FAQ

What to Do?

At the scene:
The safety of everyone is of utmost importance. After a car crash stop and, if necessary, get to a position of safety. If you believe anyone may have a head or back injury, do not move them unless you absolutely have to. If you or anyone else is hurt, dial 911 and seek medical attention as needed.

Give your name, address, license plate number and driver’s license number along with the name of your insurance company and policy number to the other driver. Get the same information from them. Get the names of any other passengers and witnesses. Take pictures if it is safe to do so.

Do NOT give any kind of recorded statement to any insurance company involved until you have had a chance to speak to an attorney. Insurance company’s adjusters are adept at getting you to talk on the record for their benefit, not yours. As soon as possible after the injury call us so we can discuss the next steps you should take. Call us at (612) 529-1234.

Who Pays?

Medical bills:
First question we often get asked is “who is going to pay my medical bills?” Minnesota is a No-Fault state, which means that as a part of your automobile insurance policy you have what is in effect a medical policy which takes care of a minimum of $20,000.00 of your reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to the use or maintenance of your motor vehicle. If you do not own a licensed insured motor vehicle, in almost all cases the law provides for the assigning of an insurance company to pay your medical bills, again, regardless of fault. Figuring out the proper insurance company to pay your medical benefits can be challenging and it is best to contact an attorney for a consultation. At Count Law Firm we would be happy to speak to you regarding this issue and give you a free consultation as to the appropriate insurance company where your bills should be submitted. Call us at (612) 529-1234 so we can explain to you how this part of no-fault law applies to you.

Who Pays?

Wage Loss:
Much like medical coverage, wage loss reimbursement is also available to people who become disabled as a result of the use or maintenance of a motor vehicle, regardless of how fault is assigned. This reimbursement is based upon 85% of your lost wages up to a maximum of $500.00 per week. The typical limit is $20,000.00, however, there may be additional coverage based on your policy. In addition, often times many issues arise regarding how your wage loss should be calculated. It is best to consult an attorney early on so you receive the proper amount. For a free consultation regarding your lost wages feel free to call us at (612) 529-1234

How to Get?

Rental Car:
How do I get a rental car? The easy answer is that if you have coverage under your own policy, call your insurance company and ask them for a rental car. Unfortunately, rental coverage is not mandatory and if you do not have it then you will have to either pay for it on your own, find a body shop with free loaners or contact the at-fault driver’s insurance company in the hopes of obtaining a rental. Unfortunately, this latter choice is not usually an immediate solution since the other drivers’ insurance company will not approve a rental car without verifying liability which can take time. Do not call the liability insurance company and fall for the line “we’ll be happy to take care of everything and get your case going as soon as you give us a recorded statement.” Over the years we have received many calls recounting this response only to hear “now they are denying my claim.” If you find yourself needing a rental car and not having coverage through your own insurance company, call us at (612) 529-1234 and we will discuss your options.

How to?

Property damage:
How do I get my car fixed? Often times the easiest way to get your car fixed is to go to your own insurance company and arrange to have the car repaired. Of course, this only works if you have collision coverage which is not mandatory in Minnesota. If you do not have collision coverage then your other option is to go to the at fault driver’s insurance company and ask them to repair the car. They will do so once they confirm liability. Do not voluntarily give the insurance company any kind of recorded statement without first consulting an attorney. If you have questions, call Count Law Firm at (612) 529-1234 and we can discuss this issue further. The call will not cost you anything and there is no obligation.

Now What?

Hit & Run
If I get hit by another driver and they took off, what should I do? If you were injured by another driver who did not hang around, make sure you call the police and report it immediately. Provide the police with any information you are able to observe, like the type of car, occupant information and license plate number. In most circumstances, your own insurance policy will provide you with coverage for the injuries to your body over and above your medical bills and wage loss. It is important that this type of claim be presented properly in order to protect you and your family. Call us for more information at (612) 529-1234.

$$$?

Case value:
What is my case worth? This is a common question with no easy answer. Evaluating a personal injury case can only be done after a thorough investigation of all aspects of your particular case. This includes, analysis of the liability and damages. Damages include not only your out of pocket expenses but how the injuries you sustained affect your past and future general life style. Any attorney who ventures a guess of value without doing a thorough analysis is providing you with sheer speculation. We are constantly evaluating our cases for value and would be happy to talk to you in regards to your specific matter if you do not have an attorney at present. You can contact us by calling us at (612) 529-1234.

Protect Yourself

Should I hire a personal injury attorney now?

The best answer to this is simple: It depends on a variety of factors based on the particular facts involved in your potential case. What is clear is that whether or not you hire an attorney is secondary to the question as to whether you should speak with one. The answer here is that you should speak to an attorney to learn your rights if you have been involved in an automobile collision. At Count Law Firm we work strictly on a contingent fee agreement which means that you don’t pay anything unless we make a recovery on your behalf. Calling us and speaking to an experienced attorney at Count Law Firm is free. To speak with a qualified experienced lawyer, you can call us at (612) 529-1234.

Should I See?

Health Care
What doctor should I see? First, if you have received a head or spinal injury it is important to be checked out at an emergency room on an immediate basis. Keep in mind, however, that emergency rooms practice emergency medicine and in terms of treatment are focused on acute critical care. For instance, you may only be asked if you lost consciousness but not be fully examined in terms of a mild traumatic brain injury. Mild TBI or concussion can be serious and a healthcare provider should be seen. Symptoms of mTBI can include: light or noise sensitivity; concentration problems; anxiety or nervousness; change in sleep pattern;

dizziness; irritability; feeling tired or foggy; headaches; memory problems; anger or sadness; nausea and vision problems. Also, keep in mind that other symptoms can take hours, days and weeks to surface after a car collision. Therefore, it is important to seek additional care if new symptoms arise. You may choose to see your family doctor but keep in mind that they may not be familiar with treating people who have sustained injuries in an automobile collision. Fortunately, Minnesota no-fault provides you with the ability to see any licensed healthcare professional. At Count Law Firm we have represented thousands of people and counseled them on their healthcare choices. If you would like our input, you can contact us by calling us at (612) 529-1234.

Now What?

Uninsured Driver
If I get hit by a driver who does not have insurance, what should I do? If you were injured by another driver who cannot provide you with legitimate insurance information, you should call the police and report it. It is important to gather as much information that you are able to observe at the scene. This includes the type of car, occupant information, and license plate number. Take pictures. In most circumstances your own insurance policy will provide you with coverage for the injuries to your body over and above your medical bills and wage loss. It is important that this type of claim be presented properly in order to protect you and your family. Calls us for more information at (612) 529-1234.

What to Do?

Automobile maintenance

Most people don’t realize that performing maintenance on your own automobile and being injured qualifies you for personal injury protection benefits under your no-fault policy. This means that there can be a minimum of $20,000.00 of medical benefits and $20,000.00 worth of wage loss benefits from injuries received while maintaining your motor vehicle. If you find yourself in this type of situation and would like to discuss your potential claims available at no cost or obligation, call us at (612) 529-1234.

Speak to Us

After being in an automobile collision not having a plan or allowing the insurance companies to make your plan is in fact a bad plan. You need to educate yourself and protect yourself with a view towards getting better sooner than later and being fully compensated. An experienced personal injury attorney can answer your questions and, more importantly, can discern questions you haven’t even thought of. We provide our potential clients with a free consultation; we work on a contingency fee so if there is no recovery there is no charge for our services. Find out what you are entitled to, give us a call at (612) 529-1234.