Author: Steve Terry

Most drivers are not that concerned about getting into a crash close to home. They assume there is much less risk because they are in a familiar area.

Research shows these assumptions are often false, as a large percentage of crashes happen when drivers are only a few miles away from home. It’s important to note that drivers can be just as reckless close to home as they are anywhere else.

TSR Injury Law dives into the statistics and some of the reasons why so many car crashes happen close to drivers’ homes. If you were injured in a car crash in Minneapolis, our Minneapolis-based car accident attorneys may be able to help you.

More than $1 billion recovered. No upfront fees. Call (612) TSR-TIME.

What Percentage of Car Crashes Happen Close to Home?

Research has revealed that a large percentage of car crashes happen when drivers are close to home.

According to a study published in 2015 in the Journal of Trauma Acute Care Surgery, 77.1 percent of the car crashes that were studied happened within 10 miles of the victim’s home. Another 87.6 percent happened less than 20 miles from the victim’s home. Researchers studied more than 10,000 injury incidents, including 1,644 traffic incidents.

Most Americans do not drive more than 10 or 20 miles from their homes each day. The average American drives just 29.2 miles per day, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety and the Urban Institute. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has stated that more than 50 percent of all car crashes happen within 25 miles of drivers’ homes.

Another study from 2020 also seems to back up the idea that car crashes happen close to home. Dolphin Technologies found that 25 percent of car crashes happen within the first three minutes of a trip, with another 14 percent of crashes happen within the first six minutes of a trip.

In other words, there is a high risk of a crash on short trips in the car. Many of these trips are likely to begin at home or somewhere close to home.

Dolphin Technologies produces telematics devices that get installed in vehicles. The findings cited above are from a study of 3.2 million trips that involved 40,000 people between 2018 and 2019. There were 1,986 crashes during these 3.2 million car rides.

Another important data point from the Dolphin Technologies study is that the risk of a crash significantly increases for trips that last more than 40 minutes. Some of these drivers may have been coming home from work or from somewhere far away from their home. As they get closer to home, drivers tend to relax, often causing them to drive in a more negligent manner.

Why Most Collisions Happen Within a Few Miles of Home

There are many reasons why so many car crashes happen so close to victims’ homes.

Drivers Tend to Relax

It is only natural to feel more comfortable when you get closer to home. You are on familiar roads, and you know exactly where you are going.

Becoming relaxed and overconfident can lead to dangerous behavior behind the wheel. For example, drivers may speed, not pay as much attention to the traffic around them, or fail to stay in their lanes.

Drivers Get Tired

Drivers may be coming home from work or from a long drive, which means they may be tired. This is especially true if the crash happens at night or early in the morning.

Drivers often do not realize how tired they are and how dangerous it is to drive while drowsy. They may fall asleep at the wheel or forget to pay attention to other drivers on the road. Fatigue can impair reaction time and judgment and drivers tend to get into a trance because they have driven the route so many times before.

Even though it would be better for tired drivers to pull over and rest, many drivers try to push through their fatigue, which can be very dangerous.

Drivers Often Get Distracted

When drivers relax, they may be more likely to give in to distractions. They may start looking at their phones or sending text messages. They may look away from the road because they are eating or drinking something or playing with the car stereo.

Some of the other distractions include personal grooming, adjusting the position of the driver’s seat, and looking at distractions outside. Drivers’ concentration may drift away from the road due to a song or podcast playing on the stereo.

Drivers May be Intoxicated

People who have been drinking often decide to get behind the wheel when they only have a short distance to drive. They may think a crash is less likely to happen because they do not need to be on the road that long and they are in a familiar location. However, alcohol makes it much harder to operate your vehicle safely, even if you have taken the same route countless times before.

Drivers Often Speed

It is easier to speed in residential areas because speed limits are much lower than they are on most other roads. You may be in a rush to get to work, or you may be itching to get home from a long day out of the house. Drivers are also more likely to speed when they feel comfortable, particularly when driving in an area that is very familiar to them, often times speeding without even realizing it.

Drivers May Not Account for Residential Traffic and Parked Vehicles

The intersections and streets around your home can easily become congested with traffic. You are also more likely to encounter parked cars, pedestrians and bicyclists. People often become frustrated with this traffic, which can lead to speeding, reckless lane changes, tailgating and other dangerous behavior. Drivers may also get distracted and forget to watch for pedestrians or parked vehicles.

How Do I Avoid a Collision When I Am Close to My House?

One of the most important steps to preventing a collision close to your home is to acknowledge the risks. Research suggests you may be less safe the closer you get to home.

