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Minnesota Car Accidents Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents for Minnesota on
Q: insurance and bill collector

I was in an accident in a company vehicle in 2019. (I was not at fault) but my boss forgot to open a claim with his insurance. I ended up moving shortly after and didn't hear anything until recently. I now have a debt collector trying to get this bill money from me via the courts. I opened a... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 23, 2024

It sounds like a frustrating situation. Typically, if the insurance company has accepted your claim and the bills related to the accident, you shouldn't be personally liable for those expenses. However, if a debt collector is pursuing legal action against you, it's essential to address... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets, Car Accidents and Juvenile Law for Minnesota on
Q: Kid got 2 driving violations within provisional driving period. Go to court or just pay the fines? Consequences?

Kid got a 2 charges, 1 for exhibition driving & other for more than one kid in the car while under provisional license. What are the definite and possible consequences for this?

A couple weeks prior she got a parking ticket, which went under mine and my husband's name since we own... View More

Thomas C Gallagher
Thomas C Gallagher
answered on Feb 7, 2024

First, I'd look at the consequences for various violations. For example, a parking ticket should have no significant long term implications. Just pay it. But "Exhibition Driving" on the driver's license record could trigger future problems with insurance and police. So... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets, Car Accidents and Juvenile Law for Minnesota on
Q: Kid got 2 driving violations within provisional driving period. Go to court or just pay the fines? Consequences?

Kid got a 2 charges, 1 for exhibition driving & other for more than one kid in the car while under provisional license. What are the definite and possible consequences for this?

A couple weeks prior she got a parking ticket, which went under mine and my husband's name since we own... View More

Jonathan Matthew Holson
Jonathan Matthew Holson
answered on Feb 7, 2024

The exhibition driving is going to be a huge issue for your insurance. I would suggest doing what you can to negotiate that ticket down. It looks like you are in Hennepin County, so there is a far greater likelihood that they may be willing to agree to keep it off of her driving record assuming... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents and Personal Injury for Minnesota on
Q: both husband and wife involved in car accident where our car was hit from a car that did not yield the right of way.

Our car was totaled and we both sustained injuries from broken arm to hematomas and chest bruising among other

consequences to our body.. Are we entitled to pain and suffering from these injuries?

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jan 6, 2024

An attorney who practices in your state could offer you the most definitive and accurate guidance. You posted a week ago, so until you are able to arrange a free initial consult with a Minnesota attorney, the short answer is that it's possible you could. If you have a basis for a case under... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents and Personal Injury for Minnesota on
Q: both husband and wife involved in car accident where our car was hit from a car that did not yield the right of way.

Our car was totaled and we both sustained injuries from broken arm to hematomas and chest bruising among other

consequences to our body.. Are we entitled to pain and suffering from these injuries?

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jan 2, 2024

If you sustained injuries in a car accident due to the negligence of another driver who failed to yield the right of way, you may be entitled to pursue a claim for pain and suffering. Minnesota is a no-fault state, which means that your insurance typically covers medical expenses and other economic... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents and Criminal Law for Minnesota on
Q: My girlfriend ran a stop and hit a police car. She is facing a misdemeanor with possible jail, but can she get less?

Traffic violation and damage of government property, both parties are fine. She is facing a misdemeanor with possible jail and/or a fine, but what are her odds of getting it down to a petty misdemeanor and less of a fine? She has been a great driver for years but happened to be running late to work... View More

Thomas C Gallagher
Thomas C Gallagher
answered on Apr 25, 2023

What are the odds that she will benefit from good legal representation? That will have a big impact on outcome. The court cannot sentence any jail or probation unless the defendant is convicted first. So the defense attorney begins work on ways to prevent or make more difficult any conviction.... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents and Criminal Law for Minnesota on
Q: My girlfriend ran a stop and hit a police car. She is facing a misdemeanor with possible jail, but can she get less?

Traffic violation and damage of government property, both parties are fine. She is facing a misdemeanor with possible jail and/or a fine, but what are her odds of getting it down to a petty misdemeanor and less of a fine? She has been a great driver for years but happened to be running late to work... View More

Sarah Gad
Sarah Gad
answered on Apr 29, 2023

If your girlfriend is a first time offender, there is a good possibility that the prosecutor would offer a stay of adjudication which would mean that she would be sentenced to a period of supervision, and it would prevent the offense from going on her record, provided she does not commit another... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets and Car Accidents for Minnesota on
Q: Should I fight my rear end or plea no contest and hope for reduced sentencing?

I rear ended someone while I was looking in the mirrors. I was in stop and go traffic so I wasn't speeding. When the police officer arrived much later in my shock I spouted some nonsense on what happened on my distance. I was cited with "duty to drive with due care" rather than... View More

Thomas C Gallagher
Thomas C Gallagher
answered on Jan 4, 2023

It's personal decision. I would fight every traffic charge in an effort to either avoid a conviction being certified to the driver's license record. And having a clean record for the past 3-5 years will help in that effort. Also, any time a person is involved in a traffic collusion,... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents for Minnesota on
Q: I hit a pedestrian who was jaywalking in a parking lot, thankfully he wasn’t hurt bad. Is this my fault?
Joel Gary Selik
Joel Gary Selik
answered on Feb 23, 2024

From these facts alone, fault cannot be determined but it was probably your fault.

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1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents for Minnesota on
Q: After car accident and you was hit and ambulance comes to get you do they have the right to take your boood without cons

I pulled over to the right side of the freeway when it was clearly because I had an car problem I was parked for straight 1 minute and a car showed up and hit me I suffered with dizziness and shock with head pains and the help comes but after the ambulance comes while your dizy do they have the... View More

Robert Kane
Robert Kane
answered on Jan 29, 2024

Is seems more than reasonable to draw blood and remove distractions (cell phone use) when treating a patient.

