In Minnesota, a hit and run accident involving a vehicle can lead to serious legal consequences, including misdemeanor or felony charges, fines, or imprisonment, depending on the bodily harm or property damage caused. If you’re facing hit and run charges or have suffered an injury from a car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle, or pedestrian accident, a personal injury lawyer from Kohlmeyer Hagen, Law Office Chtd. can assist. Our personal injury and criminal defense lawyers specialize in navigating law to address hit and run incidents, car crashes, motor vehicle collisions, and personal injury lawsuits. Contact us to protect your justice and pursue damages for pain and suffering or injury.

What Does Minnesota Law Say About Hit and Run and Personal Injury?

Minnesota law (Statutes §169.09) requires drivers in a vehicle accident whether involving a car, truck, motorcycle, or auto to:

  • Stop their vehicle immediately after the accident.
  • Investigate property damage or injury, including bodily harm or pain and suffering.
  • Provide license details (name, address, date of birth, license plate, vehicle registration) to others or law enforcement like the police.

Failure to comply results in a hit and run charge, which may be a misdemeanor or felony if negligence, distracted driving, reckless driving, or driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) causes bodily harm, brain injury, or vehicular homicide. A personal injury lawyer can conduct an evaluation, review evidence or witness testimony, and build a defense or personal injury lawsuit to secure damages for pain or medical costs. Kohlmeyer Hagen’s lawyers are skilled in law related to hit and run, personal injury, and assault cases from vehicle incidents.

Why Are Penalties for Hit and Run and Personal Injury Cases Significant?

A hit and run accident causing death can lead to a felony under Minnesota law (§169.09, Subd. 14), with up to three years imprisonment, a $5,000 fine, or both, due to severe bodily harm or vehicular homicide. If the accident causes great bodily harm, penalties include up to two years imprisonment, a $4,000 fine, or both. Misdemeanor hit and run cases involving property damage or minor injury may result in up to 364 days imprisonment, a $3,000 fine, or both.

In personal injury cases from car accidents, truck collisions, or motorcycle crashes, victims can seek damages for pain and suffering, distress, or medical expenses through a lawsuit. Insurance companies may dispute fault or blame negligence, complicating recovery. A personal injury lawyer negotiates with insurance providers to secure a fair settlement, while our lawyers protect against aggressive prosecution in hit and run or assault cases, ensuring compliance with the statute of limitations and using evidence to support your personal injury claim.

How Can You Defend Against Hit and Run or Pursue a Personal Injury Lawsuit?

Minnesota law offers an affirmative defense for hit and run charges: if a driver leaves to seek emergency medical care for their injury or a passenger’s bodily harm, the charge may be dismissed. Our personal injury lawyers explore this defense, analyzing traffic camera footage, police reports, or testimony to assess fault or negligence in car, truck, or motor vehicle accidents. For personal injury cases, we perform an evaluation to prove negligence and secure damages for pain, suffering, or medical costs.

Kohlmeyer Hagen’s lawyers defend against misdemeanor or felony hit and run charges and pursue personal injury lawsuits for car accidents, Uber-branded or Lyft-branded crashes, or pedestrian injuries. We protect your license and navigate insurance disputes to maximize your settlement.

Why Choose Kohlmeyer Hagen, Law Office for Your Case?

A hit and run charge from a vehicle accident can be overwhelming. Whether facing driving under the influence, reckless driving, or distracted driving allegations in a car, truck, or motor vehicle accident, Kohlmeyer Hagen’s personal injury lawyers provide expert guidance. We handle lawsuits for injury, pain and suffering, or burn injuries, ensuring justice within the statute of limitations. Our lawyers review evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and prepare for trial, protecting your rights in hit and run, assault, or personal injury cases.

Don’t let a misdemeanor or felony hit and run charge or uncompensated personal injury affect your future. Contact Kohlmeyer Hagen, Law Office Chtd., to meet with a personal injury lawyer to evaluate your lawsuit, defend against negligence claims, or pursue damages for injury or pain and suffering.

What should I do immediately after a hit and run accident?

After a hit and run accident, your first priority should be to ensure your safety and the safety of others involved. If possible, move to a safe location and call 911 to report the incident. Document the scene by taking photos and noting any details about the other vehicle, such as its make, model, color, and license plate number. Seek medical attention for any injuries, even if they seem minor. Finally, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal options and potential claims.

How can I prove negligence in a personal injury case?

To prove negligence in a personal injury case, you must establish four key elements: duty, breach, causation, and damages. First, demonstrate that the other party had a legal duty to act reasonably. Next, show that they breached this duty through their actions or inactions. Then, establish a direct link between the breach and your injuries (causation). Finally, provide evidence of the damages you suffered, such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A personal injury lawyer can help gather the necessary evidence to support your claim.

What types of damages can I claim in a personal injury lawsuit?

In a personal injury lawsuit, you can claim various types of damages, including economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover tangible losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages address intangible losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish the at-fault party for particularly reckless behavior. Consulting with a personal injury lawyer can help you understand the full scope of damages you may be entitled to.

How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is typically six years from the date of the accident. However, if your case involves a hit and run, it’s crucial to act quickly, as evidence can deteriorate over time. Additionally, if you are pursuing a claim against a government entity, the time frame may be shorter, often requiring notice within 180 days. To ensure you meet all deadlines, it’s advisable to consult with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.

Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Yes, in Minnesota, you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident, thanks to the state’s comparative negligence law. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault and your total damages are $10,000, you would be eligible to recover $8,000. It’s essential to have a personal injury lawyer who can effectively argue your case and minimize your liability while maximizing your potential recovery.

What role does insurance play in hit and run cases?

Insurance plays a critical role in hit and run cases, as it can provide coverage for damages and injuries sustained in the accident. If the at-fault driver is not identified, you may be able to file a claim under your own uninsured motorist coverage, which is designed to protect you in such situations. However, insurance companies often dispute claims, so having a personal injury lawyer can help you navigate negotiations and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.

How Can You Contact Our Legal Team Now?

Don’t wait to address your hit and run or personal injury case. Reach out to Kohlmeyer Hagen to connect with a personal injury lawyer who can assess your vehicle accident, car crash, truck collision, motorcycle incident, or pedestrian injury. Our lawyers review traffic violations, driving under the influence charges, or assault allegations, ensuring your license is protected. We conduct a thorough evaluation of evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue damages for injury, pain and suffering, or bodily harm within the statute of limitations. Whether facing misdemeanor hit and run charges or seeking a personal injury lawsuit for a motor vehicle accident, our team is dedicated to securing your settlement and delivering justice. Call now to discuss your personal injury or hit and run case with an experienced lawyer.