St. Paul, Minnesota Car Accidents Blog

Rear-end collisions can cause serious injuries and damage

On behalf of Mark Gaertner of Walsh & Gaertner posted in motor vehicle accidents on Thursday, October 17, 2019.

A rear-end collision is a motor vehicle accident caused by one vehicle running into the back of another vehicle. Although they are relatively common, rear-end collisions can leave victims with serious bodily injuries and long-term suffering. This post does not provide medical or legal advice to its readers, and those with more questions about rear-end collisions can talk to their Minnesota-based personal injury attorneys.

Rear-end collisions often happen when cars are stopped in roadways. When a vehicle has stopped at a red light or stop sign, they may be hit from behind by a vehicle driven by a distracted or inattentive driver. In heavy traffic, rear-end collisions may occur when cars follow each other too closely and do not leave enough space for stopping when the drivers must apply their brakes.

What can drivers do to prevent pedestrian accidents?

On behalf of Gregory J. Walsh of Walsh & Gaertner posted in pedestrian accidents on Thursday, October 3, 2019.

When a Minnesota driver makes the decision to get behind the wheel of their car they assume a duty of care to those who they will encounter. That means that they will act reasonably behind the wheel and will avoid engaging in behaviors that may be dangerous. Not allowing distractions to interfere with driving, not consuming alcohol before driving, and following the laws of the road are all good ways to meet one's driving duty.

However, there are some extra steps that drivers can undertake to prevent one common and often dangerous form of roadway accidents: collisions with pedestrians. Each year too many individuals are hurt and killed when they are crossing streets, walking on roadways, and engaging in other legal actions on roads. These tips are suggestions to drivers and readers are encouraged to talk to their attorneys if they are harmed in pedestrian accidents.

How to prevent a rush hour traffic accident

On behalf of Mark Gaertner of Walsh & Gaertner on Friday, September 27, 2019.

Driving in rush hour traffic is stressful and dangerous. However, if you live in or around the Twin Cities metro area, you can expect to find yourself in bumper-to-bumper traffic during the morning and evening hours.

There are several key steps you can take to prevent a rush hour traffic accident:

Don't be in a hurry: No matter how late you're running behind schedule, don't hurry to the point of taking risks on the road. The best way to protect against this behavior is to leave extra time in your schedule to reach your destination. This can help relieve a lot of the stress associated with rush hour driving.
Choose another route: You don't have to take the same route every day. Changing routes, even if it's a longer distance, may keep you out of heavy rush hour traffic, which reduces the risk of an accident.
Watch for dangerous drivers: Even if you're driving safe, it doesn't mean that others are doing the same. There will be people around you who are speeding, changing lanes without signaling and texting. Beware of these drivers and do your best to keep your distance.
Stay in your lane: One of the top causes of rush hour traffic accidents is lane jumping. Choose your lane and stay there until you absolutely need to make a change, such as to exit the highway.
Don't follow too closely: When traffic slows, it's possible you'll find yourself driving too closely to the vehicle in front of yours. Leave more space, as doing so gives you more time to stop in the event that the lead vehicle slams on their brakes.

Getting help after a hit-and-run accident

On behalf of Mark Gaertner of Walsh & Gaertner posted in uninsured and underinsured motorists coverage on Friday, September 20, 2019.

As Minnesotans know, car accidents can be minor annoyances that slow down their days or major life events that change the paths that their futures take. One factor that can drastically alter the way that a victim approaches their recovery after a motor vehicle accident is if they do not know who the responsible party is. When a reckless or negligent driver leaves the scene of an accident and the victim cannot determine their identity, that victim has been involved in a hit-and-run accident.

Hit-and-run accidents are frustrating for victims for many reasons. First, drivers who leave the accidents that they cause may fail to render aid to victims who have suffered personal injuries. A victim who is hurt may not be able to seek medical help on their own if they are left without assistance.

