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

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.

Jury Awards $2.1 Million in PTSD Case

The insurance company didn’t believe that Paula Cottingham had post-traumatic stress disorder from a car accident where her car was T-boned in an intersection where she had the right of way. The other driver blew a stop sign and tragically was killed. Her insurer, State Farm, offered her $21,000 from a policy that had limits of $250,000.  A Dakota County jury saw things differently and came back with a verdict of $2.1 million—100 times as much.

Jim Carey Wins $2.1 Million Award

SiebenCarey attorney and managing partner, Jim Carey, has won a multi-million dollar award for Chisago City, Minn., resident Paula Cottingham. On Dec. 10, 2014, Cottingham was involved in an intersection accident on U.S. Highway 8 when another vehicle ran a stop sign and t-boned her vehicle. She suffered many serious injuries, including a traumatic brain injury, and PTSD, and she has been unable to return to work since the accident.

Ramsey County Forms Coalition to Address Opioid Epidemic

The rate of opioid-related overdoses and deaths in Ramsey County increased again in 2017. Last year, Ramsey County saw 72 opioid-related deaths, a 16 percent increase since 2016, and 112 total overdoses, showing the continued need to address the issue. As a result, the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office has partnered with Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge. Together, the two organizations have created a coalition with the goals of reducing opioid-related deaths and educating the public about the risks of opioid use.

Never Let Up on Distracted Driving

Protecting Yourself - What You Should Know About Uninsured and Underinsured Coverages

Uninsured motorist laws are different from state to state.  Some states even allow the consumer to opt out of the coverage.  Don’t do it.  Saving a little money in the short run might end up costing you thousands of dollars in the long run.  The small savings in premium cost doesn’t offset the protection offered by the coverage.  Declining the coverage can leave drivers exposed to thousands of dollars in expenses in the event of an accident.

First SiebenCarey Distracted Driving Scholarship Awarded

This year SiebenCarey awarded a $1,000 scholarship to a student at Lakeville North High School and a student at Lakeville South High School. The requirement was to write a 500-word essay on distracted driving. Our hope was to get many students to apply which, in turn, provides an excellent awareness exercise.

Keeping Your Teen Driver Safe

Setting proper examples while we drive our kids around is a great start to the driver training process.  Combine the examples we set behind the wheel with a graduated drivers license program and plenty of behind the wheel time will ultimately increase the chances that our teen drivers will be safe drivers.

What Does Negligence Mean?

Many lawyers advertise that if you’ve been injured by another person’s negligence that you should contact a lawyer.  While that’s good advice, what does negligence mean?

 
Hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer is important when you’ve been hurt in an accident.  Cory Whalen has nearly 20 years of representing automobile, bus and motorcycle accident victims.

Hit by an uninsured driver? Now what?

Minnesota law requires all drivers to maintain a minimum amount of liability coverage in order to operate a motor vehicle.  If everyone follows the law and has insurance, your injury and property damage claim will have a source of insurance coverage for payment of damages.  But what happens if you are hit by someone that failed to follow the law and does not have insurance? 

Do I Have To Sue If I Am Involved In A Car Accident?

I am frequently asked by injury victims whether a lawsuit will be necessary in order to pursue compensation for lost wages, medical expenses and injuries.  The short answer is: maybe not. 

When Do I Need An Attorney For a Auto Accident?

Many insurance companies provide prompt and courteous service. However, some insurance companies will contact you shortly after an accident and offer a settlement.  While reaching a settlement of a legal dispute is not necessarily a bad thing, entering into an early settlement may not be in your best interest and the prompt and courteous service can end up depriving you of your legal rights and saving the insurance company money. 

Car Accidents - Know Your Legal Rights

Consultation with an attorney following a car accident is imperative in understanding your legal rights.  Here at SiebenCarey we understand your legal rights following a car accident.  We will gladly consult with you by telephone or in person to discuss your rights following a car accident.  Don’t trust your legal rights with just anyone. 

Distracted Driving Facts and Taking Responsibility

With the way that technology has been advancing in recent years, it is no surprise that we have seen increasing car accidents caused by distracted drivers.  In 2014 alone, over 3,000 people were killed and over 431,000 injured as a result of distracted drivers.

MN Students Learning to Avoid Distracted Driving

With school back in session, legal experts this month are helping high school students in Minnesota understand the dangers of distracted driving. According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (MDPS), distracted driving killed 74 people in the state last year, a 21 percent jump from two years ago.

Trial lawyers, including Minnesota attorney and partner at SiebenCarey Law, Art Kosieradzki will be visiting schools in several states to help students understand the dangers of not paying attention while behind the wheel.

Strange Pain: Medical Nightmare Began With Young Driver Not Paying Attention

See original story on Fox 9 News

It was a relatively minor car crash. But it was enough to cause a strange, very painful, life-changing disorder. Two clients of Twin Cities personal injury attorney Jeffrey Sieben share their story in the hopes drivers start paying more attention behind the wheel. 

Recent Increase in Minnesota Fatal Car Accidents

With summer just getting into swing, and the temperatures rising, unfortunately there has been an increase in fatal car crashes on Minnesota roads and highways. 

Here are a few tips to help you avoid being involved in a car crash this summer.

Avoiding Car Accidents Through Proper Use of Headlights

We all know that April showers are supposed to bring May flowers, but this year it seems as if we just keep having more rain. So, how about a little information about highway safety and avoiding car accidents through proper use of our headlights.

Did you know that in Minnesota, you can get a ticket for not having your headlights on any time that it is raining, snowing, sleeting, or hailing? This might seem obvious, and it does make a lot of sense toward preventing unnecessary automobile collisions, but let me tell you how this might come up in a way you are not expecting. I know, because it happened to me.

Safety Tips for Driving in the Snow

Minnesota is digging out this morning from winter storm Kayla, which brought over a foot of snow to many in Minnesota and caused over 287 car accidents.  The Minnesota State Patrol reported 679 crashes or spin-outs in the snowy conditions yesterday between 6:00am and 8:30pm.

Even experienced drivers can find their nerves and skills tested by poor winter road conditions. Here are some tips to help you drive safely in the snow and avoid car accidents.

Heatstroke’s Effects on Children Left in Cars: How To Avoid a Potentially Lethal Situation for Your Child

717 children have died in overheated cars since 1990 - that’s one in every 10 days! And it can happen to anyone. Multitasking parents who need to run into the store for “just a sec” should take caution.  Here are some things to keep in mind, as well as tips for bystanders.