That means you need to take the same precautions you would when you are driving anywhere else:

Get Set Up Before You Go So You Can Focus on Driving

One of the most important steps to take before your trip is to set things up so you can stay focused on driving. For example, eat before you get in the car and get your music or podcast set up so you do not need to fiddle with it out on the road. You can also adjust the air conditioning beforehand, so you do not need to take a hand off the wheel while your car is in motion.

Finish up phone or text conversations before you leave. You should never text and drive. Phone calls while behind the wheel can also be dangerous, even if you do not have the phone in your hand.

Focus on Driving

When your car is in motion, your entire focus should be on driving. Keep your eyes on the road, keep both hands on the wheel and concentrate on being a safe driver. It is easy to lose focus by thinking about something else that is going on in your life, whether it is positive or negative. However, this can be dangerous.

While being an attentive driver is important no matter where you are, it is particularly important in residential areas.

Watch for Pedestrians, Bicyclists, Pets and Parked Cars

Drivers are conditioned to watch for other cars, but you also need to keep an eye out for pedestrians, children, people walking their dogs and bicyclists. This should be much easier to do if you are not distracted by your phone, stereo, or something else.

Obey the Speed Limit

Speeding makes a car crash much more likely to occur. You have less time to slow down to avoid a crash and you may make an evasive or risky maneuver that leads to a collision. For example, you may swerve to avoid a rear-end collision and then hit a parked vehicle or a pedestrian.

Speed limits are lower in residential areas for a reason. There can be a lot of activity and you do not want to hit a pedestrian or bicyclist at high speed as it could cause severe or fatal injuries. There are often stop signs and speed bumps and if you are going too fast you could blow through a stop sign or damage your car by going over a speed bump at a high rate of speed.

Do Not Drive if You Are Tired or Drunk

No matter how short your trip, you should never get behind the wheel when you are drunk or drowsy. Driving while fatigued or under the influence of alcohol is incredibly dangerous, as your judgment, reaction time and vision can be severely impaired. This often leads to reckless actions that make a dangerous collision much more likely.

If Possible, Walk Instead of Drive

This is not always possible, but when it is, walk to your destination or go for a bicycle ride. This is beneficial to your physical health, and it is one less car trip, which means one less opportunity for a crash. If you are tired, maybe the trip can wait until later or even the next day. While fatigued, walking may be less dangerous than driving, but both can still be risky.

Have Questions After a Minnesota Car Crash? Call Us Today

Drivers often let their guard down when they are in a familiar area, or because they are tired, distracted or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. No matter the reason, when drivers are negligent and they cause crashes that injure others, those drivers should be held accountable.

Our firm has been holding negligent drivers and liable insurance companies accountable for decades. We represent crash victims at no upfront cost. That means there is no risk in finding out how we may be able to assist you after a crash caused by another driver.

Call us today: (612) TSR-TIME. We seek full compensation for Minnesota crash victims.

The impact from a rollover crash often causes the roof of the vehicle to cave in. For the driver and other occupants, this type of collision is likely to result in catastrophic or fatal injuries.

While there are numerous factors that can contribute to a rollover crash, the main culprit in these crashes is driver negligence. For this reason, victims are urged to meet with a licensed attorney to discuss legal options.

At TSR Injury Law, we know how devastating a rollover crash can be and we are prepared to help victims, at no upfront cost. Our Minneapolis vehicle accident lawyers have obtained millions for crash victims.

Call today to set up your free legal consultation: (612) TSR-TIME.

What is a Rollover Crash?

A rollover crash occurs when a vehicle either rolls over onto its side or flips upside down. Sometimes vehicles stop rolling when they hit the pavement. However, if a vehicle is traveling at a significant speed, it may rollover two or more times before coming to rest.

Sometimes a rollover crash involves two or more vehicles. However, rollover crashes are often single-vehicle crashes where the driver made a dangerous maneuver that caused the vehicle to roll. While single-vehicle rollovers are incredibly dangerous, the risk of a death goes up significantly when more than one vehicle is involved.

How Do Cars Flip Over in a Crash?

Rollover crashes can be divided into two main categories: untripped rollovers and tripped rollovers.

Tripped Rollover Crashes

This is the most common type of rollover crash and occurs when one of the vehicle’s tires digs into soft ground or hits a curb, ditch, guardrail or median. This creates a sudden increase in lateral force, causing the weight of the vehicle to shift to one side, creating the potential to roll the vehicle before regaining control.

A tripped rollover often happens after a collision with another vehicle. The impact could push one vehicle off the road and cause the wheels to hit something that shifts the weight of the vehicle. Tripped rollovers may also be more likely to happen when the roads are slick from rain, snow or ice.