Study shows distracted driving can have deadly results

On behalf of Mark Gaertner of Walsh & Gaertner posted in motor vehicle accidents on Friday, September 6, 2019.

Cell phones have undoubtedly made life easier for Minnesota residents. Whereas it was once difficult to communicate with others while traveling or away from home, now individuals need only stop their vehicles and get out their smartphones to be connected to anyone throughout the world. However, the ease of connectivity that smartphones offer also has a drawback: more and more people are using phones irresponsibly while behind the wheels of their cars.

A study released by AAA suggests that a certain type of distracted driving accident has reached a 10 year high: running red lights. Drivers throughout the nation are required to stop at intersections when they have a red light, and the failure to do so can have deadly consequences.

Motor vehicle accident injuries can affect the entire body

On behalf of Mark Gaertner of Walsh & Gaertner posted in motor vehicle accidents on Thursday, August 22, 2019.

After a minor motor vehicle accident, a victim may feel stiff, sore and tired. The stress of experiencing an event like a car crash can affect them both physically and mentally. While some people only need a few days to recover from their car accident injuries, others may require more time and more treatment.

Motor vehicle accident injuries can be extensive and diverse. For example, a serious collision could affect practically every part of a victim's body. Starting at the top, some accident victims suffer concussions and other brain injuries when their heads hit surfaces inside and outside their cars.

Texting, driving, and preventable pedestrian accidents

On behalf of Gregory J. Walsh of Walsh & Gaertner posted in pedestrian accidents on Thursday, August 8, 2019.

Smart phones have become an indispensable part of Minnesota residents' lives. They have become so pervasive that law enforcement officials across the state have to be on the lookout for drivers who use their handheld devices while operating their motor vehicles. Texting and driving is a dangerous practice because it takes a driver's eyes off the road. When drivers divert their attention from the road, they could hit a pedestrian crossing the street or walking along the road.

Pedestrian accidents are often devastating because pedestrians have few protections to keep them safe. The impact of a car and the trauma of being thrown to the ground can cause a victim to incur serious physical harm, emotional distress, and other serious damages.

Tips for safe driving in heavy rain and wind

On behalf of Mark Gaertner of Walsh & Gaertner on Wednesday, July 31, 2019.

The weather can take a turn for the worse in Minnesota when you least expect it. If this happens while you're driving, it's critical to adjust your style to improve your safety.

Driving in heavy rain and/or wind is never easy, as you're faced with a variety of challenges. Fortunately, when you know how to drive in inclement weather, it's easier to proceed with confidence.

Damages may be sought after a car accident

On behalf of Mark Gaertner of Walsh & Gaertner posted in car accidents on Thursday, July 25, 2019.

A car accident can be a devastating experience for a Minnesota family. Not only may victims suffer serious and even life-threatening injuries, but they may also incur significant costs that they are not prepared to pay for. To determine the best course of action for recovery in the wake of a car crash, a victim can speak with a personal injury attorney to get case-specific advice.

This post does not offer legal guidance, but the following discusses some of the types of damages that victims may be able to recover. One of the most sizable forms of damages is based on the victim's incurred medical costs. A victim who must undergo medical assessments, treatments, surgeries, procedures, and other care-related medical evaluations may amass major bills and hefty expenses.

How can sleepiness affect a truck driver?

On behalf of Mark Gaertner of Walsh & Gaertner posted in motor vehicle accidents on Wednesday, July 10, 2019.

Sleepiness is a dangerous condition because it can creep up on a Minnesota resident without warning. A person may be performing their duties and tasks without issue, when suddenly, they realize that their pace has slowed, their energy has dropped, and their productivity is diminished. They may struggle to focus on the work in front of them and the completion of the responsibilities they have set out to perform.

While many people can stop what they are doing, take a rest, and then get back to their work, this is not an option for individuals in some industries. For example, truck drivers and other long-haul operators often must drive for hours at a time in order to meet their delivery deadlines and fulfill their driving commitments. When sleepiness affects a driver, they may not be willing to stop for much needed rest.