Car accidents in Duluth, Minnesota, can occur suddenly, catching individuals off guard and causing significant disruption to their lives. Whether it's a fender bender on a snowy road or a more serious collision on the highway, the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming. Injuries, vehicle damage, and insurance claims add layers of stress to an already challenging situation. In such moments of uncertainty, seeking the guidance of a skilled Duluth car accident lawyer can be invaluable.
These legal professionals have a deep understanding of Minnesota's traffic laws and the complexities of insurance claims. They can provide crucial support and advocacy, helping you navigate the legal process with confidence. Your lawyer can help with gathering evidence and negotiating with insurance companies, as well as representing you in court if necessary. A knowledgeable car accident attorney can help you pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses. Focus on your recovery while your legal rights and interests are protected.
Do you have serious injuries following a Duluth car accident? Contact Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers today to learn more about your right to compensation.
Injured in Duluth? Get Nicolet.
Why Choose Nicolet Law for Your Auto Accident Claim?
If you suffered serious injuries in a Duluth car accident due to the negligence of another party, you may find yourself with mounting medical bills, an inability to work, and a host of financial concerns. A Duluth car accident claim cannot restore your lost health, nor can it turn back the clock on your accident, but it can provide you with the funds you need to help pay off your medical bills.
From our location steps from Canal Park and its landmark Aerial Lift Bridge, the award-winning attorneys of Nicolet Law Office provide legal services to Duluth car accident victims and to families of Duluth residents, workers, and visitors who suffer fatal injuries in accidents on Twin Ports-area roads. We make it our mission to secure fair compensation for injuries and losses our clients suffer because of someone else's careless actions behind the wheel.
At Nicolet Law, we take car accident cases on contingency, which means we only get paid if our clients get paid. We know the strain Duluth car accident victims feel in the aftermath of a crash. We handle the complexities of securing the money they need and deserve so that they can focus their energies on regaining their health and rebuilding their lives.
Our Successful Track Record
Over our 13 years of practice, Nicolet Law Firm has secured over $34 million in compensation for our clients through settlements, court judgments, and jury verdicts.
We have achieved many significant results on behalf of car accident victims and their families, including:
- $815,000 for the victim of a drunk driving accident;
- $572,000 for a family injured in a car accident; and
- $235,000 for a Minnesota victim of a motor vehicle accident, which we secured after our client’s first lawyer dropped the case.
No Matter Where You're Injured in Duluth, We Can Help You
According to a Mix108 report collecting data from the Duluth Police Department, the most dangerous driving locations in Duluth, by the number of accidents that happened at each over a six-month period, are:
- Miller Trunk Highway at the entrance to the Miller Hill Mall;
- The infamous Can of Worms I-35/I-535/Hwy. 53 interchange;
- The intersection of East Central Entrance and Mesaba Avenue (ironically located within sight of a Minnesota Department of Transportation district office);
- The intersection of West Arrowhead Road and Rice Lake Road, near UnitedHealthcare;
- The busy South 21st Avenue and London Road intersection near the I-35 overpass; and
- Kenwood Avenue at the campus entrances to The College of St. Scholastica.
Though these locations represent frequent sites of accidents in the Minnesota side of the Twin Ports, crashes happen throughout Duluth that can cause severe injuries and trauma.
No matter where a car accident in Duluth occurs, the team at Nicolet Law Office has the experience and resources to help victims and their families recover fair compensation.
Nicolet Law no longer handles Disability or Bankruptcy cases.
Most Common Causes of Duluth Car Accidents
Several factors contribute to car crashes in Duluth, Minnesota. You may be able to file a personal injury claim for injuries sustained in a car wreck. Some examples of the most common causes of traffic crashes include:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a common cause of traffic crashes in Duluth. Activities such as texting, talking on the phone, and eating divert attention away from the road. When an accident occurs due to distracted driving, liability typically falls on the distracted driver. The driver may be considered negligent because they failed to exercise reasonable care while driving, thus breaching their duty to operate the vehicle safely.
Liability issues with distracted driving can extend beyond just the driver. In some cases, employers may also be held liable if an employee causes an accident while using a company-owned vehicle or while conducting work-related tasks on their vehicle. This is known as vicarious liability or employer liability. Employers have a duty to ensure that their employees are trained and follow safety protocols, including refraining from distracted driving.
