While some auto accidents are simply unavoidable and no driver is truly at fault, others are caused by the negligence of a driver and can result in serious injuries or even death. Serious car accidents can impact victims in a number of negative ways, including by causing long-lasting injuries, requiring large amounts of money to care for these injuries, and loss of the ability to care for their families or enjoy the hobbies they once did.
While no settlement amount can truly compensate you for what you’ve lost in an auto accident, it can help you get back on your feet after a car collision. The best way to ensure you get the compensation you need and deserve is to work with an experienced personal injury lawyer such as those at Florin|Roebig. Our personal injury attorneys are certified to serve the Burnsville area and will provide you with the best legal representation possible.
Common Causes Of Burnsville Car Accidents
Vehicle accidents happen for a variety of reasons. These reasons range from inevitable causes such as the weather to negligence on behalf of a driver. Common examples of causes of accidents in the Burnsville, Minnesota, area include:
- Reckless driving: Reckless driving can include speeding, not adhering to traffic signals, swerving in and out of lanes, and other behavior that puts other drivers at risk. Participating in this type of driving is dangerous and can quickly result in car or truck accident.
- Distracted driving: Placing your attention on anything other than the road can easily lead to an auto accident. Examples of distracted driving include texting or talking on the phone while driving, eating or drinking while driving, and talking to passengers.
- Driving while under the influence (DUI/DWI): Drinking or using drugs while driving or driving while under the influence of these substances is incredibly dangerous and can greatly reduce a person’s ability to drive responsibility and safely.
- Inclement weather: Burnsville is no stranger to inclement weather, especially during the winter months. Sleet, snow, and ice can create dangerous driving conditions that can cause an accident.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to another driver’s negligence, it’s important to accurately determine the cause of the accident to help decide if you qualify for compensation from their or your insurance company. Working with an experienced Minnesota personal injury attorney can assist you in determining the cause and work with you to ensure you take the right steps when seeking compensation.
Common Injuries Incurred In Automobile Accidents
There are several types of injuries a person can incur during an auto accident. Examples of injuries seen in car crashes include:
- Back and neck injuries
- Brain injuries
- Cuts and bruises
- Lacerations
- Sprains and strains
- Broken bones
- Fractures
- Concussions
- Wrongful death
Even if you don’t feel your injuries are severe or that you incurred any injuries at all, you should still get medical attention as soon as possible after the collision. This is because some injuries like whiplash can take days or even weeks to be felt. The longer you wait to seek medical attention, the harder it will be to prove in a court of law that your injuries were directly caused by the accident.
Why Should You File A Car Accident Claim?
The primary reason you may consider filing an auto accident claim is to seek compensation for damages and losses incurred as a result of the crash. Accident victims can experience a variety of losses due to an accident, including lost wages, medical expenses, aftercare needs, and childcare assistance.
Additionally, some people choose to file a claim to shed light on the negligent driver’s driving behavior. By alerting the police and their insurance company about the situation and how they caused it, the driver is more likely to suffer a consequence as a result of their actions.
Factors That Can Impact Your Car Accident Claim
There are several factors that can affect your car accident claim as well as the amount of compensation you receive from the claim. These factors may include:
- The severity of your injuries: In most cases, individuals who incurred severe injuries during an accident will receive a larger settlement amount than those who don’t. This is because most severe injuries will require extensive medical treatment and even aftercare, all of which can be costly.
- How the accident impacted your work life: Some accidents leave individuals with the inability to return to work for an extended period of time or even ever again. In these instances, the victim would likely be compensated for current and future lost wages, promotions, and career opportunities.
- How the accident impacted your personal life: If the auto accident left you unable to do the things you once did, such as take care of your family or participate in once-loved hobbies, this is something that will be taken into consideration when deciding a settlement amount.
- How much documentation you have: Documentation is a crucial part of any accident claim or lawsuit. You must provide proper documentation to show the expenses incurred from the accident, any injuries you experienced, and any personal damage. You can document these things by taking pictures and keeping receipts.
- Statute of limitations: Minnesota law states that individuals have two years from the incident to file a personal injury case. This means that you must file your claim two years from the date of your accident or else your claim will not be valid.
Understanding the factors that influence a motor vehicle accident claim can be challenging. That’s why it’s important to work with an experienced personal injury law firm.
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Types Of Damages Awarded
The types of damages you will be awarded in your claim settlement will vary. Common damages awarded in car accident cases include:
- Compensation for current and future lost wages
- Compensation for medical bills and aftercare expenses
- Punitive damages if the at-fault driver acted in a malicious or extremely negligent manner
- Damages related to mental distress, such as experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder
- Compensation to support your family in the event that you cannot care for them
Burnsville Auto Accident Rates
The city of Burnsville, located in Dakota County, does not offer readily available up-to-date statistics on accidents in this area. However, the state of Minnesota does. In 2018 alone, Minnesota saw the following in terms of auto accidents:
- 146,107 motor vehicles were involved in auto accidents
- 172,908 people were involved in car crashes
- 27,877 people were injured in automobile accidents
- 381 people died as a result of a traffic accident
- 4,027 accidents were directly related to alcohol use while driving
- 123 deaths were caused by alcohol-related accidents
Dangerous Intersections In Burnsville
1. Intersection of County Road 42 and Nicollet Avenue: This busy intersection is known for its high traffic volume, particularly during rush hours. The combination of heavy commuter traffic, multiple lanes, and frequent turning movements creates a high risk for rear-end collisions and side-impact crashes. The intersection is located near a major shopping area, which adds to the congestion and complexity of navigating through the traffic signals. 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 dynamics and identify contributing factors like poor signal timing or inadequate signage. In past cases involving busy intersections, Florin|Roebig successfully demonstrated negligence and secured substantial settlements. Their meticulous approach ensures all aspects of negligence are thoroughly investigated and documented, maximizing compensation for the victim.
2. Intersection of Burnsville Parkway and Interstate 35W: This intersection is a major connection point for local traffic merging onto a busy interstate. The high speeds of vehicles entering and exiting the interstate, combined with local traffic, increase the likelihood of accidents, particularly during peak travel times. The complexity of the interchange, with multiple on and off-ramps, makes it challenging for drivers to navigate safely, leading to frequent 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 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 Highway 13 and County Road 5: This intersection experiences significant traffic due to its role as a connector between major highways and local roads. The high volume of vehicles, frequent lane changes, and multiple turning movements increase the risk of accidents, including T-bone collisions and rear-end crashes. The intersection’s proximity to industrial areas and residential neighborhoods results in a mix of commercial and local traffic, adding to the complexity and risk. 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-traffic 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 Car Accident Attorneys Serving Burnsville
For every year since the inception of the honor in 2010, Florin|Roebig has been selected as one of the “Best Law Firms in America” by “US News and World Report” and “Best Lawyers in America.” Our offices have also won our clients more than $1 billion in settlements from personal injury cases by providing our clients with high-quality legal representation. We proudly have a number of experienced and dedicated attorneys serving Burnsville whos’ practice areas include personal injury and auto accidents.
These attorneys include:
- Chad K. Florin, M.B.A., LL.M.
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
Get Help Filing A Car Accident Claim Today
With more than 30 years of combined experience, we’re confident that our legal services can help you get the compensation you need and deserve following an auto accident. Our attorneys would be happy to provide you with a free consultation and work with you to provide legal advice throughout every step of the claims process. Give our law offices a call today for a 100% confidential consultation.