How Much Is My Case Worth?
One of the first questions a client wants answered is, “What do you think my car accident case is worth?” Although it is not actually possible to provide an answer without an investigation and analysis of the case, we are able to provide the criteria used in determining the value of a car accident case.
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Determining Worth of Car Accident Case
When you contact our firm about a car accident, we will determine whether you have grounds for more than a no-fault claim. In order to bring a claim for pain and suffering and other damages beyond Minnesota no-fault insurance limits, the injury must be “serious” as defined in Minnesota law [Minn. Stat., sec. 65B.51(3)]. The statute requires that medical expenses must exceed $4,000 or there must be a permanent injury, permanent disfigurement, disability of more than 60 days or a death.
If the minimum requirements for a claim are met, evidence must be gathered and analyzed. The following factors will be considered when determining the value of a car accident case:
- Medical expenses: All hospital bills and related medical costs (including estimates on future medical needs, physical therapy, home care, etc.).
- Lost income: The accident victim’s job, education, and other factors are considered to obtain an estimate of past and future earnings that were lost due to the car accident.
- Pain and suffering: Pain and suffering is a type of damages that compensates for physical pain, emotional suffering, loss of quality of life, disability, disfigurement and embarrassment.
- Wrongful death: If a death occurred in the car accident, compensation should include reasonable funeral expenses, loss of care, comfort, companionship and other losses. (Although in Minnesota damages for pain and suffering are not allowed in a car accident wrongful death case, fair compensation can still be obtained with experienced legal representation.)
- The available insurance benefits: Our car accident lawyers search diligently to obtain all relevant insurance information. In many accident cases, multiple insurance policies may be tapped for compensation.
Our lawyers have represented accident victims in accident lawsuits involving all of the major auto insurers, including Progressive, Geico, Farmers, American Family, State Farm, Allstate, Liberty Mutual and others. When negotiating a car accident settlement with one of these companies, we will present detailed evidence of your losses. Read about our top settlements.
The Pritzker Olsen Advantage
What sets us apart from other personal injury law firms is our individual client attention, industry knowledge and expertise, as well as having connections with nationally-recognized experts in the engineering, accident reconstruction and medical fields. We have a small firm mentality with large firm experience and results. Call 1-888-377-8900 (toll free) for a free consultation about the value of your car accident or submit our contact form.
Pritzker Olsen attorneys have appeared on WCCO-TV, KSTP-TV, KARE-TV and national news stations. In recognition of their achievements, Fred Pritzker, Elliot Olsen and Eric Hageman have been named “Super Lawyers” by Minnesota Law & Politics magazine.
Our attorneys represent families in car accident personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Minnesota, including in the following cities: Twin Cities, Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, North Branch, Duluth, Moorhead, Mankato, Brainerd, Bloomington, Eagan, Eden Prarie, Apple Valley, Maple Grove, Owatonna, Edina, Plymouth, Minnetonka, Stillwater, Thief River Falls, Albert Lea, Bemidji, Grand Rapids, Austin, Worthington, Woodbury, Maplewood, Golden Valley, Shoreview, Blaine, Anoka, South St. Paul, White Bear Lake, Roseville, St. Cloud, Arden Hills, Brooklyn Park, Forest Lake, Vadnais Heights.