Tripped rollovers can also happen when a vehicle:

Untripped Rollover Crashes

An example of an untripped rollover crash would be one that occurs when a driver attempts to turn at high speed. As the vehicle turns, gravity and inertia push the vehicle toward the outside of the curve. The weight of the vehicle itself can cause it to rollover. This can be attributed to the force of inertia overcoming your tire’s grip on the road. An untripped rollover like this is more likely to happen if the vehicle is top heavy.

Untripped rollovers can also occur when one vehicle makes evasive maneuvers to avoid a collision with another vehicle. For example, if the driver of a top-heavy vehicle swerves to avoid a rear-end crash, it could rollover in the direction he or she swerved.

What Factors Can Contribute to a Rollover Crash?

There are countless factors that could contribute to a rollover collision, such as:

Negligent driving is a factor in almost all rollover collisions. That means whether you were a passenger in the negligent driver’s car or in another car, you may be able to seek compensation for your damages.

Proving negligent driving can be a challenge. That is why victims need an experienced lawyer to assist them. Insurance companies often downplay car crashes and try to find a reason to deny these claims. They are also far more likely to take a claim seriously if you are represented by an experienced lawyer.

What Types of Vehicles Are Most Likely to Roll Over?

The higher a vehicle is off the ground, the more likely it is to roll over. Large trucks, SUVs and even crossovers have a higher risk of rolling over, either from driver negligence or a collision with another vehicle or fixed object. Full size passenger vans also have a higher risk of rolling over.

It is also important to note, any large vehicles will have a higher risk for rolling over if they are overloaded, particularly if cargo has been loaded on the roofs of these vehicles.

SUVs that have off-road suspensions installed may also have an increased risk of rolling over due to the raised height of the vehicle.

Common Rollover Crash Injuries

There are many reasons why serious injuries are common in rollover collisions. For example, the roof could cave in when the vehicle flips over, the airbags could deploy improperly and cause injury, and if the vehicle rolls multiple times, you could get tossed around and suffer multiple serious injuries.

Some of these injuries include:

How to Lower the Risk of a Vehicle Rollover

Sometimes there is no way to prevent a crash with another car. However, there are many things you can do to lower your risk of a rollover crash.

For example, avoid going too fast around a corner. This is dangerous no matter what type of vehicle you are in, but particularly in larger vehicles that are higher above the road.

Speeding is a bad idea. Not only is it against the law, but it puts you at higher risk for many types of crashes. If you hit something unexpectedly at high speed, there is a risk you could lose control of your vehicle.

Make sure your tires are properly inflated and balanced. Unbalanced tires can make the car harder to control around corners. Replacing old, worn-down tires is also a necessity.

Avoid distracted driving. If you are driving while distracted, you might not notice an avoidable hazard, causing your vehicle to roll over.

TSR Injury Law is Ready to Assist You. Contact Us

Rollover collisions can have permanent or even fatal consequences. That is why victims should strongly consider talking to an experienced lawyer about their options. An attorney may be able to recover compensation to cover the injuries and damages you suffered.

TSR Injury Law has obtained more than $1 billion on behalf of injured victims in Minnesota. We also take cases on contingency, which means there are no upfront fees for our services.

Have legal questions? We are here to help. Call (612) TSR-TIME.

Sometimes a rollover crash involves two or more vehicles. However, rollover crashes are often single-vehicle crashes where the driver made a dangerous maneuver that caused the vehicle to roll. While single-vehicle rollovers are incredibly dangerous, the risk of a death goes up significantly when more than one vehicle is involved.”
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“name”: “What Factors Can Contribute to a Rollover Crash?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “There are countless factors that could contribute to a rollover collision, such as:

Distracted driving
Speeding
Drunk or impaired driving
Turning too hard
Overloading the car with cargo
Side impact from another vehicle, such as in an intersection
Driving too fast around a corner
Losing control of the car and veering down an embankment
Inclement weather (rain, snow, ice, road debris, potholes, etc.)
Negligence by the designer or manufacturer of the vehicle
Drowsy driving
Aftermarket tires that grip the road better than stock tires
Old, worn tires that do not grip the ground well, which can lead to skidding and rolling over

Negligent driving is a factor in almost all rollover collisions. That means whether you were a passenger in the negligent driver’s car or in another car, you may be able to seek compensation for your damages.

Proving negligent driving can be a challenge. That is why victims need an experienced lawyer to assist them. Insurance companies often downplay car crashes and try to find a reason to deny these claims. They are also far more likely to take a claim seriously if you are represented by an experienced lawyer.”
}
}]
}

Do you know your rights after a car crash on private property? Can you file a claim just like you would after a collision on public property? Could the private property owner be held liable?

