Getting into a vehicle wreck can be disorienting. Knowing the steps to take after a Mankato car accident can ensure that you manage the situation appropriately.
If you are hurt, contact our auto accident attorneys at Maschka Personal Injury. You can rely on us to support you through your recovery and ensure you have the means to move forward.
The first step you should take after a Mankato car crash is securing medical treatment for yourself and anyone else who is injured. It is always wise to call 911, and the first responders will typically dispatch an ambulance if you report that someone was hurt.
If the first responders offer you an ambulance ride to the hospital, you may want to accept it, even if you feel that it is unnecessary. Adrenaline can mask the symptoms of many injuries, and some serious injuries do not present symptoms until well after the initial trauma. If there is no ambulance available to transport you, get a ride to an emergency room or urgent care center for a screening.
An immediate medical evaluation is necessary to protect your health, but it also provides critical evidence. The medical record generated immediately after the incident ties your condition to the accident, which could be important if you decide to bring a legal claim for compensation. If the at-fault driver’s insurance company disputes the nature and extent of your injuries, our attorneys can use the medical records to refute their allegations.
When a traumatic event like a car accident occurs, you may feel compelled to discuss it with people. Going over the events can help you understand and accept what happened. Unfortunately, this can also be damaging if you intend to bring a legal claim.
Saying as little as possible at the accident scene, without apologizing for what occurred, is an important step you should take after a Mankato car wreck. If other involved parties or witnesses want to engage you in conversation about the crash, it is best to keep the conversation to a minimum. While you should exchange contact information with the other involved drivers, as well as the witnesses, do your best to avoid speculation about how or why the accident occurred.
Do not post about the crash on social media unless our attorney first reviews and approves the post. Lawyers for the at-fault driver will certainly review your social media accounts and try to use anything you post to their advantage. Similarly, you should be very careful regarding what you say about the accident and its aftermath in text messages, as these could be subpoenaed and possibly misinterpreted.
The state’s no-fault system means that some minor accidents can be resolved without making a legal claim. All drivers’ automobile insurance in Minnesota will include personal injury protection (PIP) that will cover medical expenses and a partial wage loss if they have to miss work. However, you may still bring a claim against the at-fault driver, in addition to making a claim for PIP benefits. If you would like to learn more about bringing a personal injury claim against the other driver, an important step to take is finding a Mankato attorney to help you with your car collision claim.
Minnesota Statutes § 65B.51 allows you to bring a personal injury claim (outside of the no-fault system) if you meet a tort threshold. You can bring a legal claim against the at-fault party seeking compensation for a variety of damages, including your medical expenses, income loss, out-of-pocket expenses, and your pain and suffering.
If you are involved in a minor car accident, remaining calm can help you manage the situation smoothly. If the accident is serious, and you are badly hurt, knowing the steps to take after a Mankato car accident is crucial. Based in Mankato but serving surrounding areas, our attorneys at Maschka Personal Injury can provide the help you need. Reach out today for a free consultation to discuss your options.
