Unfortunately, car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, and other vehicular collisions are a common occurrence in St. Paul, Minnesota, much like they are in nearly every city throughout the United States. While some motor vehicle accidents are considered minor and cause minor damage and injuries, more serious accidents can cause significant damages and injuries that require immediate attention. If you’ve been injured in an auto accident in St. Paul and the other driver was at fault, you’ve come to the right place.
How auto accidents are dealt with will differ depending on where you file the claim, the injuries you or your passengers sustained, and the damage caused to both your property and your life. That’s why it’s important to work with an experienced car accident attorney like those at Florin|Roebig. Our dedicated attorneys have years of experience working with motor vehicle accident cases and we can help you make the best choices to ensure you get the maximum settlement available to compensate you for your injuries and damage. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Common Causes Of St. Paul Motor Vehicle Accidents
There are several reasons why a car accident may occur in St. Paul. A few of the most common causes of car accidents in this Minnesota city include:
- Distracted driving: There are a large number of distractions that can take a driver’s eyes off the road. From texting and driving, eating and driving, and talking on the phone while driving to distractions outside of the vehicle such as animals and sites, distractions are seemingly endless when a person is driving. Unfortunately, it only takes a fraction of a second to get into a car accident, so even a quick glimpse away from the road can be detrimental and result in serious injuries or even wrongful death.
- Speeding: When a driver goes too fast, they are at an increased risk of getting into an accident due to the decreased ability to stop or slow down in time.
- Inclement weather: Driving in weather such as heavy snow or sleet can result in car accidents due to decreased visibility and less-than-ideal road conditions.
- Driving under the influence/drunk driving: Drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs is never a good idea and is one of the leading causes of car accidents in the nation.
- Decreased visibility: Whether a person has trouble seeing and still choosing to drive or if they are driving at night or in an otherwise dark setting, accidents are more likely to happen.
Regardless of what caused the accident, if the other person is at fault you have a right to file a claim for medical bills and other expenses related to the crash. An experienced personal injury or auto accident attorney can assist you in deciding the best course of action given your unique situation.
Common Injuries Sustained In Motor Vehicle Accidents
The following are some of the most common injuries sustained during a motor vehicle accident:
- Brain injuries
- Wrongful death
- Broken bones
- Disfigurement
- Cuts and lacerations
- Whiplash
- Neck and back injuries
- Bruises
- Strains and sprains
The exact injuries sustained by accident victims will depend largely on the severity of the collision. For example, brain injuries are common in head-on collisions. Broken bones can happen regardless of the type of crash, but in most cases the vehicle must be going fairly fast.
Reasons Why You Should File A Car Accident Claim In St. Paul
Filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company often seems like a no-brainer following an accident, especially if you incurred damages and/or injuries as a result of the accident. While most insurance companies will certainly provide some form of financial compensation, many will do their best to undermine the victim and pay out as little as possible in compensation. This is done in various ways, with the most common being having their claims representatives use shady tactics to decrease the value of the injuries and/or damages you sustained. If you believe that the at-fault driver’s insurance company is not helping you in the way you need and deserve, it may be time to consider taking your case to court.
If you’re considering filing a claim with the negligent driver’s insurance carrier, it’s best to first seek the advice of an experienced St. Paul car accident lawyer such as those at law firm of Florin|Roebig. These attorneys can walk you through the steps of filing a claim and ensure you do so in a way that sets you up for success.
Factors That Impact An Auto Accident Case
There are several different factors that can influence how much compensation injury victims are eligible to receive following motor vehicle accidents. These factors include:
- Your injuries: The type of injuries you or your loved ones sustain during an accident can drastically impact how much compensation you are eligible to receive from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Additionally, there are a number of factors that influence the severity and type of injuries you sustain, including any pre-existing health conditions, your age, where you are seated when in the accident, and how fast the car was going at the time of the collision. In most cases, the more severe the injuries are and the higher your medical bills, the more compensation you will be rewarded.
- Your professional situation: If you work and have to miss time from work to cope with your injuries and damages, this can result in lost wages and sometimes even the loss of a job. Not being able to provide for yourself or your family can have serious implications on your overall life. If you are required to miss an excess amount of work or can no longer work as a result of the accident, you will likely receive a settlement amount that compensates for this.
- Your personal life: Many people experience changes in their personal lives as a result of a car accident. Examples of personal life changes include no longer being able to care for your children or loved ones, no longer being able to participate in hobbies or sports, and no longer being able to perform daily tasks such as cleaning and cooking. These changes can have a negative impact on your life and livelihood and deserve adequate compensation.
- The type of claim you file: There are several different types of claims you can file following a car accident. Most individuals file personal injury claims due to the injuries they sustained during the accident. However, you can also file a property damage claim in the event that your vehicle or other personal property experienced damage and requires a significant amount of money or time to repair or replace.
In the state of Minnesota, a personal injury claim must be filed within two years of the date of the injury. If it is not filed within this time period, the claim will not be considered valid due to the statute of limitations. Claims related to damage to personal property have a statute of limitations of six years in Minnesota.
How Much Compensation Will You Be Awarded?
How much compensation an insurance company will give you as a result of injuries and damages caused by their insurance policyholder will largely depend on the severity of the injuries and damage. For example, if you broke both of your legs and are no longer able to work or care for your child, you’ll likely be compensated for the medical expenses related to your injuries, your lost wages, and the cost of childcare during your time of recovery.
