While personal injury claims may seem complicated and expensive to file, having the right lawyer, such as the renowned personal injury lawyers of Florin|Roebig makes all the difference. Our nearly forty-year track record with successfully winning car accident cases speaks for itself.
The Florin|Roebig personal injury lawyers offer a free consultation and a free case evaluation for car accident victims. By scheduling an appointment, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Below, you can learn more about Minnesota laws regarding car accidents, including fault, liability, how to file a claim, and more.
What To Know About Minnesota Car Accident Claims
The type of car accident claim that your lawyer will help you file will be determined by what caused the accident and how you were injured.
Your attorney will conduct a thorough investigation of your car accident case to determine who was at fault and what type of claim to file.
Negligent Driver Claims
Most car accident injuries occur during crashes where the at-fault party is a driver.
If another driver caused your crash to occur, you can file a personal injury claim to seek compensation from them or their insurance company.
To successfully get a settlement, your personal injury attorney will have to prove that the other motorist acted negligently, leading to the crash and any injuries or property damage.
Manufacturer Error Claims
In rare cases, a defective part can lead to an accident or to injuries.
Whether the part was in your car or another driver’s car, you might be able to file a claim against the auto manufacturer in these cases.
Examples of defective parts include faulty seat belts, faulty brakes, or faulty airbags, among others.
Your lawyer can review your case and determine whether a faulty part could have caused the accident and use that evidence to seek a settlement.
Road Condition Claims
While the state of Minnesota has a large budget for roadway maintenance and upkeep, dangerous road conditions still cause accidents in the state every year.
Factors like improper signage, improperly maintained roads, or even a failure to clear snow and ice off a roadway could mean you are not at fault in an accident.
Your auto accident lawyer can help you seek compensation from the state or municipality if road conditions were responsible for your crash.
The Most Dangerous Highways In Minnesota And Why:
1. I-35W & I-94 Interchange (Minneapolis):
This core metro hub channels commuters, commercial traffic, and event-goers through tight curves and multiple levels of roadway. Drivers must frequently change lanes at high speeds to reach the correct exit. During rush hours, congestion and stop-and-go patterns force rapid braking, creating a setting where a single misjudgment can trigger rear-end collisions and chain-reaction crashes.
2. I-94 & I-494/I-694 Interchange (Brooklyn Center):
On the north side of the Twin Cities, this interchange merges three major highways, each carrying heavy volume. The tangle of ramps and merges offers little margin for error. Rapid lane shifts are needed as drivers sort themselves into correct lanes for local exits or long-distance routes, and when weather conditions worsen, even cautious motorists struggle to safely merge onto or off the freeways.
3. I-94 & Highway 52 (St. Paul):
Near downtown St. Paul, this interchange blends urban traffic patterns with regional flows. High-speed vehicles on I-94 meet cars slowing to exit onto Highway 52 or local streets. The abrupt transition from freeway pace to tighter exits and short merge lanes encourages sudden lane changes. Heavy commuter use, plus winter ice and snow, often leads to increased fender-benders and sideswipes.
4. I-35W & Highway 62 Crosstown Commons Area (Minneapolis):
Although improved in recent years, the Crosstown area still sees a high volume of vehicles weaving through short merge lanes and overlapping exits. Limited visibility as lanes split or join requires quick decisions. Distracted or unsure drivers can miss their intended exit, making abrupt corrective maneuvers that heighten collision risks.
5. I-494 & Highway 100 (Bloomington):
Serving busy suburban office parks, shopping areas, and access to the airport, this interchange challenges drivers with multiple on-ramps and off-ramps placed close together. The high volume of merging activity forces cars to quickly accelerate or decelerate. Sudden slowdowns occur when drivers realize too late they’re in the wrong lane for their intended exit, increasing the risk of rear-end crashes.
6. I-35E & I-694 Interchange (Little Canada):
Situated in the northeast metro, this interchange handles a steady mix of commuters traveling between downtown St. Paul and suburban communities. Curving ramps, overlapping entrances, and exits on both the left and right mean drivers can find themselves unexpectedly boxed in. During peak hours, the dense traffic flow and limited merge distances leave little room for error.
