Located just eight miles west of the booming Minneapolis city, Minnetonka is no stranger to heavy traffic. And, with that traffic often comes automobile accidents. While some collisions are minor and don’t involve injuries or damages, others can be serious and leave accident victims with major injuries and damage to their personal property.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in the Minnetonka area, you have legal rights that can help you recover damages and compensation to cover your expenses and other consequences of the accident. Working with the right personal injury attorney is the best way to build a strong case and win a settlement that helps you get back on your feet. With more than 30 years of experience in the practice areas of auto accidents and personal injury, the legal representation available through Florin|Roebig is a great choice to ensure you succeed.
Common Causes of Auto Accidents in Minnetonka
There are several reasons why car accidents occur. These reasons can be accidental, caused by negligence, or a combination or both. For example, a person who is texting and driving may collide with an oncoming vehicle. Because this accident could have been prevented if the person texting was paying attention to the road, the accident would be considered a result of negligence and the driver who was texting would be held at-fault.
Examples of frequently seen causes of car accidents in Minnetonka include:
- Speeding: Driving faster than the speed limit is a dangerous behavior and can quickly result in an accident.
- Distracted driving: There are a number of distractions that can interfere with a persons’ ability to focus on the road. For example, texting or talking on the phone while driving as well as eating and drinking while driving are all forms of driving while distracted.
- Driving while intoxicated: Driving while under the influence of drugs and alcohol can result in more than just a DUI. This behavior is incredibly dangerous and drastically reduces a person’s response time, which can quickly lead to a motor vehicle accident.
- Aggressive driving: Aggressive behaviors while on the road such as racing other cars or road rage are highly dangerous and increase the likelihood of a collision.
- Not adhering to traffic laws: Traffic laws are put in place for a reason, and failing to adhere to them can result in consequences such a traffic tickets and car and truck accidents.
All of these causes of automobile accidents are examples of negligent driving on behalf of the at-fault driver. If you’re unsure of the exact cause of the accident or who was at fault, working with personal injury lawyers with years of experience in the field can ensure you fully understand your situation.
Common Injuries Incurred in Car Crash Incidents
Injuries are a common occurrence in automobile accidents. The extent and severity of the injuries will depend largely on the seriousness of the accident, how fast the cars were going at the time of the collision, and where the injured partied was sitting when the accident occurred. Examples of injuries frequently seen in accidents in Minnetonka include:
- Brain injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Sprains and strains
- Head injuries
- Fractures
- Broken bones
- Concussions
- Coma
- Wrongful death
Even if you don’t believe that you incurred a serious injury during the accident, it’s still important to seek medical treatment after the collision. This is due to the fact that many injuries can take several hours or even days to appear. The longer you wait to get medical attention, the more difficult it will be to prove in a court of law that the accident was the cause of your injury.
Reasons To File A Car Insurance Claim
There are several reasons to consider filing a car insurance claim with your or the at-fault driver’s car insurance. A primary reason to file a claim is to reclaim the expenses you lost due to medical bills, property damage, and other costs associated with the accident. Injury claims are also filed to hold the at-fault driver responsible. If a claim is not filed, the at-fault driver’s insurance company has no way of knowing what happened and the potential risk their policyholder is on the road. Other reasons to consider filing a claim in your personal injury case include:
- To recover compensation for current and future loss of wages
- To get compensation for aftercare medical expenses
- To receive compensation to assist with activities you are no longer able to do, such as care for your family or support your spouse or family
- To shed light on road laws or road signs that are faulty and need to be changed
If you’re unsure whether you should file an auto accident claim after being involved in an Minnesota car accident, working with an experienced attorney can provide you the guidance you need to make this decision.
Factors That Influence How Much Compensation You’ll Receive
There are several different factors that can affect the amount of compensation you receive in a car accident claim. Common factors that influence claims include:
- The severity of your injuries: In most cases, the more severe your injuries are, the higher your settlement will be. This is due to the fact that severe injuries often result in extensive medical costs and come with long-term consequences that can impact the quality of your life for the rest of your life.
- The impact on your everyday life: If the accident resulted in injuries or other conditions that negatively impacted your ability to enjoy your everyday life, you’ll likely receive compensation to accommodate this.
- The impact on your professional life: If the auto accident negatively impacted your ability to work, you’ll likely receive compensation to accommodate for lost wages, employment, and opportunities.
If you’d like legal advice as to the different influences that can affect your claim, we sure to turn to a trusted personal injury law firm like Florin|Roebig.
