St. Joseph Car Accident Law Firm

At Nelson Personal Injury, LLC, our legal team is dedicated to helping accident victims in St. Joseph, Minnesota recover the compensation they deserve. We take the reins regarding your car accident claim and work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for your case.

Minnesota witnesses thousands of car accidents yearly, leaving countless individuals and families grappling with devastating injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens. Recent statistics reveal that Minnesota ranks among the highest in the nation for car accident fatalities and injuries. These incidents often result from various factors, including reckless driving, distracted motorists, and negligent driving.

You deserve compensation if another driver is responsible for your accident and injuries. At Nelson Personal Injury, LLC, we will fight for compensation while you focus on recovering from the injuries and trauma experienced in the accident.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

St. Joseph, Minnesota is a quaint college town located northwest of the Twin Cities.  It is located near I94, a major interstate freeway, and many rural country roads and highways.  Unfortunately, car accidents in St. Joseph and the surrounding area can happen in the blink of an eye, often resulting in severe injuries, property damage, and even fatalities. Understanding the common causes of car accidents is essential for promoting road safety and preventing future collisions.

Here are some of the most common causes of accidents in and around St. Joseph:

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving has become a leading cause of car accidents in recent years. Activities like texting, talking on the phone, eating, grooming, or using in-car technologies divert the driver’s attention from the road, increasing the risk of accidents.  Diverting your attention, even for a moment, can cause serious accidents, resulting in permanent and life changing injuries.

Speeding

Driving over the speed limit reduces the driver’s ability to react to sudden changes and amplifies the impact of a collision. Exceeding the speed limit is a common behavior contributing to many accidents and their severity.  Speeding is especially dangerous when road and weather conditions are poor in the winter months.

Drunk Driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time, making it one of the most dangerous behaviors on the road. Intoxicated drivers are likelier to lose control of their vehicles and cause serious accidents.

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving encompasses various dangerous behaviors, such as tailgating, changing lanes without signaling, running red lights, or disregarding traffic laws. These actions significantly increase the likelihood of accidents.

Fatigue

Driving while drowsy or fatigued can affect the body similarly to driving under the influence. Fatigue impairs concentration and reaction time, leading to increased chances of accidents, especially during late-night or long-distance drives.

Poor Weather Conditions

Adverse weather conditions like rain, snow, fog, or ice make roads slippery and reduce visibility, making it challenging for drivers to maintain control of their vehicles. These conditions contribute to a significant number of accidents each year.

Tailgating

Following other vehicles too closely or tailgating reduces the time drivers react to sudden stops or changes in traffic. It significantly increases the risk of rear-end collisions.

Aggressive Driving

Aggressive driving behaviors, including excessive speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, and engaging in road rage, create dangerous situations that can lead to accidents and serious injuries.

Inexperienced Drivers

Inexperience behind the wheel can contribute to poor decision-making, lack of situational awareness, and inability to handle challenging road conditions effectively. Young and novice drivers are particularly susceptible to accidents as they learn to drive and operate their vehicles.

Mechanical Failures

Defective vehicle components, such as faulty brakes, worn-out tires, or malfunctioning steering systems, can cause accidents. Regular maintenance and prompt repairs are crucial to prevent mechanical failures.

By understanding these common causes of car accidents, we can take steps to minimize risks and promote safer driving practices. Remember, practicing vigilance, following traffic laws, and staying focused on the road can significantly prevent accidents and protect lives.

Laws and Regulations in St. Joseph, Minnesota for Car Accidents

When it comes to car accidents, understanding Minnesota law governing these incidents is essential for drivers and victims. Here, you can learn about the legal aspects of car accidents, providing a comprehensive overview of the applicable laws and their sources.

If you are in an accident that is somebody else’s fault, generally you will have two, and sometimes, three potential claims: (1) No-fault claim, also known as personal injury protection; (2) liability or bodily injury claim against any at fault driver; and (3) a possible underinsured motorist claim.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Laws

No-fault or PIP (Personal Injury Protection) insurance is required for all Minnesota drivers. It is meant to provide certain benefits to individuals who have been injured as a result of the maintenance or use of a motor vehicle.  These benefits are available regardless of who is at fault for causing the accident.  The minimum PIP insurance requirement is $40,000 per person per accident. This breaks down to $20,000 each for medical expenses and mileage, and $20,000 in wage loss and replacement services.

