St. Paul, Minnesota Personal Injury Lawyers caution: HOT DISH AND CAR CRASHES DO NOT MIX

Car Crash Advice From a St. Paul MN Personal Injury Lawyer

Being in the business of helping injured victims has taught us a thing or two about clients.  Midwestern clients that is.  We’ve all heard the cliché about those of us living in the heartland refusing an offer of hot dish at least three times before deciding that “maybe just a little” would be okay—as our stomach growls—“if it isn’t too much trouble”.  Unfortunately, this mentality extends to crash victims. 

 We Midwesterners have a reputation for being tough.  For not needing help.  For not getting injured.   And if we do get hurt?  Well, we make darn sure we don’t complain about it.   All too often the crash attorneys at Champion Law, LLC ask an injured client how he or she is feeling only to have that client respond, “Not too bad”.  If only multiple fractures, wearing a halo brace and being bedridden were so easy. 

 The problem with our pattern of niceties is that it doesn’t do us any favors in the examining room or in the courtroom.  When victims withhold information from their treating medical providers or diminish their symptoms they do not receive the care they need.  In turn, their medical records do not reflect the true extent of their injuries and associated symptoms.  And there we have it folks—an injured victim who is trying to “tough it out” and medical records that look like nothing much is wrong.  In other words, an insurance defense attorney’s dream. 

So, the crash attorneys at Champion Law, LLC urge you to step out of the Midwestern box.  Don’t be ashamed to talk about your injuries and what you are experiencing.  Your health and your personal injury case depend on it. 

 

Kimberly G. Behm

Attorney at Law
Champion Law LLC
3252 Rice Street
St. Paul, MN  55126
651-766-5886
f – 651-766-5235

kim@champion-law.com

www.champion-law.com

ST. PAUL MINNESOTA CAR CRASH – NOT CAR ACCIDENT – ATTORNEYS EXPLAIN WHY THE WORD “ACCIDENT” USUALLY DOESN’T MAKE SENSE

Car Insurance Companies and Car “Accidents” – A St. Paul Minnesota Attorney’s View

Something has been bothering us for years:  Insurance companies defending car crash cases always use the word “accident” when describing crashes their insured’s caused.  Why, you may be asking yourself, do the car crash attorneys at Champion Law care?  Because the insurance industry’s use of the word “accident” is no accident.  They use the word “accident” to take blame away and by extension, to lower the amount they have to pay on a claim.  The word “accident” means “an unfortunate event that happens by chance.”  And that’s what the insurance industry wants injury victims and juries to think: people who suffer personal injuries aren’t victims of bad driving, but rather they were injured by an unfortunate event that happens by chance.  In other words, stuff happens and we should all just move on with our lives. 

 But the car crash lawyers – sometimes mistakenly called car accident lawyers by the insurance companies – of Champion Law LLC don’t use the word “accident” when discussing the events that injure their clients.  Instead, we use the word “crash”.  Using the word crash makes it more clear that our clients were hurt because someone made choices.  By definition, bad choices don’t cause “accidents” – bad choices predictably cause bad things to happen.  For example, if a driver makes a choice to look for something on the floor of their car, adjust the radio when coming to an intersection, put on makeup while driving, trying to clear a yellowish/redish light, etc., those choices come with a predictable bad outcome – a car crash.  Crashes happen because of bad choices – not because of chance. 

The car crash lawyers at Champion Law – Robert Roe, Nate Bjerke and Kim Behm – take this attitude and attention to detail in every car crash case we handle.  If you have been hurt in a car crash, don’t play the insurance company’s game.  This is no accident and you shouldn’t settle for compensation commensurate with a “stuff happens” attitude. 

 

 

Nate Bjerke

Champion Law LLC

3252 Rice Street

St. Paul, MN 55126

(t)651.766.5886

(f)651.766.5235

www.champion-law.com

 

Licensed in Minnesota, Wisconsin and California

Had An Accident? When Is It Time To Hire A Personal Injury Attorney?

MN Personal Injury Lawyers Discuss Having Had An Accident

If you have suffered an accident, you may be entitled to personal injury.

A car accident may seriously compromise your quality of life if your injuries are serious, or affect your ability to work. This may further have a financial impact on you, and result in psychological stress.

In such a case, you may make a claim for Personal Injury Compensation.

Personal Injury Compensation is meant to pay the damages of any personal injury. A car accident is a personal injury, and you are eligible for Personal Injury Compensation if it was not your fault. First, you should notify the police of the situation. Also, immediately report the incident to your insurance company and doctor. Your doctor should evaluate your health and write up a medical report, which would be needed if you take the matter to court. You should also record the details of the accident on your own, and if there are any eyewitnesses, you should get their accounts and their contact numbers for further contact.

It is best to hire a personal injury specialist to carry your case forward if you decide to go ahead with filing for compensation. The personal injury lawyers at Champion-Law will work hard to see that you receive 100% of the compensation you deserve. Our firm is one of the industry’s most respected liability attorneys and one of the most successful personal injury attorneys in Minnesota.

