Shakopee, a Minnesota city located a short distance from downtown Minneapolis, is a bustling location with a population of around 40,731 people. As the county seat of Scott County, MN, Shakopee is home to countless individuals who regularly use the roadways in the area to get to and from their destinations. Due to the high volume of people on the road in this area, accidents are inevitable.
Some accidents are accidental on behalf of both drivers, while others are the cause of negligence or even malicious intent. Depending on the severity of the crash, serious injuries and damages can affect those involved in the accident. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Minnesota car accident, you’re likely wondering whether you should file a claim with your or the other driver’s insurance company. Working with an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you file an effective claim that ensures the maximum compensation for your losses.
Common Causes Of Car Accidents In Shakopee
While some accidents are simply that — accidental — others are the result of negligence on behalf of a driver or drivers. Common causes of accidents resulting from negligent driving in Shakopee include:
- Distractions: Looking at a text message, changing the radio, talking on the phone, and interacting with passengers while driving are all examples of distractions that can take your eyes off the road. Accidents can happen in a split second, so even glancing down for a moment can result in a crash.
- Drugs and/or alcohol: Driving while intoxicated can result in more than just a DWI — it can also lead to a serious accident that harms the driver and others on the road.
- Speeding: Driving faster than the speed limit is highly unadvisable and is a leading cause of accidents on the road today.
- Reckless driving: Weaving in and out of lanes, racing other cars, and road rage are all examples of reckless driving that can put you and others at risk of an accident.
If you’re unsure of the exact cause of the accident, you can look at the police report or ask for your legal representation to explain the situation and cause to you. Fully understanding what caused your truck accident, motorcycle accident, or car accident is imperative when filing a successful claim and proving negligence.
Common Injuries Suffered In Motor Vehicle Accidents
Auto accidents can cause a variety of injuries that range from mild to severe. The type of injuries incurred will largely depend on how fast the vehicles were going at the time of the collision, where the passengers were sitting, and whether seatbelts were being used.
Examples of injuries incurred in car wrecks include:
- Brain injuries
- Neck and spine injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Cuts and lacerations
- Bruising
- Dislocations
- Burns
- Concussions
- Whiplash
- Wrongful death
It’s important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible after an accident, even if you don’t feel your injuries are severe. Some injuries can take hours or days to be felt, and the longer you wait to get treatment, the more difficult it will be to prove that your injuries were a direct cause of the accident.
Additionally, it’s important that you document all medical bills and other expenses related to your injuries. This documentation is an important component of your claim and supports your likelihood of receiving adequate compensation.
Reasons To File A Car Accident Claim
One of the primary reasons that people file car accident claims is to seek compensation for medical expenses, damages, and other bills incurred as a result of the crash. While insurance companies do take injury cases seriously, they will often try to undermine the extent of the damage to minimize how much they pay out in a settlement. If you or a loved one feels that insurance isn’t adequately compensating you for your injuries and damages, you may need to take your case to court.
Another reason why some people choose to file a claim is to hold the responsible driver accountable for their actions. While Minnesota is a no-fault state, notifying the responsible driver’s insurance company of their actions can potentially help prevent future accidents by holding the at-fault drive responsible.
Factors That Can Affect Your Auto Accident Case
There are several different factors that can play a role in the outcome of your accident case. These factors include:
- Your injuries: The extent and severity of your injuries can greatly impact the type and amount of settlement you receive. In most cases, the more severe your injuries, the larger your settlement will be.
- Your personal life: Some injuries leave individuals unable to participate in activities they once enjoyed, care for their family, or otherwise enjoy their personal life as they once did. If this is the case in your situation, you may be compensated for this loss.
- Your professional life: If you are unable to work as a result of your injuries, you’ll likely be compensated for current and future lost wages.
If you’re unsure which factors are relevant to your case, an MN car accident lawyer can help you better understand these factors and which ones you should focus on when filing a claim.
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Types Of Damages Awarded In Accident Cases
Each auto accident case is different and will include different damages. Some of the damages you may be awarded include:
- Medical bills and aftercare expenses
- Current and future lost wages
- Lost professional opportunities
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Loss of consortium
- Wrongful death
- Punitive damages
Shakopee Auto Accident Rates
Shakopee does not provide information on accident rates in the area, but the state of Minnesota does. In 2019, Minnesota saw the following in relation to accidents on the road:
- 381 people died and 27,877 people were injured in auto accidents
- 34 deaths caused by distracted driving
- 27,260 injuries as a result of auto accidents
- 4,027 auto accidents were the result of alcohol-related behavior
Dangerous Intersections That Shakopee Drivers Should Avoid
1) Intersection of Marschall Road and 17th Avenue: This intersection is known for its heavy traffic volume due to its proximity to various commercial establishments and residential neighborhoods. The high speeds on Marschall Road, combined with frequent turning movements from 17th Avenue, lead to a significant risk of rear-end collisions and side-impact crashes. The intersection’s complexity is increased by the presence of several entry and exit points for nearby businesses, causing sudden stops and unpredictable traffic flow. Additionally, the lack of dedicated turn lanes adds to the congestion and potential for accidents. Florin|Roebig’s Unique Approach: Florin|Roebig would employ advanced accident reconstruction techniques to analyze the dynamics of the collision. They would gather extensive evidence, including traffic camera footage, police reports, and witness accounts. Collaborating with traffic engineers, they would assess whether the intersection’s design or signal timings contributed to the accident. Florin|Roebig would also engage with local business owners to understand traffic patterns and identify peak risk times. Their comprehensive strategy ensures maximum compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress, while advocating for infrastructure improvements like dedicated turn lanes to enhance safety.
2) Intersection of Highway 169 and Canterbury Road: This intersection is a major access point for local traffic entering and exiting Highway 169, leading to high traffic volumes and frequent accidents. The high speeds on Highway 169 and the complex merging and turning movements from Canterbury Road increase the risk of T-bone collisions and rear-end crashes. The intersection is unique due to its proximity to Canterbury Park, which attracts a significant amount of traffic during events. The mix of local and event traffic with Uber drivers, creates a fluctuating pattern that can be challenging for drivers to navigate safely. Florin|Roebig’s Unique Approach: Florin|Roebig would gather comprehensive evidence, including surveillance footage, police reports, and event schedules from Canterbury Park. They would collaborate with traffic safety experts to evaluate the impact of event traffic on accident rates. By conducting detailed analyses of traffic flow during event and non-event times, they could highlight specific risks. Florin|Roebig would ensure victims receive full compensation for their injuries and advocate for enhanced safety measures, such as improved signage and traffic control during events.
3) Intersection of County Road 21 and Vierling Drive: This intersection experiences significant traffic due to its location near residential areas and commercial centers. The high speeds on County Road 21 and frequent turning movements from Vierling Drive lead to a high risk of side-impact crashes and rear-end collisions. The intersection’s layout, with multiple lanes and nearby shopping centers, creates a complex traffic environment. The presence of pedestrian crossings further complicates navigation, especially during peak shopping hours. Florin|Roebig’s Unique Approach: Florin|Roebig would use advanced data analytics to assess vehicle speeds and movement patterns at the time of the accident. They would gather evidence from traffic cameras, police reports, and vehicle black boxes. Collaborating with urban planning experts, they would analyze the intersection’s design and traffic flow to identify contributing factors. Florin|Roebig’s strategy includes securing compensation for the victims’ medical costs, lost wages, and other damages, while advocating for structural improvements such as better signage, optimized signal timings, and pedestrian safety measures to reduce future accidents.
List Of Top-Rated Car Accident Lawyers Serving Shakopee
Working with an experienced accident attorney can positively impact your case outcome and ensure your rights are upheld throughout at the process. The law firm of Florin|Roebig has several top-rated attorneys who specialize in accident cases like yours.
The following are a few of the many accident attorneys on our team who serve the Shakopee, MN, area:
- 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 in injury claims and accident cases, you can trust that our team will provide you with high-quality legal advice and representation.
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
Find A Shakopee Auto Accident Attorney Near You
If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident in Shakopee, don’t wait any longer to get the legal help you need. Florin|Roebig is here to help as soon as your ready and will walk you through every step of the claims process. Give us a call today for a confidential and free consultation.
