Following Too Closely: Risky Driving That Could Lead to a Minnesota Crash

Traffic on the road where a driver is being followed closely.Drivers have a legal duty to remain aware of their surroundings and follow traffic laws to avoid collisions. One of the most types of common car crashes results from the habit some drivers have of following other vehicles too closely.

Learn more about following too closely in the article below, including what the law says about it and how this type of driver negligence could result in a collision that causes others serious harm.

If another driver’s tailgating led to a crash that injured you, our experienced Minneapolis car crash attorneys are ready to help. Contact our law office to discuss your situation and potential legal options for recovering compensation. When TSR Injury Law represents you, your case is in good hands, and there are no upfront costs or fees to pay.

Request your FREE case review today: (612) TSR-TIME

What Is Following Too Closely in Minnesota?

Following too closely refers to driving behind another vehicle with an insufficient amount of space between your car and the one in front of you. It is often referred to as “tailgating” and is considered a dangerous driving behavior.

How Close Is Too Close Under the Law?

Minnesota state law defines a safe distance from the vehicle ahead as:

  • Not following closer than what is both reasonable and sensible
  • Adjusting speed to consider the traffic, weather and road conditions

The Minnesota Driver’s Manual cites the Three-Second Rule to help drivers visualize a safe following distance. The three-second rule applies to normal road and traffic conditions. Under this rule, drivers must stay at least one car length behind the vehicle in front of you for every 10 miles per hour you are traveling. The rule is called the “three-second rule” because there should be a minimum of three seconds between you and the car ahead.

For example, if you are traveling at 60 miles per hour, you should maintain at least a 180-foot distance from the vehicle in front. When road conditions are poor, due to rain, ice, snow, or fog, you will need to adjust your following distance accordingly. Vehicles need more time and distance to stop safely on wet or icy roads without hydroplaning or skidding.

What Are the Dangers of Drivers Following Too Closely?

Following too closely creates several driving hazards, both to the tailgating driver, the occupants of the vehicle in front, and others on the road. Some of these risks include:

  • Limited Ability to React to Unexpected Hazards: Drivers who tailgate have less time to react to a sudden stop or obstacle in the road. The shorter the distance between vehicles, the less time you have to brake and avoid a collision.
  • Increased Likelihood of a Rear-End Collision or Chain-Reaction Crash: A tailgating driver increases the risk of a rear-end collision or triggering a multi-vehicle pileup. These collisions can cause serious injuries to drivers and passengers in all vehicles involved.
  • Aggressive Driving Behavior: Aggressive tailgating is more likely to escalate to road rage, increasing the risk of a serious crash.
  • Obstructed Road Visibility: Tailgating drivers cannot see the traffic ahead of their vehicle, making them blind to developing hazards.
  • Less Control When Road Conditions or Weather are Poor: Drivers who follow too closely are less likely to be able to maintain control on poor road conditions or during adverse weather.

Are There Any Penalties for Driving Too Closely in Minnesota?

Under Minnesota Law, it is illegal to follow other vehicles too closely. Police can pull you over and give you a ticket even if your tailgating does not lead to a crash.

Drivers who fail to adhere to this traffic law can expect severe penalties, including fines, points on their driver’s license or even liability for causing a crash.

If a driver is extremely aggressive or recklessly following another vehicle, that individual could also be charged with a misdemeanor, which could mean up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. A tailgating driver who causes serious or fatal harm to another person may be charged with a gross misdemeanor, resulting in up to a year in jail and a fine of $3,000.

What Injuries Are Common in Rear-End Collisions?

While rear-end collisions may seem less severe than head-on crashes, they can cause significant harm. Victims in rear-end collisions often suffer injuries that include:

  • Whiplash: A sudden impact from behind can cause the neck to jerk forward and backward rapidly, leading to whiplash injuries. These can result in long-term pain and stiffness.
  • Concussions: The force from a rear-end crash can cause the head to snap back or strike something in the vehicle, leading to concussions or other brain injuries.
  • Back and Spinal Injuries: Impact from a crash can cause herniated discs or damage to the spine. These injuries can result in chronic pain and may require surgery or long-term therapy.
  • Broken Bones: Depending on the severity of the collision, broken bones or fractures can occur, particularly in the chest, legs or arms.
  • Soft Tissue Injuries: The force of the collision can strain muscles, ligaments, and tendons, resulting in sprains and tears.

Ready to Seek Legal Help? Contact Our Firm Today

Following too closely is a dangerous driving behavior that significantly increases the risk of a crash. If you have been injured in a collision caused by a tailgating driver, you may have legal rights to seek compensation.

Contact our legal team at TSR Injury Law to discuss your situation, including whether you may be eligible to seek compensation for your damages. We offer a free legal consultation.

Experienced Lawyers. Proven Results: (612) TSR-TIME

Can I File a Claim if My Minor Child Was Hurt in a Minnesota Car Crash?

A child being secured in a car seat.When a minor child gets hurt in a car crash, parents may wonder whether they can recover compensation for medical costs and other losses their child sustained in the crash.

