Author: Steve Terry

While car crash eye injuries do not get as much attention as spinal cord or traumatic brain injuries, they are quite common. These injuries could result in temporary or even permanent loss of vision, which would be devastating on multiple levels.

Below, TSR Injury Law’s experienced attorneys discuss common eye injuries that occur in motor vehicle collisions, including how they occur, their symptoms and their long-term effects.

Did you suffer an eye injury in a collision? Our Minneapolis auto accident attorneys are here to help and there are no upfront fees charged with our services.

Call us to set up your free legal consultation: (612) TSR-TIME.

How Could a Car Crash Cause an Eye Injury?

There are many ways crash victims could suffer damage to one or both of their eyes in a crash. Common causes of car crash eye injuries include:

What Types of Eye Injuries Can Happen in Vehicle Collisions?

Car crashes could cause vehicle occupants to suffer various eye injuries, including:

Detached Retina

This is an injury that needs to be treated as soon as possible, otherwise, you might suffer permanent loss of vision in the eye.

The retina is the light-sensitive tissue in the back of your eye. Blunt force trauma to the head during a car crash could damage the tissue or cause it to detach. That said, retinal detachment can occur even without your head getting hit during the crash. If the crash shakes your head around violently enough, your retina could detach.

Orbital Bone Fractures

Blunt trauma to your face could cause the portion of your skull surrounding your eyes to fracture. For example, this might happen if you hit your face on your steering wheel or dashboard. It is also possible for the airbag to cause orbital bone fractures when it deploys.

Car crash orbital fractures are an indication of the force generated during a car crash. The orbital bones are some of the strongest bones in your body, which means it takes significant force to cause them to break.

If you suffer an orbital bone fracture, doctors should evaluate you for a brain injury and determine the severity of your eye injury.

Hyphema

This occurs when blood leaks into the anterior chamber of one of your eyes. The anterior chamber is the space between your iris and cornea. Referred to as hyphema by medical professionals, the collection of blood in the font of the eye is often a symptom of serious damage to one of your eyes.

Corneal Abrasion

This injury is also referred to as a scratched eye. This is often caused by a sharp object, such as glass or debris, hitting your eye and scratching it.

One of the dangers of a corneal abrasion is that your eye is more susceptible to becoming infected by fungus or bacteria. It can take just one day for bacteria or fungi to damage your eye after entering through a corneal abrasion. Victims may also become temporarily blinded.

Vitreous Hemorrhage

The gel between your lens and retina is known as the vitreous humor. If blood gets into this area, you could experience blurry vision, floaters and flashes of light.

Optic Nerve Injury

Bleeding in your eye is dangerous because it could put pressure on your optic nerve. This nerve sends signals from your retina back to your brain. If there is too much pressure, circulation could get cut off, potentially causing permanent or temporary blindness.

Globe Rupture

A blunt object, such as a shard of glass or some other type of debris could penetrate your eye during the collision. This is a serious injury that may result in long-term or permanent damage to your eye, which might include blindness.

Chemical Burns

Car crashes could cause the release of hazardous chemicals that could get into your eyes. For example, defective airbags might release toxic chemicals when they deploy. You need to be careful after the crash not to rub a harmful chemical in your eyes with your hands.

Sometimes harmful substances merely cause eye irritation, leaving your eyes red for a time. However, the damage could be more severe.

Eye Lacerations

While some sharp objects might not enter the eye, they may slash it, causing a laceration, which is a severe cut. Often lacerations may heal on their own. But in the eye, it could cause more serious damage and should therefore not be taken lightly.

Black Eye

If you hit your face during the crash, you may develop a black eye. This happens when there is bleeding under the skin, resulting in discoloration of the skin around the eyes.

You might dismiss this injury as something that will heal on its own. While you may be right about the black eye, it may also be a symptom of a more serious underlying eye injury.

How Do You Know if You Suffered an Eye Injury in a Crash?

Eye pain and vision issues are common signs of an eye injury after a car crash. Here is a list of some of the common symptoms of serious eye injuries:

Symptoms of Eye Damage

How a Car Crash Eye Injury Could Impact Your Life

The ability to see is essential for many activities. Impaired vision can have a devastating impact on your ability to do these activities and can inhibit many other facets of your life as well.

Effect on Your Career

If you suffer permanent vision loss or impairment, you may be unable to return to the same job you had before the crash. You may need to start a new career that does not rely as much on vision.

