If you or a loved one has been injured in a car crash in Minnesota, you might have legal options.
While personal injury claims may seem complicated and expensive to file, this is not the case when you have help from the right lawyer.
A personal injury lawyer can review your case and help you decide whether filing a claim is worth it.
The attorneys at Florin|Roebig work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they are paid only if you get a settlement offer. You have nothing to lose by filing a personal injury claim against the liable party.
First, it’s important to learn about car accident claims in Minnesota, including how they work, what to expect, and when to file a claim.
What Types Of Car Accident Claims Can You File In Minnesota?
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:
- Highway 12: This highway is notorious for its high traffic volume and frequent accidents, particularly in the Twin Cities west metro area. There are numerous intersections, driveways, and turning lanes on the road, which can increase the likelihood of a collision.
- Highway 61: This highway runs along Minnesota’s eastern border and is known for its scenic views. It is, however, a high-speed highway with a large number of fatal accidents. Speeding, distracted driving, and inclement weather are all factors that contribute to an accident.
- Highway 23: This highway connects Willmar and Duluth and is known for its narrow lanes and sharp curves, making it difficult to navigate, especially in bad weather. The road is also notorious for its heavy traffic and frequent accidents.
- Highway 169: This highway, which connects the Twin Cities to the Iron Range, is known for its high-speed limit and heavy traffic volume. The road has numerous intersections and turning lanes, which can increase the likelihood of a collision, especially during rush hour.
- Highway 14: This highway connects Rochester and Mankato and is known for its narrow lanes and heavy traffic. There are numerous intersections, driveways, and turning lanes on the road, which can increase the likelihood of a collision.
How Is Fault Determined In Minnesota Car Accidents?
Minnesota is a “no-fault” state, meaning that when people get in car or motorcycle accidents, they seek compensation from their own insurance companies, regardless of who caused the accident.
However, because car accident victims often suffer serious injuries and property damage, their losses might be greater than their no-fault insurance coverage limits.
In these instances, you may be able to seek compensation from the at-fault driver and/or their insurance company.
An experienced attorney can review your case and help you to determine who was at fault in your crash and whether filing a personal injury claim is the right thing to do.
Who Is Liable In Minnesota Car Accidents?
Liability is different from fault. The liable party is the one that is legally responsible for paying damages to a claimant after a car accident.
The liable parties might include your insurance company, the at-fault driver’s insurance company, the state or municipality, or an auto manufacturer.
If another driver caused your crash and is uninsured or underinsured, they might also be held liable for paying damages in a personal injury case.
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What Damages Can You Be Paid In Minnesota Car Accident Claims?
If you are injured in an accident in Minnesota, a car accident claim might help you get compensation for losses you have endured, including medical expenses, lost wages, and even pain and suffering.
There are two main categories for damage payments:
Economic Damages
The point of economic damages is to compensate you for all the ways your crash and resulting injuries have impacted you financially.
Medical bills (both incurred and expected), lost wages and expected loss of earnings, and property damage will be added together and included in your settlement amount.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages include loss of relationships, emotional distress, wrongful death of a loved one, and other pain and suffering that you may have endured after your accident.
Having legal representation in a car accident claim means that you have someone who can communicate how much a crash has impacted your life and fight for you to receive the maximum compensation for these impacts.
How Can A Minnesota Car Accident Lawyer Help?
You might be wondering why you can’t just pursue a car accident claim by yourself, without the help of a lawyer.
While you are technically allowed to do so, most people opt to hire a personal injury attorney to handle their claim.
Auto accident attorneys make everything easier with your case. They handle all communications and are able to conduct much of the paperwork without needing to contact you.
Negotiate A Fair Settlement
The primary reason for hiring a car accident attorney in Minnesota is to ensure that you get fair compensation for your claim.
Lawyers are experts at calculating damages and fighting for a favorable settlement.
Insurance companies and other liable parties have plenty of tactics for trying to get out of paying damages, but an experienced lawyer can hold them responsible.
Defend Your Case In Court
In rare cases, a settlement agreement cannot be reached and the case must be moved to court in the form of a lawsuit so that a judge can decide on a settlement amount.
This can happen in any personal injury claim. If it does occur, you will be happy to have a trial lawyer by your side who can clearly present your case to the court and fight for a favorable settlement.
What Types Of Injuries Are Caused In Car Accidents?
Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries. Permanent injury and serious complications are common in car accident victims.