Furthermore, if a passenger or other third party knowingly engages in distracting behavior that contributes to the accident, they may also be held partially liable for the damages.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Speeding and reckless driving are also common factors in car accidents, as drivers who exceed the speed limit or engage in aggressive behaviors increase the likelihood of crashes. Liability issues surrounding speeding and reckless driving are significant due to the heightened risk of accidents and the potential for severe injuries or fatalities.
Speeding and reckless driving are forms of negligence, as they involve a failure to exercise reasonable care while operating a vehicle. Drivers have a duty to follow traffic laws and operate their vehicles in a manner that does not pose an unreasonable risk to others on the road. By exceeding the speed limit, weaving in and out of traffic, or engaging in other reckless behaviors, drivers breach this duty and may be considered negligent.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Another contributing factor is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, impairing judgment and reaction times. In Minnesota, as in many other states, DUI laws apply to both alcohol and drugs.
The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers in Minnesota is typically 0.08% for adults over the age of 21. However, for drivers under 21, there is a zero-tolerance policy, meaning any detectable amount of alcohol in their system can result in DUI charges.
Liability issues around DUI stem from the fact that operating a vehicle while intoxicated significantly impairs a driver's ability to safely operate their vehicle. Alcohol and drugs can impair judgment, reaction times, coordination, and cognitive abilities, increasing the risk of accidents and endangering the lives of others on the road. As a result, drivers who choose to drive under the influence may be held liable for any damages or injuries caused by their negligent actions.
Failure to Obey Traffic Laws
Failure to obey traffic laws, such as running red lights or stop signs, can lead to devastating accidents on Duluth's roads. By addressing these common causes through education, enforcement, and awareness campaigns, communities can work toward reducing the incidence of car accidents and promoting safer driving habits. Traffic laws exist to ensure the safety of all road users and to prevent accidents. When a driver fails to obey these laws, they may be considered negligent, thus opening themselves up to liability for any resulting damages or injuries.
Adverse Weather Conditions
One of the most prevalent causes of crashes in Duluth is adverse weather conditions, particularly during the winter months when snow, ice, and slippery roads increase the risk of collisions. Adverse weather conditions can be tied back to negligence and liability in car accidents in several ways.
First, drivers have a legal obligation to adjust their driving behavior according to the prevailing weather conditions. This means slowing down, increasing following distance, and using appropriate caution when driving in adverse weather. If a driver fails to do so and causes an accident due to driving too fast for snowy or icy conditions, they may be considered negligent.
Secondly, property owners, including municipalities responsible for maintaining roads, must ensure that roadways are reasonably safe for drivers, including during adverse weather. Failure to adequately clear snow and ice from roads, repair potholes, or provide proper signage warning of hazardous conditions can constitute negligence on the part of the property owner. If a car accident occurs as a result of poor road maintenance or inadequate warnings, the property owner may be held liable for any resulting damages.
Overall, negligence and liability in car accidents involving adverse weather conditions hinge on whether reasonable precautions were taken to prevent foreseeable risks.
A Duluth car accident lawyer who is familiar with handling personal injury cases is a valuable advocate to help you identify the at-fault party and hold them responsible.
Managing a Duluth Car Accident Claim: What to Expect
Following a car accident, get in touch with an experienced Duluth car accident attorney as soon after your accident as possible. An attorney can help you understand your rights and guide you through your claim, which can give you increased confidence concerning your legal rights.
Minnesota Statute of Limitations
In Minnesota, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim, including those arising from car accidents, is generally six years from the date of the injury or accident. This means that individuals have six years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for their injuries and damages. If the lawsuit is not filed within this time frame, the individual may lose their right to pursue legal action and recover damages.
However, when it comes to uninsured motorist claims in Minnesota, there are some differences in the statute of limitations. Uninsured motorist claims arise when an individual is injured in a car accident caused by a driver who does not have insurance coverage or in hit-and-run accidents where the at-fault driver cannot be identified. In these cases, the statute of limitations for filing an uninsured motorist claim is typically four years from the date of the accident.
It's important for individuals involved in car accidents to be aware of these statutory deadlines and to take prompt action if they wish to pursue a personal injury claim or an uninsured motorist claim. Consulting with an experienced Duluth car accident lawyer can help ensure that all deadlines are met and that your legal rights are protected throughout the claims process.