At the very least, you may need to take days or weeks off work, which causes you to lose income. This makes it harder to pay your bills and support yourself and your family. In addition, you will likely need expensive medical care to give your injury the best chance to heal.

Non-Economic Effects of an Eye Injury

The non-economic damage resulting from an eye injury should not be underestimated. Victims may not be able to play with their children in the way they did before. The injury could also affect your relationship with your spouse, coworkers, and other family members. You may be unable to take part in the types of hobbies and leisure activities you once enjoyed which is why it is so important to get representation that will fight to get you the compensation you deserve, allowing you to focus on family and recovery.

Brain Injuries

Sometimes an eye injury accompanies a brain injury and traumatic brain injuries could result in long-term problems. These injuries could change the rest of your life, meaning you may need more help with daily activities because of cognitive deficits.

Compensation For Your Eye Injuries

If you suffer an eye injury in a car crash, you may be eligible to recover significant compensation. This may include compensation for:

Why You Need an Attorney to Help You Recover Full Compensation

One of the most important things to do after a car crash besides getting medical treatment is to contact an attorney. You may need significant compensation and you should not rely on insurance companies to settle your claim for what they believe it is worth.

By hiring an experienced attorney, you can rest assured knowing your case is in good hands and the appropriate steps are being taken to fight for your rights. The licensed attorneys at TSR Injury Law have been advocating for crash victims for decades and have secured significant compensation on their behalf.

Our firm knows how to build a strong case, and we have the resources to take the appropriate steps to do just that.

Did You Suffer an Eye Injury? Contact TSR Today

If your eyes were damaged in the crash, or you suffered another serious injury, we may be able to help you secure compensation so you can obtain the medical treatment you need. When we take a car crash case, our focus is on getting you full and fair compensation to help you deal with the effects of your injuries.

At TSR Injury Law, we have been securing millions for vehicle crash victims for decades. In total, our firm has recovered more than $1 billion on behalf of injured victims in Minnesota.

TSR Injury Law: No fees unless we win. Call us at (612) TSR-TIME.

Amazon ships hundreds of thousands of packages every day. That means any time you drive, there’s a good chance you’re going to see an Amazon delivery truck.

What you might not know is that many of the drivers operating these vehicles are inexperienced. This is largely because there is a high turnover among Amazon delivery truck drivers. If you combine that with the fact they each deliver about 250-300 packages per day, it significantly increases the risk of being involved in a crash.

If you get injured in a collision with an Amazon delivery truck, there are certain steps you should take to protect your health, safety, and the potential for a claim compensation.

Here’s what a step-by-step look at what you should do if a driver for Amazon hits your car:

Call TSR Injury Law today to discuss your claim: (612) TSR-TIME.

1. Call the Police to Report the Crash With the Amazon Truck

If an Amazon driver has hit your car with their delivery truck, the first thing you should do after the accident is call the police. Minnesota requires you to call the police after any crashes that cause:

• Injuries or fatalities OR
• $1,000 or more in property damage

When the responding officer arrives, he or she will assess the scene, evaluating the damage to both vehicles and making note of any injuries. The officer’s observations will be noted in an accident report, which will help you when pursuing insurance compensation. In essence, the report helps connect your injuries and property damage to the collision.

Responding officers will also take whatever steps are necessary to help secure the scene and keep passing drivers away from the scene. This is important for keeping you and the truck driver safe while the officer assesses the scene and completes a report.

When you call the police, be sure to tell the dispatcher if they should send an ambulance to provide treatment and/or transportation to the hospital.

You may think your injuries are not that serious, but this is not something you should determine on your own. Instead, err on the side of caution and allow a licensed medical professional to evaluate your injuries.

Amazon trucks are often much larger than the vehicles they hit, which could result in severe injuries, such as:

2. Exchange Information With the Amazon Driver

While you wait for law enforcement to arrive, you should exchange information with the Amazon truck driver, including:

3. Get Medical Care for Your Injuries

You may be able to seek compensation for the crash, but your health is the priority. The first place you should go after leaving the scene is the emergency room. There you can be seen by qualified medical professionals to identify your injuries and begin to take steps to stabilize them.

Seeking immediate treatment is not only important for your health, but also your claim. Immediate treatment leaves little doubt about the cause of your injuries. If you wait to go to the hospital, insurance companies are likely going to claim your injuries were caused by something else.

