Duluth Car Accident Attorneys

At Bye, Goff & Rohde, we understand the emotional and financial toll a car accident can have on you and your family. 

Our experienced attorneys will fight tirelessly for just compensation for your injuries, helping you move forward with peace of mind. With more than 180 years of combined experience in personal injury law, we know how to navigate complex cases involving motor vehicle collisions and we want to help our clients recover physically, emotionally, and financially following an accident.

We strive to provide personalized attention and compassionate service throughout each step of the process so that you can focus on healing without worrying about paperwork or legal deadlines. Our lawyers are here to guide you through this difficult time and make sure your rights are protected every step of the way.

We want to know how we can help you. Call us at (534) 202-5404 to arrange a free case evaluation.

Common Types of Car Accidents

A car accident refers to a collision involving vehicles that may result in property damage, injuries, or even fatalities. These incidents can occur due to various factors, including human error, mechanical failure, adverse weather conditions, or road hazards. Car accidents are often classified based on the nature of the collision.

Here are some common types:

• Rear-End Collisions: These occur when a vehicle crashes into the one in front of it. They often happen due to tailgating, sudden stops, or distracted driving.
• Head-On Collisions: This happens when the front ends of two vehicles collide. These accidents can be severe and result in serious injuries or fatalities, especially at high speeds.
• Side-Impact Collisions (T-Bone): This occurs when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another vehicle. Intersections are common sites for these accidents, often due to drivers running red lights or stop signs.
• Single-Vehicle Accidents: These involve only one vehicle and can include incidents like running off the road, hitting a stationary object, rollovers, or losing control due to weather conditions.
• Multi-Vehicle Pileups: These accidents involve numerous vehicles and often occur on highways or freeways. They can be caused by poor weather, low visibility, or the initial collision setting off a chain reaction.
• Side-Swipe Accidents: These occur when the sides of two parallel vehicles come into contact. This can happen due to merging into another lane without proper clearance or failing to check blind spots.
• Rollover Accidents: These accidents happen when a vehicle tips over onto its side or roof. Factors like high speeds, abrupt turns, or collisions can cause rollovers, which are particularly dangerous.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Car accidents are disturbingly common in Wisconsin and the United States. Our great state has the added road hazards of snow and ice for six months out of the year, making safe driving practices all the more essential. Unfortunately, many drivers fail in their responsibility to drive safely or maintain their vehicles, which often leads to tragedy. 

The most common causes of car accidents in Wisconsin include the following:

• Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents in Wisconsin. This can consist of texting and driving, using a cell phone, eating or drinking, talking to passengers, or programming a GPS device while operating a vehicle. 
• Impaired driving (driving under the influence) is another common cause of car accidents in Wisconsin. There is no excuse for driving under the influence, and, as such, we take these cases very seriously. 
• Speeding is yet another factor contributing to car accidents in Wisconsin. Excessive speed reduces a driver’s reaction time and lowers traction between tires and road surfaces, which can lead to loss of control when braking suddenly or taking turns too quickly. 
• Failure to obey traffic signals and signs also contributes significantly to motor vehicle collisions in Wisconsin each year. Drivers need to pay attention to stoplights and yield signs to avoid potential road disasters that may be shared with other motorists or pedestrians. 
• Inadequate road conditions can also contribute significantly to causing an accident. Poorly designed intersections or unmarked highway construction zones can lead to dangerous situations if not properly addressed by local transportation officials. Additionally, adverse weather such as rain, ice, and snow may increase difficulties in maneuvering vehicles safely around streets or highways affected by these conditions.
• Mechanical failures due to improper maintenance and defective parts can also be attributed to many collisions throughout Wisconsin, especially when brakes fail unexpectedly due to a  lack of regular inspection or necessary repairs.
• Aggressive driving behaviors exhibited by some drivers, such as tailgating other cars, often result in impulsive decisions with disastrous outcomes.

We will analyze your accident to pinpoint the cause and corresponding liable parties. If necessary, we can consult with accident reconstructionists to develop a more vivid and accurate idea of the circumstances that led to the accident.

Common Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents can result in a range of physical, psychological, and financial damages for the victims involved. 

