Rear-end collisions are among the most common types of car accidents, not just in Minnesota but across the United States. These accidents occur when one vehicle crashes into the back of another, often due to tailgating, distracted driving, or sudden stops. Although perceived as minor, rear-end collisions can cause significant injuries and property damage. If you've been involved in such an accident, a Minnesota car accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and secure the compensation you deserve.
Here are some important things to know about rear-end crashes in Minnesota.
Common Causes of Rear-End Collisions in Minnesota
Rear-end collisions are the most common type of motor vehicle accident. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), they account for 29 percent of all car crashes, many of which result in injuries and fatalities. According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (MnDPS), in one recent year, more than 24,000 rear-end collisions occurred in the state.
In Minnesota, rear-end collisions can result from a variety of factors:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving causes many rear-end collisions. Whether texting, adjusting the radio, or conversing with passengers, any activity that takes the driver's attention away from the road increases the risk of an accident.
Tailgating
Following another vehicle too closely doesn't allow enough time to react if the vehicle in front suddenly stops or slows down. Minnesota law requires drivers to maintain a safe following distance to prevent such accidents.
Speeding
Driving over the speed limit reduces the time a driver has to react to changing road conditions or sudden stops, significantly contributing to rear-end collisions.
Weather Conditions
Minnesota's harsh winters can create hazardous driving conditions. Snow, ice, and fog reduce visibility, making stopping more difficult and increasing the likelihood of rear-end collisions.
Impaired Driving
Alcohol or drug impairment slows reaction times and impairs judgment, making it more likely for an impaired driver to cause a rear-end collision.
Common Injuries in Minnesota Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions have the potential to cause severe and fatal injuries. Some of the most common injuries include:
Whiplash
Whiplash is a neck injury caused by the rapid back-and-forth movement of the head during a collision. It is the most common injury in rear-end collisions and can lead to chronic pain and reduced mobility.
Back Injuries
The impact of a rear-end collision can cause injuries to the spine, including herniated discs, fractures, and sprains. These injuries can result in long-term pain and disability.
Head Injuries
Even if a driver or passenger is wearing a seatbelt, the force of a rear-end collision can cause the head to hit the steering wheel, dashboard, or windows, leading to concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries include sprains, strains, and tears in muscles, ligaments, and tendons. They can cause significant pain and may require physical therapy for recovery.
Broken Bones
The force of a collision can lead to fractures in the arms, wrists, ribs, or legs, particularly if the impact is severe.
The Right to Compensation for a Rear-End Collision
Under Minnesota law, injured victims of rear-end collisions have the right to demand monetary damages from the party (or parties) at fault so long as they have either exhausted their no-fault insurance benefits or suffered severe injuries.
An experienced rear-end accident attorney can represent victims in pursuing lawsuits and insurance claims for that compensation.
Determining Fault in a Rear-End Collision
In most rear-end collisions, the driver of the trailing vehicle is presumed to be at fault. Minnesota law requires drivers to maintain a safe following distance and to drive at a speed that allows them to stop safely.
However, in some instances, the lead driver may share or bear fault, such as:
- Sudden Stops: If the lead vehicle stops suddenly without a valid reason (e.g., no traffic signal, pedestrian, or hazard), it may bear fault.
- Reversing: If the lead vehicle reverses into the trailing vehicle, the lead driver may bear responsibility.
- Mechanical Failure: If the trailing vehicle experiences a mechanical failure (e.g., brake failure) and the driver has no reasonable opportunity to prevent the collision, determining fault may require an intensive investigation.
Minnesota allocates fault based on the principle of comparative negligence. This means that if both parties share fault, your compensation may decrease by your percentage of fault. However, you cannot recover compensation if you’re more than 50% at fault.
Who Is Legally Responsible for a Rear-End Accident?
Various parties can bear the fault for a rear-end collision in Minnesota. Some common parties who may face liability include:
The Trailing Driver
In most Minnesota rear-end accidents, the driver of the trailing vehicle bears at least some of the blame. As mentioned above, all Minnesota drivers must maintain sufficient control of their cars to stop in time to avoid colliding with another vehicle in front of them, regardless of road or weather conditions. A trailing driver who fails to come to a safe stop may violate that rule.
The Leading Driver
The driver of the front vehicle can cause a rear-end collision.
That could happen if:
- The leading vehicle rolls backward and hits the trailing vehicle
- The leading vehicle’s brake lights fail to work properly, depriving the trailing driver of a reasonable warning of the need to slow down
- The leading vehicle experiences an unforeseeable mechanical breakdown that leads to an abrupt stop
- The driver of the leading vehicle engages in erratic maneuvers while intoxicated
Others on the Road
Others on the road, including motorists, cyclists, pedestrians, and work crews, can also bear some responsibility for triggering a rear-end collision.
For example, this could occur if:
- A jaywalking pedestrian steps in front of the leading vehicle, necessitating a sudden stop and a crash
- A chain reaction collision happens in which a third vehicle rear-ends the trailing vehicle, pushing it forward into the leading vehicle
- A leading vehicle crashes or stops suddenly in a work zone because of an unreasonably dangerous hazard
A Driver’s Employer
If a driver causes a rear-end collision while operating a work vehicle, the driver's employer may bear legal liability to the accident victims under Minnesota law. Generally, employers must answer for their employees' careless or reckless actions.