4. Document the Crash

It is certainly helpful when our clients gather information about their crash while they are at the scene. However, this should only be done if you will not be putting yourself in danger or aggravating your injuries. If you are unable to move your car out of the flow of traffic and away from danger, it may be best to stay in your vehicle until the police arrive.

Some of the ways you can document the scene of your Amazon delivery truck crash include:

5. Call an Experienced Attorney

You may think about calling the liable insurance company to file a claim and begin the process of pursuing compensation. However, if you have a significant injury, insurance companies are going to look for some reason to deny your claim. They may also offer a tiny sum of money to settle your claim. Even if the offer sounds like a lot, there’s a good chance it’ll be nowhere close to the actual value of your damages.

In addition, you may have a long-term injury, which means you may need significant compensation for months or even years down the road. In these situations, you need an experienced attorney to help you seek full compensation. Without full compensation, you might not be able to get all the treatments your doctor recommends. Financial struggles may also arise if you are unable to work due to your injuries. This is even more reason to reach out to an experienced attorney for options and advice.

Talking to the insurance company can be a bad idea because you might say something that hurts your claim:

These are just a few examples of innocent statements victims often make. However, things you say can be used against you and could hurt your claim for compensation from Amazon regarding your auto accident.

You should not try to take on powerful insurance companies, especially those associated with a huge company like Amazon, on your own. At TSR Injury Law, our experienced attorneys can manage the entire legal process on your behalf. This means we can:

We have the resources and experience to manage your case from start to finish, and there are no upfront costs.

Can Amazon Be Held Liable for Your Crash?

This is just one of many examples of a question that an experienced attorney from our firm can answer. Often the answer to this question is no. Amazon is not going to be held liable for damages from a crash caused by an Amazon delivery driver.

Amazon delivery truck drivers are independent contractors. They are not employees of Amazon, even though:

• Drivers wear uniforms with the Amazon logo.
• Drivers operate Amazon trucks.
• Amazon determines drivers’ routes and supplies – they control drivers’ schedules.

It is cheaper to employ independent contractors because they do not have the same rights as employees. Part of the reason it is cheaper is that Amazon is unlikely to be held liable for damages caused by the actions of independent contractors.

All of this means Amazon is probably not directly liable for your damages. Your attorney will likely need to file a claim with the private insurance policy held by the independent contractor. Amazon may have hired the driver through another company. If so, they may have insurance coverage for the driver who caused your crash.

Minnesota is a no-fault state, so you can also seek first-party compensation from your own car insurance coverage. This could include compensation for medical expenses and other damages.

Amazon Employees vs. DSP Contractors: Who Is Liable?

Most drivers delivering Amazon packages are not Amazon employees. Instead, Amazon contracts with small local companies called Delivery Service Partners (DSPs), which hire their own drivers.

From the outside, it can be hard to tell. DSP drivers wear Amazon uniforms, drive Amazon-branded vans, and follow Amazon’s delivery metrics. But because Amazon classifies these drivers as DSP employees rather than Amazon employees, Amazon will typically argue it has no direct liability for a crash.

Whether Amazon itself can be held liable is a more complex legal question that depends on the degree of control Amazon exercised over the driver’s work.

What if the Amazon Truck Driver Hits My Car and Runs?

Despite being an unfortunate situation no matter what, when the vehicle that hit you and ran is a marked Amazon delivery truck, that detail can help investigators. Amazon trucks are identifiable, and the company’s delivery records and GPS tracking may help law enforcement locate the driver.

That said, you should still take the same steps you would after any hit and run when the perpetrator is an Amazon truck:

• Try to note the license plate number
• Mark down the direction the truck went and any identifying details you can
• Call the police immediately and report the crash
• Do not chase after the driver

Because Minnesota is a no-fault state, you can turn to your own personal injury protection (PIP) coverage for medical expenses regardless of whether the driver is found. If the driver cannot be identified, your uninsured motorist coverage may also apply.

What if the Driver Was Using His or Her Own Vehicle?

The Amazon Flex program allows people to deliver packages using their own vehicles. If the at-fault driver for Amazon was using a personal vehicle, you may have a compensation claim from that driver’s personal auto insurance policy.

Amazon also provides a commercial auto insurance policy for these drivers. Compensation from this insurance may be available if you exhaust the driver’s personal insurance policy.

Compensation for an Amazon Delivery Truck Crash

Victims of Amazon delivery truck crashes may be able to seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages, such as:

Call TSR Injury Law to Discuss Your Car Crash Claim

When an Amazon driver has hit your car and after you call the police, the next people you should call are us.

