At Nelson Personal Injury, LLC, we understand the overwhelming challenges that follow a car accident. If you’ve been involved in a vehicle collision in St. Cloud, Minnesota, you’re likely facing many questions about your rights, the legal process, and how to ensure that you are fully compensated for your injuries and losses.
Our firm is dedicated to guiding you through each step, ensuring you receive the professional support and legal representation you deserve. The first step is to contact our office to schedule a free consultation.
Understanding Minnesota Car Accident Laws
However, there are certain situations where you can step outside of the no-fault system and pursue a claim against the other driver. This is typically when injuries meet certain thresholds, defined in terms of medical expense amounts or the severity of the injury.
We can help you understand these thresholds and determine whether you can file a claim against the other driver. It’s also important to know that the statute of limitations for car accident lawsuits in Minnesota is generally six years from the accident date. However, this timeline can vary, so it’s crucial to seek legal advice promptly to protect your rights.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in St. Cloud
Car accidents happen every day in St. Cloudten due to factors beyond a driver’s control. While some crashes result from simple mistakes, others stem from negligence that puts everyone on the road at risk.
At Nelson Personal Injury, we help accident victims recover compensation when someone else’s careless actions cause harm. Below, we explore some of the most common causes of car accidents in St. Cloud and what you should know if you’ve been injured.
Distracted Driving
One of the leading causes of car accidents in St. Cloud is distracted driving. Whether it’s texting, eating, adjusting the radio, or talking to passengers, anything that diverts a driver’s attention from the road can be dangerous.
According to Minnesota state data, thousands of crashes each year involve some form of distraction, many resulting in serious injuries. If a distracted driver caused your accident, our St. Cloud car accident attorneys can help you pursue a claim.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for conditions increases the risk of accidents and makes collisions far more severe. Speeding reduces reaction time and increases stopping distances, making it harder to avoid sudden obstacles.
In many cases, speeding is combined with reckless behaviors such as weaving between lanes, tailgating, or ignoring traffic signals. If a reckless driver injured you, an auto accident lawyer from our firm in St. Cloud can fight for your rights.
Drunk and Impaired Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs continues to be a significant cause of serious car accidents in St. Cloud. Impaired drivers have slower reflexes, poor judgment, and difficulty staying in their lanes.
In Minnesota, strict DUI laws aim to prevent these accidents, but far too many drivers still make reckless choices. If a drunk driver hits you, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Dangerous Road Conditions
Not all accidents are caused by driver negligence. Poor road conditions—such as potholes, missing signs, construction hazards, or icy surfaces—can contribute to crashes. While drivers should adjust their speed and behavior to fit road conditions, some accidents occur due to improper road maintenance.
In these cases, liability may extend beyond the drivers involved, and an experienced St. Cloud auto accident lawyer can help determine who is responsible.
Failing to Yield and Running Red Lights
Intersections in St. Cloud can be perilous, and T-bone accidents and rear-end crashes are common. Drivers who ignore red lights, fail to yield the right of way, or roll through stop signs endanger others.
These types of collisions often result in serious injuries, including broken bones, spinal cord damage, and traumatic brain injuries. If another driver’s failure to follow traffic laws caused your accident, we can help you hold them accountable.
Fatigued and Drowsy Driving
Driving while drowsy is just as dangerous as driving drunk. Long hours on the road, insufficient sleep, and certain medications can impair a driver’s ability to stay alert. Truck drivers, night shift workers, and individuals with sleep disorders are particularly at risk. If a drowsy driver caused your accident, our legal team can investigate and fight for the compensation you deserve.
At Nelson Personal Injury, we understand the devastating impact of car accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured due to another driver’s negligence, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our St. Cloud car accident attorneys are ready to protect your rights and seek maximum compensation for your injuries
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What to Do After a Car Accident
Immediately following an accident, safety is your priority. Ensure that you and others involved are safe, and call 911 for any medical needs. Once you’ve addressed immediate safety concerns, it’s essential to:
- Collect information from all parties involved in the accident, including contact and insurance details.
- Take photographs of the scene, your vehicle, and your injuries.
- Obtain contact information from any witnesses.
- File a police report to have an official record of the incident.
- Notify your insurance company about the accident.
These steps can be vital in building a strong car accident claim.
Seeking Medical Attention
Your health is paramount. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, it’s critical to seek medical attention immediately after an accident. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal injuries, may not be immediately apparent. Documentation from healthcare professionals will serve as important evidence when we work on your claim.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Dealing with insurance companies can be daunting, but remember, their primary goal is to pay as little as possible. It’s advisable to consult with us before giving any recorded statements or accepting any settlements. Our experience in handling insurance companies means we can negotiate to ensure that your settlement reflects the full extent of your losses.
Calculating Your Damages
Determining the value of your claim goes beyond just medical bills. It includes lost wages, future medical care, pain and suffering, and other losses. We meticulously calculate both your economic and non-economic damages to ensure that the compensation we seek is comprehensive and just.
Economic Damages: Tangible Losses
After a car accident, the financial implications can be substantial. Economic damages are quantifiable costs resulting from the accident. This includes medical expenses, both immediate and long-term. We’ll consider emergency services, hospitalization, medication, physical therapy, and future medical treatments related to your injuries.
Additionally, if the accident has impacted your ability to work, we’ll calculate lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and any other professional opportunities that were forfeited due to the accident. These figures are typically based on bills, receipts, and expert testimonies about your injuries and their impact on your livelihood.