A driver's employer might also owe a rear-end accident victim for failing to train the driver properly or maintain the vehicle that crashed in safe working condition.
A Government Entity or Private Road Owner
Government agencies or owners of private roads may bear responsibility for a rear-end collision in Minnesota if they:
- Fail to design, build, or maintain roads in a safe condition for all users; or
- Fail to warn the public of temporarily unsafe road conditions within their jurisdiction or control.
An Automotive Manufacturer
The company that built and sold either vehicle in a rear-end collision could also share in the fault for the accident. Under Minnesota law, you may hold automotive manufacturers strictly liable if product defects trigger a crash, such as if they design a car with a malfunctioning dangerous braking system.
What Compensation is Available to Rear-End Collision Accident Victims in Minnesota?
Generally, injured victims of Minnesota rear-end collisions can demand payment of two categories of damages from the at-fault party (or parties).
- Economic damages constitute all expenses and financial losses associated with the rear-end collision, including medical and out-of-pocket costs, lost wages and vacation time, and diminished future income.
- Non-economic damages consist of all other adverse effects a rear-end accident injury has on a victim's life, including physical pain, emotional suffering, mental health challenges, inconvenience, loss of consortium, and loss of enjoyment of life.
In some cases, the victim of a rear-end collision in Minnesota may also seek punitive damages, which punish the at-fault party for extreme recklessness or intentionally harmful conduct.
How Much Is My Minnesota Car Accident Case Worth?
The amount of money a rear-end collision victim might receive as compensation can vary widely from case to case.
Numerous factors affect the potential amount of the victim’s financial recovery, including:
- The nature and extent of the victim’s injuries, with the most severe injuries entitling the victim to the highest amounts of damages.
- The strength of the victim’s case typically depends on the evidence available to prove the victim's claim and the quality of the arguments a lawyer can make on the victim's behalf.
- The at-fault party’s insurance coverage and other assets, which represent the compensation potentially available to pay the victim’s damages claim.
The most reliable way to maximize the money you obtain for your rear-end collision injuries and losses is to hire an experienced Minnesota car accident attorney to handle your claim.
Filing a Claim After a Rear-End Collision
Minnesota is a no-fault insurance state, meaning that your insurance company will cover your medical expenses and certain other losses, regardless of who was at fault.
However, you may still file a claim against the other driver's insurance if your injuries are severe or your damages exceed the limits of your no-fault coverage.
Here’s a closer look at your options:
- No-Fault Insurance: Minnesota's no-fault insurance covers medical expenses, wage loss, and replacement services up to your policy's limits. However, it does not cover pain and suffering or property damage.
- Liability Insurance: If your injuries are severe or your damages exceed your no-fault limits, you can file a claim against the at-fault driver's liability insurance. Minnesota requires drivers to carry liability insurance with minimum limits, but in serious cases, these limits may not be enough to cover your losses.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can help cover your damages.
The Importance of Legal Representation
Navigating the complexities of Minnesota's insurance laws and ensuring you receive fair compensation can be challenging. Having an experienced attorney on your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
An attorney can help you by:
- Investigating the Accident: An attorney will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and work with accident reconstruction experts to build a strong case.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. An attorney can negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
- Filing a Lawsuit if Necessary: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, an attorney can file a lawsuit and represent you in court to fight for your rights.
- Ensuring All Deadlines Are Met: Minnesota has strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims. An attorney will ensure all paperwork is filed correctly and on time to protect your right to compensation.
Why Seeking Justice after a Rear-End Collision Matters
Rear-end collisions can have life-altering consequences, from physical injuries to financial hardship. Understanding your rights and options is crucial to ensuring you receive the compensation you need to recover and move forward.
In Minnesota, you don’t have to handle the fallout of a rear-end collision alone. With the right legal support, you can focus on healing while a dedicated attorney fights for the justice and compensation you deserve.
How a Rear-End Collision Lawyer Gets Paid
Minnesota lawyers for rear-end collision victims typically represent their clients on a contingency fee basis. In this arrangement, the lawyer and client agree that the lawyer’s fee will consist of a certain percentage of any money recovered on the client’s behalf. In other words, the lawyer only gets paid if the accident victim gets paid.
Contingent fees make legal services affordable to all rear-end collision victims in Minnesota. Even victims with few or no financial resources can afford to hire a lawyer on a contingent fee basis. To learn more, discuss your case with an experienced Minnesota car accident lawyer.
Contact a Minnesota Rear-End Collision Lawyer Today
Rear-end collisions are common in Minnesota, but every victim suffers unique personal injuries. With the help of an experienced Minnesota personal injury attorney, crash victims can secure significant financial compensation to help them pay their bills, heal from their injuries, and return to living their lives.
If you or someone you love suffered injuries in a Minnesota rear-end collision, the law may entitle you to receive monetary damages. To find out about your rights, contact a Minnesota car accident attorney for your free, no-obligation consultation.