Depending on the severity of the accident, common car accident injuries may include the following: 

• Whiplash: One of the most common types of car accident injuries. Whiplash comes from sudden and forceful neck movements beyond the normal range. This can cause muscles and ligaments to stretch or tear, resulting in pain and limited mobility. 
• Fractures: Broken bones are another common injury. They can range from minor hairline fractures to more severe compound fractures involving multiple bones being broken at once. As with any fracture, there is a risk of infection and further complications if treatment is not sought immediately. 
• Spinal Cord Injuries: These often result from severe car accidents that involve direct force to the spine, leading to permanent nerve damage or paralysis. 
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): TBIs are caused by forceful and sudden impacts to the head, in this case, caused by a motor vehicle crash. Symptoms range from minor issues such as headaches or confusion to more severe problems like convulsions, unconsciousness, or permanent impairment of the senses and coordination. 
• Burns: A person may incur burns if they are exposed to hazardous materials such as gasoline or oil spills involved in a collision. Friction burns from the deployment of airbags are also possible.
• Internal Organ Damage and Bleeding: Victims can sustain these injuries from objects inside the vehicle being forcefully thrust into someone’s body, resulting in open wounds, internal bleeding, and even organ failure if not treated.

No matter what injuries you sustained in your car accident, our team will work hard to seek a favorable settlement. If we cannot settle, we are prepared to file a lawsuit and take your case to court. 

Minnesota Car Accident Laws

Minnesota follows a "no-fault" system for car accidents. This means that, in most cases, your own insurance company will cover your medical expenses, regardless of who caused the accident. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage is mandatory in Minnesota, and it typically covers medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs.

Minnesota requires all drivers to carry auto insurance meeting certain minimum liability coverage limits. This includes:

• $30,000 for bodily injury per person
• $60,000 for bodily injury per accident
• $10,000 for property damage per accident

However, in certain situations where the damages exceed the threshold set by the state, you can step outside of the no-fault system and pursue a claim against the at-fault driver for additional damages. This could include compensation for pain and suffering, permanent injury, disability, or disfigurement.

Minnesota also follows a modified comparative fault rule. This means that if you're found partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. If you're deemed to be 51% or more at fault, you may not be eligible for any compensation for the accident.

We Want to Know More About You

Our Duluth car accident lawyers at Bye, Goff & Rohde want to remind you that our first priorities are your comfort, health, safety, and dignity. Too many attorneys rush their clients in and out the door, accepting paltry settlements that do not fully cover losses so they can move on to the next case. 

Not our team.

We are committed to justice and fighting for fair compensation. You have been through a lot, and we want to know how we can ease your burden following your accident. We are proud to stand up for you and your rights.

Here's how we can help:

• Legal Guidance: We provide comprehensive legal guidance, explaining your rights and options regarding the accident claim. We assess the specifics of your case, helping you understand the potential outcomes and the steps involved in filing a claim.
• Investigation: Our team conducts a thorough investigation into the accident. This includes gathering evidence, speaking with witnesses, reviewing police reports, and examining any available documentation or photographs related to the accident.
• Establishing Liability: We work to determine liability for the accident. This involves identifying the negligent party/parties responsible for the collision, which is crucial in building a strong case to support your claim.
• Documenting Damages: We assist in documenting your damages resulting from the accident. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and any other relevant losses incurred due to the accident.
• Negotiation with Insurance Companies: Our lawyers handle communication and negotiation with insurance companies on your behalf. We work to achieve a fair settlement that adequately compensates you for your losses.
• Litigation Support: If negotiations don't result in a fair settlement, we're prepared to take the case to court. We provide representation and support throughout the litigation process, presenting your case effectively in court.
• Maximizing Compensation: Our goal is to maximize the compensation you receive. We strive to ensure that you receive fair and just compensation for the damages you've suffered due to the accident.
• Legal Advocacy: Throughout the entire process, we serve as your legal advocates, prioritizing your best interests and fighting for the compensation you deserve.

By entrusting us with your case, you gain access to legal expertise and support that aims to alleviate the stress of dealing with the aftermath of a car accident while working tirelessly to secure a favorable outcome for your claim.

We want to know more about you, your situation, and the hardships you have lived through following your accident. To schedule a free consultation, call us at (534) 202-5404 or contact us online today.