Why You Might Feel Dizzy After a Minnesota Car Crash?

Posted on behalf of Steve Terry
on July 4, 2024 in Auto Accidents
Updated on August 9, 2024

You may experience numerous symptoms after a collision. While it may seem minor, dizziness is sometimes a sign of a more serious underlying injury, so you should report it to a doctor right away.

Injured after a car crash? TSR Injury Law’s Minneapolis car accident lawyers may be able to help you seek compensation for medical costs, pain and suffering and more. For decades, our firm has been assisting crash victims in Minnesota, securing millions for our clients.

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

Why Some Crash Victims Feel Dizzy

Woman trying to keep her balance after feeling dizzy. After a car crash, victims often tend to experience dizziness as a symptom of underlying injuries, including:

Whiplash

During a crash, the sudden back-and-forth movement of your head can cause whiplash, leading to strain neck muscles. This unexpected motion can stretch and tear your neck’s tendons and ligaments. Symptoms of whiplash may include neck pain, stiffness, headaches and dizziness.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

The sudden impact of a car crash can cause a TBI to occur. For example, if you hit your head during a crash and experience persistent dizziness afterward, it could be a sign of a TBI.  Often, you don’t even need to strike your head to suffer from a TBI.

Inner Ear Injuries

Damage to your inner ear, such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), can cause dizziness. BPPV occurs when small calcium carbonate crystals become dislodged in the inner ear, leading to episodes of vertigo.

If you are involved in a rollover accident, you might experience persistent dizziness and imbalance. This could be due to damage to the delicate structures of your inner ear, which helps maintain your body’s equilibrium.

Neck Injuries

Injuries to the neck, such as cervical vertigo or cervicogenic dizziness, can result in feelings of dizziness. These conditions occur when damage or strain to your neck muscles and ligaments affects the vestibular system.

If you were involved in a side-impact collision, you may have experienced sudden jerking movements of your head and neck. Neck strains can cause significant discomfort and may require medical intervention to alleviate symptoms and assist in your recovery.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Emotional trauma from a car crash can manifest as physical symptoms, including dizziness. The heightened anxiety and stress caused by PTSD can trigger feelings of dizziness, lightheadedness and disorientation.

After a high-speed collision, you might find yourself experiencing intense anxiety and intrusive thoughts about the accident. This could be a sign of PTSD. Even if you were not physically harmed, the emotional impact of the accident can be profound and long-lasting.

What You Should Do if You Feel Dizzy Following a Crash

If you feel dizzy after a crash, you can prioritize your health and safety by taking the following steps:

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

If you experience dizziness after a car crash, seek medical attention promptly. Dizziness can be a sign of a serious injury and a healthcare professional can assess your condition and provide appropriate treatment.

Rest and Recovery

Allow yourself time to rest and recover from the crash. Avoid strenuous activities that could exacerbate your symptoms.

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Dehydration reduces blood volume and blood flow to the brain, leading to less oxygen supply and impaired brain function.

Avoid Driving

If you are experiencing dizziness, avoid driving until you feel well enough to do so safely. Driving while dizzy impairs your ability to focus, react quickly and maintain control of your vehicle. Under those conditions, you risk another accident or endangering other drivers.

Monitor Symptoms

Keep track of your symptoms and any changes in how you are feeling. If your symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop, you should seek immediate medical attention at a doctor’s office, hospital or other medical facility.

Follow Up with Your Doctor

Dizziness can sometimes be a symptom of more serious conditions, such as a concussion or mini stroke. Hence, why you must attend any follow-up appointments recommended by your healthcare providers and adhere to their treatment plans. Failure to do so could delay your recovery, worsen symptoms or lead to complications that could have been prevented.

Seeking Compensation for the Underlying Injury

Keep detailed records of your symptoms, medical treatments and any expenses incurred because of your dizziness. This documentation helps your lawyer to determine the full value of your claim for compensation.

An experienced lawyer can gather evidence, interview witnesses and analyze the accident’s circumstances. This gives you a better chance of building a solid case for compensation.

There are deadlines for seeking compensation, so you need to contact a lawyer quickly. If you wait, evidence could be lost, which could weaken your claim.

Feeling Dizzy After a Car Crash? Seek Counsel from Our Legal Team

If you are experiencing dizziness following a car crash, and it is being caused by an injury, you should seek legal guidance from an experienced attorney. Our legal team has decades of experience representing car crash victims and can help you understand your rights and options for seeking compensation.

If another driver caused injuries, you have the legal right to seek compensation for the losses related to the car crash. At TSR Injury Law, our experienced attorneys can guide you through every step of the legal journey.

Do not hesitate to reach out to us today. We are here to advocate on your behalf, look out for your best interests and help you recover the compensation you deserve.

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