Our Experienced St. Paul Car Accident Lawyers Can Help You Get Compensation
St. Paul is a great place to live, work, and visit, but it’s also a large city with a lot of vehicle traffic. At any moment, you could get into a car accident with a careless or reckless driver and sustain serious injuries requiring extensive medical treatment.
If this happens to you, the attorneys at Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers are ready to fight for the compensation and justice you deserve. Our St. Paul car accident lawyers have decades of combined experience fighting for the rights and interests of people like you, and we have recovered millions of dollars in total compensation for our clients.
Contact us today to request your free consultation regarding your car accident injury claim.
Why Choose Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers as Your St. Paul Car Accident Attorney
Experienced attorney Russell Nicolet founded our law firm in 2007 to help individuals and families obtain the compensation they need following a preventable tragedy. Over the past 15+ years, we have grown to establish law offices throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Dakota, and we have recovered more than $55 million in verdicts and settlements for our clients.
Some notable successes include:
- $1.2 million settlement for an auto accident burn injury survivor
- $1.112 million settlement for the survivor of a car accident
- $850,000 settlement for a drunk driving accident survivor
Our attorneys have gained reputations for our tenacity and fighting zealously for our clients at every turn. We have received hundreds of five-star reviews from people we have had the pleasure to serve, and our lawyers have earned awards and honors for our impeccable professionalism and outstanding legal abilities.
We can review your case at no cost and advise you on how you can get compensation while holding the responsible party accountable. We are ready to fight for you and help increase your chances to get all you need to recover as fully as you can and move on in life.
Injured in St. Paul? Get Nicolet.
St. Paul Car Accident Statistics
As part of the Twin Cities Metro and Minnesota’s capital, St. Paul has a population of more than 307,000. It offers many amenities and attractions, including the Science Museum of Minnesota, the Como Park Zoo, and Snake Discovery: A Reptile Experience.
A large city with so much to offer, St. Paul also sees its share of car accidents, unfortunately.
The St. Paul area reported 7,310 total vehicle crashes in one recent year. Of those, just over 1,667 reported injuries, and 34 resulted in fatalities. Also, Minnesota sees many of its fatal vehicle crashes between Memorial Day and Labor Day, known as the “100 Deadly Days of Summer.”
Some of the intersections and areas of St. Paul that report more fatal accidents than other areas include:
- U.S. 61 and CR-39 Lower Afton Road
- West Burgess and North Western Avenue
- Minnehaha Avenue East
- CR-21 East Maryland Avenue and North Payne AvAvenue
- CR-65 White Bear Avenue and Ivy Avenue East
Of course, a serious or fatal car crash can occur anywhere throughout the city. Discuss your options immediately with one of our St. Paul car accident attorneys if you suffered severe injuries or lost a loved one.
What Causes Car Accidents in St. Paul?
Car accidents in St. Paul can happen for various reasons.
Some common causes of car accidents include:
- Speeding. Driving at excessive speeds, either by breaking the posted speed limit or too fast for road conditions, is a significant cause of car accidents throughout St. Paul. Speeding reduces the driver's ability to react to unexpected situations and increases the collision's severity.
- Distracted driving. A leading cause of car accidents in St. Paul is distracted driving. This includes texting, talking on the phone, eating, using in-car technologies, or any other behavior that diverts the driver's attention from the road.
- Inadequate driver awareness. Failure to check blind spots, improper lane changes, failure to use turn signals, and not following traffic signs or signals can result in accidents. Drivers maintain awareness of their surroundings and follow traffic rules.
- Drunk driving. Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs is extremely dangerous and a significant contributor to car accidents. Impaired driving affects judgment, coordination, and reaction times, leading to a higher risk of crashes.
- Reckless driving. Aggressive driving, tailgating, frequent lane changes without signaling, running red lights or stop signs, and ignoring traffic rules contribute to car accidents. Reckless driving endangers everyone, and some road rage incidents can lead to criminal charges.
- Tailgating. Drivers who follow other vehicles too closely risk causing rear-end collisions because they cannot stop in time to avoid a collision. Accidents caused by tailgating can lead to whiplash and other serious injuries.
- Fatigue. Drowsy driving is a significant hazard. Fatigue decreases a driver’s reaction times and ability to concentrate. Falling asleep at the wheel can have catastrophic consequences.
- Inexperienced drivers. Inexperienced drivers, such as teenagers or newly licensed individuals, may need more skills and judgment to handle challenging situations. This lack of experience can contribute to accidents.
- Mechanical failures. Faulty brakes, tire blowouts, steering malfunctions, and other mechanical failures can lead to accidents. Proper vehicle maintenance minimizes the risk of accidents caused by mechanical issues.
- Poor road conditions. Roads needing repair, potholes, inadequate signs, or insufficient lighting can increase the chances of accidents. Local authorities play a role in maintaining safe road conditions. If a road hazard caused your car accident, you may pursue a claim against the state, city, or county government responsible for fixing and maintaining the road.
