Cottage Grove, located in Washington County, Minnesota, and just 10 mile south of St. Paul, is a bustling city that continues to grow. With a population of around 36,602 the city is the twenty-fifth largest in the state. While this is certainly good news for the town’s economy, it also means that there are more cars on the road than ever. And, with more cars come more accidents.
While some accidents are just that — accidents — others are the direct result of a driver’s negligence or even malicious intent. The victims of these accidents are often left with injuries and property damage that can quickly add up in terms of cost and negatively affect the individuals’ lives.
While there is not settlement amount that will undo what was done in the accident, obtaining compensation for your losses can help you get closure as well as get back on your feet after car accident, truck accident, or motorcycle accident. Working with an experienced personal injury lawyer will give you the best chance at winning the settlement you deserve.
Common Causes Of Auto Accidents In Cottage Grove
There are several reasons why accidents happen. These reasons can range from negligence to inclement weather. While not all accidents are major, the ones that are can be severe and leave victims injured or worse.
The following are a few causes of accidents often seen in the Cottage Grove area:
- Inclement weather: Minnesota is no stranger to inclement weather, especially during the winter months. Ice, hail, snow, and sleet are all common during these months and can make road conditions dangerous.
- Distractions: Glancing at your phone, playing with the radio, and eating while driving are all examples of distractions that can quickly lead to an accident.
- Speeding: Speed limits are put in place for a reason, and when they are not adhered to drivers are at risk for an auto accident.
- Driving under the influence: Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a dangerous behavior. Substances can negatively impact your ability to make decisions and your response time, which can reduce your and others’ safety on the road.
- Reckless driving: Reckless driving, such as weaving in and out of lanes and racing other vehicles, is highly dangerous road behavior and is the cause of many accidents.
Regardless of the cause of your accident, if you’ve been injured, you are likely entitled to compensation. A personal injury attorney can help you determine your eligibility and walk you through the claims process.
Types Of Injuries Sustained In Car Accidents
Injuries sustained in automobile accidents can range from minor to severe. The following are types of injuries commonly seen in auto accidents:
- Head and brain injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Fractures
- Broken bones
- Sprains and strains
- Cuts, lacerations, and bruises
- Loss of limbs
- Concussions
- Wrongful death
If you’ve been injured in an accident, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after the crash. Many injuries can take hours or even days to be felt, and the longer you wait to get medical the help, the more difficult it will be to prove your injuries were a result of the accident. This proof is essential in personal injury cases and can greatly affect the settlement amount you receive.
Should You File A Car Accident Claim?
As a victim of a motor vehicle accident, you may be wondering if filing an accident claim is your best option. In most cases, filing a claim is the right choice and will help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Many people file accident claims to seek compensation for their injuries and property damage as well as to hold the liable party accountable for their actions.
However, many insurance companies will go to great lengths to minimize your claim value in order to reduce your settlement amount. This can be frustrating, but an experienced lawyer can help ensure you aren’t cheated after filing an insurance claim.
Factors That Influence Car Accident Claims
There are several factors that can influence the outcome of an accident claim. The most common factors include:
- Your injuries: In most cases, the more severe your injuries, the more you’ll receive in terms of a settlement. Accident-related injuries often result in expensive medical bills, aftercare expenses, and other costs that can quickly add up.
- Your personal life: How the accident affected you or your loved one’s personal life will also be taken into account in an accident claim. For example, if you can no longer participate in activities you once enjoyed or can no longer care for your family, you’ll likely be compensated for these losses.
- Your professional life: Many accident victims have to miss work in order to recover from their injuries. Lost current and future wages, lost opportunities, and lost jobs are all scenarios that are seen after an accident. Your accident case will consider these factors and potentially compensate you for them.
A qualified personal injury attorney can help you better understand each factor and how it might impact your case. They can also provide you with legal advice as to how best to show proof of how the accident impacted each of these factors in your case.
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Types Of Damages Awarded In Accident Cases
Each auto accident case is unique and will consist of different damages that are awarded to the victims. Common damages awarded in accident cases include:
- Loss of consortium
- Wrongful death
- Compensation for medical expenses
- Compensation for lost income
- Damages related to mental and physical anguish
- Compensation for loss of enjoyment
- Punitive damages in instances when extreme negligence or malice were present
Cottage Grove Auto Accident Rates
Cottage Grove does not provide up-to-date information on its accident rates, but Minnesota does. In 2019, the state saw:
- 364 deaths as a result of road or highway automobile accidents
- 858 accidents involving at least one pedestrian
- 89 deaths as a result of intoxicated driving
- 27,260 injuries directly caused by car crashes
The Most Dangerous Intersections In Cottage Grove For Car Accidents:
1. Intersection of 80th Street S and Jamaica Avenue S: This intersection is a major thoroughfare with high traffic volumes due to its proximity to residential areas and schools. The combination of through traffic on 80th Street S and vehicles turning from Jamaica Avenue S creates a high risk of rear-end collisions and side-impact crashes, particularly during school hours and rush hours. The presence of multiple schools nearby means increased pedestrian traffic, including children, which adds to the potential hazards. The frequent stopping and starting of school buses also contribute to the complexity of navigating this intersection. 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 has 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 Highway 61 and 80th Street S: This intersection is a critical connection point for local traffic merging onto a busy highway. The high speeds of vehicles on Highway 61, combined with the frequent turning movements from 80th Street S, create a hazardous environment, especially 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. The proximity to commercial areas further adds to the congestion and risk. 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 East Point Douglas Road S and Keats Avenue S: This intersection experiences significant traffic due to its role as a connector between major roads and local streets. 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 various commercial establishments and residential neighborhoods results in a mix of commercial and local traffic, adding to the complexity and risk. The lack of adequate pedestrian crossings and poor visibility during certain times of the day further increase the 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 In Cottage Grove
Partnering with a top-rated personal injury law firm can greatly increase your chances of winning a satisfactory settlement amount in your accident case. The legal team at Florin|Roebig includes several seasoned accident attorneys we happy to work with you to ensure you get the compensation you need and deserve.
A few of our attorneys serving Cottage Grove include:
- Chad K. Florin, M.B.A., LL.M.
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.” When you work with our team, you can trust that you are getting the best legal services possible.
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
What To Do If You Need Assistance Filing An Accident Or Injury Claim
Filing an accident claim can be tricky, but the right attorney can help you navigate the ins and outs of the claims process to maximize your success in court. With more than 30 years of experience, the law office of Florin|Roebig have helped countless individuals reclaim their lives after an accident. Give us a call today for a confidential and free consultation.
