Motor vehicle accidents are a common occurrence in Duluth, Minnesota, and often leave accident victims with injuries and damages that are costly. The type of car accident you were involved in will largely determine the financial setbacks you experience as a result.
If you or a loved one were injured in an auto accident in Duluth, working with an experienced personal injury lawyer can help ensure your rights are respected and you recover the damages you’re entitled to. The attorneys at Florin|Roebig would be happy to go over your case and help you determine the best option for ensuring you get the compensation you need and deserve following an accident.
Common Causes Of Motor Vehicle Accidents In Duluth
There are several reasons why an auto accident, truck accident, motorcycle accident, or other type of roadway accident may occur in Duluth, Minnesota. The most common causes of accidents in this city include:
- Driving under the influence (DUI/DWI): When a person gets behind the wheel when they are intoxicated by alcohol or drugs, they run the risk of getting into an accident or causing property damage. Alcohol and drugs significantly decrease reaction times and decision-making skills and greatly increase the probability or an auto accident.
- Speeding: Going faster than the speed limit is not only against the law but is highly dangerous and can result in car accidents.
- Not adhering to traffic laws: Failing to stop at a stop sign or traffic signal, failing to yield, or running yellow or red lights are all examples of not adhering to the rules of the road and result in an auto accident.
- Poor car maintenance: Failing to properly maintain a vehicle, such as ensuring the taillights are working or having the brakes checked regularly, can be dangerous and is a common cause of motor vehicle accidents in Duluth.
- Distracted driving: Many people underestimate just how dangerous it can be to drive while distracted. Checking your phone, eating while driving, or talking on the phone while driving are all examples of distracted driving behaviors.
These are just a few of the many examples of what can lead to motor vehicle accidents. If you were involved in a car accident as a result of someone participating in any of these behaviors, speaking with a personal injury attorney can help you determine your next steps.
Common Injuries Incurred In Car Accidents In Duluth
There are several different injuries that car accident victims can experience. The most common types of injuries incurred in car accident cases include:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Whiplash
- Broken bones
- Cuts and lacerations
- Sprains and strains
- Neck and back injuries
- Bruises
- Coma
- Wrongful death
The type of injuries that motorists sustain in an auto accident will largely depend on the severity of the car wreck. For example, if a person sustains a spinal cord injury, their settlement offer will likely be much larger than a motorist who only experiences a few cuts and bruises in the accident.
Why You Should File A Car Accident Claim
Accident victims are often left with hefty medical bills and other expenses related to the auto collision. This is especially true if you or your loved ones sustained serious injuries as a result of the accident. Filing a car accident claim can often help you in a number of ways, including by potentially allowing you to:
- Recover damages from medical bills and expenses that were incurred as a direct result of the auto accident
- Get compensation for lost wages or future loss of wages due to injuries sustained during the accident
- Shed light on any road rules or traffic laws that may have contributed to the accident
- Ensure that the at-fault driver is held responsible for their negligent driving
Before you file a car insurance claim, it’s always best to speak with a personal injury attorney. The attorney can offer legal advice advise you as to the best way to go about filing the claim and walk you through the steps to ensure your rights are honored and your side of the story is heard.
Factors That Impact A Car Accident Claim
There are a number of factors that can impact a car accident claim in Duluth. These factors are typically considered by insurance companies before they pay out settlements to accident victims.
Potential factors that could influence your car accident claim include:
The type of injuries you sustained: Injuries that are more severe will often lead to a higher settlement amount. This is because more severe injuries often result in more costly medical bills and long-term medical care. Be sure to keep all documentation related to your injuries, including your medical bills and medical treatment, as this is an important component of filing a claim.
How many car accident victims there were: If you were driving with friends or loved ones and all or most passengers sustained serious injuries, the settlement amount paid out by the insurance company will likely be higher.
Other expenses incurred as a result of the car wreck: In addition to medical expenses, there are several other types of expenses you may incur as a result of car accident injuries and the accident in general. For example, if you have to miss work or pay for a new car after the accident, these expenses will be taken into account and will likely be included in your settlement.
The driver’s negligence: If the cause of the accident was a drunk driver or a negligent driver who acted in a dangerous capacity on the road, this could impact the outcome of your insurance claim.
While there are several factors that can influence the compensation you receive following an accident, working with experienced legal representation or a legal team can increase the likelihood that you are fairly compensated.
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What Types Of Damages Are Awarded In Auto Accident Cases?
There are a number of different types of damages that are awarded to injury victims following a car accident. The two types of damages often awarded are compensatory damages, which compensate the accident victim for damages incurred as a result of the accident, and punitive damages, which work to punish the negligent driver.
Types of damages awarded may include:
- Medical bill and expense reimbursement
- Monetary assistance to help care for an injured loved one
- Pain and suffering damages
- Damages related to loss of life or the loss of quality of life
- Compensation for lost wages now and in the future
The damages awarded are impacted by the extent of damage experienced as the result of the accident. They can also be impacted by the insurance adjuster who is responsible for determining the value of your accident claim.
Duluth, Minnesota Car Accident Rates
Because Duluth is a small town, not much data is available that correlates with the car accident rates in this location. However, the state of Minnesota does report accidents, and the rates in the state include:
- 27,260 injuries because of accidents on roads and highways
- 1,520 serious injuries because of accidents on roads or highways
- 858 car accidents involved at least one pedestrian
- 364 deaths because of accidents on roads or highways
- 8,824 “hit and run” accidents
Three Dangerous Intersections In Duluth That Cause Injuries From Car Accidents
1. Intersection of I-35 and Mesaba Avenue: This intersection is a major convergence point where the interstate meets a busy local avenue. The mix of high-speed traffic from I-35 and the frequent merging and turning movements on Mesaba Avenue create a high-risk environment for accidents, particularly during rush hours and adverse weather conditions. 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 such as poor road design or inadequate signage. In past cases involving complex intersections, Florin|Roebig has successfully demonstrated negligence and secured substantial settlements. Their comprehensive approach ensures all aspects of negligence are thoroughly investigated and documented, maximizing compensation for the victim.
2. Intersection of Central Entrance and Arlington Avenue: This intersection experiences high traffic volumes due to its location near commercial areas and residential neighborhoods. The combination of fast-moving traffic on Central Entrance and the frequent turning movements from Arlington Avenue increases the risk of rear-end collisions and side-impact crashes. 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 Woodland Avenue and East 4th Street: This intersection is known for its high volume of pedestrian and vehicle traffic due to its proximity to the University of Minnesota Duluth and several local businesses. The mix of student traffic, public transportation, and local commuters increases the likelihood of accidents, particularly during peak school hours. 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 near schools, 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 Duluth Car Accident Attorneys
Having an experienced personal injury attorney on your side can greatly increase the strength of you auto accident claim. The law offices of Florin|Roebig will ensure your legal rights are protected and will fight on your behalf to make sure you are fairly compensated. With over 30 years of experience, our law firm has successfully won over $1 billion in settlements from personal injury cases by providing our clients with high-quality legal representation.
The Florin|Roebig team includes a number of dedicated auto accident attorneys, including:
- Chad K. Florin, M.B.A., LL.M.
Florin|Roebig has been consistently recognized for its hard-working attorneys since it opened its doors. Since the inception of the award in 2010, the law firm of Florin|Roebig has been recognized as one of the “Best Law Firms in America” by “US News and World Report” and “Best Lawyers in America.”
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
Get Help Filing An Auto Accident Claim Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident, don’t wait another day to obtain the legal representation that will ensure you get the compensation you need and deserve. Give the personal injury law firm of Florin|Roebig a call today for a free consultation to discuss your personal injury case.
