Minnesota Car Accident Lawyer

What are the Common Types of Car Accidents in Minnesota?

Some common types of car accidents in Minnesota include:

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end collisions happen when one vehicle crashes into the back of another. Tailgating, where the following vehicle doesn’t leave enough space to stop in time, is often the cause. Distracted driving, such as texting or using a phone, is another common cause, as is sudden braking in high-traffic situations.

T-Bone Accidents

Also known as side-impact collisions, T-bone accidents occur when one vehicle crashes into the side of another. These are particularly dangerous because the sides of vehicles offer less protection to passengers.

T-bone collisions often happen at intersections when a driver fails to yield the right-of-way, runs a red light, or speeds through a stop sign.

Head-On Collisions

Head-on collisions are among the most severe types of car accidents. These occur when two vehicles collide directly with each other, often at high speeds.

Common causes include drunk driving, distracted driving, or a driver crossing the centerline into oncoming traffic. Rural roads and highways with limited dividers are particularly prone to this type of accident.

Rollover Accidents

Rollover accidents happen when a vehicle flips over onto its roof or side. These accidents are frequently caused by sharp or high-speed turns, especially in vehicles with a high center of gravity, like SUVs or trucks. Driving on uneven terrain, such as rural or construction zones, can also increase the likelihood of rollovers.

Multi-Vehicle Accidents

Multi-vehicle accidents involve three or more vehicles and are often the result of chain reactions or pile-ups. These typically occur on highways or in other high-traffic areas, where one collision sets off a series of subsequent crashes.

Speeding, tailgating, and poor weather often contribute to these accidents. Multi-vehicle collisions involve multiple impacts, increasing the likelihood of severe injuries, fatalities, and complex legal and insurance issues.

After any of these accidents, legal guidance from our Minnesota car accident lawyers can protect your rights and secure fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

Types of Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents can result in severe, life-altering injuries.

Some common types of car accident injuries include:

• Whiplash: Whiplash is a common neck injury when the head jerks forcefully back and forth. It can result in pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion.
• Broken bones: The impact of a car accident can cause bones to fracture or break. The most commonly affected bones are the ribs, legs, and collarbones.
• Head injuries: Car accidents can cause traumatic brain injuries, concussions, and other head injuries. These injuries can long-term affect cognitive function, memory, and overall quality of life.
• Spinal cord injuries: Severe car accidents can result in spinal cord injuries, which can lead to paralysis or loss of sensation and motor control below the site of the injury.
• Internal injuries: The force of a car accident can damage or rupture internal organs. This can result in internal bleeding and other life-threatening conditions.
• Psychological trauma: Car accidents can also have a significant impact on mental health, leading to traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.

Where Do Car Accidents Occur in Minnesota?

Car accidents can happen anywhere in Minnesota, but certain locations tend to have a higher prevalence of accidents.

Some notable areas include:

• The I-35W and I-694 interchange in Arden Hills has been a hot spot for car accidents, particularly due to heavy congestion and merging traffic.
• The intersection of Snelling Avenue and Ford Parkway in St. Paul has seen numerous accidents due to its high traffic volume and proximity to residential areas.
• I-494 and I-35W interchange in Bloomington is notorious for its complex design and heavy traffic, resulting in frequent accidents.
• Highway 10 and Highway 169 interchange in Anoka: This interchange sees a significant volume of traffic, which can lead to congestion and accidents.
• Intersection of University and Snelling Avenues in St. Paul: This intersection sees a lot of pedestrian and bicycle traffic, which can increase the risk of accidents.
• Highway 101 and County Road 38 in Minnetonka: Authorities have identified this intersection as one of the most dangerous in the state, and drivers have reported many accidents.

Fighting the Insurance Company After Sustaining Car Accident Injuries

After sustaining car accident injuries, you may need to deal with the insurance company to seek compensation. Unfortunately, insurance companies are often more focused on their profits than on the well-being of accident victims.

Here are some common tactics used by insurance companies and how you can fight back:

Delayed or Denied Claims

Insurance companies sometimes intentionally delay or deny claims, hoping you will become frustrated and either give up or settle for less than you deserve. They use these tactics to minimize their payouts, even when your claim is legitimate.

Stay persistent and keep detailed records of all communication with the insurance company, including emails, phone calls, and letters.

If delays persist or your claim is denied without valid reasoning, a Minnesota car accident attorney can fight back.

Lowball Settlement Offers

A common strategy insurance companies use is offering a settlement far less than what you are entitled to receive. These lowball offers are designed to save the insurer money, often ignoring the full extent of your medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. Accepting such an offer can leave you financially burdened.

Blaming Pre-Existing Conditions

Another tactic insurance companies use is attributing your injuries to pre-existing conditions rather than the car accident. By doing so, they attempt to downplay the severity of your injuries or deny responsibility altogether.

To counter these claims, we can provide thorough medical records documenting your injuries and how they were caused or worsened by the accident. Professional medical opinions can strengthen your case and refute the insurer’s attempts to shift blame.

What Our Lawyers Can Do

Here’s what our lawyers can do to support you:

• Investigate your case: Our legal team will thoroughly investigate the accident to gather evidence, speak to witnesses, and consult with professionals if necessary.
• Handle communication with the insurance company: We will handle all communication with the insurance company on your behalf, ensuring your rights are protected.
• Negotiate a fair settlement: Our attorneys are skilled negotiators and will work tirelessly to secure a fair settlement that adequately compensates you for your injuries and damages.
• Prepare for trial if necessary: If we cannot reach a fair settlement, our lawyers will take your case to trial and fight for your rights in the courtroom.

What Should You Do After Being Injured in a Car Accident?

Taking the right steps can significantly protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation if you suffer an injury in a car accident.

Attend all follow-up medical appointments and stick to the treatment plan recommended by your healthcare provider. Following through with your medical care supports your recovery and provides necessary documentation of your injuries and treatment.

Keep detailed records of all expenses related to the accident. This includes medical bills, lost earnings, and any other costs you’ve incurred. Keeping thorough documentation will strengthen your claim and demonstrate the financial impact the accident has had on your life. This record can be critical when it comes time to negotiate a settlement or present your case in court.

Finally, consulting with our Minnesota car accident lawyers is critical in protecting your rights. They will guide you through the legal process, handle negotiations with insurance companies, and advocate for the full compensation you deserve.