While some car accidents are a result of inclement weather or other conditions that are outside of the drivers’ control, many car accident cases are a direct result of the negligence on behalf of one of the drivers. Car accident victims who are involved in these accidents are often left with injuries and damages that are expenses and stressful. And, in the case of severe injuries or wrongful death, some victims are left with permanent damage or worse.
While there is not a set amount of compensation that will be paid when a person is involved in a motor vehicle accident, there are things you can do to ensure you get the maximum settlement available to cover your medical expenses, legal representation, property damage, and any other expenses or damages you incurred as a result of the accident. To give yourself to best bet when it comes to getting the compensation you deserve, working with an experienced personal injury law firm and expert personal injury lawyers with years of experience can ensure your rights are upheld and you’re fairly compensated. Florin|Roebig has several expert car accident attorneys who would be happy to help you navigate the ins and outs of filing a claim after an auto accident.
Common Causes Of Rochester, Minnesota Car Accidents
In most cases, you are only eligible to receive compensation from the at-fault driver’s auto insurance company if you can prove that the accident was a direct result of negligent driving behavior. This means that you’ll need to show that the driver who caused the collision was not driving with the level of care required by the law. Common causes of accidents that result from negligent driving include:
- Distracted driving: Distracted driving can refer to a range of activities that cause the driver to take their eyes off the road. For example, texting and driving, talking on the phone and driving, and eating while driving are all forms of distracted driving that can result in a collision on the road.
- Speeding: When a person does not adhere to the rules of the road such as the speed limit, they are at an increased risk of being involved in a motor vehicle accident.
- Driving under the influence: Driving while intoxicated under the influence of drugs and alcohol can significantly decrease a person’s ability to drive safely and can lead to auto accidents that result in serious injuries.
- Aggressive driving: Commonly referred to as “road rage,” driving in an aggressive manner is dangerous and can quickly result in a car accident.
- Driving while fatigued: Some drivers are required to drive for extended periods of time or drive when they are overly tired. Fatigued driving can result in decreased reaction times and can even lead to falling asleep at the wheel.
Common Personal Injuries As A Result Of A Car Accident In Rochester, Minnesota
There are several different types of injuries that an individual can sustain as the result of a motor vehicle accident. Examples of injuries seen in car collisions include:
- Brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Lacerations, cuts, and bruises
- Sprains and strains
- Coma
- Concussions
- Wrongful death
- Whiplash
- Neck and spinal injuries
- Back injuries
- Loss of limbs
The severity and type of injuries will largely depend on the type of car accident or truck accident, how fast the vehicles were going at the time of the accident, and the location of the passengers and driver when the accident occurred. Whether passengers were wearing seatbelts will also impact the severity of the injuries sustained.
Reasons To File An Auto Accident Claim
As a car accident victim, you may be wondering whether you should file a claim with the at-fault driver’s car insurance company. In most personal injury cases, filing a claim is the first step and can support the victim’s attempt to receive adequate compensation for their injuries and property damage.
Another reason why filing a claim is often a good idea is to help protect others from experiencing similar injuries a result of the driver’s negligence. Car insurance companies keep records of their policyholder’s driving records and will increase the premium of the policy if incidences of negligence occur often enough.
In most car accident cases, filing a claim can help you obtain compensation for medical bills, care for serious injuries, and assistance in repairing or replacing personal property such as your vehicle. However, before filing a claim, it’s best to seek legal advice from an experienced personal injury law attorney. Your attorney can help you make the best decision given your unique case and will work with you every step of the way. And, if you feel you are not receiving an adequate settlement, your personal injury lawyer can go to court on your behalf to fight for your rights.
What Impacts A Car Accident Claim In Rochester, Minnesota?
There are a few key factors that can affect your ability to file a car insurance claim and receive adequate compensation for your personal injuries and damages. These factors include:
- Insurance companies: Some insurance companies will go to great lengths to minimize the settlement they pay out to accident victims. This is often done during the investigation process when a claims representative reviews the details of the accident and determines the total value of your claim. Working with an experienced personal injury law firm can ensure you aren’t undermined and receive the settlement you are entitled to.
- Statute of limitations: In Minnesota, you have two years from the date your injuries occurred to file a claim and receive compensation. If you do not file a claim within this time period, your claim will no longer be valid due to the statute of limitations.
- Documentation: In order to receive adequate compensation for your damages and injuries after a car accident, you must be able to show documentation as to the extent of the injuries and the effect they had on your life. Be sure to document all medical bills and expenses, pictures of the injuries incurred by all injured people involved in the accident, and the monetary impact these injuries have on your life and livelihood.
How Much Compensation Can You Receive?
The amount of compensation you’ll receive will depend largely on your documentation as well as the extent of the injuries and damage and the impact they have had on your life. The following are factors that can influence the settlement you receive from the insurance company:
The severity of the injury: Serious injuries often result in higher medical bills and can impact your everyday life. The more severe the injury, the more compensation you are likely to receive from the insurance company.
How your injuries have impacted your financial situation: Another important factor in determining how much compensation you will receive for your personal injuries is how these injuries have impacted your financial situation. For example, if you have had to miss days, weeks, or months of work, you can be compensated for your lost wages. If the accident resulted in the wrongful death of a loved one, you’ll be entitled to a larger settlement to accommodate for funeral expenses and the future lost financial support of that individual.
How your injuries have impacted your personal life: Car accident injuries don’t only affect your financial situation. They can also have a significant negative impact on your personal life. Many people who are involved in car accidents are left with long-lasting trauma, emotional and mental anguish, and the inability to participate in activities they once enjoyed. If your injuries left you unable to engage in activities or enjoy life as you once did, you’ll likely be compensated for this.
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Types Of Damages You May Be Awarded Following A Motor Vehicle Accident
There are several types of damages that you can be compensated for from an insurance company. These damages include:
- Lost wages or loss of ability to make money in the future
- Medical bills, medical expenses, and other medical-related fees
- Compensation for loss of enjoyment, mental anguish, and physical pain
- Punitive damages in situations where there was extreme negligence or malicious intent
Auto Accident Rates In Rochester, Minnesota
The city of Rochester, which is located in southeast Minnesota does not provide up-to-date information on auto accident rates and statistics. However, the state of Minnesota does. The following are the rates of auto accidents seen in Minnesota during the year 2019:
- 364 deaths because of accidents on roads or highways
- 8,824 “hit and run” accidents
- 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
List Of Top-Rated Car Accident Lawyers Serving Rochester
Deciding on the right Rochester car accident attorney can play a significant role in the compensation you receive. The law offices of Florin|Roebig have several highly experienced personal injury attorneys who have assisted in a number of personal injury cases. In each case, our dedicated attorneys have ensured that the accident victims are fairly compensated for their injuries and damages.
For every year since the inception of the honor in 2021, the firm has been recognized as one of the “Best Law Firms in America” by “US News and World Report” and “Best Lawyers in America.”
The following are a few of our top personal injury lawyers who would be happy to assist you in your personal injury case:
- 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
Choosing A Rochester MN Personal Injury Attorney Near You
If you’re searching for an experienced and reliable personal injury attorney, look no further than the expert lawyers at Florin|Roebig. We would be happy to assist you through the claims process and ensure your rights are upheld and you receive the settlement you deserve. Give us a call today for a free consultation at (800) 226-6581.