If you were injured in a crash on private property in the Bloomington area, TSR Injury Law may be able to help you. Our law firm has been working with crash victims for decades, helping them secure compensation for their medical costs and other damages. The initial consultation with an experienced Bloomington vehicle accident lawyer is free, and we are not paid unless you receive compensation.

Below, we discuss some of the things you need to know about private property car crashes and your rights as a victim.

We are ready to take your call. Phone: (612) TSR-TIME.

Common Types of Private Property Car Crashes

There are many different types of car accidents that could happen on private property in Minnesota. These are some of the most common types:

Collisions Caused by Unsafe Road Conditions

Potholes and damaged roads can cause you to lose control of your vehicle, causing a crash with another vehicle or a fixed object, like a road sign, tree or construction barricade.

Crashes With Drivers Backing Out of Parking Spaces

There are many reasons why crashes happen in parking lots. One of the most common is reckless driving while a car is backing out of a parking space. For example, the driver of the car that is backing out may have failed to look before backing up. An accident may also be caused if the driver in the through lane attempts to pass another vehicle backing out of a parking space.

Crashes in Fields or Other Temporary Parking Areas

When you go to concerts, fairs or other events, you may need to park in a field which can be confusing in these locations. Drivers may not know where they are supposed to go, and they may be distracted while they are trying to figure it out.

Crashes on Gravel or Dirt Roads

It can be much harder to handle your vehicle on a gravel or dirt, as opposed to a paved roadway. Unfortunately, drivers may skid or lose control because they are either unfamiliar with driving on gravel or they failed to take precautions while driving on these types of roads.

Crashes in Parking Garages or Narrow Roadways

Parking garages often have narrow through lanes, which makes it hard to safely accommodate two-way traffic. This can make it hard to avoid a head-on collision with another car. Drivers often speed in parking garages, giving you less time to react to avoid a collision, particularly around blind corners.

What Are the Differences Between Collisions on Public and Private Property?

For the most part, private property car crashes are the same as car crashes that happen on public roads. Those involved may suffer injuries and they may also have vehicle damage that needs to be repaired.

That said, there are some key differences between public and private property crashes.

Speed of the Accident

Many private property collisions happen while vehicles are traveling at relatively slow speeds. This is partly because the speed limit on private property is lower than the speed limit on public roads. Drivers may be looking for a parking space or be unsure of where they are going, which often leads to traveling at a slower speed.

However, serious injuries can still occur in crashes that happen at slower speeds. You should never assume the pain or discomfort you feel will go away on its own. You should always seek medical care after a crash. You could be suffering from:

Fault for the Crash

Drivers are often the ones held liable for vehicle crashes. However, sometimes other factors may play a role in a private property collision. If the condition of the road contributed to the collision, the property owner may be at fault.

Property owners have a duty of care to everyone who comes onto their property legally. Generally, property owners need to take reasonable action to avoid putting visitors in an unreasonable amount of danger. If it was reasonable to expect a road condition or other hazard to be fixed or blocked off, the property owner may be liable if the condition causes an accident.

For example, if your crash was caused by a blind corner in a parking garage, the property owner may be liable for the negligent design of the garage. If there were dangerous potholes on a private road and driving over one caused a crash, the property owner may be liable for failing to fill these holes.

Private property owners have the right to set the rules of the road. If they set the speed limit too high, they may be increasing the risk of a crash.

If there is a blind corner, it may be reasonable to put in a light that will blink when the road is clear. Without such a light, it may be almost impossible to judge if you have enough time to make the turn before approaching cars.

What Steps Should I Take After a Car Accident on Private Property?

You should take the same steps you would take after a crash on a public road or highway.

1. Call 9-1-1

Always call 9-1-1 after a crash. The officers investigating the crash will write a report which serves as one of the first official records of what happened. Without a police report the insurance company may say you were injured by something besides the crash. Even if you did not call the police while you were at the scene, you should call them after the fact.

The report contains the other driver’s insurance and contact information and may also contain the officer’s assessment of fault for the collision.

2. Exchange Information With the Other Driver

While you are waiting for the police to arrive, exchange information with the other driver, including:

It may be easier to simply take pictures of these documents.

Depending on where the collision occurred, the property owner may be nearby. If so, ask for this person’s contact information.

3. Gather Evidence at the Scene

Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may be able to collect evidence. For example, you could take pictures of both vehicles and record everything you recall from the crash. Make sure you are not putting yourself in harm’s way by staying out of the street and avoiding areas with passing traffic.

There may be security cameras that captured the collision. If you see any cameras, be sure to take pictures of them.

