Experienced Minneapolis Car Accident Lawyers

Common Car Accidents in Minneapolis

We know the severe physical, emotional, and financial toll that a car accident can have on your life. Our dedicated team of car accident lawyers is here to support you and provide you with the best possible representation during this difficult time. Here's why we are the preferred choice for car accident victims in Minnesota:

Top Causes of Car Crashes in Minneapolis

Minneapolis sees thousands of car accidents every year, many of which are fully preventable. While the city has worked hard to improve road safety, a number of factors continue to contribute to crashes.

Speeding

Speeding is a leading cause of fatal accidents in Minneapolis. In 2021, speeding was a factor in 65% of fatal crashes, a sharp increase from previous years. This is significantly higher than the national average.

Several factors make speeding particularly dangerous:

• Speeding makes it harder to handle curves, avoid obstacles, or stop in time.
• Speeding drivers have less time to detect and respond to sudden road hazards.
• The faster someone drives, the more distance is needed to bring your vehicle to a complete stop.
• The force of a crash increases exponentially with speed, leading to more serious injuries and fatalities.

Speeding is especially dangerous in urban areas like Minneapolis where pedestrians and cyclists are more common.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents in Minneapolis, contributing to thousands of crashes each year. Despite Minnesota’s hands-free driving law, many drivers continue to engage in risky distractions behind the wheel. Common distractions include:

• Texting and driving
• Using social media
• Talking on the phone
• Eating and drinking
• Adjusting the radio
  

In Minnesota, 1 out of every 9 accidents is caused by a distracted driver.

Impaired Driving

Alcohol and drug impairment are significant contributors to car accidents in Minneapolis. From 2020 to 2023, impaired driving was involved in 35% of fatal crashes in the state, with alcohol and cannabis being the most common substances.

Driving while intoxicated leads to:

• Poor situational awareness: Alcohol reduces the ability to track other vehicles, pedestrians, or road signs.
• Decreased coordination and control: Impaired drivers often struggle with steering and braking.
• Delayed reaction times: Alcohol and drugs slow down cognitive processing, making quick responses difficult.
• Impaired judgment: Decision-making is compromised, leading to reckless actions like speeding or running red lights.

Minneapolis residents who drive under the influence face harsh penalties, such as losing their licenses or even spending time in jail.

Aggressive Driving

Aggressive driving behaviors, including tailgating and weaving through traffic, are common in the congested streets of Minneapolis. These reckless actions increase the risk of serious accidents, especially during peak traffic hours. Aggressive driving can mean:

• Speeding through traffic
• Making unsafe lane changes
• Using shoulder lanes or cutting off other drivers
• Tailgating
• Brake-checking other vehicles
  

Educating yourself on how to respond to dangerous drivers will help protect you on the road.

Drowsy Driving

Driving while fatigued poses a serious threat, particularly during long commutes or late-night drives. Tired drivers are more likely to experience slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and even fall asleep at the wheel. In fact, drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as driving while intoxicated.

Here are some signs of fatigue to watch for:

• Frequent yawning or blinking
• Burning eyes
• Difficulty concentrating or remembering the last few miles driven
• Drifting into the wrong lane
• Nodding off or struggling to keep your head up
  
  

Ignoring Traffic Signals

Disregarding traffic signals and rules can lead to severe crashes in Minneapolis. These types of accidents are particularly risky at busy intersections, where collisions often result in T-bone or head-on crashes.

Common examples of ignoring traffic signals include:

• Running red lights
• Ignoring stop signs
• Not yielding the right of way
• Turning on red without stopping first
• Failing to yield during a left turn
  
  

Poor Weather Conditions

Minneapolis winters create hazardous road conditions, with snow and ice contributing to a spike in accidents. Drivers who fail to adjust to the weather are at higher risk. Common examples include:

• Driving too fast for road conditions
• Driving too close to other drivers
• Using worn or improper tires (e.g., not using winter tires)
• Sudden braking or turning on slick roads
• Not using headlights in fog or other forms of low visibility