Personal injury accidents are a big problem around the country. The National Safety Council (NSC) reported that in 2019, the U.S. experienced 48.3 million injuries that required medical attention. Of these injuries, 173,040 are preventable deaths, and the ones that cause these deaths vary and result in $1,097.9 billion in costs associated with these injuries.
Many people who have been injured in a preventable accident think that they can file a claim with their insurance provider and be on their way. While this is true, it’s best to have some guidance from an experienced personal injury lawyer in Minnesota who can help you get the most out of your case while protecting your interests.
Responsible Parties
Whenever another party causes an injury, the victim should always consider whether filing a claim against this person will yield results. If the liable party has no means to pay and you receive nothing, then it’s not worth your time and effort. You also need to research the other party and learn about their background. If you find that they have a history of personal injuries or lawsuits, it may be worth pursuing this case further.
Many people are directly responsible for their injuries, and it’s also essential to know who is indirectly responsible. In Minnesota, personal injury lawyers advise their clients to look well into the history of people at fault for their accidents or injuries. Still, it’s important to remember that common causes of personal injury accidents can stem from different sources.
Common Causes of Personal Injury Accidents
Car Accidents
Car Accidents are the most common type of personal injury accident. Car accidents can result in traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, cuts and bruises, spinal cord injuries, along with many other physical injuries. Auto Insurance companies track car accidents by month to identify high-risk months for more accidents. If you have been injured in a car accident, you must speak with an attorney to receive just compensation for your injuries.
Car accidents can be caused by distractions such as texting and driving, speeding, drunk driving, faulty automobile designs, and many other issues which cause the driver to lose control of their vehicle. Contacting a personal injury attorney in Twin Cities immediately after a car accident to ensure you receive the proper treatment and care for your injuries is essential.
Home Accidents
The most common accidents in the home are falls, with over 30% of people 65 years old or older falling at least once per year. Most falls don’t result in serious injury, but many cause head injuries with other common injuries, including hip, wrist, and elbow fractures. The severity of the damage depends on the height of the fall, whether it is concrete or carpeted flooring that you land on, and many other factors.
Many injuries can be avoided by taking preventive measures like using a sturdy step stool when reaching for items above your head, using window guards to prevent falls, and making sure your home is free of any clutter which may cause you to trip.
Work-Related Injuries
Work injuries are more common than you might think, with one in four workers reporting a musculoskeletal injury every year. The most common work-related personal injury accidents include carpal tunnel syndrome, back strains, and slips and falls on the job. Work injuries can often be prevented by taking proper precautions at your workplace to ensure no safety hazards are present. A few precautions to take are using harnesses when working at extreme heights, ensuring the floor is free of clutter or debris, and using handrails when climbing stairs or ladders.
Product Liability
Product liability accidents occur when a product that has been manufactured is defective. When a defective product causes a person’s injury, it is possible to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer, who can be held liable for your injuries. The three types of defects that occur in products are design, manufacturing, and marketing defects. You may have been using a product cautiously and still suffered an injury, which can make it hard to determine if the fault was because of how the product was designed or assembled. If you believe a defective product caused your injuries, contact an attorney immediately for information on your rights.
Wrongful Death Accidents
When a person dies in an accident, it is considered a wrongful death, which means another party’s negligence caused it. It can be challenging to determine when a wrongful death accident has occurred. Still, when someone dies because of the negligent actions of another individual, their family may have legal recourse through filing a lawsuit against that party. These types of cases can be challenging to win. The process is long and complicated, so it would be best to contact a personal injury attorney in Twin Cities as soon as possible after an accident has occurred.
What Should I Do After an Accident?
If you were involved in an accident and suffered injuries, it is crucial to keep the following tips in mind:
Get Medical Treatment as Soon as Possible
If you go straight home from an accident without seeking medical attention, your injury could worsen significantly and become much more challenging to treat. Be sure to document all of your medical appointments and treatments, as this is essential information that your attorney will need to receive.
Document Everything
Whether you are injured or not, it is essential to document everything about the accident right after it occurred, including taking pictures of the scene and all injuries you sustained and gathering witness statements whenever possible. If you aren’t sure if something will be helpful over time, it is best to document it anyway and keep whatever evidence you can at home or in a safe place.
Contact an Attorney
After receiving medical attention, contacting an attorney will provide you with the legal support you need to ensure your rights are upheld. An experienced personal injury lawyer in Minnesota can help protect your interests while establishing fault and seeking compensation for any injuries or property damage you have been a victim of.
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer in Minnesota
At Osterbauer Law Firm, we understand people’s struggles and challenges after becoming accident victims. If you or someone you know was injured in an accident that wasn’t their fault, we urge you to contact us today to discuss your legal options. We offer free initial consultations and work on contingency, which means you don’t pay us until we win your case. You can fill out our online contact form or call (612) 334-3434 to schedule a time for us to discuss the details of your case.