TSR Injury Law has been helping victims of motor vehicle crashes for decades, securing millions on behalf of our clients. Overall, our firm has obtained more than $1 billion for our clients.

An initial consultation is free, and there are no upfront fees for our services. We are not paid for representing you unless we secure compensation.

Contact us right away. Phone: (612) TSR-TIME.

Medical marijuana became legal in Minnesota in 2014. According to Minnesota’s Office of Medical Cannabis, there were more than 40,000 patients in the state’s Medical Cannabis Registry as of March 23, 2023. There is no doubt that many of these patients drive, which also means they could be involved in crashes.

If an insurer finds out a crash victim has a prescription for medical marijuana, you can be sure the insurer will try to use this fact against them. Even if you have been following Minnesota law and using medical marijuana responsibly, the insurance company may say you caused, or partially caused the crash.

TSR Injury Law’s experienced Minneapolis auto accident lawyers discuss medical marijuana and car crash liability. If you were injured in a crash caused by another driver, we are here to help.

Free Consultation. No Upfront Fees. Call (612) TSR-TIME.

Seeking Compensation After a Minnesota Car Crash

It is important to remember Minnesota is a no-fault state, which means you can seek compensation from your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance no matter who is at fault. PIP provides compensation for hospital and medical bills, along with lost wages and replacement services.

After some crashes, your lawyer may also recommend filing a liability insurance claim against the at-fault driver. It will be up to your attorney to provide evidence that the other driver’s actions were the cause of the collision that resulted in your damages.

In a liability insurance claim, a crash victim’s medicinal marijuana prescription may come into question. As the insurance company is going to try to use this against the victim, it is important for victims to inform their attorneys if they have a prescription.

Keep in mind that insurance companies may try to use prescriptions for other medications against you as well. This is especially true if you are taking medications that causes drowsiness or other side effects that affect your ability to safely operate a car.

Who Can Get a Prescription for Medical Marijuana in Minnesota?

Use of medical marijuana in Minnesota is only legal for people with certain medical conditions, including:

How Medical Marijuana May Impair Your Ability to Drive

Even though you have a prescription, the Minnesota Department of Health advises patients not to drive or operate heavy machinery while experiencing the effects of medicinal cannabis. These effects can include delayed reaction time and impaired reflexes.

The duration of side effects from medical cannabis depends on many factors, such as:

While these factors must be considered when determining how long marijuana affects a user, side effects typically last several hours.

If you get into a car crash while you are still experiencing side effects from the use of medical marijuana, you could bear some amount of liability for the collision. This is especially true if there is evidence your negligence behind the wheel was at least part of the reason for the crash. For example, if you rear-ended another vehicle, it is easier for the opposing side to argue your reaction time was delayed. It is a reasonable argument that your medical marijuana use was the reason why you did not stop in time to avoid a collision.

Could You Be Held Liable Because of Your Medical Marijuana Prescription?

It would be difficult for the insurance company to hold a medical marijuana prescription against you if:

• Evidence supports that you were not driving recklessly during the crash
• You have a valid prescription
• You can establish responsible use of medical marijuana

It is important that victims of a car crash hire an attorney who is prepared to take the case to court. The possibility of going to court is often motivation enough for insurance companies to increase their offer of compensation.

Many insurance companies are also unwilling to risk going to court If your lawyer has strong evidence that is likely to convince a jury. Not only could the insurance company lose the lawsuit, but they may also end up paying much more than they would have had to pay in an out-of-court settlement.

The bottom line is that if you’ve suffered injuries in a crash that was not your fault, you need an experienced lawyer, with a history of results, fighting for the compensation you need.

Each car crash and resulting legal case is different. If you have questions about how a medical marijuana prescription may affect liability for the crash that injured you, contact us for assistance.

What if I Have a Positive Drug Test?

Another factor to consider is that even if you were not experiencing side effects, marijuana is likely to show up on a drug test weeks or even months after it is consumed. That is why you may need testimony from a doctor about how much THC was in your system and whether that amount would be enough to impair you as a driver.

This is yet another reason why crash victims, including those who use medical marijuana, need an experienced lawyer who is prepared to handle a complex car crash claim. An experienced lawyer knows how to find relevant experts to help build a strong case.

Were You Injured by a Negligent Driver? Call TSR Today

We have helped countless victims of car crashes in Minneapolis and throughout the state. We know the many challenges victims face, including the physical and emotional challenges presented by their injuries. We also know how devastating a car crash injury can be to your finances.

