Car Accident Lawyer Buffalo, MN
If you have been injured in a car accident, you do not have to face the aftermath alone. Dealing with medical care, bills, and insurance claims while you are trying to heal can be overwhelming. Carlson & Jones, P.A., can guide you through the process, protect your rights, and work toward the best possible outcome for your case. Call a car accident lawyer at our law firm today for a free consultation.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Minnesota
- Distracted driving, such as texting or adjusting navigation
- Speeding or aggressive lane changes
- Failing to yield or ignoring red lights
- Impaired driving from alcohol, drugs, or fatigue
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Hazardous weather and slick roads
Commercial truck crashes add further complexity because they involve federal safety regulations, multiple insurance carriers, and strict maintenance requirements. Our lawyers handle both passenger-vehicle and commercial-truck collisions, identifying every contributing factor to strengthen your claim.
When a manufacturer’s faulty design or defective part causes a crash, the case may fall under strict liability. In these situations, a thorough investigation is key—looking into recall records, maintenance logs, and mechanical reports—to hold the manufacturer or distributor responsible.
What To Do After a Car Accident
- Call 911. Report injuries and get a police report on record.
- Seek medical attention. Even minor pain can mask serious internal injuries.
- Gather information. Exchange details with all drivers and get contact information from witnesses.
- Take photos. Document the vehicles, injuries, road conditions, and signage.
- Avoid admitting fault. Let investigators and attorneys determine who was responsible.
- Call Carlson & Jones, P.A. We will take over communication with insurers and preserve evidence right away.
Our lawyers can arrange medical record collection, obtain accident reports, and request traffic-camera or dash-cam footage before it disappears.
Minnesota’s Car Accident Laws and No-Fault System
Minnesota uses a no-fault auto insurance system. After most crashes, your own insurance covers medical bills and lost income—regardless of who caused the accident. These benefits come from your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which typically provides up to $20,000 for medical care and another $20,000 for wage loss.
However, serious injuries often go beyond those limits. If your medical bills total more than $4,000, you have suffered a permanent injury or disfigurement, or you are unable to work for 60 days or longer, you may be able to step outside the no-fault system and file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. An experienced attorney can guide you through this process and work to secure the maximum compensation you’re entitled to.
Minnesota also follows modified comparative fault rules. You can obtain compensation as long as you are less than 51 percent responsible for the crash. Your percentage of fault reduces your recovery—for example, being 20 percent at fault means you receive 80 percent of your total awarded compensation.
It is also crucial to act within the state’s statutory period. You generally have six years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. Missing that deadline can prevent you from pursuing recovery altogether. The attorneys at Carlson & Jones, P.A., handle these legal details so you can focus on healing and rebuilding your life.
Recovering Losses and Overcoming Claim Challenges
A car accident can change your life in many ways. Along with the physical pain, you may be facing medical bills, time away from work, stress, and daily challenges that make recovery even harder. A skilled lawyer will take the time to understand your situation and review every part of your case to seek full recovery, including:
- Medical expenses such as surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and long-term care
- Lost income from missed work and reduced earning potential
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Pain, emotional suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life
- Out-of-pocket expenses, including travel for appointments or home modifications
Insurance companies often try to limit payouts by disputing treatment, downplaying pain, or shifting partial blame onto the injured party. Our attorneys counter these tactics with solid evidence—police reports, witness statements, expert analysis, and, when available, black-box data from the vehicle’s electronic control module.
In some cases, more than one party may be responsible for the crash. For example, a negligent driver and a defective auto part manufacturer could both play a role in your losses. A thorough investigation can identify every liable party to strengthen your claim and improve your chances of full recovery.
Sometimes, the responsible driver does not have insurance, or insurance that does not pay enough to cover the victim’s damages. Many people do not realize that it is often still possible to make a claim. As the injured party, you might be able to file a claim on your own auto insurance, or on the policy of the owner of the car in which you were injured. In other words, you could have more options for recovery than you thought.
Why It’s Important to Act Quickly
The sooner you call, the stronger your claim becomes. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and vehicles get repaired or scrapped. Early involvement allows Carlson & Jones, P.A., to preserve vital proof and build a solid case foundation.
Prompt action also helps secure accurate medical documentation, which is critical for connecting your injuries to the crash. Our team works closely with healthcare providers to collect records and expert opinions before they fade from memory or storage.
If you are unsure whether you have a valid claim, reach out anyway. Our car accident attorneys can assess your case, explain your options, and give you straightforward guidance—no pressure, no hidden fees.
How Carlson & Jones, P.A.’s Experience Supports Your Recovery
For decades, our law firm has helped Minnesotans rebuild their lives after car, truck, and motorcycle accidents. With more than 70 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys understand how insurance companies operate—and how to protect your rights from the start. From our offices in Minnetonka, Brainerd, Hutchinson, and Buffalo, we serve clients statewide with personal attention and proven results.
When you choose our team, you gain more than legal representation—you gain a committed partner focused on your recovery. Here’s what you can expect:
- Free initial consultation: You pay nothing upfront.
- Transparent communication: Your attorney keeps you informed every step of the way.
- Comprehensive investigation: We gather all evidence, from crash data to medical documentation.
- Skilled negotiation: Our team pushes for fair outcomes with insurers and opposing counsel.
- Trial-ready preparation: While most cases settle, we are fully prepared to present your case in court when necessary.
Our car accident lawyers analyze every potential legal angle—whether your case involves negligence on the part of a distracted driver or a strict liability claim for defective car parts or unsafe tires. By exploring all avenues for recovery, we can hold each responsible party accountable and build the strongest possible claim.
We Serve All of Minnesota
Carlson & Jones, P.A., proudly represents clients from the Twin Cities to Greater Minnesota. We have earned a reputation for professional, compassionate advocacy in personal injury, family law, and criminal defense cases.
In car accident cases, we stand beside victims of negligence and reckless behavior. Whether you are recovering from a minor collision or a catastrophic crash, our attorneys are here to help you rebuild with confidence.
Our experience across multiple practice areas also means we understand how a single incident can affect every part of your life—from family obligations to employment challenges.
Your Future Starts With an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer
A car accident can change everything in a single moment, but you still have control over what happens next. Carlson & Jones, P.A., is ready to protect your rights and help you move forward. We will handle the calls, paperwork, and negotiations while you focus on healing—and you won’t owe any attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Contact our law firm today for a free consultation and let us help you move forward with confidence.