7. I-494 & Highway 169 (Bloomington/Edina):
This southwest metro junction manages traffic moving between major employment centers, shopping districts, and residential neighborhoods. Short merge lanes, a high volume of trucks, and drivers who must quickly cross multiple lanes to enter or exit create a chaotic environment. Even experienced drivers find themselves forced into sudden lane changes, braking hard as merging vehicles appear unexpectedly.
Why They’re Dangerous:
Across these seven interchanges, the primary dangers stem from limited space for acceleration and deceleration, complex lane configurations, and the sheer volume of vehicles vying for position. Frequent lane changes, fast-moving traffic, and short merge distances demand precise timing and concentration. Add in Minnesota’s winter weather—which can reduce visibility and traction—and these hotspots become prime areas for collisions. In essence, tight spacing, high speeds, and complex layouts make safe entry and exit a constant challenge at these major Minnesota interchanges.
The Car Accident Claim-Filing Process
If you or someone you love has been injured or had their property damaged as the result of a car accident, you may have questions about the claim filing process. While it sounds daunting, the process can be easier if you consider hiring the legal services of an accident attorney.
When the time has come to begin your claim, the following are the basic steps you should take to begin the process:
- Gather evidence for your claim: It is important that you take photos and record videos of the auto collision while you are at the scene of the accident.
- Review your insurance policy: Before you file your claim, it is important to take a moment to educate yourself about your insurance policy. There are many people who do not know what their policy entails regarding accidents, fault, and liability.
- Hire a Florin|Roebig accident attorney: This step is often overlooked, but it is a very important and beneficial step to take for your insurance claim. Even if your accident was fairly straightforward, hiring a Florin|Roebig attorney can help ensure your insurance company acts appropriately.
- Obtain a copy of the police report: A police report is an official, legal explanation of the events leading to an accident. It will say who was found to be at fault for the accident and who should be held liable for damages.
- Call your insurance agent to begin a claim: After you have the documentation and evidence you need, contact your insurance agent. Your agent will begin your claim and ensure you have the paperwork you need.
Once you have officially filed your claim, an insurance adjuster will be dispatched to investigate the accident, including injuries and property damage. The adjuster will give their opinion on the fault and how much your insurance company should compensate you.
Your insurance company will take the adjuster’s information into account when deciding compensation amounts.
While you are dealing with paperwork, it is important to remember that these official documents must be filed by their deadline; otherwise, your claim will be dismissed. If you need help keeping your case on track, contact the lawyers of Florin|Roebig today for a free review.
Minnesota Laws For Car Accident Cases
In the United States, each individual state is given the right to set up its own laws regarding car accidents and personal injury law. This can be confusing for new residents or those who are traveling through the state.
There are two key factors to know about Minnesota car accident laws:
- Minnesota is a “no-fault” state. This means that if you are involved in a car accident in Minnesota and you receive injuries or damage to your car, you are required to file a claim with your own insurance company.
- Minnesota has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury and auto accident claims. If you are involved in an accident, you have two years from the moment the accident happens to file your claim; there are no delays.
Fault In Car Accidents
When you or a loved one are involved in a car accident, you will probably hear many different legal terms over and over again. One of these terms is “fault,” which means who is determined to be responsible for the car accident.
Minnesota is a “no-fault” state, which means that when people are in car or motorcycle accidents, they must seek compensation from their own insurance companies, no matter who caused the accident.
However, there are situations in which car accident victims suffer serious injuries and property damage. The damages and losses a motorist receives might be greater than their no-fault insurance coverage limits.
If this is the case in your car accident, the at-fault driver and/or their insurance company may have to compensate you for your damages and injuries.
If you have any questions about fault in your Minnesota car accident, an experienced attorney can review your case and help you determine who was at fault and whether filing a personal injury claim is the right thing to do.
Who Is Liable In Minnesota Car Accidents?
Another legal term you will hear a lot after an auto accident is “liability,” which is different from fault. In legal terms, the liable party is the one who is lawfully responsible for paying damages to a claimant after a car accident.
Liability can be difficult to determine because many different factors can cause an accident. It is very possible to be at fault for your accident and not be liable for the monetary and non-monetary damages that occur.