Additionally, if you are seriously injured and are unable to continue with your regular life as you know it, you will likely be compensated significantly. For example, if you’re in graduate school and can no longer attend school or continue down your chosen career path, you’d likely be compensated for your injuries and their expenses, mental anguish, loss of a career future, and lost wages for several years.
Our Featured Case Results
What Are The Types Of Damages You Can Receive In An Auto Accident Case?
There are both non-economic and economic damages that can be awarded to victims of motor vehicle accidents. The most common types of damages awarded in car accident cases include:
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of income
- Medical fees and expenses
- After-care expenses
- Punitive damages
- Pain and suffering, such as mental and emotional anguish and distress
- Funeral costs
- Wrongful death damages
An experienced St. Paul auto accident attorney can help you to better understand each of these damages and determine which ones you may be eligible to receive from the at-fault driver’s auto insurance company. For example, the loss of consortium is a damage that can only be filed by the spouse of the person involved in the accident.
St. Paul Auto Accident Rates
While the city of St. Paul does not publish up-to-date information on car accident statistics, the state of Minnesota does. In 2019, Minnesota saw the following in terms of auto accidents:
- 27,260 injuries because of accidents on roads and highways
- 364 deaths because of accidents on roads or highways
- 1,520 serious injuries because of accidents on roads or highways
- 858 car accidents involved at least one pedestrian
- 8,824 “hit and run” accidents
- Intersection of Snelling Avenue and University Avenue: This intersection is one of the busiest in St. Paul, acting as a major hub for both vehicular and pedestrian traffic due to its proximity to Allianz Field, the home stadium for Minnesota United FC, and the METRO Green Line light rail. The high volume of cars, buses, light rail trains, and pedestrians makes it particularly dangerous, especially during game days and rush hours. The combination of light rail tracks, frequent bus stops, and heavy foot traffic adds multiple layers of complexity to this intersection. Additionally, the presence of numerous rideshare vehicles like Uber and Lyft picking up and dropping off passengers further contributes to the congestion and accident risk. Florin|Roebig’s Unique Approach: Florin|Roebig would conduct a detailed investigation using traffic camera footage, police reports, and witness testimonies. They would work with transit safety experts to understand the impact of light rail and bus activities on the accident. Additionally, Florin|Roebig would collaborate with urban planners to assess the intersection’s design and traffic flow. Their strategy would include advocating for comprehensive compensation for victims, covering medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, and recommending safety improvements such as better traffic signal coordination and designated rideshare pick-up/drop-off zones.
- Intersection of Lexington Parkway and I-94: This intersection experiences heavy traffic as it serves as a key entry and exit point for I-94, connecting commuters from the suburbs to downtown St. Paul. The high-speed traffic on the interstate combined with the frequent merging and turning movements from Lexington Parkway increases the risk of accidents. The intersection’s unique challenge lies in its design, which includes multiple lanes and ramps, making it difficult for drivers to navigate safely. The frequent presence of commercial trucks and rideshare vehicles adds to the congestion and potential for collisions. Florin|Roebig’s Unique Approach: Florin|Roebig would utilize advanced accident reconstruction techniques to analyze vehicle speeds and movement patterns. They would gather evidence from traffic cameras, police reports, and vehicle black boxes. Collaborating with traffic safety engineers, Florin|Roebig would identify contributing factors such as signal timing issues or design flaws. They would also engage with the Minnesota Department of Transportation to review previous incidents and safety records. Their comprehensive approach ensures victims receive full compensation for their injuries and advocates for structural improvements like extended merge lanes and better signage.
- Intersection of Robert Street and Kellogg Boulevard: This intersection is located in the heart of downtown St. Paul, surrounded by government buildings, businesses, and entertainment venues. The high volume of both pedestrian and vehicular traffic, along with frequent turning movements, makes it a hotspot for accidents. The intersection’s proximity to landmarks such as the Xcel Energy Center and the Minnesota State Capitol attracts a mix of local and out-of-town drivers, particularly during events and legislative sessions. The frequent stops and starts by rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, along with heavy pedestrian crossings, further increase the risk of collisions. Florin|Roebig’s Unique Approach: Florin|Roebig would start by collecting detailed traffic data and analyzing patterns during peak times and events. They would gather evidence from surveillance cameras, police reports, and eyewitness accounts. By collaborating with event management experts, they would assess the impact of large gatherings on traffic flow and accident risk. Florin|Roebig’s strategy includes securing comprehensive compensation for victims, covering medical costs, lost wages, and other damages, while advocating for enhanced safety measures such as improved crosswalks, dedicated rideshare zones, and better traffic signal coordination.
List Of Minnesota Car Accident Lawyers Serving St. Paul
Choosing the right St. Paul car accident lawyer can be the difference between receiving a minimal settlement amount and getting the compensation you need and deserve. The law offices of Florin|Roebig have worked on countless personal injury cases to help accident victims get the settlement they deserve following an accident, and we’d be happy to do the same for you. In fact, every year since the inception of the honor in 2010, 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.”
Our award-winning team is full of dedicated and expert auto accident attorneys, with just a few of them including:
- 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
Find St. Paul Personal Injury Lawyers Near You
If you’re looking for legal advice on whether you should file a claim or you don’t believe you’re receiving a fair settlement for a car accident or truck accident claim, you may want to consider reaching out to one of our dedicated personal injury attorneys to assist you throughout the process. We can provide you with quality legal representation that will ensure your rights are respected and you are fairly compensated. Give our law office a call today.