Personal Injury/Liability Claim

Just because someone else is at fault for causing your accident, doesn’t mean you have the automatic right to bring a claim against them.  In Minnesota, in order to have this second potential claim, you must meet one of the statutory thresholds.  These thresholds include: a death, a permanent injury, 60 days disability, a scar or disfigurement, or over $4,000 in medical expenses.

If you meet one of these thresholds, you can bring a personal injury/liability claim against the at-fault driver and their insurance company.  What you can recover are any past and future medical expenses and wage loss that were not covered by your no-fault claim, as well as any past and future pain, suffering, and emotional distress.

Underinsured Motorist Claim

If the other driver does not have enough insurance coverage to compensate you for your car accident-related damages, you can bring an underinsured motorist claim against your own insurance company to recover any uncompensated damages.

Statute of Limitations

Car accident victims must file a personal injury lawsuit within a specific time limit. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims from car accidents is typically six years from the accident date.  Other claims may have shorter statutes of limitations, so it is, therefore, important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible so that your rights are protected.

Comparative Fault Rule

Minnesota applies the doctrine of modified comparative fault when determining compensation in personal injury/liability claims stemming from car accidents. This means that if the injured party is found partially at fault for the accident, their compensation may be reduced proportionately. However, if the injured party is 50% or less at fault, they can still recover damages, but the damages are reduced by the percentage of fault found on the injured party.

Mandatory Reporting of Accidents

Drivers involved in car accidents must report the incident to law enforcement if injuries, fatalities, or property damage exceed $1,000. Failure to report such accidents may result in penalties and fines.

Proving Liability After a Car Accident

After a car accident, determining who is at fault or liable is crucial for pursuing full compensation for your injuries and damages. Proving liability requires gathering evidence and presenting a strong case to the insurance company.

Here, you can learn the steps and strategies to establish liability after a car accident.

Collect Evidence at the Scene

Start by gathering evidence at the accident scene. Take photos of the vehicles involved, the positioning of the cars, skid marks, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. Obtain contact information from witnesses and note their statements about what they observed.

Police Report

Contact the police to report the accident, especially if there are injuries or significant damage. The police report will document details of the incident, including statements from drivers and witnesses, which can be crucial evidence in determining liability.

Eyewitness Testimony

Eyewitnesses can provide valuable testimony regarding the events leading up to the accident. Collect their contact information and ask them to provide statements describing what they saw. Their unbiased accounts can strengthen your case.

Expert Witnesses

Expert witnesses can offer professional opinions in complex cases or when liability is disputed. Accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, or engineers can analyze the evidence and provide expert testimony to support your claim.

Medical Records

Obtain comprehensive medical records that document your injuries and treatments. These records can establish a direct link between the accident and your injuries, helping prove the extent of damages caused.

Traffic Laws and Regulations

Understanding and presenting applicable traffic laws and regulations can strengthen your case. If the other driver violated a traffic law, such as running a red light or speeding, it could be compelling evidence of their negligence and liability.

Surveillance Footage

Check for any nearby surveillance cameras that may have captured the accident. Video footage from traffic cameras, businesses, or residences can provide objective evidence of how the accident occurred and help establish liability.

Cell Phone Records and Social Media Posts

Obtaining cell phone records or social media posts can be crucial if distracted driving is suspected. These records can demonstrate if the at-fault driver was using their phone or engaged in other distractions at the time of the accident.

Consult an Attorney

Seeking legal advice from an experienced car accident attorney is essential in proving liability. They can guide you through the process, gather evidence, analyze the circumstances, and build a strong case on your behalf.

Remember, each car accident case is unique, and the specific evidence required to prove liability may vary. Consulting with a skilled attorney will ensure that you follow the appropriate legal strategies and have the best chance of establishing liability in your car accident claim.

Seeking Justice After a Car Accident

After a car accident, proving liability is crucial for securing the compensation you deserve. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can gather the necessary evidence to establish fault and strengthen your case.

Remember, consulting with a skilled personal injury attorney is vital to navigating the complex legal process and maximizing your chances of success. If you need dedicated legal representation in car accident cases in or around St. Joseph, contact Nelson Personal Injury, LLC today.

Our experienced team is ready to fight for your rights and help you obtain the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (320) 216-7651 for a free consultation and take the first step toward recovery.