Car accidents are a common occurrence in any city. Richfield, a booming inner-ring suburb located in the Minneapolis–St. Paul region, is located close to the St. Paul International Airport and its roads are constantly full with commuters, visitors, and residents. While this is certainly a good thing in terms of the Richfield economy, it also means that auto accidents happen on a regular basis.
While some accidents are unavoidable and unintentional, others are caused by a driver’s negligence. Car accident victims are often left with extensive injuries and medical bills as well as costly property damage. They can also suffer from pain, emotional trauma, disability, and more.
While no amount of money can give you back what you lost in a motor vehicle accident, a settlement can help you get back on your feet after a crash. However, insurance claims can be tricky, which is why working with an experienced attorney serving Richfield is so important.
Common Causes Of Richfield Car Accidents
A number of different things can cause a car accident. Unintentional accidents are often the result of inclement weather or tricky road conditions. However, if the accident was the result of a negligent driver, there are other causes that come into play. A few common causes of accidents caused by a driver’s negligence include:
- Reckless driving
- Speeding
- Road rage or aggressive driving
- Driving while intoxicated
- Disregarding traffic laws
- Distracted driving, such as texting and driving
- Drivers who are on the road while overly tired
If your auto accident was caused by any of these situations on behalf of another driver, you are likely eligible for compensation if you can prove that the accident was the result of negligent behavior. You’ll have to prove that the at-fault driver did not abide by the driving laws or exercise the appropriate care while operating a motor vehicle.
Common Injuries Sustained In Automobile Accidents
There are a number of different injuries a person can sustain when involved in a car accident, truck accident, or motorcycle accident. Examples of injuries one might incur include:
- Brain injuries
- Head or neck injuries
- Broken bones
- Back injuries
- Fractures
- Sprains and strains
- Bruises, cuts, and lacerations
- Concussions
- Wrongful death
All of these injuries should be taken seriously. Even if you don’t believe you suffered injuries or believe your injuries are minor, you should still seek medical attention as soon as possible after a car accident. This is because some injuries can take a while to be felt, especially if you are in shock after the crash. The longer you wait to get medical help, the more difficulty it can be to prove your injuries were caused by the accident when filing a personal injury claim.
Should You File An Auto Accident Claim?
If you or a loved one is a victim of an auto accident, you may be wondering whether you should file a claim with you or the negligent driver’s insurance company. In most cases, this is the right choice and the first step in obtaining compensation for your injuries and damages. An insurance company can help compensate you for personal and financial losses you may have sustained as a result of the accident.
However, it’s important to know that many insurance companies will work hard to minimize the value of a claim in order to pay out less to victims. Insurance companies are often primarily concerned with their bottom line, and the more they pay out in claims, the more money they lose. Working with a personal injury law firm with years of experience in the field can help ensure the insurance company doesn’t take advantage of you or abuse your rights.
Factors That Affect Auto Accident Claims
There are a number of factors that can influence the outcome of your car accident claim. Each accident case is different and will be affected by different factors.
Some factors that can impact your case’s outcome include:
- How the accident affected your personal life
- How the accident affected your professional life, such as the loss of current and future wages, opportunities, and jobs
- Comparative negligence, or whether you can prove the accident was caused by another person’s negligence on the road
- Statute of limitations — the state of Minnesota has a two-year statute of limitations on personal injury cases, meaning you must file your claim within two years of your accident to be eligible for compensation
- Documentation, which is an important component of a claim and supports your case for receiving a fair settlement for your losses and damages
Your personal injury attorney can help you better understand each factor and how it may affect your case. They can also offer legal advice as to how to best handle each factor so that it works in your favor and increases your chances of getting a fair settlement.
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Types Of Damages Awarded In Car Accident Cases
Each car accident case is different and will have different outcomes. The specific damages you’ll be awarded are highly dependent on how the accident impacted your life.