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Types Of Damages Awarded
The following are a few of the most common damages awarded in personal injury and auto accident cases:
- Reimbursement for current and future lost wages
- Reimbursement for medical expenses and medical aftercare costs
- Compensation for pain and suffering, loss of quality of life, and loss of life
- Compensation to assist you in taking care of your loved ones if you are no longer able to to do so
Minnetonka Auto Accident Rates
Minnetonka does not offer current auto accident rates. However, the city of Minnesota keeps detailed records of car accidents. In 2018, Minnesota saw the following in terms of crashes:
- 79,215 traffic crashes
- 146,107 motor vehicles involved in automobile accidents
- 381 people died as a result of a car crash
- 27,877 people were injured as a result of an automobile crash
- 4,027 crashes were directly related to alcohol
- 123 deaths were caused by alcohol-related crashes
Three Dangerous Intersections To Avoid If Driving In Minnetonka
1. Intersection of Highway 7 and County Road 101: This intersection is a major junction where a state highway meets a busy county road, leading to high traffic volumes, particularly during rush hours. The mix of fast-moving highway traffic and frequent turning movements from County Road 101 increases the risk of rear-end collisions and side-impact crashes. The intersection is complicated by multiple lanes, frequent signal changes, and high volumes of both commuter and local traffic. Additionally, the proximity to commercial areas adds to the congestion. Florin|Roebig’s Unique Approach: Florin|Roebig would begin by employing a detailed accident scene investigation, utilizing advanced technology such as 3D laser scanning to recreate the accident scenario. They would gather traffic camera footage, police reports, and eyewitness testimonies. By engaging traffic engineering experts, they would analyze signal timings and traffic patterns to identify any contributing factors. Florin|Roebig would also scrutinize historical accident data to demonstrate a pattern of danger at this intersection. Their comprehensive approach would include pushing for both compensatory and punitive damages, ensuring maximum recovery for the client.
2. Intersection of I-394 and Plymouth Road: This intersection experiences significant traffic due to its location near major shopping centers and office complexes. The high speeds of vehicles on I-394 combined with frequent merging and turning movements from Plymouth Road create a hazardous environment for collisions. The intersection’s complexity is increased by the presence of multiple ramps and lanes, making it challenging for drivers to navigate safely. The high volume of commercial traffic from nearby businesses further adds to the potential for accidents. Florin|Roebig’s Unique Approach: Florin|Roebig would collect all available evidence, including traffic camera footage, police reports, and witness accounts. They would work with accident reconstruction specialists to analyze the dynamics of the collision. To ensure a robust case, Florin|Roebig might also involve human factors experts to examine driver behavior and reaction times. Additionally, they would review the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s records for any previous incidents or safety concerns at this intersection. This comprehensive strategy aims to secure full compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
3. Intersection of Minnetonka Boulevard and Williston Road: This intersection is known for its high traffic volume due to the surrounding residential neighborhoods and schools. The mix of through traffic on Minnetonka Boulevard and frequent turning movements from Williston Road increases the risk of rear-end collisions and T-bone crashes. The intersection’s proximity to schools 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 Unique Approach: Florin|Roebig would begin by conducting a thorough investigation, including reviewing school schedules and traffic patterns. They would gather evidence such as traffic camera footage, police reports, and witness statements. Collaborating with child safety experts, they would evaluate crosswalks and signal timings to determine if additional safety measures could have prevented the accident. Florin|Roebig’s approach would also involve community impact statements to highlight the intersection’s dangers. Their strategy would include seeking not only compensatory damages but also advocating for changes to improve safety at the intersection, benefiting the community and reducing future accidents.
List Of Top-Rated Car Accident Attorneys Serving Minnetonka
Working with a well-known and trusted law office that can provide you with quality legal services is the best way to get the most compensation possible and ensure your rights are upheld following an auto accident. The law firm of Florin|Roebig has been consistently recognized as one of the “Best Law Firms in America” by “US News and World Report,” and our dedicated lawyers are ready to help you during this tough time in your life.
We offer an impressive team of experienced personal injury and car accident attorneys that serve the Minnetonka area. These attorneys include:
- Chad K. Florin, M.B.A., LL.M.
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.
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
Get Help Filing A Car Accident Claim Today
Getting involved in a car accident is never easy and can drastically impact your quality of life. While filing a car accident claim is typically the best step to take after an accident, it’s best to work with an experienced attorney to ensure you understand your rights and the compensation you’re entitled to. The lawyers at Florin|Roebig are more than happy to work with you every step of the way and fight for your rights. Give us a call today for a confidential and and free consultation