4. Go to the Hospital

It is a bad idea to wait to seek treatment. If you wait to seek treatment your injuries may worsen significantly. You are also making it harder to obtain compensation. Insurance companies may get suspicious about the gap between the crash and when you sought treatment and can use this timeline to bolster their case against you.

Why You Need an Experienced Attorney

There are numerous benefits to hiring an experienced attorney to help you with your car crash claim, including:

If you have any questions about the benefit of an experienced law firm after a car accident, we are available to answer your legal questions.

TSR Injury Law is Here to Help. Call Today

Car insurance companies are always looking for some way to get out of paying fair compensation to crash victims. That is why victims need experienced legal assistance.

TSR Injury Law has obtained more than $1 billion on behalf of our clients. We have successfully taken on powerful insurance companies and obtained favorable results for our clients.

No upfront fees or legal obligations. Call (612) TSR-TIME.

April was Distracted Driving Awareness Month. All month long, law enforcement in Minnesota was striving to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and the state’s hands-free law prohibiting texting and driving. There were more than 275 agencies in Minnesota taking part in these efforts.

However, despite the extra attention, and four people dying in distracted driving crashes earlier this year, more than 3,400 drivers were ticketed for distracted driving in April.

Below, TSR Injury Law discusses the risks of distracted driving, along with Minnesota’s hands-free law and the penalties for violating it. If you were injured in a distracted driving crash, our Minneapolis vehicle crash lawyers are ready to help you seek compensation for your medical costs and other damages.

Call today. There are no upfront fees. (612) TSR-TIME.

Alarming Statistics on Distracted Driving in Minnesota

Mike Hanson, the director of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Office of Traffic Safety, says it is “mind-blowing” that drivers do not understand why they should not be distracted behind the wheel. Drivers need to be focused on the road, not their phones, food or personal grooming, according to Hanson.

Distractions put drivers at much greater risk of a crash with another vehicle, and the results of these collisions can be devastating. In 2022 alone, 22 people died and there were 126 injuries attributed to distracted driving collisions in Minnesota.

Distracted driving is not just dangerous, some forms of it are illegal in Minnesota. Starting August 1, 2019, it became illegal to hold your phone or other electronic devices while you are driving. You are allowed to use your phone to make a call, send a text, listen to podcasts or music, or to get directions. However, this is only legal if you do so with voice commands or by activating the device with one touch.

The first distracted driving offense comes with a $120 fine. The second offense and subsequent offenses come with a $300 fine. You will also be responsible for paying court fees.

While distracted driving was a factor in one of every 11 car crashes in Minnesota between 2018 and 2022, the news is not all bad. In 2022, the number of deaths and serious injuries from distracted driving crashes hit their lowest levels since the hands-free law was passed in 2019.

What Are the Risks of Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving means operating your vehicle while your attention is diverted from the task of driving. Common examples of distracted driving activities include:

There are three main types of distracted driving:

• Cognitive distractions – A cognitive distraction is one that affects your concentration while you are behind the wheel. For example, talking on the phone or texting are examples of things that divert your concentration from driving. Even if you are not looking at your phone, your brain is focused on the conversation. Your brain can only focus on so many things at a time, which is why cognitive distractions are so dangerous. Other examples of cognitive distractions can include thinking about something that stresses you out or simply being excited about where you are going.
• Visual distractions – Visual distractions are things that take your eyes off the road. For example, you may look away from the road to adjust the air conditioning or the radio. Other common examples may include talking to your child in the back seat or watching a weck on the side of the road while driving by.
• Physical distractions – These are distractions that result in the driver taking one or both hands off the wheel. Some examples include taking your hands off the wheel to eat or drink, or simply grabbing a dropped toy or device for a child.

Many distractions fall under all three categories. For example, texting takes one hand off the wheel, while also taking your eyes off the road and your mind off the task of being a safe driver.

The problem with distracted driving is that it makes it harder to operate your vehicle safely and avoid a collision. For example, if you look down at your phone for just five seconds while traveling at 55 miles per hour, you will have traveled the length of a football field. This dramatically increases the risk of a crash.

Texting and driving is often a contributing factor in rear-end collisions. Drivers are looking away from the road and when they look back, they are unable to stop before crashing into the back of the car in front of them. If they were paying attention, they would have been more likely to notice the stopped car in time to slow down and avoid a crash.

Distractions like conversations with passengers or anxiety about something going on in your life might not pull your eyes away from the road. However, your lack of concentration could result in speeding, a failure to stay in a lane, or failure to use a turn signal.

While many drivers say they understand the dangers of being distracted, they continue to engage in distracted driving behaviors. Many people are unaware of how long they are not focused while driving.

