Attorney Carmen Wierenga is a bicyclist from Minneapolis, Minnesota. She was drawn to Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers because of our focus on traffic-related injuries – more specifically bike accident cases. When accidents happen, she wants to help people recover from their injuries (physically, emotionally, and financially) with as little stress as possible.
Carmen received a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science, Policy and Management in 2011 from the University of Minnesota. After graduating, she focused on policy and city planning and volunteered with transportation advocacy organizations in the Twin Cities.
Carmen relocated to the San Francisco Bay Area in 2013, where she received a Paralegal Studies Certificate from San Francisco State University, and she was hired as a paralegal at Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers in 2016. Carmen completed her JD at Golden Gate University School of Law in May 2021, and she was licensed with the California Bar in December 2021. When she’s not helping our clients navigate the personal injury process, Carmen draws, travels, and trains in aerial silks.
What are you most proud of in your career?
Strategically placing my bicycle helmet on the desk at the (surprise) group interview to stand out, getting called in first to talk to Sally, and getting hired at Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers.
What’s one vital lesson you’d share with any client?
Get under-insured/uninsured motorist (UIM/UM) coverage on your policy, especially if you ride a motorized scooter or motorcycle, or if you also are a bicyclist, in addition to owning a vehicle. It’s optional in California, and it’s so important because medical bills are astronomical and lots of people carry only the state minimum liability policy of $15,000.
What’s your favorite food?
Tie between pizza and kale.
What’s one thing you can’t live without?
My dog, Ocho, Attorney-at-Paw. I bounce ideas off him, and he (literally) bounces off of me.
Where is your favorite place to travel?
Avenue of the Giants – the big redwood trees in Northern California.
"Carmen helped calm my nerves so much! She was patient and knowledgeable and helped me begin to navigate the pretty scary world of personal injury lawsuits."
It is essential to know your rights after a traffic accident so you can protect yourself and the value of your claim.
This guide will help you: