Motor vehicle accidents are an unfortunate part of life, and most people will be involved in one at least once in their lifetime. Accidents can range from minor to severe, with more serious accidents resulting in severe injuries, pain and suffering, expensive medical bills, and a negative impact on an individual’s overall quality of life.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, motorcycle accident, or truck accident in St. Cloud, MN, you have legal rights that will allow you to recover damages and expenses incurred as a result of the collision. Hiring an experienced legal team of St. Cloud car accident lawyers will give the best chance of receiving a fair settlement for your damages and losses. The car accident attorneys at Florin|Roebig would be happy to talk about your case with you and provide legal advice as to the best steps to take to seek compensation following an accident.
Common Causes Of St. Cloud Car Accidents
St. Cloud is a popular location in Minnesota, and accidents happen every day. Common reasons why an auto accident may occur here include:
- Speeding: When drivers go above the speed limit, they reduce their ability to stop or slow down in time and increase the probability of an accident.
- Driving while distracted: There are all kinds of distractions that can take a driver’s eyes off the road. Examples of distracted driving include eating while driving, texting while driving, and talking on the phone while driving. Because accidents can happen in a split second, taking your eyes off the road for even a moment can be detrimental.
- Driving while intoxicated: Drinking or using drugs while driving is highly dangerous and is a leading cause of serious accidents.
- Not following traffic laws: Traffic laws are in place for a reason, and not abiding by them can increase a person’s risk for causing an auto accident.
- Aggressive driving: Road rage or aggressive driving is dangerous and can quickly result in a collision.
These are just a few of the many reasons why accidents happen. If you were involved in an accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you can likely seek compensation by filing a personal injury claim.
Common Injuries Incurred In Auto Accidents In St. Cloud
There are several different types of injuries a person can incur as a result of an accident. The type and severity of the injury will depend on how serious the accident was. Examples of injuries often seen in car accidents include:
- Brain injuries
- Spine and back injuries
- Neck injuries
- Sprains and strains
- Broken bones
- Lacerations, bruises, and cuts
- Fractures
- Disfigurement
- Coma
- Concussions
- Wrongful death
If you’ve experienced serious injuries as a result of a motor vehicle accident, working with a personal injury attorney can ensure you get the compensation you need to cover the costs of medical expenses and other losses and reclaim your life.
Reasons To File An Auto Accident Claim
Being a victim of an auto accident is a challenging experience that can leave you with medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages and suffering. There are several reasons to file an auto accident insurance claim, with the most common being:
- To recover compensation for medical expenses and bills
- To recover damages incurred during the accident, such as property damage
- To receive compensation for current and future lost wages
- To hold the at-fault driver responsible for their actions and negligence while on the road
No matter what reason you choose to file an auto insurance claim, you have options that will help you get the compensation you need and deserve to recover from the accident.
Factors That Influence Car Accident Claims
There are a number of factors that can affect the type of claim you file as well as the compensation you receive. All injury cases are unique and will be closely reviewed by a court to ensure adequate and appropriate compensation is awarded.
Factors that may influence the outcome of your auto claim include:
- The severity of your injuries: In most cases, the more severe your injuries are, the higher your settlement amount will be. This is because severe injuries are often accompanied by expensive medical bills, aftercare expenses, and drastic changes to your life and abilities.
- The impact on your personal life: If the accident resulted in you being able to do what you once enjoyed or prevents you from taking care of yourself or a loved one, you’ll likely receive compensation to account for this.
- The impact on your professional life: Some injuries can result in a person’s inability to work. If you have lost wages as a result of the accident or are unable to return to work due to injuries, you’ll likely be compensated to account for this lost income.
- The at-fault driver’s negligence: If the driver who caused the accident was acting in a malicious or extremely negligent way, you may be eligible for compensation in the form of punitive damages.
An attorney with years of experience in auto accident cases can help make clear the specific factors that may affect your insurance claim.
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Types of Damages Awarded In Car Accident Claims
There are several types of damages that can be awarded in an auto accident settlement. Punitive damages are those that are aimed at punishing the at-fault driver for their negligent actions, while compensatory claims are those that compensate the victim for losses that came as a direct result of the accident.
Examples of damages that may be awarded in an auto accident claim include:
- Loss of consortium
- Lost income
- Medical expenses
- After-care bills
- Punitive damages
- Pain and suffering
A personal injury law attorney can help you decipher which damages apply to your case and will work for you to ensure you receive fair compensation.
St. Cloud Car Accident Rates
While the city of St. Cloud, which is located in central Minnesota does not keep detailed records of car accident statistics, the state of Minnesota does. In 2019, Minnesota saw the following numbers in terms of car accidents:
- 75 deaths caused by speeding
- 89 deaths caused by drunk driving
- 174,422 individuals were involved in auto crashes
- 34 deaths caused by distracted driving
- 27,260 injuries as a result of auto accidents
- 858 car or truck accidents involving at least one pedestrian
- 73 deaths caused by unbuckled motorists
Dangerous Intersections To Avoid For St. Cloud Drivers
1) Intersection of Division Street and 9th Avenue South: This intersection is a key junction in downtown St. Cloud, near numerous businesses, restaurants, and public facilities. The high volume of both vehicular and pedestrian traffic, combined with complex turning movements, makes it particularly hazardous. The presence of numerous rideshare services like Uber and Lyft adds to the congestion, as drivers frequently stop to pick up or drop off passengers. Additionally, the proximity to St. Cloud State University increases the pedestrian flow, especially during class hours. Florin|Roebig’s Unique Approach: Florin|Roebig would begin by analyzing traffic patterns and gathering data on rideshare activities. They would collect comprehensive evidence, including surveillance footage, police reports, and testimonies from Uber drivers and passengers. Collaborating with urban traffic planners, they would assess whether rideshare activities contribute to congestion and accident risks. Florin|Roebig would also investigate any previous complaints or accidents at this intersection to build a compelling case. Their strategy would focus on securing compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages while advocating for improved traffic management and designated rideshare zones to enhance safety.
2) Intersection of Highway 23 and 2nd Street South: This intersection is a major thoroughfare for both local and through traffic, connecting residential neighborhoods with commercial areas. The high speeds on Highway 23 and frequent turning movements from 2nd Street South lead to a significant risk of rear-end collisions and T-bone crashes. The intersection’s complexity is increased by its location near Crossroads Center, a major shopping mall, which attracts heavy traffic, particularly on weekends and holidays. The mix of shoppers, commuters, and delivery vehicles adds to the risk of accidents. Florin|Roebig’s Unique Approach: Florin|Roebig would utilize traffic 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 witness statements. By collaborating with traffic safety experts, they would evaluate the intersection’s design and traffic flow. Florin|Roebig would also consider the impact of shopping traffic on accident rates and advocate for safety measures such as optimized signal timings and better lane markings. Their comprehensive approach ensures full compensation for victims and long-term solutions to enhance intersection safety.
3) Intersection of 5th Avenue South and 1st Street South: Located near the bustling downtown area and St. Cloud River’s Edge Convention Center, this intersection sees a high volume of traffic from both vehicles and pedestrians. The frequent events at the convention center contribute to fluctuating traffic patterns and increased accident risks. The intersection’s unique challenge lies in the mix of local traffic, out-of-town visitors, and event-related vehicles, including buses and rideshares. The presence of multiple crosswalks and the nearby Mississippi River adds to the complexity. Florin|Roebig’s Unique Approach: Florin|Roebig would gather detailed event schedules and traffic data to understand peak traffic times and patterns. They would collect evidence such as traffic camera footage, police reports, and witness accounts. Collaborating with event management experts, they would assess the impact of convention center activities on traffic flow. Florin|Roebig would also work with urban planners to identify design flaws or safety gaps at the intersection. Their strategy includes securing compensation for the victims’ injuries and advocating for measures such as dedicated event traffic lanes and improved pedestrian crossings to reduce future risks.
List Of Top-Rated Car Accident Lawyers Serving St. Cloud
Working with an experienced and dedicated law firm that is well-versed in personal injury and auto cases can greatly increase your chances of getting the settlement you deserve. The attorneys at Florin|Roebig can offer legal advice and walk you through the steps of filing a claim and ultimately reclaiming your life.
A few of the many attorneys on our team that serve the St. Cloud area include:
- Chad K. Florin, M.B.A., LL.M.
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 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.
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Find Help Filing An Auto Accident Claim In St. Cloud
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, don’t wait another day to get the legal representation you need. One of our attorneys would be happy to provide you with a free consultation to go over the details of your case and help determine the best steps for you to take. Call today for a 100% confidential and free consultation.