Even When Injured by a “Phantom” Party, You Still Have Legal Options

SiebenCareyJanuary 20, 2021

Not long ago, a SiebenCarey client was driving on I-35, when suddenly a 29-inch metal stake crashed through the windshield of his van and struck him in the head. He crashed into a ditch and slammed to a stop in the median.
 
Our client suffered major head injuries, including a fractured skull. He incurred major medical expenses and was unable to return to work. With the support of Jeffrey Sieben and Michael Scully, he received an Uninsured Motorist settlement and a workers’ compensation award that was initially denied.
 
Typically, a lawsuit occurs when an injured person (the “plaintiff”) sues the person or entity that is allegedly responsible for the injury (the "defendant"). However, in a case when the defendant is unknown, like this one, circumstances become complicated.
 
In this instance, a motorist was at fault for operating a vehicle containing materials that were improperly and negligently secured. But this motorist was never identified. Do legal actions exist if an incident occurs that involves someone you can’t identify? Who can be held accountable for injuries and medical expenses?
 
“It’s important to understand the law in every case, but this particular case involves a ‘phantom’ driver of a car carrying a load of unsecured materials,” said Jeffrey Sieben a partner and attorney at SiebenCarey. “Legal precedent has been established allowing us to turn to the Uninsured Motorist portion of our client’s car insurance and request a settlement from the insurance company. In addition, we turned to our client’s employer to receive workers’ compensation, which helped offset his wage loss due to his injuries.” Many law firms are not equipped to assist injury victims with both the personal injury claims as well as workers’ compensation benefits. SiebenCarey is.
 
Personal injury cases often allow plaintiffs to recover economic and noneconomic compensatory damages, (past and future medical expenses, for example), as well as lost wages, rehabilitation expenses, household help, out-of-pocket costs, and losses associated with pain and suffering. In addition, plaintiffs may be eligible for economic damages – damages connected with tangible losses like medical expenses or lost income.

The key in any personal injury case is working with an attorney who understand the law and the many options that exist to recover damages. For more information about your legal rights following an accident or injury, contact Jeffrey.Sieben@knowyourrights.com or 612-333-9713.

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Renee Goneau

SiebenCarey is a great personal injury law firm that really cares about their clients.  Highly recommend!

Daniel Ball

Really good professionals, they solved my issues in no time using the most impressive and advanced approach. Really good, highly recommended.

Carly R.

My boyfriend was hit by a car and while all the attorneys he talked to said he didn't have much chance of a case, SiebenCarey took him on and gave him a fighting chance. He's still recovering, but SiebenCarey is making it a lot easier.

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St. Paul Local 12

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Morgan Petoletti

My husband had an amazing experience with this firm. They listened and took the time to understand our case.

Jesse Bukal

In need of a personal injury attorney? Well you're if you're reading this you're in the right place. You'd be hard pressed to find more competent attorneys than the ones here at SiebenCarey.

They took my case to trial and an amazing job presenting the facts and fighting for my best interests! Three years ago I was unsure of what my future would bring; now that it's over I can rest a bit easier. With SiebenCarey as my counsel, I believe I had the absolute BEST representation a person could've asked for. I knew that I wanted the absolute best representation when searching for an attorney to handle my case and I most definitely received it.

If you need a personal injury attorney, look no further. Can't recommend highly enough.

Jenna L. at Insider Pages

I have had nothing but great service with these guys. They are very knowledgable on a wide variety of subjects and topic. They will help you with any case you need!

Eric Petoletti

Even though I was states away and could only talk on the phone, they listened and did everything that they could to win my case. I felt like I was a part of the family.

Geoff Anthony

I started working with Jim from SiebenCarey after my wife and I were in a car accident a few years ago. We were referred to them by someone in the area and we are so grateful we worked with the firm. Jim and his team were very caring and very responsive to all needs and questions. He made sure that all of our medical bills and expenses from the accident were paid and took care of all of the questions and needs from insurance companies and medical facilities. It was so nice to have someone who was on our side. I would highly recommend working with Jim!

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