Apple Valley, located to the northwest of Dakota County in Minnesota, is a suburb of the Twin Cities and one of the most populated cities in the state. And, this often-overlooked town was even rated the 17th best place to live in the United States by Money Magazine. While this city is certainly a charming place to live, the population density means that there are countless vehicles on the road at any time, and that auto accidents happen on a regular basis.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Apple Valley, you may be wondering what your next steps should be. While some accidents are minor and leave victims with little to no injuries or property damages, other accidents are serious and result in severe injuries and extensive damage to vehicles and other property. It’s important to know that you have rights when it comes to reclaiming any damages experienced in the accident, and an experienced personal injury attorney can help ensure those rights are upheld.
The personal injury lawyers at Florin|Roebig would be happy to discuss your case and explore your options when it comes to seeking compensation following a car crash.
Common Causes Of Car Accidents In Apple Valley
There are a number of reasons why a car accident may occur in Apple Valley. While some accidents are simply inevitable and neither driver is at fault, others are the result of negligence on behalf of one or both drivers.
Examples of common causes of automobile accidents in this area include:
Distracted driving: Texting and driving, talking on the phone while driving, and participating in any other activity that takes your eyes off the road is considered distracted driving. Because accidents can happen in a split second, looking away from the road for even a moment can be detrimental and result in a crash.
Driving while intoxicated: Drinking or using drugs while driving won’t only lead to a DUI; it can also result in a serious auto accident.
Not adhering to traffic laws: Traffic laws are put in place for a reason, and not adhering to them can put you and others in danger. Examples of not following traffic laws include not stopping at stop signs or traffic signals and making illegal U-turns.
Speeding: Speeding is another common cause of car accidents in Apple Valley. Going over the speed limit greatly increases your risk of being involved in a crash because it reduces your ability to stop or slow down in a timely manner.
Aggressive driving: Road rage has become a popular topic these days, and for good reason. Aggressive driving or road rage is extremely dangerous and can put you and others in harm’s way.
All of these examples involve negligent driving and will likely qualify you to file a personal injury claim with your or the other driver’s insurance company. If you’re unsure whether you should file a claim, be sure to work with a trusted personal injury law firm.
Types Of Injuries Incurred In Auto Accidents
Car accidents, truck accidents, and motorcycle accidents can result in a number of different injuries that range from mild to severe. How severe your injuries are will depend on several factors, including how fast the vehicles were going, where you were sitting in the car, and whether you had your seatbelt on. Examples of accident injuries include:
- Head and neck injuries
- Brain injuries
- Whiplash
- Cuts and bruises
- Burns
- Lacerations
- Sprains and strains
- Broken bones
- Concussions
- Wrongful death
It’s important that you seek medical treatment as soon as possible following a motor vehicle accident. This is because some injuries, such as whiplash, can take several hours or even days to appear. The longer you wait to get medical help, the harder it will be to prove that your injuries were a direct result of the accident. This can interfere with your ability to collect compensation for any medical expenses you incur as a result of your injuries.
Reasons To File A Car Accident Claim
There are a number of reasons to file a car accident claim following a crash. The most obvious reason is to seek compensation to any medical expenses or other damages incurred during the accident. If you’re unsure of whether you should file a claim, be sure to work with experienced legal representation for guidance.
Reasons to file a claim include:
- To get compensation for medical bills, aftercare expenses, and any other expenses related to injuries incurred in the accident
- To get compensation for current and future lost wages
- To recover damages for loss of consortium or loss of life
- To hold the person who caused the auto accident responsible for their negligent actions
Factors That Affect Auto Accident Claims
A number of factors can influence your auto accident claim and the amount of compensation you’re eligible for. Each auto accident case is unique and will vary in the factors that affect it.
Some factors that may influence your claim include:
- The severity of your injuries: How severe you or your loved one’s injuries are can greatly affect the settlement amount. In most cases, the more severe your injuries, the higher your compensation will be to account for the medical expenses.
- How the accident impacted your everyday life: If your injuries impact your everyday life, such as preventing you from enjoying activities you once took pleasure in or a reduction in your ability to care for your family, you’ll likely receive a larger settlement amount.