- Weather conditions. St. Paul experiences a wide range of weather conditions throughout the year, including snow, ice, and rain. Inclement weather can make roads slippery and reduce visibility. Drivers who do not reduce their speeds or drive appropriately for conditions can cause accidents that severely injure or kill others.
Other situations can lead to car accidents in St. Paul as well. But determining fault and establishing liability can present challenges.
If you suffered injuries in a St. Paul car accident, contact an experienced attorney immediately to discuss your options.
What Are Common Injuries Resulting from Car Accidents?
Here are some common car accident injuries:
- Whiplash. Whiplash is a common injury that occurs when the head forcefully jerks back and forth, straining the neck muscles and ligaments. Rear-end collisions frequently cause whiplash.
- Fractures. Car accidents can break bones, particularly in high-impact collisions. Fractures can occur in the arms, legs, ribs, and skull, among other places.
- Head and brain injuries. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can occur when the head strikes a hard surface or experiences a violent jolt during a car accident. These injuries can range from concussions to severe brain damage and have long-lasting effects on cognitive and physical functioning.
- Back and spinal cord injuries. Car accidents can damage the spinal cord, resulting in paralysis or loss of sensation. Herniated discs, sprains, strains, and other back injuries are also common.
- Internal injuries. The force of impact in a car accident can cause internal injuries, such as damage to organs, internal bleeding, or lacerations. These injuries may not always immediately appear, but they require swift medical attention.
- Chest and rib injuries. The impact of a car accident can injure the chest, break ribs, collapse the lungs, or damage internal organs.
- Soft tissue injuries. Sprains, strains, bruises, and other soft tissue injuries can damage the body's muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
- Facial injuries. Facial injuries can occur from striking the steering wheel, dashboard, or airbag. They may include fractures, lacerations, dental injuries, or eye injuries.
- Psychological trauma. In addition to physical injuries, car accidents can cause emotional and psychological distress, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. The psychological impact can vary depending on the accident's severity and individual resilience.
- Death. Unfortunately, car accidents can—and often do—result in fatalities. The impact and force in some accidents can lead to fatal injuries for any drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and bicyclists involved.
The severity and type of injuries you can sustain in a car accident can vary greatly depending on the speed of the vehicles, the use of seat belts and airbags, the angle of impact, and the overall health and age of the individuals involved. If you suffered injuries in a car accident, seek immediate medical attention, even if you don't feel injured right away, as some injuries may have delayed-onset symptoms.
How Do I Prove Liability in a Car Accident?
To prove liability in a car accident, you will need a lawyer to establish the other party’s negligence and responsibility for the accident. You will need to collect evidence and documentation that shows you suffered an injury and that the other driver caused the crash through their negligence or wrongdoing.
You or our lawyers may need to:
- Collect evidence at the scene. If you physically can, gather evidence immediately after the accident. Take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle positions, property damage, skid marks, and any relevant road conditions. This visual evidence can establish fault.
- Obtain witness statements. If anyone saw the accident, gather their contact information and ask them to provide statements about what they saw. Eyewitness accounts can support your claim and provide objective testimony.
- Contact the police. You must report the accident to authorities in serious accidents involving injury, death, or substantial property damage. The police report will document important details about the accident, including the officers' assessment of fault based on their investigation.
- Document injuries and medical treatment. Seek immediate medical attention for your injuries, and keep detailed records of your medical treatments, including doctor visits, diagnoses, prescriptions, and any recommended follow-up care. This documentation will link your injuries to the accident, and you must document your injury to file an injury claim.
- Preserve evidence. Preserve any physical evidence related to the accident, such as damaged vehicle parts, clothing, or personal belongings. You may need to submit them for expert analysis.
- Gather relevant documents. Obtain copies of relevant documents such as the police report, medical records, repair estimates, and any communication with insurance companies. These documents can support your claim and prove your damages.
- Consider expert opinions. In complex cases, we might consult accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, or other experts who can provide their analysis and opinions regarding the accident and the other party's liability.
- Communicate with insurance companies. Notify your insurance company about the accident, provide the necessary documentation, and cooperate with their investigation. However, consult our attorneys before providing recorded statements or accepting a settlement offer.
Consult Our St. Paul Car Accident Attorneys
As you can see, you need to collect a lot of evidence and complete many steps to prove the other driver’s liability for your injuries and pursue compensation. This can overwhelm you, especially if you are still recovering from your injuries.
Contact our St. Paul car accident attorneys immediately after your accident. Our lawyers can guide you through the legal process, gather evidence, assess liability, and represent you in negotiations or court if necessary.
What Compensation Can I Get for My Car Accident Injuries?
If you sustained injuries in a car accident, you may obtain compensation, depending on the accident, the severity of your injuries, and other factors.
You could receive compensation for:
- Medical expenses. You can seek compensation for the medical treatment related to your accident injuries. This includes hospital bills, surgeries, doctor visits, prescription medications, rehabilitation services, and ongoing medical care.