1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents and Insurance Bad Faith for Minnesota on
Q: Hi I’m wondering if I can get help with a issue

Hi I had a few questions regarding a issue that I’m having and have been having going on a year where my insurance claim is being denied by my insurance company and they are not communicating with me about it just told me it was denied due to me being excluded from the insurance policy witch I... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Nov 16, 2023

A Minnesota attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. Until you're able to consult with a local attorney for definitive guidance, most states have departments of insurance (or commerce, finance) that oversee consumer-related insurance matters and offer... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents for Minnesota on
Q: A few months ago, my brother wrecked my car while he was driving it.. I didn't have insurance. Can I sue him still

A few months ago, my brother was supposed to drop my Uncle off. Instead of doing that right away he made several stops. On the way home he got a wreck with a semi. My vehicle Set in the in the impound lot for a while. Once i've seen the damage I knew that there was nothing I could do for the... View More

Joel Gary Selik
Joel Gary Selik
answered on Jul 11, 2023

Yes. The at fault driver is responsible for the damages caused by his fault.

1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents for Minnesota on
Q: My car got broken into but it was park in the dealership parking. Who is responsible for the damage.

It was only there because the dealership guy told me to not take until I pay the remaining balance.

Robert Kane
Robert Kane
answered on May 31, 2023

The thief would be responsible. It seems unlikely the dealership would be responsible for the criminal acts of others, but perhaps if you prove their negligence you may have a chance. Your failure to pay doesn’t help your case. Obviously, you wouldn't leave any valuables in the vehicle.

1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents for Minnesota on
Q: I was in an accident and received a citation for failure to stop at a sign can they charge me with anything more later?

No injuries both vehicles towed

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Jul 13, 2022

Technically, yes, you can be charged with something more later if the facts and circumstances justify an additional/supplemental charge/citation. Unless the injuries are much more severe/worse than original thought, it is unlikely that there would be additional charges. One other caveat is that... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets and Car Accidents for Minnesota on
Q: Needing advice on what steps to take going further to get my sons license back.
Jonathan Matthew Holson
Jonathan Matthew Holson
answered on Apr 12, 2022

Call someone directly. Most criminal defense attorneys provide free consultations, but there is no information even provided in the question to be able to provide any answers that would be helpful.

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1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents for Minnesota on
Q: Leaving the scene of an accident with passenger and vehicle

Passenger was stuck in vehicle I left the scene for personal reasons

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Apr 10, 2022

Not sure what's your question however if you were the driver involved in an accident, then what you state is probable cause to ticket you for either hit and run or leaving an accident scene or some equivalent. You might have legal defenses to the ticket but the law enforcement would have... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, Criminal Law and DUI / DWI for Minnesota on
Q: I hit a parked car the other night and fled. I have prior DUIs. How do get car out of impound and avoid criminal charges

I was driving to get dinner 2 nights ago, I dropped my wallet and reached down to grab it, and I grazed a parked car. Minimal damage to the other vehicle, but my vehicle was disabled. There were no injuries. I had a few beers before I drove, and have prior DUIs. If I received another, I would have... View More

Jonathan Matthew Holson
Jonathan Matthew Holson
answered on Apr 6, 2022

This is already a bad situation. Don't compound it by falsely claiming that the vehicle was stolen. That isn't going to make things better and likely could result in additional charges for not only hit & run, but also for falsely reporting a crime. The likelihood of getting out of... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Traffic Tickets and Car Accidents for Minnesota on
Q: Why is my appearance in court mandatory?

I was in an accident due to a failure to yield left and they found me at fault for the accident. I was told by the officer in charge that I would be able to pay my citation and plead guilty for the charge, but now it says I have a mandatory court appearance. It is a misdemeanor for crim/traffic and... View More

Thomas C Gallagher
Thomas C Gallagher
answered on Nov 30, 2020

If the officer checks the "property damage or injury" box on the citation, the court appearance becomes mandatory. That means failure to appear will result in an arrest warrant. A misdemeanor is a crime punishable by a maximum of 90 days jail, though jail is rare in cases like this.... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets and Car Accidents for Minnesota on
Q: I was at a stop sign and got Tboned when I proceeded into the intersection after looking both ways. It was difficult to

See to my left because of the sun glaring in my eyes. So I proceeded with caution by letting my foot off the brake. I didn't even touch the gas peddle yet when the other car hit me. A witness said I ran the stop sign going over 30. That's a lie because I stopped for longer then required... View More

Jonathan Matthew Holson
Jonathan Matthew Holson
answered on Oct 11, 2020

It’s unclear to me whether you are criminally charged or just dealing with the insurance aspect of this. The insurance company should not be contacting you directly, instead their insurance company should be discussing the matter with your insurance company. Ultimately, the decision of who to... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Car Accidents for Minnesota on
Q: I borrowed my truck to I thought a friend he now claims someone stole it from him police won't help what do I do

I borrowed my truck to a friend been trying to get It back for 4 days and his brother told me my truck was stolen from the person I borrowed it to. He won't talk to me know and police said they can't put it in as stolen since I borrowed it out to start with. What do I do to get it back or... View More

Thomas C Gallagher
Thomas C Gallagher
answered on Mar 23, 2020

Consider: 1. Contact civil (not criminal) attorney about filing a lawsuit for the value of the vehicle, and-or its safe return. 2. Notify your car insurance company, about a claim for a loss (before initiating your own lawsuit). 3. Private investigator, asset-skip tracer. Discuss all options with... View More

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