The Liable Party in Your Duluth Car Accident Claim
An attorney will start by assessing who caused or contributed to your accident. In many cases, your attorney can identify more than one party that contributed to your accident: not just more than one driver who may have contributed to the accident, but other entities that may share liability for the accident.
For example, the company that employs a driver on the clock at the time of the accident may share liability for the accident if that company has negligent practices or policies that may increase the risk of an accident. Trying to force a driver to ignore the rules of the road, or insisting that its drivers continue their normal route even in unsafe conditions are examples.
Contact an attorney experienced in handling personal injury claims for a full evaluation of the circumstances that led to your accident and how they can impact liability.
Car Accident Injuries: The Long-Term Impact
Many types of car accident injuries can cause long-term impacts. Not only do you have to contend with the immediate pain of your injuries, you may also have a long road to recovery ahead—and for many victims, the trouble does not end there. Many car accident victims in Duluth suffer lifelong limitations as a result of the severe injuries suffered in a car accident or pedestrian accident.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can make it impossible for many victims to hold down a job or even take care of normal self-care tasks. They may struggle with focus and concentration, which can make both business and leisure tasks more difficult than ever before. These types of brain injuries may cause memory issues, including difficulty bringing out long-term memories or struggles with short-term memory. Injury victims may also have trouble with emotional control, noting an increase in mood swings or overreactions.
Back and Neck Injuries
Car accidents often cause a great deal of trauma to the back and neck, including exposing the body to a great deal of force during the accident itself. Often, back and neck injuries from car accidents can lead to long-term pain. Some victims see relief through physical therapy or chiropractic care. Others, however, may have to learn with new limitations, including pain when standing or sitting. Back and neck trauma can also include spinal cord injuries, which often cause a loss of mobility and sensation below the site of the accident.
Burns
Severe car accidents may result in the car catching on fire, which can lead to severe burns. Burn victims must often contend with substantial scarring, which can cause extreme anxiety and distress in the victim. Burn injuries also have a high rate of complication. Because of the high risk of infection, burn victims may need to spend a long time in a special sterile unit in the hospital.
Amputations
Amputees frequently must relearn how to cope with a missing limb. They may need assistance taking care of many daily tasks on their own. A prosthetic replacement can help restore some normal function and independence, but usually do not fully replace the missing limb. Prosthetics, which generally require replacement every three to five years, also mean an ongoing expense in the victim’s life.
Broken Bones
In severe cases, broken bones can cause lifelong limitations for the victim. Many victims with broken bones and dislocations may need multiple surgeries to help repair the injury. Others may need to go through considerable physical therapy to help with function and mobility in the injured area of the body. During their recovery, many victims with multiple broken bones struggle with substantial limitations, including challenges related to self-care or work.
How Much Will You Receive in Compensation for Car Accident Injuries?
For many accident victims, compensation after a serious car accident can prove critical. Funds from your settlement can make it possible for you to manage your bills, pay for your medical care, and make arrangements that allow you to move forward with your life despite your new limitations.
An attorney cannot guarantee the funds you will receive for your Duluth car accident claim. However, most claims include compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages/lost earning potential
- Pain and suffering
You may also receive compensation for property damage, for your vehicle or other belongings damaged in the crash. Your lawyer can help identify other expenses related to the crash that should be accounted for in a settlement offer.
Talk to the Duluth car accident lawyers at Nicolet Law Firm about your financial losses and emotional trauma after a crash. Your lawyer is your advocate to obtain a higher settlement from the insurance company.
Duluth Car Accident FAQ
What should I do about mounting medical bills after a serious Duluth car accident?
It does not take long for your medical bills to start piling up after a car accident, especially if you suffered severe injuries. You may receive a bill from the ambulance, the emergency room, and the doctors who aid in your treatment. As you progress through your recovery, you may have physical and occupational therapy bills, surgical expenses, or bills for durable medical equipment.
As the injured party, you will need to make arrangements to pay those bills. You can use your medical insurance to alleviate some of the financial burdens of your medical care. Contact your insurance provider to learn more about what type of coverage you have and how you can expect that coverage to impact your care, then form a care plan with your doctors that considers that coverage.
After you file a Duluth car accident claim and receive your award, you can use those funds to provide much-needed coverage for your medical bills. If you need to wait for those funds to arrive before you can pay some of your medical bills, you may want to have your attorney issue a letter of protection, which will establish your intent to pay and help put off collections actions on those bills while you manage your claim.