Call TSR Injury Law to Discuss Legal Options After a Crash

If you were injured or lost a loved one because another driver was distracted, our experienced lawyers may be able to help you seek compensation. Our firm has decades of experience helping Minnesota crash victims recover the compensation they need.

There are no upfront costs or fees with our services. The initial consultation is also free of charge. If we do not recover compensation, we do not get paid.

TSR Injury Law. Experienced Lawyers. Proven Results. Call (612) TSR-TIME.

If one of the vehicles involved in a car crash was parked, the driver of the other vehicle is most likely at fault. The situation could become more complicated if the car that got hit was illegally parked.

Is it possible for the driver who illegally parked the vehicle to be found partially at fault? What if the parked vehicle was hard to see?

Victims of illegally parked car crashes who were injured may be able to file claims for compensation. If you have questions after a Minnesota car crash, contact TSR Injury Law’s Minneapolis vehicle accident lawyers. We can discuss legal options and we have the resources and experience to guide you through the legal process.

TSR Injury Law. No upfront fees. Call (612) TSR-TIME.

What is the Definition of an Illegally Parked Vehicle in Minnesota?

An illegally parked vehicle is one that is parked in violation of state law. Under Section 169.34 of Minnesota Statutes, it is illegal to park a vehicle in any of the locations listed below:

The only time parking in any of these locations may be legal is if it is necessary to avoid other traffic, or you are being directed to park in these locations by the police or a traffic control device.

Parking in any of these locations is not only illegal, but it can also increase the risk of another car hitting yours. Parking rules are meant to prevent you from getting into a crash and prevent passing cars from hitting yours.

A crash with a parked car could cause serious injuries. Even though the other car was not moving, you may have been going fast enough to cause extensive damage. Even at 20 mph, you could suffer a serious injury that creates significant medical bills. For example, your head could whip forward, causing whiplash. You could also suffer other soft-tissue injuries such as sprains and contusions. This is why it is so important for drivers to only park or stop their vehicles where the law allows.

Who is at Fault for an Illegally Parked Car Crash in Minnesota?

Typically, if a crash involves one vehicle that was stopped and another that was in motion, the driver of the car that was moving is likely going to be held liable. However, the situation is more complicated when one of the vehicles was parked illegally.

In these situations, one of the most important questions is whether you could have avoided a collision with the parked vehicle. If the crash happened in the daytime and the other car was clearly visible, it would be difficult to hold the other driver at fault.

Even if another driver does something illegal, you may have time to slow down, stop or change lanes to avoid a crash. If it was reasonable for you to take steps to avoid a collision and you did not, the crash may be your fault. If you are unable to avoid a collision because you were distracted or speeding, you are probably the at-fault party.

However, if you were on a dark street at night and it was hard to see a double-parked vehicle, it may have been much harder for you to avoid a crash. For example, if you were coming around a blind corner and a vehicle was stopped in the middle of the road or halfway in the road and another car is coming in the other direction, you might be unable to slow down or stop to prevent a crash.

Another example would be a collision in a roundabout, particularly if the crash happened at night. Sometimes it is difficult to see around the curve of a roundabout because of landscaping in the middle. If a car is stopped, you might not see it until you are right up behind it and a collision may be unavoidable.

If a driver’s car stops running for some reason and the driver stops the car in the middle of the road, without turning on his or her hazard lights, that driver might be partially at fault for a collision with a passing vehicle.

What if I Was in the Parked Vehicle?

Even though you broke the law by parking where you did, another driver may be the sole party at fault for the collision. You may be able to seek compensation from that driver’s liability insurance policy. The other driver that hit you may have been negligent for hitting your car, especially if they were driving reckless, or under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

Illegally parked car crash cases can be complex, which is why you should discuss the situation with an experienced attorney.

What Happens if the Other Driver is Partially at Fault?

In Minnesota, you are responsible for the percentage of damages that corresponds to your percentage of fault for a collision. In other words, if you are found to be 20 percent at fault, you can only recover 80 percent of the cost of your damages. State law also prohibits you from recovering compensation if you are more at fault than the other party involved in the claim.

What this means for a crash with an illegally parked vehicle is you could only recover compensation in a liability claim if your percentage of fault was less than the other driver’s percentage of fault. Any percentage of fault you bear will be deducted from compensation you recover.

Filing a Claim After a Crash With an Illegally Parked Car

Even if you cannot file a liability claim against the driver of the parked car, you should be able to file a no-fault claim with your own insurance company. Minnesota is a no-fault state, which means drivers are required to purchase personal injury protection insurance. This type of insurance covers medical expenses and other damages no matter who is at fault for a crash.

