If you were hurt in a car, motorcycle or truck accident caused by a negligent driver, Gobena & Associates can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation, in Minnesota and North Carolina, in English, Amharic or Afaan Oromo.
What We Help You Pursue
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Other damages resulting from accidents caused by negligent drivers
Minnesota and North Carolina Work Very Differently
Minnesota is a no-fault state. After most car accidents, your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage pays certain medical and wage-loss benefits regardless of who caused the crash. You can recover pain-and-suffering (non-economic) damages from the at-fault driver only if your injuries meet thresholds in Minnesota Statutes § 65B.51, such as more than $4,000 in reasonable medical expenses, permanent injury or disfigurement, death, or disability of 60 days or more.
North Carolina is an at-fault state that follows contributory negligence. Under that rule, an injured person who is found even slightly at fault may be barred from recovering from the other driver, subject to limited exceptions. That makes careful handling of evidence and statements especially important.
Read more: Minnesota's no-fault system vs. North Carolina's at-fault approach.
What to Do After an Accident
- Get medical care, even if you feel fine. Some injuries appear later.
- Call the police and ask for the report number.
- Take photos of the vehicles, the scene and your injuries, and get witness contact information.
- Notify your own insurance company.
- Be careful about giving a recorded statement to the other driver's insurer before getting legal advice.
- Keep every medical bill, receipt and record of missed work.
Filing deadlines are strict and differ by state and type of claim. Contact an attorney promptly so a deadline is not missed.
Talk With Us in Your Language
Offices in Saint Paul, Minnesota and Charlotte, North Carolina. Call 1-888-462-3625 or send us a message. We speak English, Amharic and Afaan Oromo.
This page provides general information, not legal advice. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.