Our experienced attorneys are here to help you pursue the compensation you need for your injuries and damages. We have the legal knowledge and resources to guide you through the legal process.

We know many crash victims are concerned about the cost of hiring a lawyer, but at TSR there are no upfront costs. We do not get paid unless you receive compensation.

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

While the temperature drops, the risk of a pedestrian car crashes rises. There are many reasons for this, primarily the fact that the days are shorter, and nights are longer. With winter weather making it harder for drivers to see pedestrians, and pedestrians distracted by the snowy and icy ground, this has the potential to create a recipe for disaster.

Below, we discuss why pedestrians may be at higher risk for a collision with a car during the winter months. We also discuss what victims of these crashes should know about when seeking compensation for damages.

TSR Injury Law has been helping victims of crashes in Minnesota recover compensation for decades. Our firm has obtained more than $1 billion in compensation for injured victims in Minneapolis and throughout the state.

The initial legal consultation is free and there is no obligation for you to hire our firm. There are no upfront fees if a Minneapolis auto accident lawyer takes your case. We do not get paid unless you receive compensation.

Why Pedestrians May Be in More Danger in the Winter

Winter can be a dangerous time to be out on the roads and sidewalks if you’re not aware of your surroundings. The weather, including the low temperature, limited visibility and poor ground conditions makes things much more hazardous.

These are some of the main reasons why winter is a dangerous time to be a pedestrian:

• Weather reduces visibility for drivers and pedestrians – Weather events like snow, rain or fog can make it harder for people to see clearly. Precipitation, such as snow or rain, often makes it look darker outside. Even with windshield wipers and other vehicle safety features working as intended, drivers are often working with limited visibility. It’s also good to keep in mind that many pedestrians out in the cold may be wearing hoods which can limit their peripheral vision, making it harder to see oncoming vehicles.
• People tend to drive too fast, even in bad weather – People with all-wheel drive, especially, tend to think they can still drive faster in bad weather. While winter tires and all-wheel drive helps, driving at fast speeds in bad conditions will make drivers just as susceptible to a crash. Unfortunately, when people are in a hurry, they tend to lose focus on their surroundings, potentially creating a dangerous environment.
• It is harder for pedestrians to escape danger– Whether it’s raining or snowing, or there’s simply ice on the walkways, pedestrians have a much more difficult time dodging incoming danger. Sometimes sidewalks and other walkways are cleared of ice and snow, but oftentimes they are not. This can force some pedestrians to walk in the street, in the snowbank, or dangerously close to the curb. Finding yourself in these scenarios, even briefly, greatly increases the risk of getting hit by a car.
• Drivers and pedestrians are often distracted – Despite bad weather, drivers still text while they are behind the wheel. They may also get distracted by changing the radio station, talking with passengers or adjusting the setting on the heater. However, drivers are not alone, as pedestrians may also be heavily distracted, often times rarely looking up from their phone. When you combine distractions with winter weather, a crash between a car and a pedestrian is even more likely.

Why the Risk Goes Up at Night

In the winter, days are shorter, and nights are longer. That means more pedestrians will be walking closer to dusk and dawn when there’s less visibility. Darkness also impairs your depth perception, making it harder for drivers to judge distances.

Another factor at night is that there are more drunk drivers on the road. If you are walking near the road at night, you need to be extra careful and do your best to stay on sidewalks and other designated walking areas.

Some streets have more streetlights than others. Unfortunately, many drivers do not exercise more caution in areas with few or no streetlights. Pedestrians may assume drivers will be cautious in these areas, but this is a dangerous assumption.

Liability for a Pedestrian vs. Car Crash in Winter

Drivers and pedestrians have an obligation to follow relevant laws and use caution to help prevent a crash. If either party fails to uphold their obligation, they could be held liable for damages that may result.

However, drivers are often the ones held liable for pedestrian collisions. That is because drivers are often better able to prevent crashes. As motor vehicle operators, they are the most likely to be liable for injuries and damages.

Your lawyer is going to need to evaluate the driver’s actions leading up to the crash. Was he or she engaged in some sort of negligent behavior, such as:

Pedestrians can also be held liable for a crash in winter weather, such as if they darted out into the street, and a driver did not have any time to prevent a crash.

If you or your loved one was hit by a car as a pedestrian, you may be eligible to seek compensation. Contact TSR Injury Law to discuss what happened and find out how we may be able to assist you.

