Moorhead is a city located in Clay County, Minnesota, and is the largest city in the northwest area of the state. With such a large population, it’s no wonder that the roads are constantly busy and accidents are a regular occurrence in this city. While some accidents are simply unavoidable, others are caused by a driver’s intentional or unintentional negligence or even deliberate malice.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident in Moorhead, you may be wondering what your next steps should be. Car crashes can leave accident victims with major or even catastrophic injuries. These injuries can wreak havoc on a person’s way of life and result in the inability to work, care for a family, or participate in activities once enjoyed.
Even if you or your loved one’s injuries were not severe, you still have a right to a settlement if your accident was the result of another driver’s negligence. Working with an experienced personal injury lawyer is the best way to ensure you get the compensation you need and deserve to reclaim your life following a crash. The car accident attorneys at Florin|Roebig have spent years representing crash victims like yourself and would be happy to provide you with an initial consultation free of charge whenever you’re ready.
Common Causes Of Moorhead Car Accidents
There are several different causes of accidents in Moorhead. The following are the most common causes of crashes in relation to driver negligence:
- Driving while intoxicated: Drunk driving or driving under the influence of other substances is highly dangerous and can result in more than just a DUI. Substances can greatly alter a person’s ability to make decisions in a timely manner and can increase the likelihood of automobile accidents.
- Distracted driving: Driving while distracted is another common and dangerous cause of accidents in Moorhead. Examples of distractions that can take your eyes off the road include texting, eating, drinking, talking or interacting with passengers, and playing with the radio.
- Disregarding traffic laws: Traffic laws are put in place for a reason, and failing to adhere to them can increase the likelihood of a car crash.
- Aggressive driving: Road rage or other aggressive driving behaviors can quickly lead to a dangerous situation that may result in an auto collision or worse.
If you ‘re unsure of the exact cause of your accident or who was at fault, you can look at the police report or speak with a personal injury attorney.
Common Injuries Incurred In Motor Vehicle Accidents
Injuries are common in car crashes, even if they are minor. Suffering injuries can be frustrating and scary, especially when the looming medical bills and other medical care are unavoidable. Luckily, if your accident was the result of a negligent driver, you are likely entitled to receive compensation to account for your medical expenses.
Common injuries seen in accidents in Moorhead, Minnesota, include:
- Brain injuries
- Head and neck injuries
- Spine and back injuries
- Fractures
- Broken bones
- Sprains and strains
- Bruises and cuts
- Burns and lacerations
- Concussions
- Wrongful death
Should You File A Car Accident Claim?
There are a number of reasons why you may decide to file a car accident or personal injury claim with your or the at-fault driver’s insurance company. The most common reason is to seek a settlement amount to compensate for medical bills, lost income, and other damages that came as a result of the accident.
In addition to seeking compensation for your injuries and damages, you can also opt to file an insurance claim to hold the at-fault driver accountable for their negligent or malicious behavior on the road. If your case goes to court, the driver will be forced to acknowledge that they acted in an unlawful way and realize the impact it had on your livelihood.
Filing an accident claim can be tricky, especially due to the fact that many insurance companies work hard to undermine the value of personal injury and auto accident claims. While this certainly isn’t fair, it’s more common than is realized. Partnering with an experienced lawyer who specializes in accident and personal injury cases is the best way to ensure you get the maximum compensation possible for your injuries and damages.
Factors That Affect Auto Accident Cases And Their Outcomes
There are several factors that can influence the outcome of your auto accident claim and the amount of settlement you receive. These factors include:
- Comparative negligence
- Statute of limitations on personal injury claims
- How the accident affected your personal and professional life
- The expenses incurred as a result of the accident, such as medical bills, property damage repairs or replacements, and aftercare expenses
- The amount of documentation you’re able to provide to prove the effect the accident had on your life
A personal injury lawyer, such as those at Florin|Roebig, can help you build the strongest case possible so that these factors positively impact your case rather than negatively impact it. A lawyer can also help you understand which factors are relevant for your case and which aren’t.
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Types Of Damages Awarded In Car Accident Cases
Each car accident case is unique and the settlement amount will vary from case to case. The specific damages you’re entitled to will largely depend on how the accident affected your personal and professional life as well as your overall quality of life.