All too often injury victims are discouraged with taking legal action out of fear of dealing with big insurance companies. With so much involved, many people just plain give up. They think they cannot possibly go up against the companies possibly because of their lack of knowledge. It can be a very intimidating ordeal.

At Champion-Law, we form a partnership with you. By working as a team, your fears and concerns are addressed by lawyers who take your case as serious as you do. Representing personal injury victims is what we do. The personal injury attorneys at Champion-Law are experienced in knowing how to build and negotiate with the insurance companies. In addition, if it necessary, we will take your case to trial. We take the time to listen to you and your individual concerns.

Knowing what to do and your rights is important. Choosing the right attorney is even more important. Champion-Law personal injury attorneys and our support staff is here for you through the entire process. Our reputation is that of outstanding results.

Champion-Law has put together a free booklet, “The 5 Traps That Can Kill Your Personal Injury Case”. We invite you to take the time to read its valuable messages to determine if an attorney is the right choice for you. It is all about what to do and what you need to know in the event of an accident.

Call us at Champion-Law today for a free consult. We will discuss your personal situation and you can decide if an attorney is right for you. 651-766-5886 or 866-778-2919

Feel free to visit our website at www.champion-law.com to get your free copy of “The 5 Traps That Can Kill Your Personal Injury Case”.  We are here to help so you can heal!

 

Hiring A Personal Injury Lawyer

MN and WI Personal Injury Lawyers On Automobile Accident Law

Unfortunately, at some time in our lives, most of us will experience an automobile accident. When you are in a car accident, even if you are not injured, there are certain things that you should and should not do. If you are involved in litigation arising from a car accident, you will benefit from consulting Personal injury lawyer.

Automobile Accident Law

·         Stay At The Scene

·         Safeguard The Injured

·         Obtain Information

·         Do Not Admit Fault

·         Get Medical Care

The personal injury attorneys at Champion Law are experienced in knowing how to build and negotiate your case with the insurance companies, and if necessary, know how to take your case to trial. They know the governing laws backwards and forwards. Insurance companies will typically do everything they can to take advantage of you and try to effect the lowest possible settlement. Our attorneys are in a good position to help you obtain a favorable settlement that significantly exceeds what you can obtain on your own.

We have put together a free booklet The 5 Traps That Can Kill Your Personal Injury Case as an aide in determining if an attorney is the right choice for you.

At Champion Law, we can help you:

·         Receive payment for your medical bills

·         Collect compensation for lost time from work

·         See to it that you and your family is taken care of

·         File your paperwork

·         Make calls on your behalf

·         Answer all of your questions as they arise

·         Receive 100% of the compensation you deserve

Contact us at Champion Law today at 651-766-5886 or 866-778-2919 for a free consult. Or visit our website at www.champion-law.com to request our free booklet, The 5 Traps That Can Kill Your Personal Injury Case

Injured in an Accident?

MN and WI Personal Injury Attornies Can Help

Have you or your loved ones been seriously injured in a car accident, in a slip and fall incident, or by a dangerous product? Are you frustrated with large corporations and insurance companies that refuse to take responsibility for their actions? Finding yourself in a life- changing situation is a daunting experience. You may have financial, emotional and personal losses. Having the support of your friends and family is only part of it. We can help by listening to you and your individual needs. You will also need a strong attorney to help you through every stage of the process.                                                                                                                                     

It is important to know who your lawyers are. In our free booklet The 5 Traps, it will explain the steps to take when looking for an attorney and why you need this information.

The Minnesota personal injury attorneys at Champion Law are here for you. As experienced lawyers and as dedicated family men and women, we believe in your rights to seek justice for your injuries. Call us today at 651-766-5886 or 866-778-2919 for a free consultation.

At Champion Law, we are committed to excellence in every aspect of our practice. We take our job seriously because we know you do. The very meaning of the word Champion speaks to our integrity.

1. One that wins first place or first prize in a competition 2. One that is clearly superior or has the attributes of a winner 3. An ardent defender or supporter of a cause or another person 4. One who fights; a warrior 5. To fight for, defend, or support as a champion 6. To defy or challenge 7. Holding first place or prize 8. Superior to all others 9.to support: he unceasingly championed equal rights and opportunities 10.excellent   Let us be your Champion! Call today at 651-766-5886 or 866-778-2919

MN AND WISCONSIN PRODUCT LIABILTIY LAWYERS TEACH YOU HOW TO MAKE SURE YOUR SEAT BELT KEEPS YOU SAFE – Part 5

The Final Installment of Seat Belt Safety by a Product Liability Attorney in MN

This is the last segment of my series in Seat Belt Safety.  Seat Belt Safety and knowledge can save you or your loved ones life.  Some of the things I have touched on, we take for granted and are overlooked.  I will continue with the last thing that needs to be checked also, Seat Belt Buckles/Latches.