Car accident injuries often require extensive medical treatment, which can be a huge financial burden.
Some common injuries in car accidents include:
- Dismemberment
- Burns
- Broken bones
- Head trauma including traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Neck or back damage
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Joint or muscle injury
- Disability
- Spinal cord damage
- Whiplash
- Paralysis
- Fatality
What Causes Car Crashes In Minnesota?
Car accidents can occur for a number of reasons, but most accidents happen because of negligence on behalf of one or more of the drivers involved.
The cause of an accident can be an important factor when determining fault. Some of the most common causes of car accidents in Minnesota include:
- Drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs
- Reckless driving
- Speeding
- Distracted driving, including cell phone use and texting
- Negligent driving, including failure to look in mirrors, running stop signs, etc.
- Visibility issues
- Defective parts
- Hazardous road conditions
Types Of Car Accidents In Minnesota
Car accidents can happen in a number of different ways.
The accident report or police report might include information on what type of accident occurred, which can influence your insurance claim or the legal process if you file a lawsuit.
T-Bone Collisions
These crashes happen when the front of one car collides with the side of another. These often occur when one vehicle runs a stop sign or a red light at an intersection.
Head-On Collisions
These are some of the most dangerous auto accidents. They occur when two cars traveling toward each other collide with the fronts of their vehicles.
Even at relatively slow speeds, head-on crashes can be deadly.
Rear-End Collisions
When one car runs head-first into the rear of another car that is traveling in the same direction, this is called a rear-end crash.
The driver who hits the driver in front of them is usually at-fault in these incidents.
Multiple-Vehicle Accidents
This term simply refers to any auto accident involving two or more vehicles.
Hit-And-Run Accident
Any time a motor vehicle collides with something, whether it is an animal, another vehicle, or property of some kind, and flees the scene, it is referred to as a “hit-and-run”.
What To Do After A Minnesota Car Accident
Knowing what steps to take after a car accident is critical to staying safe and setting yourself up for success in a potential personal injury claim.
Step 1: Do Not Refuse Medical Care
If you are offered medical attention at the scene of the accident, do not refuse — even if you think you are okay.
Emergency officials and medical providers might wish to examine you or suggest that you seek further care for injuries.
If you end up filing a personal injury claim, the medical care you receive can serve as an important proof of your injuries.
Step 2: Report The Accident
Whether you are in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, or somewhere else in the state, you should always file a police report as soon as it is safe to do so.
A police report will serve as an objective statement of what occurred, which can be helpful later on in a personal injury claim.
Step 3: File An Insurance Claim
Whether or not you plan on seeking legal advice from a car accident lawyer, you should file an insurance claim after your accident.
If possible, exchange insurance and contact information with other drivers who were involved in the accident and share that information with your insurance company.
Step 4: Seek Help From A Car Accident Attorney
The car accident lawyers at Florin|Roebig law firm offer free consultations to people who have recently been in a crash in Minnesota.
Our attorneys will evaluate your case and tell you whether you have a good case for filing a claim.
We will fight for a fair settlement offer and represent you in court should your case be moved to a lawsuit.
List Of Top-Rated Minnesota Car Accident Lawyers Near You
The attorneys at Florin|Roebig law firm are standing by, ready to assist you with your car accident claim today.
We have years of experience helping car crash victims get the compensation they deserve.
People looking for a Minneapolis car accident lawyer or an attorney anywhere in the state should reach out to Florin|Roebig. Our esteemed legal team has won over $1 billion in settlement offers for our clients.
We are backed by excellent client testimonials and numerous prestigious awards, including a recent selection to the “Best Lawyers in America” list.
The award-winning team of car accident lawyers at the Florin|Roebig law office includes:
- Wil H. Florin, B.C.S.
- Tommy D. Roebig, B.C.S.
- Chase P. Florin, B.C.S.
- Parker Y. Florin, LL.M.
- Taylor D. Roebig
- John J. Hart
- Lawrence J. Najem, O.C.
- Nollys R. Solarte, O.C.
- Andrew M. Leone, O.C.
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
Connect With Florin|Roebig For Help With A Minnesota Car Accident Claim
The team at Florin|Roebig is here to help you with your car accident claim. Our lawyers want to see you get the fair compensation that you deserve after suffering the effects of a car crash.
To connect with our legal team, ask questions, or schedule your free case evaluation, contact the offices of Florin|Roebig today.