In Minnesota, you can file a claim against the at-fault party on behalf of your injured child. In this blog from TSR Injury Law, our experienced car crash attorneys in Minneapolis discuss essential information about the claims process for a minor child, including what to expect and how to protect your child’s rights.

Need legal help for a minor child injured in a crash? Call our law offices to discuss your situation and legal options. We understand the complexities of injury claims involving minor children and have the resources and experience to help you get the compensation you deserve.

Request your FREE case review today. (612) TSR-TIME

What Legal Rights Does My Child Have After a Minnesota Car Crash?

Minnesota law provides special protection for children injured in car crashes. As a parent or legal guardian, you have the right to pursue compensation on behalf of your injured child through the civil court system. The law recognizes that children cannot legally advocate for themselves, so it empowers parents to act as their representatives.

Is There a Time Limit for Filing My Child’s Claim?

In Minnesota the statute of limitations for most claims involving a personal injury is six years from the date of the injury. However, the rules differ for minors. The statute of limitations for a minor child is generally six years after the crash injury occurred or one year after their 18th birthday, whichever is later.

It is important to point out that every case is unique, so you should speak to an attorney sooner than later to determine what statute of limitations applies to your child’s case. Additionally, six years may sound like a long time, but there are benefits to speaking to a lawyer right away. Waiting until they turn 19 may be a long time, depending on how old they are at the time of the crash. The more time that passes, the greater the risk of evidence being lost or destroyed, making it harder to establish negligence.

What Compensation Can My Injured Child Seek After a Minnesota Crash

After a Minnesota car crash, your child may be entitled to significant compensation to support their recovery and protect their future. Minnesota law recognizes that injuries to children can have far-reaching impacts on their development and opportunities. For this reason, the state provides special protections to ensure they recover fair compensation. An experienced attorney will pursue damages that address both current needs and potential future challenges your child may face.

Here are some of the damages your child may be eligible to receive:

  • Current and future medical expenses, including rehabilitation
  • Pain and suffering compensation
  • Emotional trauma and psychological counseling costs
  • Loss of future earning capacity if injuries impact career potential
  • Educational support and accommodations
  • Permanent disability or disfigurement compensation
  • Loss of quality of life and enjoyment of activities
  • Specialized medical equipment needs
  • Long-term care costs if required
  • Recovery for future medical treatments as they grow

What Role Does Minnesota’s No-Fault Insurance Play in the Injury Claims Process?

Minnesota operates under a no-fault insurance system, which affects how injury claims work. Your child’s medical bills and other expenses should first go through your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, regardless of who caused the crash. However, severe injuries might qualify for additional compensation through a liability claim against the at-fault driver.

Can I Sue Beyond No-Fault Coverage on Behalf of My Injured Child in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, you may have the right to pursue a lawsuit beyond no-fault insurance coverage if your child’s injuries meet the state’s severity threshold. No-fault insurance provides immediate medical benefits, while more serious injuries often justify seeking additional compensation through a liability claim.

To be eligible to seek additional compensation beyond what no-fault insurance provides, your child must meet one of Minnesota’s tort thresholds:

  • Medical expenses exceeding $4,000
  • Permanent injury or disfigurement
  • 60 days or more of disability
  • Permanent scarring or disfigurement
  • Fatal injuries

Why Should I Consider Working with a Personal Injury Attorney?

Having a skilled attorney managing your case can significantly impact the outcome of your claim. Here are some key ways they can assist you:

  • Navigate legal complexities: Personal injury cases for minor children involve intricate rules and regulations. Our experienced injury lawyers understand these complexities and can guide you through each step, ensuring you meet all legal requirements and deadlines.
  • Communicate with insurance companies: Our attorneys are skilled negotiators and can manage communications with third parties, including insurance companies. This can give you the peace of mind you need to focus on your child while also protecting you from being pressured into accepting a low settlement.
  • Gather and present evidence effectively: We know what evidence is needed to build a strong case on your child’s behalf, including medical records, police reports, witness statements and other evidence. When necessary, we work with experts, including medical professionals or accident reconstruction specialists to help build a compelling case that establishes the full extent of your child’s injuries.
  • Ensure that your child’s rights are fully protected: At TSR Injury Law, we are committed to protecting your child’s best interests, advocating for full and fair compensation.

Need Legal Help After a Minnesota Crash? Call TSR Injury Law Today

TSR Injury Law has a history of proven results, and we are committed to holding at-fault parties accountable for the damages they cause.

Take the next step in getting compensation for your child’s injuries. Call TSR Injury Law. We charge no upfront costs or fees. Our firm takes injury cases on contingency, which means we only get paid if you do.

TSR Injury Law. We get results for you. (612) TSR-TIME

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Who May Be Liable if Running a Stop Sign Leads to a Crash in Minnesota?

image of a stop sign against a bright blue skyMost drivers have rolled through a stop sign at least once. While it might seem harmless, this traffic violation leads to thousands of serious crashes each year in Minnesota. Understanding who bears responsibility after a stop sign crash helps victims protect their legal rights and seek fair compensation.