Tips on Pedestrian Safety in the Wintertime

There are practical steps pedestrians can take to help reduce their risk of a crash during the wintertime. For example, when possible, wear bright-colored clothing and reflective gear to make yourself more visible to drivers. Also, be sure to wear shoes that will give you plenty of traction on snow or ice to prevent you from losing your footing.

While drivers should operate their vehicles defensively, pedestrians should aim to do the same. This means not assuming drivers are going to use the appropriate amount of caution or avoid distractions. Assuming drivers can see you or will be able to stop in time can also lead to dangerous circumstances.

As always, before crossing the street, be sure to look left, right, and then look left again. Even though you have the right of way in a designated crosswalk, you cannot assume drivers will stay out of the crosswalk or heed to pedestrians.

Contact Us to Guide You Through the Legal Process

If you need help after being injured by a negligent driver, give us a call today. Our experienced lawyers are available to discuss how we may be able to assist you during this difficult time.

Our services come with no upfront fees or obligations, and we have a proven track record.

Unsure if you have a case? Call today to learn more: (612) TSR-TIME.

There are many injuries that are more likely to happen in a car crash other than a burn injury. However, when a burn injury occurs, it could be severe and require extensive medical care.

Crash victims who suffered burn injuries should strongly consider seeking help from an experienced attorney. Talking to a licensed Bloomington car accident lawyer can be an important part of the recovery process. The insurance company may try to deny or underpay your claim. Unless you have an experienced attorney representing you, it may be quite difficult to secure the compensation you need.

At TSR Injury Law, we have secured compensation for a variety of car crash injuries. We know how to build a strong case and manage each step of the legal process. Our services do not come with any upfront cost. The initial legal consultation is also free.

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

Seeking Compensation After a Burn Injury

If you were burned in a car crash, immediate medical treatment is the most important thing. Immediate treatment could be vital in preventing an infection and can lessen permanent disfigurement. In some cases, immediate treatment may also shorten your recovery time.

Immediate treatment also helps to link your injuries to the car crash. If you went right to the hospital from the scene, it is harder to argue your injuries were not caused by the crash.

Burn injuries could result in long-term nerve damage, may require extensive future plastic surgery expenses and are often hard to evaluate by insurance companies. This is particularly true when victims seek compensation on their own.  It is helpful to have prior cases with similar just verdicts or settlements to help an insurance company understand the true value of these injuries.

Reasons for Car Crash Burn Injuries

There are various reasons why a car crash could cause burn injuries. Some of the injuries suffered may include thermal, electrical or inhalation burns.

Airbag Burns

When the airbags deploy occupants could burn their faces or arms. When an airbag deploys, you might breathe in harmful chemicals.

Fire or Explosion

In a severe car crash, there could be a fire or even an explosion on impact. Even if vehicle occupants do not come into direct contact with the flames, they could suffer burns.

A fire or explosion can release smoke and fumes from toxic chemicals that vehicle occupants could breathe in. This could result in inhalation burns.

Damaged Wiring

It may also be possible to suffer electrical burns from damaged wiring in a vehicle or from downed utility poles.

One of the reasons why some crash victims suffer severe burns is because they get trapped in their vehicles. They may also have body parts contact fire or excessive heat while trying to get out of their vehicles.

Severity of Burn Injuries

Burn injuries are categorized by degree. First-degree burns are the least severe and fourth-degree burns are the most severe.

• First-degree burns – These only affect the outer layer of skin and are sometimes called superficial burns. The site of the burn is often red. The skin may also become dry and start to peel as the burn heals. It usually takes just seven to 10 days for a first-degree burn to heal. Although these burns often heal on their own, you should see a doctor if the burn affects more than three inches of skin and if the burn is on a major joint (knee, ankle, shoulder, elbow).
• Second-degree burns – These burns go beyond the top layer of skin and cause blistering. The site of the burn may be extremely sore. The more severe the burn the longer it will take to heal. In some cases, victims may need skin grafts to repair the damage.
• Third-degree burns – These burns go through all the layers of the skin. The burn damages the skin, causing it to become charred and leathery. Despite the seriousness of the injury, it might not be painful because the burn may have damaged nerves.
• Fourth-degree burns – A fourth-degree burn goes through the skin and tissue below that, potentially reaching the muscle and bone. Victims lose feeling in the area because the nerve endings got destroyed.