In other words, a motorist may have caused the accident because they could not do anything to avoid it. If a car’s brakes were not working because of a manufacturing error and the brakes were unable to stop it from braking the way they were designed to, the driver is still considered at fault for the accident but not liable for it.
In this case, the company accountable for making the brakes may be strictly liable for the accident. The company that created the brakes is required to be held to a strict standard because the public’s safety relies on their brakes working correctly.
In another case, if a road crew member working on a road failed to warn motorists properly of construction and it caused an accident, the driver would also be at fault, but the construction company or city/county is liable.
Courts consider multiple factors when determining fault and liability in car accident cases in these types of situations.
At Florin|Roebig, our car accident attorneys can help ensure that the responsible parties are held accountable for your injuries and help you secure the rightful compensation you deserve.
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Consideration Of Negligence, Degree Of Fault
Another legal term that you will hear in personal injury and car accident claims is negligence. The term negligence refers to any conduct or action that directly causes injury, property damage, or other related consequences.
It is important to understand negligence as it concerns car accidents, due to the fact that it can play a major role in determining compensation amounts in some areas.
The following types of negligence are common in personal injury claims filed by Minnesota car accident victims:
- Gross negligence: A type of negligence that refers to blatant or serious disregard for the safety of other motorists and for the rules of the road that can cause an accident. Gross negligence usually must have occurred in order to file a claim for car accident injuries.
- Comparative negligence: Most states use a comparative negligence system. Comparative negligence considers a party’s level of blame for the accident in comparison to the blame of others involved in the accident. Each party is given a percentage of fault, and then the damages are awarded and adjusted accordingly.
- Contributory negligence: In this type of negligence system, you are unable to file a car accident claim in order to seek compensation if you are even 1% at fault for the accident.
Fault in auto accidents may seem straightforward; however, it is not always so clear. In many situations, fault in car accidents rarely falls on just one person. Courts often assign varying degrees or percentages of fault based on various factors.
The amount of compensation you can receive, if any, will depend on the fault laws in your state.
Here is what’s important to know about fault in car accidents:
- You are still able to recover damages in states with no-fault laws. Despite what you may have heard, you may still be able to receive compensation if you received extensive injuries in a car accident in a no-fault state. You may still be able to receive compensation for your injuries if your injuries exceed your personal injury protection (PIP) policy.
- Your level of fault may reduce your settlement. In states that use a comparative fault system, people can file a claim against the negligent party, but the percentage of fault will reduce a person’s compensation amount. So, if you are given an assignment of 20% fault, you will receive a settlement amount of less than 20%.
- You may not be able to file a claim for damages if you have been found at fault. In contributory negligence states, people cannot file a claim if they are found to be at fault in any way.
The Florin|Roebig lawyers are ready to help you with any questions you may have regarding negligence and degree of fault today. Florin|Roebig’s team of civil trial lawyers is open to answering any questions you may have about the legal process or the claims process.
Ways The Accident Can Impact Your Life
Many effects extend beyond the immediate aftermath of a serious car accident. Many car accidents can cause life-altering expenses and bills that can be staggering.
The following are some of the ways an accident can impact your life:
- Losing your job
- Losing the ability to make money and provide for yourself and your family
- The loss of your vehicle and transportation
- Losing your independence (i.e., due to permanent injury requiring ongoing assisted care)
- The cost that pain and suffering have taken on your life
- Developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Losing your companion or partner (e.g., as a surviving spouse)
- Adaptations to your home or method of transportation to adapt to severe or permanent injuries (e.g., widening hallways, ramp installation)
It is very important that your settlement amount reflects the amount of compensation that you are now in need of. The Florin|Roebig law firm has won millions in case awards for their clients because of injuries, which helps them rebuild their lives after an auto accident.
What To Do After A Car Accident
It can be overwhelming and shocking to be involved in a car accident in Minnesota. It can be helpful to know what to do after an accident in order to help build a strong personal injury claim or case. Follow these steps if you have been involved in a car accident:
1. Obtain Medical Care
The number one thing to do after a car accident is to make sure you and your passengers are okay and uninjured. Make sure to look over yourself and your passengers for any injuries. In the event that there are injuries, call 9-1-1 immediately.