- How the accident impacted your work life: Some injuries can negatively impact your ability to work. If you can no longer work or are forced to take an extended period off from work due to your injuries, your settlement amount will likely include lost current and future wages.
- Expenses you’ve incurred: Injuries and property damage can be costly. If the accident resulted in your incurring extensive expenses, you will likely be compensated for these.
Every car accident is different, and there are several ways in which your auto accident claim can be affected. Be sure to keep detailed documentation of all expenses and other things related to the accident to support your case.
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Types Of Damages Awarded In Auto Accident Cases
There are several types of damages that can be awarded in an auto accident or personal injury case. These damages include:
- Compensatory damages: These types of damages are those that directly compensate accident victims for losses incurred in the accident. For example, receiving compensation for medical bills or lost wages would be considered compensatory damages.
- Punitive damages: These types of damages are awarded in cases when extreme negligence or malice is present.
Understanding the different types of damages can be difficult. Working with a personal injury attorney with years of experience can help ensure you receive the damages you’re entitled to.
Apple Valley Auto Accident Rates
Apple Valley does not provide up-to-date information on auto accident rates in the area. However, the state of Minnesota does. In 2019, Minnesota saw the following in terms of car accidents:
- 27,260 people were injured in auto accidents
- There were 333 fatal crashes
- 89 deaths occurred as a result of alcohol-related accidents
- 8,374 accidents were classified as hit and runs
- 61% of all fatal accidents happened in rural areas in Minnesota
The Three Most Dangerous Intersections in Apple Valley:
1. Intersection of Cedar Avenue (MN-77) and 140th Street W: This busy intersection is known for high traffic volumes and frequent accidents, particularly during peak hours. The combination of fast-moving traffic on Cedar Avenue and turning vehicles from 140th Street creates a hazardous situation, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions and side-impact crashes. Florin|Roebig’s Approach: Florin|Roebig would gather evidence such as traffic camera footage, police reports, and eyewitness testimonies to establish fault. They would work with accident reconstruction experts to analyze the collision and identify any contributing factors, such as signal timing issues or poor visibility. In past cases involving busy intersections, Florin|Roebig successfully demonstrated negligence and secured substantial settlements. Their comprehensive approach includes detailed evidence collection and expert testimonies to build a strong case for maximum compensation.
2. Intersection of Pilot Knob Road and County Road 42: This intersection experiences a high volume of traffic and is a common site for accidents due to the complex layout and frequent lane changes. The heavy commercial traffic and nearby retail centers contribute to congestion and an increased risk of collisions. Florin|Roebig’s Approach: The firm would collect evidence from traffic cameras, police reports, and witness statements. They would collaborate with traffic safety experts to analyze the road conditions and traffic patterns, proving how specific factors contributed to the accident. Florin|Roebig’s comprehensive approach has previously secured favorable outcomes in similar cases by leveraging expert testimonies and detailed evidence collection to build a strong case.
3. Intersection of Johnny Cake Ridge Road and 160th Street W: This intersection is particularly dangerous due to the high speeds of vehicles on Johnny Cake Ridge Road and the complexity of the intersection design. Accidents often occur due to drivers failing to yield, making unsafe turns, or not paying attention to traffic signals. Florin|Roebig’s Approach: Florin|Roebig would investigate the accident scene, collect maintenance logs for traffic signals, and gather witness statements. They would consult with mechanical and safety experts to determine if any equipment failure or driver negligence contributed to the accident. In previous cases involving high-speed intersections, Florin|Roebig has demonstrated the local authority’s failure to maintain safe road conditions, resulting in significant settlements. Their meticulous investigation ensures that they can build a compelling case for a high settlement or jury verdict.
List Of Top-Rated Auto Accident Lawyers Serving Apple Valley
The first step in making a strong case for your car accident claim is to work with an experienced personal injury or car accident attorney. The law offices of Florin|Roebig have more than 30 years of experience in this area and have consistently been recognized as one of the “Best Law Firms in America” by “US News and World Report.”
A few of the top lawyers who serve the Apple Valley area include:
- Chad K. Florin, M.B.A., LL.M.
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
Get Help Filing A Car Accident Claim Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, don’t wait to get the legal representation you need to ensure you get the maximum compensation available to you for your injuries and damages. Reach out to Florin|Roebig today for a free consultation.
