Hiring a Minnesota Personal Injury Lawyer: Your Top Questions Answered

When should I hire a personal injury lawyer in Minnesota?

The best time to hire a lawyer is as soon as possible after your accident. The sooner an attorney is involved, the easier it will be for them to help you. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and insurance companies often try to pressure people who don’t yet have legal support. You should talk to an attorney ASAP, especially if:

• You or a loved one was injured
• Liability for the injury is disputed
• Insurance is denying your claim
• Insurance is offering a hasty settlement, which is often a lowball offer.

Here at SiebenCarey, we offer free consultations, so there's no risk in getting professional advice about your situation.

Do I really need a lawyer, or can I handle a claim myself?

Working with an attorney isn’t required by law, but it is almost always the smart move. Insurance companies have teams of experienced claim adjusters and lawyers working overtime to minimize what they have to pay. Without legal representation, you're at a significant disadvantage.

Injury victims who hire lawyers often recover measurably more compensation than those who go it alone. Your attorney can value your claim correctly, gather evidence to prove your case, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, and take your case to trial if necessary.

How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer?

For many Minnesotans, the biggest roadblock to hiring an attorney is worrying that it will cost too much. However, most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don't pay anything up front. And if you don’t receive compensation, you won’t pay anything.

When you do win, your attorney is paid a percentage of your settlement or court award. That way, there’s no financial risk in getting legal help, and you never have to pay anything out of your own pocket.

This arrangement makes it possible for people without significant resources or connections with a major law firm to get the quality legal representation they need.

How long does it take to resolve a personal injury case?

The timeline can vary significantly depending on your case. Simple cases with clear liability and minor injuries might settle in a few months. Complex cases involving serious injuries, disputed fault, or multiple parties can take a year or more, especially if the case goes to trial.

While everyone wants a quick resolution to an injury claim, rushing to settle can cost you in the long run. If you accept an offer too quickly, you may end up facing lasting expenses without sufficient compensation to cover them. Your attorney will calculate your damages and make sure you get the full amount you’re owed.

What if I already gave a statement to the insurance company?

Don't panic. While it's better to talk to a lawyer before speaking with insurance adjusters, you can still hire an attorney after giving a statement. Your lawyer will review what you said, assess any potential issues, and develop a strategy to address them.

Going forward, your attorney will handle all communication with the insurance company. You won't have to worry about saying something that could hurt your claim, and the insurance company will know they're dealing with someone who understands their tactics.

What should I look for when choosing a personal injury lawyer?

Look for an attorney who focuses on personal injury cases like yours, whether that's car accidents, product liability, slip and fall injuries, medical malpractice, or any injury caused by someone else's negligence. Experience matters. You want someone who regularly handles claims similar to yours and has a record of successful results.

Communication is also critical. Your lawyer should explain things clearly, return your calls and emails promptly, and keep you informed about your case's progress. Read reviews from past clients to get a sense of what working with the lawyer is like. Most importantly, choose someone you feel comfortable with and trust to fight for your best interests.

How involved will I need to be in my case?

The answer to this question varies depending on the case. You may need to attend medical appointments, provide information about how your injuries affect your daily life, review settlement offers, and give a deposition or testify at trial if your case goes that far.

However, your lawyer will do most of the heavy lifting. They will handle all communication with insurance companies, gather evidence, negotiate on your behalf, and manage the legal process. That way, you can focus on your recovery while they handle the legal headaches.

Will I have to go to court?

Probably not. The vast majority of personal injury cases settle before trial. (More than 95%, in fact). Your lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company to reach a fair settlement that compensates you for all your losses.

However, you’ll want an attorney who is prepared to take your case to trial if necessary. Sometimes insurance companies only offer fair settlements when they know your lawyer is willing and able to present your case to a jury. This means having an attorney with trial experience will give you more leverage when negotiating.

What info should I have for my first consultation?

Bring any documents related to your accident and injuries. Examples include the police report, photos of the accident scene and your injuries, medical records and bills, insurance information for all parties involved, contact information for witnesses, and documentation of lost wages.

Don't worry if you don't have everything. Your lawyer can help you obtain missing documents. The most important thing is to schedule the consultation quickly so your attorney can start protecting your rights right away.

Will my lawyer actually handle my case, or will it be passed to someone else?

At some law firms, the attorney you meet during your consultation may not be the one handling your case. At SiebenCarey, we believe in maintaining a personal connection with our clients. When you hire us, you'll know exactly who is managing your case and who you can contact with questions.

Our team approach means your case benefits from our collective experience, while you'll always have a primary attorney who knows it inside and out.

Work with Minnesota’s Trusted Personal Injury Team

Hiring a personal injury lawyer shouldn't add stress to an already difficult situation. At SiebenCarey, we've spent 70 years helping Minnesota injury victims get the compensation they deserve. Our experienced attorneys will handle every aspect of your claim while you focus on recovering from your injuries.

Here’s what one of our recent clients had to say about their experience working with Know Your Rights Lakeville attorney Art Kosieradzki:

Art is an anomaly in the legal profession because he doesn't just listen to his clients; he truly hears them. This ability to empathize and understand allows him to grasp the nuances of each situation and craft strategies that are not only legally sound but also aligned with the client's goals. 

Throughout my experience working with Art, he consistently demonstrated exceptional communication skills. He explains complex legal concepts in a way that is clear and understandable, ensuring that I was always informed and empowered to make decisions about my case. 

Art Kosieradzki is more than just an attorney; he is a compassionate advocate who goes above and beyond for his clients. If you are looking for someone who will treat you with respect, genuinely care about your well-being, and fight tirelessly on your behalf, look no further than Art Kosieradzki at SiebenCarey Personal Injury Law.

– Pilar Liebl