Auto accidents are a frequent occurrence on Minnesota’s roads, often resulting in serious injuries, property damage, and emotional distress for those involved. Understanding the most common causes of auto accidents can help drivers take precautions and reduce their risk of being involved in a crash. However, even the most cautious drivers can find themselves in an accident due to the actions of others. If you’ve been injured in an auto accident, working with a skilled vehicle accident lawyer in MN can help you secure the compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages, and more.
At Sieben Edmunds Miller, a leading personal injury law firm in Minnesota, our experienced attorneys have helped countless victims of car accidents recover compensation for their injuries. Here, we discuss the most common causes of auto accidents in Minnesota and how a car accident attorney in MN can help if you’ve been involved in a crash.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of auto accidents in Minnesota and across the United States. With the rise of smartphones and other electronic devices, drivers are increasingly taking their eyes off the road to text, check emails, or use apps. Distracted driving also includes activities like eating, adjusting the radio, or talking to passengers.
When a driver is distracted, even for a few seconds, they can easily miss important changes in traffic conditions, such as slowing vehicles or pedestrians crossing the road. Distracted driving is particularly dangerous because it reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the likelihood of rear-end collisions, sideswipes, and even fatal crashes.
If you were injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, a Vehicle accident lawyer in MN can help you hold the responsible party accountable and seek compensation for your injuries.
Speeding
Speeding is another common cause of car accidents in Minnesota. When drivers exceed the speed limit, they have less time to react to changes in traffic or road conditions. Speeding also increases the severity of accidents, as higher speeds result in greater force upon impact.
Minnesota’s harsh winter weather can make speeding even more dangerous. Icy or snow-covered roads require drivers to slow down and allow for more stopping distance. Unfortunately, many drivers fail to adjust their speed for weather conditions, leading to a higher likelihood of losing control and causing accidents.
Speeding-related accidents can lead to serious injuries, including broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries. A Minnesota car accident attorney can help you pursue compensation if you’ve been injured in a speeding-related crash.
Drunk Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a leading cause of auto accidents in Minnesota. Drunk driving impairs a person’s ability to make sound decisions, react quickly to changing traffic conditions, and maintain control of their vehicle. This can lead to devastating accidents, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities.
Minnesota law imposes strict penalties on drunk drivers, including license suspension, fines, and possible jail time. However, these criminal penalties do little to compensate victims for the injuries and damages they suffer due to a drunk driver’s actions. If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver, a personal injury law firm in Minnesota can help you file a civil claim to seek compensation for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other losses.
Weather-Related Accidents
Minnesota’s winters are notorious for icy roads, heavy snowfall, and freezing rain, all of which can contribute to auto accidents. Weather-related accidents occur when drivers fail to adjust their driving habits to account for poor road conditions. This may include driving too fast for the conditions, failing to leave enough space between vehicles, or not using headlights and windshield wipers properly.
While weather itself is not a controllable factor, drivers are responsible for exercising caution when driving in hazardous conditions. Failing to do so can result in serious accidents, including multi-car pileups, rollovers, and collisions with stationary objects like guardrails or trees.
If you’ve been injured in a weather-related accident, a car accident attorney in MN can investigate whether another driver’s negligence contributed to the crash and help you recover compensation.
Running Red Lights and Stop Signs
Failing to stop at red lights or stop signs is a common cause of intersection accidents in Minnesota. Drivers who run red lights or fail to stop at stop signs are often speeding, distracted, or in a hurry. These types of accidents frequently result in T-bone collisions, which can cause significant injuries to drivers and passengers.
Intersections are inherently dangerous because they involve multiple vehicles moving in different directions. When a driver fails to obey traffic signals, they put themselves and others at risk of serious injury. If you were injured in an intersection accident caused by someone running a red light or stop sign, a personal injury attorney in Minnesota can help you pursue legal action to recover compensation.
Tailgating
Tailgating, or following too closely behind another vehicle, is a dangerous driving behavior that often leads to rear-end collisions. Drivers who tailgate may not have enough time to stop if the vehicle in front of them suddenly slows down or stops. Tailgating is especially dangerous in heavy traffic or during inclement weather, where stopping distances are increased.
Rear-end collisions caused by tailgating can result in serious injuries, such as whiplash, back injuries, and head trauma. A vehicle accident lawyer in MN can help you seek compensation for your injuries if you were involved in an accident caused by a tailgater.
Fatigued Driving
Fatigued or drowsy driving is another significant cause of auto accidents in Minnesota. Drivers who are overly tired may have slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and a reduced ability to stay focused on the road. Fatigued driving is especially common among truck drivers, shift workers, and people who drive long distances without taking breaks.
Fatigue-related accidents can be just as dangerous as accidents caused by drunk or distracted driving. If you’ve been injured in a crash involving a fatigued driver, a car accident attorney in MN can help you file a claim to recover damages for your medical treatment and other losses.
