Minneapolis Motor
Vehicle Accident Lawyer
Table of Contents
A vehicle accident is a devastating occurrence that requires a lengthy recovery process. Permanent injuries such as traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries cause disabilities that affect the whole family. Tragically, auto accidents also take loved ones away too soon.
The personal injury lawyers at Milavetz Law understand the trauma careless drivers cause. Dealing with insurance companies and selecting medical treatment providers can be overwhelming in the face of these challenges.
Our experienced attorneys offer compassionate, comprehensive legal representation and take care of these details for you. You deserve proper compensation, and we fight vigorously to ensure you receive it.
Motor Vehicle Accident Facts and Statistics
According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, traffic accidents are the second-leading cause of unintentional injury in Minnesota, with 20,529 people suffering injury and 394 dying in 2020 alone. Even the most careful drivers are vulnerable because they share the roadways with careless drivers.
Car Crashes
Car accidents in Minnesota accounted for 244 fatalities and 1,025 serious injuries statewide in 2020. Compensation for injuries comes from the driver’s no-fault insurance first then the at-fault driver’s liability insurance and underinsured policy. If auto insurance falls short, a personal injury lawsuit may be necessary.
Truck Accidents
Commercial truck accidents are especially dangerous due to the size discrepancy between cars and trucks. Minnesota truck crashes in 2020 caused 58 fatalities and 1,033 serious injuries. Only 13% of those killed were truck occupants. Trucking companies are typically liable.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable due to their size and lack of crash protection. In 2020, 64 riders in Minnesota were killed in motorcycle accidents, and 926 suffered serious injuries. Compensation typically comes from the negligent party’s liability insurance and, if necessary, a personal injury lawsuit.
Bicycle Accidents
In 2020, 471 bicycle accidents resulted in 10 fatalities and 429 injuries. Damages are covered by the driver’s car insurance and a personal injury lawsuit.
Pedestrian Accidents
Minnesota pedestrians were involved in 753 crashes resulting in 45 fatalities and 654 serious injuries in 2020. Compensation usually comes from the driver’s car insurance and a personal injury lawsuit.
Boating
Boating is a favorite pastime throughout Minnesota and around the Twin Cities, but in 2020, 16 Minnesotans were killed in boating accidents.
Where do most motor vehicle accidents occur in Minneapolis?
The ten most dangerous intersections in Minneapolis and Hennepin County are as follows:
- Olson Memorial Highway N at West Lyndale Ave. N
- 26th St. E at Hiawatha Ave. S
- West Broadway Ave. N at Washington Ave. N
- Lake St. E at Cedar Ave. S
- Olson Memorial Highway N at East Lyndale Ave. N
- 35th St. E at Stevens Ave. S
- Vineland Pl. W at Lyndale Ave S
- Lowry Ave. NE at University Ave. NE
- 9th St. S at 4th Ave. S
- Broadway St. NE at University Ave. NE
What are the most common causes of Minneapolis vehicle accidents?
Driver error is the cause of an overwhelming majority of accidents. The most common driver error is failure to yield.
Speeding
Speed was a factor in 30% of traffic fatalities in 2020. The Minnesota State Patrol issued 1,068 speeding tickets for speeds of 100 mph.
Impaired Driving
Impaired driving caused 79 deaths in Minnesota in 2020, accounting for 20% of traffic fatalities. Law enforcement reported 22,653 DWI arrests.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving contributed to 39,000 crashes across the state from 2017 to 2021, causing an average of 28 deaths and 161 injuries per year. Minnesota’s hands-free law prohibits motorists from holding cell phones.
Teen Driving
Although teens make up 6% of Minnesota drivers, they caused 16% of accidents in 2020. Causative factors included speeding, distracted driving, and drinking. Law enforcement arrested 707 teenagers for drunk driving in 2020.
What steps should I take if I am involved in a motor vehicle accident in Minneapolis?
In the event of an accident, the following steps will protect your safety and your personal injury case:
- Move the vehicle to a safe location.
- Call 911.
- Exchange identification and insurance information with the other party without admitting fault.
- Take pictures of the scene, the vehicles involved, the damage, and your injuries.
- Write down the events that precipitated the accident.
- Notify your insurance company.
- Contact an experienced Minneapolis car accident lawyer.
Many car accident injuries are not apparent right away. Always seek immediate medical care through a local emergency department:
- Abbott Northwestern Hospital is located at 800 East 28th St.
- Allina Health Hospital is located at 2925 Chicago Ave.
How much compensation can I receive for my Minnesota motor vehicle accident?
The amount of compensation depends on several factors:
- The severity of your injuries.
- The available insurance coverage. Insurance companies pay up to the coverage limit.
- The resources of the at-fault party. If insurance does not cover all damages, you can file a lawsuit, but the amount you recover is limited to the party’s available financial resources. Our personal injury attorneys may be able to identify additional liable parties with more resources.
The available damages for car accident injuries include the following:
- Economic damages: medical expenses, loss of income, property damage
- Noneconomic damages: pain and suffering, disfigurement, loss of society, loss of capacity to enjoy life
- Punitive damages: awarded when the accident was caused by a deliberate disregard for your safety
What if my family member died in a Minneapolis vehicle accident?
In the tragic death of a family member, you can file an insurance claim and a wrongful death lawsuit to seek the following damages:
- Pecuniary damages: the potential income of the decedent
- Pain and suffering of the deceased
- Medical bills
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of consortium, parental guidance, and other relationship benefits
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim after a vehicle accident?
The statutes of limitations in Minnesota are as follows:
- Six years for a personal injury claim
- Three years for a wrongful death claim
It is important to contact a Minneapolis car accident attorney as early as possible to allow sufficient time to investigate your accident, review medical records, and build your car accident case.
What if I am partly at fault for the accident?
As long as you are not more at fault than the other party, you can recover damages. The amount you recover will be reduced proportionately to your percentage of contribution to the accident.
Do I need a lawyer to help me with my motor vehicle accident claim?
Insurance companies use many tactics to induce you to prematurely accept a low settlement or make statements that harm your case.
Milavetz Law has nearly 60 years of experience thwarting the tactics of insurance companies, identifying negligent third parties, negotiating fair settlements, and when necessary, winning substantial verdicts in court.
Below are a few examples of our case results:
- $400,000 for an 80-year-old woman with fractured ribs and leg
- $250,000 for a motor scooter accident resulting in a fractured arm
- $102,000 recovery for a motor vehicle accident leading to cervical decompression fusion
If you are a car accident victim, you shouldn’t have to fight alone for fair compensation. Our personal injury law firm offers personalized service and solid legal advice to ensure you have all the necessary resources to recover while we handle the legal details.
Call us at 763-560-0000 or fill out a form online for a free consultation at any of our nine Twin City law office locations.