How much compensation should I really expect from my Duluth car accident?
Talk to an attorney about how much compensation you, specifically, should expect after your accident. Most often, your claim will revolve around two key factors: the extent of your medical expenses and the wages you lost due to your inability to work after the accident. The insurance company may calculate compensation for pain and suffering based on a percentage of your medical expenses.
Several factors can influence the compensation you ultimately receive. Your compensation may depend on the coverage offered by a specific insurance company or policy. If a driver carries only minimum liability insurance, you may ultimately receive less compensation than if the driver carries a higher-value policy. Uber and Lyft drivers and commercial drivers often carry higher-value policies, which may provide more compensation.
Your compensation may also depend on the extent of your injuries. Regardless of the coverage offered by the policy, you will receive less compensation for less significant injuries and lower medical expenses than you will receive if you must pursue compensation for severe injuries.
Nicolet Law no longer handles Disability or Bankruptcy cases.
When should I contact an attorney after a car accident in Duluth?
Any time you suffer injuries in a car accident, you should get in touch with an experienced Duluth car accident attorney. Ideally, you should contact that attorney soon after your accident. The earlier you get in touch with a Duluth attorney, the sooner that attorney can start working on your behalf: dealing with the insurance company, searching for evidence, and advising you about how to maximize your claim.
What if the other driver’s insurance company offers me a settlement after my Duluth car accident? Should I take it?
Sometimes, the insurance company that covers the liable driver will try to get in touch with you soon after your car accident.
The representative may offer a settlement, often one that sounds very tempting. You have bills piling up, and you may not know how much compensation you really deserve for your injuries. Frequently, however, that offer will not reflect the compensation you really deserve for your injuries.
Before accepting any settlement offer, contact an experienced Duluth car accident attorney. An attorney can provide you with a better idea of the compensation you really deserve for your injuries and help you negotiate accordingly.
I did not realize I had suffered serious injuries in my Duluth car accident, but later discovered those serious injuries. Can I still file a claim?
You still have grounds to file a Duluth car accident claim, even if you did not discover your injuries immediately after the accident. However, if you did not seek medical attention immediately after your accident, it can prove more difficult to prove exactly when your injuries occurred. Contact an experienced Duluth car accident attorney to learn what evidence you may need to prove when your injuries occurred and maximize the benefits of your claim.
Will I have to go to court to settle my Duluth car accident claim?
Most car accident claims settle out of court. Insurance companies know that going to court can significantly increase their legal costs, so they will try to reach a settlement agreement out of court, if possible. However, if you have severe injuries and need to ask for a great deal of compensation, or if the insurance company contests who caused the accident, you may end up having to go to court to maximize your compensation. If you do have to go to court, having an attorney on your side can make a big difference.
How long will it take to settle my Duluth car accident claim?
It can take time to reach a settlement agreement after a car accident. First, your attorney may recommend waiting until your doctors can offer an accurate prediction about your prognosis. With many severe injuries, including traumatic brain injury and spinal cord damage, it can prove very difficult to establish how far you will recover—or the extent of your medical bills in the process. Your attorney may advise waiting as much as six months to start your claim.
Next, you will need to negotiate. Each round of negotiation adds to the length of time needed to settle your Duluth car accident claim. Sometimes, you and the insurance company can quickly agree. Other times, however, you may need to go through several rounds of negotiation to settle on a fair agreement. If you need to go through mediation or take your claim to court, it can further extend the time needed to receive compensation for your car accident injuries.
Call Our Duluth Car Accident Attorneys Today
An experienced Duluth car accident attorney can help you understand your right to compensation, collect evidence on your behalf, and even, if needed, fight for you in court.
The Nicolet Law team takes a special interest in representing members of the Duluth community when car accidents disrupt their lives. Our attorneys live in The Twin Ports, which means our clients are also our friends and neighbors. Securing fair compensation for their injuries and losses represents a personal mission for our team.
If a car accident in or around Duluth has caused pain or loss in your life, then the skilled, experienced, compassionate lawyers at Nicolet Law want to offer you a free consultation to help you learn about your legal rights and options.
Contact Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers today at 1-855-NICOLET or email us for your free consultation and to learn more about your options following a car accident in Duluth.
Duluth Office
306 West Superior Street, Suite 606
Duluth, MN 55802
Phone: 218-729-0628