While motor vehicle accidents are certainly unpleasant, they are a part of daily life in Maplewood, Minnesota. Heavy road traffic can increase the likelihood of accidents, as can negligent or reckless driving and inclement weather conditions. While some accidents are minor, others can be severe and leave accident victims with serious injuries and extensive property damage.
How an auto accident case is handled is largely dependent on the court in which it’s filed, and other factors such as the severity of the injuries and how the accident has affected your life. While not required by law, it’s highly recommended that accident victims work with personal injury lawyers who understand the claims process and can walk them through the steps required to win a case successfully. The accident lawyers at Florin|Roebig are here to help you whenever you ‘re ready.
Common Causes Of Car Accidents In Maplewood
There are several things that can cause an accident, and some accidents involve multiple factors as to their causes. The following are a few common reasons why accidents happen in Maplewood:
- Drunk/intoxicated driving (DUI/DWI): Driving while drunk or under the influence of substances can result in more than just a DWI — it can also be the cause of a major auto accident.
- Inclement weather: Minnesota is known for its snowy winters and freezing temperatures, and this weather can greatly affect the road and the drivers on it. For example, if a road is iced over, a driver could lose control of their vehicle and collide with another car.
- Speeding: Driving over the speed limit is a dangerous behavior and can reduce a person’s ability to slow down or stop in time to prevent a collision.
- Driving while distracted: There are countless distractions for drivers these days, all of which can result in an auto accident. Examples of distractions that can take your eyes off the road including responding to text messages, answering phone calls, and fiddling with the radio.
- Reckless driving: Reckless driving, aggressive driving, and road rage are all dangerous behaviors when behind the wheel and are known to cause accidents.
Understanding the cause of your accident is an important component of the claims filing process. If you’re unsure, you can work with a personal injury attorney who will be able to help you find the cause.
Common Injuries Sustained In Auto Accidents
Car accidents, truck accidents, and motorcycle accidents can all result in injuries that range from minor to severe. Here are a few examples of injuries often seen in motor vehicle accidents:
- Brain injuries
- Head and neck injuries
- Spine and back injuries
- Broken bones
- Fractures
- Strains and sprains
- Lost limbs
- Cuts, bruises, and burns
- Concussions
- Wrongful death
Not all injuries are immediately noticeable following an accident, so it’s important that you seek medical treatment after the crash regardless of whether you feel you’re injured or not. The longer you wait to get medical help, the more difficult it will be to prove that your injury was a direct result of the accident, which can ultimately hurt the success of your personal injury claim.
Reasons To File An Auto Accident Claim
There are a number of different reasons why people file accident claims after a car wreck. One of the main reasons is to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and wrongful death. While insurance companies will often provide some form of compensation to victims, they often try to undermine the true value of the claim in order to pay the victim less. This isn’t fair to accident victims and is why it’s so important to work with an attorney who has years of experience in accident claims.
Another reason some accident victims choose to file a claim is to hold the at-fault party responsible. While Minnesota is a no-fault state, the responsible driver will still be held accountable for their actions by their insurance company, the court, or both. This is especially true if the at-fault driver was acting in an extremely negligent or malicious way at the time of the wreck.
Factors That Influence Auto Accident Cases
Several factors can influence the results of an auto accident case, and no two cases are alike. The following are common factors that affect an automobile accident case:
- The extent of your injuries: In most cases, the more severe your injuries are, the higher your settlement amount will be. Severe injuries often require extensive medical bills, aftercare fees, and other expenses and rehabilitation that can significantly impact a person’s life.
- How the accident affected your personal life: If you are no longer able to care for your family or children, participate in once-loved hobbies, or other lifestyle-related changes that occurred as the result of the accident, you’ll like be compensated for this loss.
- How the accident impacted your professional life: Auto accidents often result in missed work, which can lead to lost income, lost opportunities such as promotions, and even lost jobs. Most accident cases will take your professional into consideration when determining the settlement amount.