Examples of potential damages you may be awarded in your auto accident case include:
- Damages to compensate for your loss of current and future income
- Damages to compensate for current and future medical bills and aftercare expenses
- Damages to compensate for mental and psychological anguish, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Punitive damages if malicious intent or extreme negligence were involved in the accident
Richfield Auto Accident Rates
Richfield does not offer up-to-date information on auto accident rates, but the state of Minnesota does. In 2018, Minnesota experienced the following in terms of car accidents:
- 146,107 motor vehicles were involved in auto accidents
- 27,877 people were injured as a result of a car crash
- 123 deaths were caused by alcohol-related auto accidents
- 381 people died as a result of a car crash
- 27,877 people were injured as a result of a car wreck
- 4,027 crashes were directly related to alcohol intoxication
Richfields Intersections To Avoid When Driving
1. Intersection of 66th Street and Lyndale Avenue: This intersection is one of the busiest in Richfield, connecting major commercial and residential areas. The combination of high traffic volumes, frequent turning movements, and pedestrian activity makes it a hotspot for rear-end collisions and side-impact crashes. The intersection is particularly challenging due to multiple lanes, frequent signal changes, and nearby businesses that attract both vehicular and foot traffic. The mix of local traffic and Uber drivers further complicates the navigation of this intersection. Florin|Roebig’s Approach: Florin|Roebig would initiate a thorough investigation by obtaining traffic camera footage, police reports, and witness testimonies. They would employ advanced accident reconstruction techniques and collaborate with traffic engineers to analyze the intersection’s design and signal timings. Additionally, Florin|Roebig would review local zoning and development plans to identify any overlooked safety improvements. They would push for maximum compensation for their clients, covering medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Their approach would also include advocating for long-term changes to improve safety at this busy intersection.
2. Intersection of Portland Avenue and 77th Street: This intersection is a key access point for local traffic and is particularly busy during peak hours due to its proximity to schools, parks, and residential neighborhoods. The high-speed traffic on Portland Avenue combined with frequent turning movements from 77th Street increases the risk of accidents, including T-bone collisions and rear-end crashes. The intersection’s complexity is heightened by its location near schools, which leads to increased pedestrian traffic, especially during school drop-off and pick-up times. The presence of school buses adds another layer of risk. Florin|Roebig’s Unique Approach: Florin|Roebig would gather comprehensive evidence, including surveillance footage, police reports, and eyewitness accounts. They would collaborate with child safety advocates to assess the adequacy of pedestrian crossings and school zone signage. By conducting detailed traffic flow studies during peak hours, they can highlight specific risks. Florin|Roebig would ensure that victims receive full compensation for their injuries, including medical costs and long-term care needs, while also advocating for enhanced safety measures, such as improved crosswalks, speed bumps, and better signage in school zones.
3. Intersection of Nicollet Avenue and 76th Street: This intersection is known for its high traffic volume and frequent accidents due to its central location near shopping centers, residential areas, and public transport hubs. The combination of fast-moving traffic on Nicollet Avenue and frequent turns from 76th Street creates a high-risk environment for collisions. The intersection’s unique challenge lies in its proximity to multiple bus stops and public transportation routes, increasing the number of pedestrians and cyclists in the area, which heightens the risk of accidents. Florin|Roebig’s Unique Approach: Florin|Roebig would use innovative technology such as 3D mapping and drone surveillance to capture the traffic dynamics and accident scene comprehensively. They would gather evidence from traffic cameras, police reports, and witness statements. By consulting with urban planning experts, they would assess whether the design of the intersection and public transport routes contribute to the accident rates. Florin|Roebig would also involve human factors experts to evaluate driver behavior in response to the intersection’s layout. Their strategy includes securing maximum compensation for victims, including both economic and non-economic damages, and advocating for infrastructure improvements to enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
List Of Top-Rated Car Accident Attorneys In Richfield
A highly regarded and trusted personal injury attorney will give you best chance of getting the compensation you deserve. Luckily, the law offices of Florin|Roebig have several top-rated attorneys whose practice areas include personal injury and auto accident cases. Our super lawyers would be honored to work with you on your case and walk you through every step of the process.
A few of the personal injury lawyers on our team who serve the Richfield area 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.” With more than 30 years of experience, you can trust that your accident case is in the best hands.
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Get Help Filing A Car Accident Claim Today
Don’t wait another day to start working towards obtaining the compensation you need and deserve to recover from an auto accident. Give the law offices of Florin|Roebig a call today for a confidential and free consultation.