Examples of common damages awarded in personal injury cases include:
- Damages to compensate for current and future lost wages as well as potential lost employment opportunities
- Damages to compensate for medical expenses as well as any anticipated future medical bills
- Damages to compensate for mental and physical anguish
- Damages to compensate for psychological distress
- Punitive damages in cases where extreme negligence or malice was present
Your attorney will be able to fully explain each type of damage and whether it applies to your case.
Moorhead Auto Accident Rates
Moorhead does not provide yearly data on its accident rates, but the state of Minnesota does. In 2018, Minnesota saw the following statewide in terms of auto accidents:
- 79,215 traffic crashes were reported to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety
- 172,908 people were involved in automobile crashes
- 381 individuals died in car crashes
- 27,877 individuals were injured in a car accident
- 4,027 crashes were the result of alcohol-related driving
Dangerous Intersections In Moorhead To Avoid When Driving
1. Intersection of 8th Street and Main Avenue: This intersection is one of the most active in Moorhead, serving as a primary link between downtown and other major areas. The combination of high vehicle flow, diverse traffic types (including commercial and pedestrian), and multiple lanes makes it particularly hazardous. The presence of nearby businesses further contributes to frequent stops and unpredictable traffic patterns. The intersection’s complexity is enhanced by its proximity to the Red River, causing additional navigation challenges during adverse weather conditions like flooding or icy roads in the winter. Florin|Roebig’s Unique Approach: Florin|Roebig would employ a multifaceted investigation strategy, including drone footage to capture the intersection’s traffic patterns and accident reconstruction software to visualize the crash dynamics. They would also interview local business owners and employees to gather additional eyewitness accounts. Furthermore, they would work with civil engineers to explore any structural issues or design flaws that might have contributed to the accident. Their holistic approach ensures a robust case, aiming for both immediate compensation and long-term safety improvements at the intersection.
2. Intersection of 11th Street and 30th Avenue S: Located near several residential neighborhoods and schools, this intersection is notorious for its high traffic during school hours. The mix of high-speed vehicles on 11th Street and slower, turning traffic from 30th Avenue S creates a significant risk for collisions. The presence of school buses and children crossing the street adds to the danger. The intersection’s unique challenge lies in the fluctuating traffic volumes, which peak during school drop-off and pick-up times, creating a high-stress environment for drivers and pedestrians alike. Florin|Roebig’s Unique Approach: Florin|Roebig would conduct a targeted investigation, focusing on school zone safety. They would collaborate with local school officials to obtain traffic flow data and review safety measures currently in place. By using advanced analytics to compare accident rates during school hours versus non-school hours, they can highlight specific risks. Florin|Roebig would push for compensation that covers medical bills, emotional distress, and advocate for enhanced safety protocols, such as improved crosswalks and additional signage, to prevent future accidents.
3. Intersection of Highway 75 and 15th Avenue N: This intersection is a critical junction where local traffic meets a busy highway, leading to a high risk of accidents. The combination of high-speed traffic on Highway 75 and frequent merging and turning movements from 15th Avenue N creates a complex and dangerous environment. The intersection’s complexity is heightened by its location near industrial and construction zones, resulting in a significant volume of heavy trucks and commercial vehicles navigating the area, which increases the potential for severe accidents. Florin|Roebig’s Unique Approach: Florin|Roebig would utilize specialized equipment to measure vehicle speeds and traffic flow at various times of the day. They would consult with industry-specific safety experts to understand the impact of heavy vehicle traffic on intersection safety. Additionally, they would explore the historical context of the intersection, including any previous modifications or safety measures that have been implemented and their effectiveness. Florin|Roebig would aim to secure compensation for the victims that covers extensive medical care and lost wages, while also advocating for structural changes to the intersection to enhance safety, such as dedicated truck lanes or improved traffic signal coordination.
List Of Top-Rated Auto Accident Attorneys Serving Moorhead
While you aren’t required to have legal representation or seek legal services to file a claim in the state of Minnesota, it’s highly advisable to do so for the best possible outcome. At Florin|Roebig, our long record of success speaks for itself in terms of our we’ve helped accident victims take back their lives after a crash. 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.”
A few of the car accident attorneys on our Moorhead team 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 Your Moorhead Accident Claim Today
Being a car accident victim is never easy and can be a challenging situation to deal with. Don’t wait another day to get the legal representation you need and deserve. Give the top-rated accident attorneys at Florin|Roebig a call today. Florin|Roebig knows car accident law and will be happy to provide you with a 100% confidential and free consultation.