A medical professional should properly assess minor injuries to prevent more severe outcomes and ensure proper medical treatment. You should make sure to hang onto any medical records and bills; they can be very helpful for your forthcoming personal injury claim.
2. Collect Contact Information
It is important to gather the contact information of everyone involved in the accident as soon as you make sure no one is seriously injured. The contact information will be helpful for both your insurance company and your Florin|Roebig personal injury attorney.
The following is the information that should be gathered:
- Names
- Phone numbers
- License plate numbers
- Driver’s insurance information
- Driver’s license numbers
If you find that one of the people involved in the accident is uninsured, you will need to take note of this. This information will be important later when you seek compensation for any related damages. You will also need to give the other parties your information.
3. Call The Police
Contacting the police after an accident is important for many different reasons, including making sure a police report is created. This report will be very important for your insurance company and car accident attorney.
Having a police officer on-scene may also be helpful as a mediating party between yourself and other motorists who are experiencing significant distress.
4. Get Photos Or Videos
It is going to be very beneficial for your insurance claim and personal injury case to take videos and pictures of the scene of the accident as soon as you are in a safe space and away from the wreckage. It is important that you include the time and the location of the accident in the video.
Important things to take pictures and videos of include damage to the cars involved, injuries, witness statements, and conditions of the road and surrounding area. Make sure to record as many details as possible to build your car accident claim.
5. Report The Accident To Your Insurance Company
Once you have dealt with the immediate necessities after an auto accident, such as seeking medical care and giving your statement to the police, you need to contact your insurance company. It is important to get your insurance claim process started as soon as possible.
Attorney Chad K. Florin of Florin|Roebig warns,
“Insurance companies are known to play dirty when it comes to issuing fair compensation to car accident victims. It is critical to seek legal advice from an attorney if you think your insurance company is playing games with your claim.”
Florin|Roebig attorneys are always available for a free consultation and evaluation of claim cases. Even if everything goes smoothly, we can help ensure that your claim is processed in a timely manner.
6. Contact A Florin|Roebig Car Accident Lawyer
Contacting a personal injury attorney is an important and necessary decision that all car accident victims should consider. There are many ways that attorneys can assist you during the claims process, including advising you on what you should and should not say while filing your claim.
A car accident attorney can also help you complete your insurance paperwork, evaluate the damages that were caused by the accident, obtain the police report, and more. Attorneys want to help make sure you do not have to handle the stress of the aftermath of an accident by yourself.
At Florin|Roebig, with nearly forty years of experience in car accident law, we are not afraid to negotiate with insurance companies. Let us fight for maximum compensation for you and your family members.
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
How Florin|Roebig Can Help With Your Car Accident Claim
Many people do not fully understand why they should hire a car accident attorney after they have been in an accident, especially if it was not a very serious accident. However, there are a number of different benefits that come with hiring a Florin|Roebig auto accident lawyer.
If you are considering hiring a Florin|Roebig attorney, the following are advantages that you would gain by doing so:
Car Accident Case Experience
Attorneys attend school for many years to become very knowledgeable about the laws of the United States and the state they are in. They also continue to educate themselves on their given area of expertise because things change constantly.
Knowing that their car accident claim is in the hands of someone who knows what they are doing can take a weight off of a person’s shoulders. The car accident attorneys at Florin|Roebig have more than four decades of experience handling car accident injury claims and hundreds of satisfied clients to date.
A Strong Personal Injury Claim
The top attorneys in personal injury claims will understand exactly what it takes to build a strong claims case for their clients so that they can receive the maximum compensation amount.
A car accident lawyer with experience managing auto accident claims will have more significant insight than the average personal injury attorney and be able to clarify the process of filing a solid claim for you each step of the way.
Negotiating A Fair Settlement
It can be difficult to navigate the claims process with your insurance company and negotiate the right settlement for your case. You are not alone if you are feeling overwhelmed by the insurance process.
Our Florin|Roebig attorneys have a long history of successfully going head-to-head with insurance companies, and we are not afraid to negotiate with insurance providers.