Working with a car accident attorney will make it easier to determine which factors are relevant to your case and how to best showcase those factors to ensure you receive maximum compensation.
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What Types Of Damages Are Awarded In Accident Cases?
Many accident cases will award accident victims both non-economic and economic damages. These damages may include:
- Lost current and future wages
- Loss of consortium
- Medical bills and aftercare expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Punitive damages in instances when extreme negligence or malice was present
An experienced Maplewood lawyer can help you better understand these damages and what they mean for you.
Maplewood Accident Rates
Maplewood does not offer up-to-date data on its accident rates, but the state of Minnesota does. Minnesota experienced the following in 2019 in relation to auto accidents:
- 89 deaths occurred as a result of alcohol-related accidents
- 8,374 accidents were classified as hit and runs
- 27,260 people were injured in auto accidents
- 333 fatal crashes were noted
- 8,374 accidents were considered as hit and runs
Dangerous Intersections In Maplewood To Avoid
1. Intersection of White Bear Avenue and County Road D: This intersection is known for its high traffic volumes due to its proximity to Maplewood Mall and other commercial establishments. The mix of local and through traffic, combined with frequent turning movements, increases the risk of rear-end collisions and side-impact crashes. The presence of multiple lanes, heavy pedestrian traffic, and frequent stops for mall access add to the complexity and potential for accidents. Florin|Roebig’s Approach: Florin|Roebig would gather all relevant evidence, including traffic camera footage, police reports, and eyewitness accounts. They would employ accident reconstruction experts to analyze collision dynamics and identify contributing factors such as signal timing issues or inadequate signage. They would also examine local traffic flow studies and previous accident data at this intersection to demonstrate a pattern of dangerous conditions. Florin|Roebig would aggressively negotiate with insurance companies, ensuring that clients receive comprehensive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
2. Intersection of McKnight Road and Larpenteur Avenue: This intersection is a critical junction that sees heavy traffic due to its role as a connector between residential neighborhoods and major arterial roads. The high speeds of vehicles on McKnight Road, combined with frequent turning movements from Larpenteur Avenue, create a hazardous environment for collisions. The intersection is particularly dangerous due to the mix of residential traffic, school zones, and proximity to local parks, leading to increased pedestrian and bicycle activity. Florin|Roebig’s Approach: Florin|Roebig would collect comprehensive evidence, including traffic camera footage and witness statements, to build a strong case. They would engage pedestrian safety experts to evaluate crosswalks and signal timings and analyze whether additional safety measures could have prevented the accident. Florin|Roebig would use this detailed analysis to advocate for full compensation covering medical costs, rehabilitation, and pain and suffering. They would also consider filing claims against local authorities if negligence in maintaining safe traffic control measures is evident.
3. Intersection of Highway 36 and English Street: This intersection is a high-speed area where local traffic meets a major highway. The combination of high-speed traffic on Highway 36 and vehicles merging and turning from English Street increases the risk of accidents, particularly during peak travel times. The intersection’s complexity is heightened by the presence of multiple on and off-ramps and the proximity to commercial areas, making it challenging for drivers to navigate safely and increasing the risk of accidents. 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. Florin|Roebig would also review state transportation records to see if there were any previous incidents or complaints about the intersection’s safety. Their meticulous investigation ensures that they can build a compelling case for a high settlement or jury verdict.
Top-Rated Car Accident Lawyers Serving Maplewood
Working with the right accident attorney is crucial to ensuring a successful accident case. The super lawyers at Florin|Roebig proudly serve the Maplewood area and worked on countless accident and injury cases in the state. A few of the top-rated attorneys on our team 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.” Plus, with our more than 30 years of experience, you can feel confident in your choice to work with the law office of Florin|Roebig.
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
Find A Maplewood Auto Accident Attorney Near You
If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident, don’t wait another day to get the legal representation you deserve. The attorneys at the personal injury law firm of Florin|Roebig are standing by ready to help you navigate the claims process and win the compensation you need to reclaim your life after a crash. Give us a call today for a confidential and free consultation.