Complications From a Burn Injury

One of the main reasons burn injuries can be so severe is that victims could suffer a variety of complications that make recovery much more difficult. For example, you could suffer an infection. If bacteria from an infection enters the bloodstream it could cause sepsis, which could be fatal.

Sometimes burns that cover a large amount of skin can impair the body’s ability to regulate temperature. This can result in hypothermia.

Fourth-degree burns could cause muscles and/or tendons to shrink and tighten up, which can impair mobility in the air.

Victims need to seek treatment right away and keep up with it so doctors have the best chance to prevent infections and other complications that could potentially threaten the victim’s life. Surgery is often necessary to help prevent permanent scarring and contracture from a third or fourth-degree burn.

Contact TSR Injury Law to Discuss a Vehicle Crash Claim

Have you been injured in a vehicle crash caused by negligence?

You should consider seeking help from an experienced attorney. If you are not represented by an experienced attorney, the insurance company may be less likely to offer you full compensation.

Free initial consultation to discuss your crash. Call (612) TSR-TIME.

Winter weather can make it harder for drivers to see the vehicles around them. This means drivers may have much less time to slow down or change lanes to avoid a collision with another vehicle or fixed object. That is why drivers have an obligation to take extra precautions to avoid crashes in these conditions.

If drivers do not take extra precautions in low visibility conditions, they could be held liable for damages if a crash occurs. That said, determining liability for these crashes can be a challenge. The drivers involved may not know much about what happened because the weather conditions made it harder for them to see.

Victims of collisions in low visibility conditions should consider talking to an experienced Minneapolis auto accident attorney about possible legal options. At our firm, the initial legal consultation is free of charge, and there are no upfront fees before taking your case.

TSR Injury Law is ready to assist you. Call us today: (612) TSR-TIME.

Weather Conditions That May Impair Drivers’ Visibility

There are a variety of weather conditions that can make it harder for drivers to see, such as:

Driving in these conditions is much more dangerous at night, as it is going to be even harder to see through snow or precipitation without daylight to help you. Some roads have fewer streetlights than others, and some have no streetlights at all. When you combine poor/low lighting with bad weather conditions, a crash may be much more likely to occur.

In the summertime, glare from the sun can also impair visibility. This is more likely to happen when the sun is rising or setting, and you are driving toward the rising or setting sun.

Other Conditions That Can Obstruct Visibility

Weather is not the only thing that can make it harder to see around your vehicle when you are driving. For example, if you are trying to turn left across two lanes of traffic but there is a hill in front of you, it may be impossible to see oncoming cars.

Road construction could also impair drivers’ visibility. Some lanes may be blocked off and it can be difficult to follow the directions from construction workers or signs. This is why it is important to slow down in construction zones, so you have enough time to avoid a collision.

When turning out of a parking lot or shopping center, there may be trees, bushes and other landscaping obscuring your view of the road. For instance, a long line of bushes could limit how far you can see to your left when you are waiting to make a right turn.

How Impaired Visibility Can Make It Harder to Assess Fault

Many car crash cases boil down to the two drivers’ accounts of the incident. In a third-party liability insurance claim, the victim is going to need to prove the other driver’s negligence caused the collision and resulting injuries.

However, proving what happened can be challenging because both drivers may have had impaired visibility. They may also have limited information about what occurred.

Liability for Low Visibility Crashes

One of the key questions after a crash in low visibility conditions is whether the other driver took extra precautions to avoid a collision. For example, even if the other driver was obeying the speed limit, he or she may have been negligent because it may have been necessary to drive below the speed limit.

It is also reasonable to expect drivers who are in impaired visibility conditions to leave more space in front of their vehicles to avoid a rear-end collision.

Even if it is daytime, drivers may have an obligation to drive with their lights on when there is bad weather that impairs visibility. Failure to do so could cause a driver to be held liable for damages from a crash.

Sometimes a crash occurs because drivers did not properly maintain their vehicles. Their windshield wipers may have been too old to properly clear the rain or snow away. This can make a crash much more likely to occur, particularly when the weather is already impairing visibility.

Old tires are more likely to lose traction in bad weather. If this happens, the driver of that vehicle is likely to be held liable for a collision. This is because drivers are responsible for properly maintaining their cars.

Drivers have no control over the weather, but they cannot blame the weather for a crash.

What if There was Bad Lighting?

If the crash happened on a dark roadway with few or no streetlights, it may be possible to hold a government entity liable for maintaining a dangerous road. However, the question may also be whether the driver could have done more to avoid the collision. For example, if the driver had turned on his bright headlights, the crash may have been avoided.

