Legal Guidance After an Aggressive Driver Accident in Rochester, MN

After the Accident: Immediate Steps to Take 

1. Ensure Safety. Your safety and the safety of others involved in the accident should be your first priority. If it’s safe to do so, move to a secure location away from traffic.
2. Seek Medical Attention. Even if you think your injuries are minor, it’s essential to receive a medical evaluation, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Minnesota law stipulates that to claim compensation for injuries, it’s often necessary to show that you sought treatment shortly after the accident.
3. Document the Scene. Gather as much information as possible at the accident scene. This includes:

• Taking photos of the vehicles involved and any relevant road conditions.
• Collecting contact and insurance information from the other driver and any witnesses. 
• Writing down your account of the incident, noting any aggressive behavior exhibited by the other driver. 

4. Report the Accident. In Minnesota, you are required to report any accident resulting in injury or property damage exceeding $1,000 to local law enforcement. This report can be pivotal in any legal claim.

 Understanding Minnesota’s Legal Framework 

Minnesota operates under a modified comparative fault rule. Comparative fault is a legal doctrine that determines the degree of fault each party has in a negligence case, allowing for the adjustment of damages awarded based on the percentage of responsibility assigned to each party involved in the incident. If you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. In Minnesota, you can still recover damages as long as your fault is less than 51%. 

Minnesota is a no-fault insurance state, meaning that after an accident, you will first seek compensation for your medical expenses and other damages from your own insurance company, regardless of who was at fault. This includes: 

• Medical payments 
• Lost wages 
• Rehabilitation costs 

However, you can pursue a personal injury claim against the aggressive driver if your injuries meet certain thresholds, such as serious injury or permanent disability. 

Compensation You May Be Entitled To 

Victims of an aggressive driver accident in Rochester may be entitled to various types of compensation aimed at alleviating their financial burdens and addressing the impact of their injuries. This compensation can cover medical expenses for treatments, surgeries, and ongoing rehabilitation, ensuring that victims receive the necessary care to recover and cover property damage, providing reimbursement for repairs or replacement of your vehicle and any other personal property affected in the accident. 

Additionally, victims may claim lost wages for time missed from work while they recuperate, as well as compensation for pain and suffering associated with the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident. This compensation can help ensure that victims receive the necessary care to recover and provide them with the resources needed to rebuild their lives after such traumatic incidents. 

If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident with an aggressive driver, don’t hesitate to contact Sieben Edmunds Miller for legal assistance. Our aggressive driving accident law firm in Rochester is committed to delivering compassionate and effective representation to help you receive the support and compensation you need to restore your life.