If you sustained injuries from a collision caused by a negligent driver running a stop sign, we encourage you to contact our experienced car crash lawyers in Minneapolis for legal help. These crashes can lead to serious injuries that may impact you financially, physically and emotionally for years to come. We can help you pursue compensation for your medical costs and other losses to ensure your future is protected.

Call for a FREE case review today. Call:  (612) TSR-TIME.

What Are Minnesota Stop Sign Laws?

Minnesota law requires drivers to come to a complete stop at stop signs. This means the vehicle must cease all forward motion before proceeding. The law also requires drivers yield to pedestrians and check for cross traffic before continuing through the intersection.

Drivers who run stop signs face more than just traffic citations. When their actions cause crashes, they become legally liable for damages and injuries. Depending on the circumstances, multiple parties may share fault in these types of collisions.

Who Are the Potential Liable Parties After a Stop Sign Crash?

There can be multiple parties who contribute to a crash. However, in most stop-sign crashes, the driver who ran the stop sign is typically liable.

Liable parties for a stop-sign crash may include:

The Driver Who Ran the Stop Sign

  • Bears primary responsibility in most cases
  • Must prove they exercised reasonable care
  • Insurance typically covers damages up to policy limits
  • May face additional penalties for traffic violations
  • Could face charges in some cases, such as a hit-and-run resulting in severe or fatal injuries

Other Drivers

  • May share fault if speeding or distracted
  • Could be liable if they also violated traffic laws that led to the crash
  • Must prove they acted with reasonable caution
  • May need to file claims with multiple insurers
  • Should document other drivers’ actions carefully

How Does Minnesota Law Affect Liability?

Minnesota follows a modified comparative negligence system. This means multiple parties can share fault for a collision.

Victims who are deemed partially liable for a crash may still seek compensation for their damages as long as they are 50 percent or less at fault for the crash.

The law reduces compensation based on each party’s percentage of fault. For example, if a victim is 20 percent at fault, they receive 80 percent of the total damages awarded. This system makes determining liability crucial for fair compensation.

If you are found to be 51 percent or more liable, you are barred from seeking compensation from the other party.

What Evidence Can Be Used to Prove Liability?

The burden of proving negligence falls to injured victims or to the attorneys representing them.  We strongly recommend working with a knowledgeable car crash legal team, such as TSR Injury Law. We know what evidence is needed to establish fault after a stop sign crash and how to get it.

Important documentation that can help to build a strong claim against the at-fault party includes:

  • Police reports
  • Witness statements
  • Traffic camera footage
  • Vehicle damage photos
  • Skid mark measurements
  • Medical records related to your crash
  • Testimonies from medical experts or accident reconstruction specialists
  • Cellphone records
  • Weather conditions
  • Maintenance records

What Types of Compensation Am I Entitled To?

Minnesota law allows victims to seek compensation for certain losses directly caused by the crash. By filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party, crash victims may be able to recover compensation for these and other damages:

  • Medical expenses: These are medical costs directly related to the crash that caused the injuries, including surgeries, hospital stays, diagnostic testing, physical therapy, chiropractic and more.
  • Lost wages: Victims may recover lost wages if they are unable to work while recovering from injuries caused by the crash.
  • Property damage: Losses may include the repair or replacement of a vehicle or other personal belongings damaged in the crash.
  • Pain and suffering: Non-economic damages, such as anxiety, PTSD, stress, and disfigurement
  • Future care costs: Estimated care costs you could encounter for additional medical treatment
  • And more

How Can I Prevent Stop Sign Crashes in the Future?

Drivers can significantly reduce the risk of collisions at a stop sign by adopting safe driving practices. Here are some key strategies:

  • Adhere to Stop Signs: Ensure you fully stop at all stop signs. A rolling stop increases the risk of missing oncoming traffic.
  • Look Both Ways Twice: Before proceeding, check for vehicles and pedestrians in both directions, even if the intersection seems clear.
  • Remove Distractions: Avoid distractions, such as texting or adjusting the radio, while driving. Focus your attention fully on the road.
  • Consider Conditions: Adjust driving based on weather, traffic and road conditions. Rain, snow, and ice can impact stopping distances and visibility.
  • Maintain Proper Speed: Obey posted speed limits, adjusting your speed when appropriate. Slower speeds allow for better reaction times.
  • Yield Appropriately: Yield to vehicles and pedestrians that have the right of way. Be aware of your surroundings.
  • Stay Alert: Keep your attention on the road, especially in busy areas. Avoid fatigue and take breaks if necessary.
  • Follow Road Rules: Abide by all traffic laws and signals. Understanding and respecting these rules helps maintain safe driving habits.

Contact a Knowledgeable Attorney Today

If you have been involved in a collision due to someone running a stop sign, it is crucial to learn about your rights and legal options.

At TSR Injury Law, our legal team is committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve. With our experienced team by your side, you will receive personalized attention every step of the way. We are here to advocate for you and ensure your voice is heard.

Contact our law offices today to take the first step toward recovery. Your initial consultation is FREE, and there are no upfront costs or fees to pay.

Experienced Lawyers. Proven Results: (612) TSR-TIME.