What to Do After an Illegally Parked Car Crash

You should move your vehicle out of the flow of traffic. If it was hard for you to avoid a crash, it may be hard for other drivers to avoid one as well.

It is illegal to leave the scene of a car crash. If you hit a parked car and the owner is not there, you should leave a note on the parked car. The note should include your contact information, insurance information and other information you would exchange with the driver if he or she was there.

It is also understandable to expect you to make a reasonable effort to find the driver. If anyone else is there, ask if they know the driver or how to contact him or her.

If you were injured, you should call 9-1-1. They will most likely send a police officer to the scene to investigate and complete a report as well as an ambulance for medical evaluation.

While you wait for the police to arrive, you can try to collect evidence. This could include pictures of the damage to both of your vehicles. You can also photograph the location and damage created by the crash, such as skid marks or debris. That said, be cautious. You do not want to be walking around in an open lane of traffic and risk getting hit by a passing car.

Call to Discuss Your Car Crash

Many car crash victims think they do not need an attorney. They assume they can file an insurance claim on their own and get the compensation they need.

However, your injuries could be worse than you think. Insurance companies routinely try to underpay claims, even if victims were seriously injured.

TSR Injury Law has been taking on insurance companies for decades. Our attorneys have secured millions for crash victims and our services come with no upfront fees.

We are ready to help you seek compensation. Call (612) TSR-TIME.

While car crash eye injuries do not get as much attention as spinal cord or traumatic brain injuries, they are quite common. These injuries could result in temporary or even permanent loss of vision, which would be devastating on multiple levels.

Below, TSR Injury Law’s experienced attorneys discuss common eye injuries that occur in motor vehicle collisions, including how they occur, their symptoms and their long-term effects.

Did you suffer an eye injury in a collision? Our Minneapolis auto accident attorneys are here to help and there are no upfront fees charged with our services.

Call us to set up your free legal consultation: (612) TSR-TIME.

How Could a Car Crash Cause an Eye Injury?

There are many ways crash victims could suffer damage to one or both of their eyes in a crash. Common causes of car crash eye injuries include:

What Types of Eye Injuries Can Happen in Vehicle Collisions?

Car crashes could cause vehicle occupants to suffer various eye injuries, including:

Detached Retina

This is an injury that needs to be treated as soon as possible, otherwise, you might suffer permanent loss of vision in the eye.

The retina is the light-sensitive tissue in the back of your eye. Blunt force trauma to the head during a car crash could damage the tissue or cause it to detach. That said, retinal detachment can occur even without your head getting hit during the crash. If the crash shakes your head around violently enough, your retina could detach.

Orbital Bone Fractures

Blunt trauma to your face could cause the portion of your skull surrounding your eyes to fracture. For example, this might happen if you hit your face on your steering wheel or dashboard. It is also possible for the airbag to cause orbital bone fractures when it deploys.

Car crash orbital fractures are an indication of the force generated during a car crash. The orbital bones are some of the strongest bones in your body, which means it takes significant force to cause them to break.

If you suffer an orbital bone fracture, doctors should evaluate you for a brain injury and determine the severity of your eye injury.

Hyphema

This occurs when blood leaks into the anterior chamber of one of your eyes. The anterior chamber is the space between your iris and cornea. Referred to as hyphema by medical professionals, the collection of blood in the font of the eye is often a symptom of serious damage to one of your eyes.

Corneal Abrasion

This injury is also referred to as a scratched eye. This is often caused by a sharp object, such as glass or debris, hitting your eye and scratching it.

One of the dangers of a corneal abrasion is that your eye is more susceptible to becoming infected by fungus or bacteria. It can take just one day for bacteria or fungi to damage your eye after entering through a corneal abrasion. Victims may also become temporarily blinded.

Vitreous Hemorrhage

The gel between your lens and retina is known as the vitreous humor. If blood gets into this area, you could experience blurry vision, floaters and flashes of light.

Optic Nerve Injury

Bleeding in your eye is dangerous because it could put pressure on your optic nerve. This nerve sends signals from your retina back to your brain. If there is too much pressure, circulation could get cut off, potentially causing permanent or temporary blindness.

Globe Rupture

A blunt object, such as a shard of glass or some other type of debris could penetrate your eye during the collision. This is a serious injury that may result in long-term or permanent damage to your eye, which might include blindness.

Chemical Burns

Car crashes could cause the release of hazardous chemicals that could get into your eyes. For example, defective airbags might release toxic chemicals when they deploy. You need to be careful after the crash not to rub a harmful chemical in your eyes with your hands.