Victims of collisions in low visibility conditions should consider seeking help from an experienced lawyer. At TSR Injury Law, we have the experience and resources to investigate these crashes and build strong cases. Like you, our goal is to secure full compensation for your damages.

Call TSR Injury Law After a Vehicle Crash

If you need insurance compensation after a crash, talking to an experienced lawyer can be an important step. Insurance companies are trying to find some way to deny your claim or offer a reduced amount of compensation to make you go away.

We have been taking on insurance companies for many years and we have helped many crash victims obtain the compensation they need.

Licensed Attorneys. No upfront fees. Contact us at (612) TSR-TIME.

Did you know pain in your jaw or ears after a car crash could be a sign of a brain or spinal cord injury?

While jaw or ear pain could be an indication of a problem that is limited to your jaw or ear, you should not assume this. You need to be examined by a licensed medical professional.

Below, we discuss the implications of pain in your ear or jaws. If you are dealing with an injury after a car crash that was not your fault, TSR Injury Law may be able to assist you. We have been taking on insurance companies for decades, securing compensation for those injured in many types of crashes.

An initial legal consultation with one of our experienced Minneapolis vehicle accident attorneys is free of charge. We also do not get paid for representing you unless you receive compensation through an out-of-court settlement or courtroom verdict.

Contact TSR Injury Law today: (612) TSR-TIME.

Why Your Ears May be Hurting After a Crash

A blow to the head could easily cause damage to your inner ear, as the inner ear is quite fragile. For example, you could hit your head on the steering wheel or door window when struck by another car.

If you experience any of these symptoms after a car crash, it could indicate an injury to your ear:

Long-Term Problems Associated With Ear Pain

The injury may be limited to your ear. However, sometimes damage to the ear is associated with another issue. For example, if fluid or blood comes out of your ears it could be a symptom of an injury to your spinal cord or a fractured skull. Such injuries may be particularly likely if you got hit in the head.

Ringing in the ears may be tinnitus, but there are times when it is also a symptom of whiplash. Whiplash is a neck injury caused by the sudden back and forth movement of the neck. Muscles, tendons and ligaments could get sprained or torn, causing intense pain in the neck that may move down the shoulders and into the arms.

You should not wait to seek treatment for something as serious as a skull fracture or spinal cord injury. Without treatment, the injury could get much worse. Spinal cord damage could result in some level of paralysis and significant back pain.

Why is My Jaw Hurting After a Car Crash?

Your jaw is one of the most fragile parts of your skull, as it is the only part that moves.

A blow to the jaw could do significant damage to the muscles and ligaments around the bone. This could make it much harder to use the jaw the way you normally do, such as for talking or chewing food. For example, you may get temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) after a blow to the jaw in a car crash.

TMJ symptoms include:

TMJ could make everyday life much more difficult. Imagine dealing with pain each time you talk or chew food. TMJ can make it difficult to sleep, as the pain makes it difficult to relax.

You may think the injury will heal on its own if you just take it easy. However, you need to use your jaw countless times per day. Your jaw injury is unlikely to get significantly better unless you get treatment from qualified medical professionals.

When Could Jaw Pain Indicate a Severe Injury

As TMJ could be caused by a blow to the head, you may have also suffered a traumatic brain injury, damage to your skull, or even whiplash. This may be particularly likely if you have jaw pain and ear pain.

Anyone who gets injured in a crash needs to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. This is especially true if you have pain in your ears or your jaw. Without treatment, everyday life can be particularly difficult. Chronic pain makes everyday life a challenge because it is hard to concentrate on what you are doing. Sleep can become difficult, which makes you tired, and this affects you mentally.

If you wait to seek treatment, you are not only affecting your recovery, but you are also hurting your chances of recovering full compensation for your damages. The insurance company will use a delay in treatment to claim you were injured because of something besides the crash. The insurance company may also say you failed to take reasonable steps to mitigate your damages.

Call TSR Injury Law Today to Discuss Your Claim

Car crashes can cause devastating injuries that take a long time to heal. If you were injured in a vehicle crash, you need experienced legal representation. You cannot count on the insurance company to provide the compensation you need for medical bills and other damages.

Contact our firm today to learn more about how we may be able to assist you during this challenging time. We take cases on contingency, which means no upfront fees.

TSR Injury Law. Experienced Lawyers. Millions Recovered: (612) TSR-TIME.