I’ve seen cases where seat-belt buckles didn’t latch properly, opened up in a crash and left the occupant utterly unprotected.  There are a lot of things that may cause buckles to latch improperly: buckle defects are one big reason.  So again, check the NHTSA web-site for defects or recalls at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/recallsearch.cfm.  Also, check for things lodged in the buckle – things like coins or food can cause problems inside the buckle that may lead to buckle unlatching.

After you’ve checked the buckle for contaminants, insert the tongue into the buckle.  Then pull on the webbing to see if you can pull the latch plate out of the buckle without depressing the button on the buckle.  If you can, you have a problem and need to replace the buckle immediately.  
 

And last – and this is especially important with children – make absolutely certain you hear the audible “click” every time someone in the vehicle fastens their safety belt. 

If you have any questions or concerns about Seat Belt Safety, please call Champion-Law in St. Paul: 651-766-5886 or Minneapolis: 612-743-4918, or visit our website www.champion-law.com
 

MN AND WISCONSIN PRODUCT LIABILTIY LAWYERS TEACH YOU HOW TO MAKE SURE YOUR SEAT BELT KEEPS YOU SAFE – Part 4

Product Liability Attorney’s Fourth Installment on Seat Belt Safety in Minnesota

In this installment of the Seat Belt Safety concerns, I want to discuss the seat belt, the belt itself.

Make sure your seat-belt webbing isn’t frayed or torn.  If a belt rips apart in a crash, it obviously won’t provide a whole lot of protection to the occupant.   The seatbelt webbing is the fabric portion of the belt that goes across your lap and torso.  Some cars have poor designs that cause the webbing to rub against metal parts – maybe even sharp parts – that cause tear or rip the webbing after extended use.  Likewise, if webbing is shut in car doors repeatedly, it may fray.  So check the webbing in all of your seatbelts for fraying or tearing.  If the webbing is frayed or torn, contact a certified dealer to get the webbing replaced immediately. 

If you have any questions, please call Champion-Law in St. Paul: 651-766-5886 or  Minneapolis: 612-743-4918 or visit our website www.champion-law.com.

MN AND WISCONSIN PRODUCT LIABILTIY LAWYERS TEACH YOU HOW TO MAKE SURE YOUR SEAT BELT KEEPS YOU SAFE – Part 3

Product Liability Attorney on Seat Belt Safety – Part 3

I am here again with the Third Installment to the Seat Belt Safety Concerns.  I am going to be discussing the fit.  The fit is really important.

Seatbelt fit is critical – especially the shoulder portion of the seatbelt.  The shoulder belt should cross your clavicle – not your neck and not across the front of your shoulder.  The belt across the clavicle means that the hardest part of your body – your sternum and rib-cage – will load into the belt rather than your neck or abdomen.  Most seatbelts in newer cars have upper anchors – the part of the belt that attaches to the car above your shoulder – that are adjustable.  In other words, you can move them up and down.  So the next time you sit in the car and buckle up your seatbelt, take note of where the belt comes across your body.  Adjust the upper anchor until the belt crosses your clavicle. 

In the next installment to this series I will be discussing the belt itself.  Come back again and continue to read the safety issues with seat belts.  If you have any questions please call St. Paul: 651-766-5886 or
Minneapolis: 612-743-4918 or visit our website www.champion-law.com

MN AND WISCONSIN PRODUCT LIABILTIY LAWYERS TEACH YOU HOW TO MAKE SURE YOUR SEAT BELT KEEPS YOU SAFE – Part 2

Product Liability Attorney On Seatbelt Safety in Minnesota and Wisconsin

This is part Two in my series about Seat Belt Safety.  We want you to be safe, that is our mission.

Check for defects that lead to recalls on your vehicle’s seat belt systems.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tracks and controls automobile defect recalls and publishes them at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/recallsearch.cfm.  You can search for recalls and service bulletins that may relate to safety issues by vehicle model, make, year and component.  So before you and your family buckle up, log on and make sure the seatbelts you’re buckling haven’t been recalled. 

If you have any questions, please call:

Champion Law
Nate Bjerke
Champion Law LLC
3252 Rice Street
St. Paul, MN 55126
(t)651.766.5886
(f)651.766.5235
www.champion-law.com

Licensed in Minnesota, Wisconsin and California

 

MN AND WISCONSIN PRODUCT LIABILTIY LAWYERS TEACH YOU HOW TO MAKE SURE YOUR SEAT BELT KEEPS YOU SAFE – Part 1

Product Liability Attorney on a Four Part Series – Seat Belt Safety In Minnesota

We all think that when we buckle up, we’re safe – or at least safer.  And usually buckling your seatbelt does make you safer.  But misuse or defects in seatbelts can cause them to lose their ability to protect us in crashes.  For the next few installments of this blog, I’m going to discuss a few common problems that may render seatbelts unsafe and even dangerous.  I would love to hear your comments if you have additional thoughts or stories on these issues. 

Keep watching for the next installment of Seat Belt Safety.  Until then, any questions, call St. Paul: 651-766-5886; Minneapolis: 612-743-4918, or visit our website at Champion-Law.com