Non-Economic Damages: The Intangible Impact
Non-economic damages cover the intangible impacts of an accident. This encompasses pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium. These damages are inherently more complex to quantify.
We approach them with a deep understanding of how these experiences change a person’s life. It’s not just about the numbers—how the accident has altered your day-to-day existence and future.
A Comprehensive Evaluation
We take a comprehensive approach to calculating your damages. We collaborate with medical professionals, economists, and life care planners to ensure every potential cost is accounted for. Our goal is to secure compensation that reflects the true cost of your accident, covering both current expenses and those anticipated in the future.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Injuries from car accidents can vary widely, from minor scrapes and bruises to more serious injuries like broken bones, spinal cord injuries, or traumatic brain injuries. Understanding the common types of injuries can help in explaining the impact of the accident on your life to insurers and, if necessary, to a jury.
Physical Trauma: The Immediate Aftermath
Car accidents can inflict many physical injuries, some of which may not be immediately apparent. Common injuries include:
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Often occurring in rear-end collisions, whiplash is a result of the rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck. Symptoms can include neck pain, stiffness, and headaches.
- Broken Bones: The force of a car accident can easily break or fracture bones. The most commonly affected areas include arms, legs, ribs, and hips.
- Head Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage. Head injuries are particularly insidious because symptoms can develop over time.
- Spinal Injuries: The impact of a collision can damage the spine, potentially leading to herniated discs or, in severe cases, paralysis.
Emotional and Psychological Injuries
Beyond the physical, car accidents can have a profound impact on your emotional well-being. It is not uncommon for survivors to experience:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Flashbacks, anxiety, and avoidance of driving or specific locations are signs of PTSD after a car accident.
- Depression and Anxiety: The stress from physical recovery, financial burden, and lifestyle changes can lead to depression and anxiety.
The Importance of Timely Diagnosis
Immediate and thorough medical assessment after a car accident is crucial. Some injuries, particularly internal ones, may not manifest symptoms immediately but can have long-term consequences if left untreated. We advise all our clients to seek medical attention as soon as possible after an accident.
Litigation vs. Settlement
Most car accident claims are settled out of court, but if a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to trial. Our legal team has extensive experience negotiating settlements and litigating in court. We will advise you on the best course of action based on the specifics of your case.
St. Cloud Car Accident FAQs
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in St. Cloud, you likely have many questions about your rights, insurance claims, and legal options. At Nelson Personal Injury, we are here to provide answers and guidance. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about car accident cases in St. Cloud.
1. What Should I Do After a Car Accident in St. Cloud?
After an accident, your health and safety should be the top priority. If possible, move to a safe location, check for injuries, and call 911. You should also:
- Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver
- Take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and injuries
- Get contact information from any witnesses
- Seek medical attention, even if you feel fine
- Report the accident to your insurance company
- Contact a St. Cloud car accident attorney before speaking to insurance adjusters
2. How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident lawsuit is generally two years from the accident date for personal injury claims and six years for property damage claims. However, some cases have shorter deadlines, especially if a government entity is involved. The sooner you consult an auto accident lawyer in St. Cloud, the better your chances of building a strong case.
3. Who Pays for My Medical Bills After a Car Accident?
Minnesota is a no-fault insurance state, meaning your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage will initially cover medical expenses, regardless of who caused the accident. However, if your injuries are severe and exceed PIP limits, you may be able to file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. Our attorneys can help you navigate this process and seek full compensation.
4. What If the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?
You may still have options if an uninsured or underinsured driver hits you. Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, included in most Minnesota auto insurance policies, can help cover your expenses. If you are unsure whether your policy applies, our legal team can review your case and determine the best action.
5. Can I Still Recover Compensation If I Was Partially at Fault?
Yes! Minnesota follows a comparative fault system, meaning you can still recover damages if you were less than 51% responsible for the accident. However, your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
For example, if you were found 20% at fault and your damages totaled $100,000, you would receive $80,000. Our St. Cloud car accident attorneys will work to minimize your liability and maximize your recovery.
6. How Much Is My Car Accident Case Worth?
- The severity of your injuries
- Medical expenses and future treatment costs
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Whether the at-fault driver was grossly negligent
Every case is unique, but our auto accident lawyers in St. Cloud will fight to ensure you receive the maximum compensation for your losses.
7. How Can a St. Cloud Car Accident Attorney Help Me?
Navigating a car accident claim alone can be overwhelming, especially with insurance companies wanting to minimize payouts. When you work with Nelson Personal Injury, we:
- Investigate your accident and gather evidence
- Handle negotiations with insurance companies
- Ensure you receive fair compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other damages
- Take your case to court if necessary
At Nelson Personal Injury, we are committed to helping car accident victims get the justice they deserve. If you need legal assistance after an accident, contact our experienced St. Cloud auto accident lawyers for a free consultation today.
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Why Choose Nelson Personal Injury, LLC
Choosing the right attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. With Nelson Personal Injury, LLC, you’re not just another case number. We provide personalized attention and tailored legal strategies designed to meet the unique needs of your situation. Our expertise in Minnesota car accident law and our dedication to clients set us apart.
- We have a deep understanding of St. Cloud’s legal landscape.
- Our attorneys are experienced negotiators and litigators.
- We have a proven track record of securing favorable outcomes for our clients.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident in St. Cloud, do not navigate the legal process alone. Contact Nelson Personal Injury, LLC today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, answer your questions, and provide clear guidance on the next steps. Our no-win, no-fee policy means you owe us nothing unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
We’re here to help you move forward with your life after an accident. Reach out to us, and let’s start the journey to justice and recovery together.