- Property damage. You may obtain compensation to repair your damaged vehicle or fair market value if the insurance company totaled it.
- Lost income. If your injuries result in missed work days or the inability to work, you may receive compensation for your lost income. This includes the income you would have earned during your recovery and any future loss of earning capacity due to long-term disabilities.
- Pain and suffering. The effects of your injuries and the trauma of the accident may linger long after your physical injuries heal. You could pursue compensation for pain, suffering, and emotional distress resulting from the accident and your injuries. This includes ongoing physical pain, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and psychological trauma.
- Loss of consortium. Sometimes, your spouse or close family member may seek compensation for the loss of companionship, support, or services resulting from your injuries.
- Punitive damages. The court may award punitive damages in cases involving an at-fault party's, particularly reckless or intentional actions. These damages punish the responsible party and deter similar behavior. The court typically only awards punitive damages at its discretion, and your attorney can inform you whether you should take your case to court to pursue them.
The types and amounts of compensation you receive will depend on the severity of your injuries, the level of negligence or fault of the other party, and the available insurance coverage or assets. A personal injury attorney can explain your rights, estimate the compensation you may recover, and navigate the legal process to pursue your claim effectively.
St. Paul Car Accident Attorney FAQs
How Do I Obtain Compensation After a Car Accident?
Working with an experienced car accident attorney, you will first seek compensation by filing an injury claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. You and your lawyer must collect evidence and documentation to support your claim and file it within applicable deadlines.
Insurers often offer lowball settlements because they do not want to pay more than necessary on claims. The settlement the insurance company offers you may not cover all your damages, and your attorney can negotiate to get the insurer to offer more money. Once you accept a settlement, you cannot pursue additional compensation. Thus, you need a lawyer to wholly and accurately determine the compensation you need to realize the fullest recovery possible.
If your attorney cannot settle your claim with the insurer, or if the insurer acts in bad faith or violates the settlement agreement, your lawyer can sue the insurance company to get the money you deserve.
What Is Minnesota’s Statute of Limitations on Car Accident Injury Claims?
For most personal injury claims based on negligence, such as car accident injury claims, Minnesota generally allows you six years from your injuries to file a personal injury lawsuit in civil court.
While this may seem like more than enough time, pursuing compensation requires a complex, challenging process with a lot of evidence and documentation. Additionally, in some cases, the deadline to file can be less than six years. Therefore, you don’t have any time to waste in contacting an attorney and starting the process.
How Much Will It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Attorney?
Our personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, so we do not charge an upfront fee to represent you. The lawyers at Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers also offer free consultations. Therefore, you won’t pay a penny for us to review your claim, advise you of your options, and represent you throughout the process.
If we help you obtain compensation through negotiations or at trial, we will take a percentage of your settlement or court award as our fee. We will discuss all the particulars with you during our initial consultation.
How Can a Car Accident Attorney Benefit Me?
A car accident attorney can provide:
- Legal knowledge and guidance. A car accident attorney has in-depth knowledge of a car accident case’s legal processes and procedures. They can provide trustworthy advice and guidance, explaining your rights, options, and your best course of action.
- Evaluation of your case. An attorney can assess the strength of your case by reviewing the evidence, including police reports, medical records, and witness statements. They can identify the liable parties, evaluate your damages, and estimate the compensation you may recover. This evaluation helps you understand the value of your claim.
- Gathering evidence. Attorneys have the experience and resources to gather and preserve crucial evidence relevant to your case. They can work with accident reconstruction experts, interview witnesses, obtain surveillance footage, and collect other evidence to strengthen your claim.
- Negotiating with insurance companies. Insurance companies minimize payouts and protect their own interests. An attorney can handle all communication and negotiations with the insurance companies for you. They have the knowledge and experience to navigate the complexities of insurance claims, ensuring that you receive a fair settlement that covers all your damages.
- Calculating damages. Your damages go beyond medical bills and property damage. A car accident attorney can accurately assess the full extent of your losses, including medical expenses, future medical needs, lost income, diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other applicable damages. They will not overlook any potential source of compensation.
- Representing you at trial. If your lawyer cannot negotiate a fair settlement, they can file a lawsuit and represent your interests in court. They will handle all legal proceedings, including filing legal documents, presenting your case, cross-examining witnesses, and advocating for you.
Along with all of the above, a car accident lawyer can offer you peace of mind by taking on the important tasks that may overwhelm you or stress you out.
Hiring a car accident attorney allows you to focus on your recovery and well-being while knowing that a skilled professional is handling the legal aspects of your case. An attorney can provide reassurance, answer your questions, and guide you through the entire process, reducing your stress and burden.
Speak With an Experienced St. Paul Car Accident Attorney Today
You shouldn’t have to bear the costs of your injuries and losses stemming from a car accident someone else caused. You also want to hold the responsible party accountable and get the compensation you need and the justice you feel you deserve.
For help, you consult an experienced St. Paul personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Contact Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers today at (651) 237-4258 for your free consultation.