When you hire a Florin|Roebig personal injury attorney, you ease the burden of responsibility by shifting the negotiation with insurance companies to a legal professional who has experience championing injured parties’ interests.
Client Success Stories
A common way to choose a car accident attorney is by looking at their track record with former clients. The attorneys of Florin|Roebig have had wonderful attorney-client relationships that have resulted in many successful claims being fulfilled.
But you do not have to take our word for it; you can read a testimonial from an actual client:
Practical Advice for After a Car Accident
Knowing what to do can be difficult in the chaotic and overwhelming aftermath of an auto accident. When you are in the unfortunate position of dealing with an accident, the following are practical steps to take:
- Seek medical attention: If you have been seriously injured, you will likely be taken to the hospital by an ambulance. However, if you were not seriously hurt, you may be looked at by EMTs at the accident scene and then released with instructions to get a follow-up from your primary doctor. It is important to get this follow-up because some injuries take longer to develop.
- Gather evidence as soon as possible: Collect videos and pictures of the scene of the accident, the cars involved, any injuries that were sustained, and other applicable information.
- Call your insurance provider: It is important to have what you need on hand before you call your insurance agent. You will need your policy information, medical reports, medical bills, estimates from a car repair place, and the contact information of the other party involved. Making sure to have these items on hand will help the process go smoother.
- Protect your legal rights: To avoid damaging your insurance claim case, it is important that you do not take the blame for the accident. Hiring a Florin|Roebig attorney is very beneficial, as they are aware of your important legal rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following are the most frequently asked questions by those who have been involved in car accidents in Minnesota.
How much do car accident lawyers cost?
In most cases, car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you do not have to pay anything upfront. If your attorney wins your case, they will collect their fee then, but if they do not win your case, you do not have to pay them.
The Florin|Roebig law firm always works on a contingency fee basis.
Do I need an attorney for a crash that wasn’t my fault?
Yes, hiring an attorney for a crash that was not your fault is a good idea because no matter how straightforward a case may seem, hiccups can always happen. Having an attorney who knows your case can help ensure you receive fair treatment.
Because car accidents are not always straightforward, a lawyer can help prove that you were not at fault for the accident, so you are not held liable for damages you didn’t cause.
Should I hire a lawyer if no one was injured in a car accident?
You may think that a lawyer will not be necessary if there were no injuries that resulted from the car accident; however, having a lawyer can ensure that the insurance company and the other party’s legal team cooperate throughout the process.
For a free consultation and case evaluation, contact the law offices of Florin|Roebig today.
Can a lawyer help me win my car accident case?
Car accident victims who hire a personal injury attorney have a greater chance of winning their case, on average, than those who have decided not to hire lawyers.
A Florin|Roebig attorney is extremely well-versed in the Minnesota car accident laws. They can help you understand the laws, assist you in filing your car accident claim, defend your case in court if necessary, and much more. Call our offices today for a free case review.
How to Get Help from Florin|Roebig Attorneys
When you decide to seek the assistance of a personal injury attorney, you should know that it is an important decision, and you should not take it lightly. While there are a multitude of other law firms you can choose from, Florin|Roebig is the most skilled and attainable.
If you are curious about the attorneys of Florin|Roebig and would like to learn more about our team or schedule a free consultation, the following are ways you can reach us:
- You can request more information from our website, florinroebig.com,
- We have a telephone number available all day, every day
The Florin|Roebig law firm has been voted number one over and over again for a reason: our lawyers care about you and your case. Florin|Roebig will do everything in our power for your case, starting with a free consultation. In a free consultation, we will go over your available options and provide you with our legal recommendations.
Conclusion
If you or someone you love has been involved in a car accident in Minnesota, you may be unsure of what to do next. It can be a stressful time in someone’s life, and it is very important to have an attorney you can trust by your side.
When you are ready to begin the process of filing an insurance claim, or if you need to take your accident case to court, contact the law offices of Florin|Roebig today. Our lawyers are ready and waiting to assist you with your claim and fight for your rightful compensation.
Call or email us today to schedule your free consultation and case evaluation.