Sometimes harmful substances merely cause eye irritation, leaving your eyes red for a time. However, the damage could be more severe.

Eye Lacerations

While some sharp objects might not enter the eye, they may slash it, causing a laceration, which is a severe cut. Often lacerations may heal on their own. But in the eye, it could cause more serious damage and should therefore not be taken lightly.

Black Eye

If you hit your face during the crash, you may develop a black eye. This happens when there is bleeding under the skin, resulting in discoloration of the skin around the eyes.

You might dismiss this injury as something that will heal on its own. While you may be right about the black eye, it may also be a symptom of a more serious underlying eye injury.

How Do You Know if You Suffered an Eye Injury in a Crash?

Eye pain and vision issues are common signs of an eye injury after a car crash. Here is a list of some of the common symptoms of serious eye injuries:

Symptoms of Eye Damage

How a Car Crash Eye Injury Could Impact Your Life

The ability to see is essential for many activities. Impaired vision can have a devastating impact on your ability to do these activities and can inhibit many other facets of your life as well.

Effect on Your Career

If you suffer permanent vision loss or impairment, you may be unable to return to the same job you had before the crash. You may need to start a new career that does not rely as much on vision.

At the very least, you may need to take days or weeks off work, which causes you to lose income. This makes it harder to pay your bills and support yourself and your family. In addition, you will likely need expensive medical care to give your injury the best chance to heal.

Non-Economic Effects of an Eye Injury

The non-economic damage resulting from an eye injury should not be underestimated. Victims may not be able to play with their children in the way they did before. The injury could also affect your relationship with your spouse, coworkers, and other family members. You may be unable to take part in the types of hobbies and leisure activities you once enjoyed which is why it is so important to get representation that will fight to get you the compensation you deserve, allowing you to focus on family and recovery.

Brain Injuries

Sometimes an eye injury accompanies a brain injury and traumatic brain injuries could result in long-term problems. These injuries could change the rest of your life, meaning you may need more help with daily activities because of cognitive deficits.

Compensation For Your Eye Injuries

If you suffer an eye injury in a car crash, you may be eligible to recover significant compensation. This may include compensation for:

Why You Need an Attorney to Help You Recover Full Compensation

One of the most important things to do after a car crash besides getting medical treatment is to contact an attorney. You may need significant compensation and you should not rely on insurance companies to settle your claim for what they believe it is worth.

By hiring an experienced attorney, you can rest assured knowing your case is in good hands and the appropriate steps are being taken to fight for your rights. The licensed attorneys at TSR Injury Law have been advocating for crash victims for decades and have secured significant compensation on their behalf.

Our firm knows how to build a strong case, and we have the resources to take the appropriate steps to do just that.

Did You Suffer an Eye Injury? Contact TSR Today

If your eyes were damaged in the crash, or you suffered another serious injury, we may be able to help you secure compensation so you can obtain the medical treatment you need. When we take a car crash case, our focus is on getting you full and fair compensation to help you deal with the effects of your injuries.

At TSR Injury Law, we have been securing millions for vehicle crash victims for decades. In total, our firm has recovered more than $1 billion on behalf of injured victims in Minnesota.

TSR Injury Law: No fees unless we win. Call us at (612) TSR-TIME.

Amazon ships hundreds of thousands of packages every day. That means any time you drive, there’s a good chance you’re going to see an Amazon delivery truck.

What you might not know is that many of the drivers operating these vehicles are inexperienced. This is largely because there is a high turnover among Amazon delivery truck drivers. If you combine that with the fact they each deliver about 250-300 packages per day, it significantly increases the risk of being involved in a crash.

If you get injured in a collision with an Amazon delivery truck, there are certain steps you should take to protect your health, safety, and the potential for a claim compensation.

Here’s what a step-by-step look at what you should do if a driver for Amazon hits your car:

Call TSR Injury Law today to discuss your claim: (612) TSR-TIME.

1. Call the Police to Report the Crash With the Amazon Truck

If an Amazon driver has hit your car with their delivery truck, the first thing you should do after the accident is call the police. Minnesota requires you to call the police after any crashes that cause:

• Injuries or fatalities OR
• $1,000 or more in property damage

When the responding officer arrives, he or she will assess the scene, evaluating the damage to both vehicles and making note of any injuries. The officer’s observations will be noted in an accident report, which will help you when pursuing insurance compensation. In essence, the report helps connect your injuries and property damage to the collision.

Responding officers will also take whatever steps are necessary to help secure the scene and keep passing drivers away from the scene. This is important for keeping you and the truck driver safe while the officer assesses the scene and completes a report.

When you call the police, be sure to tell the dispatcher if they should send an ambulance to provide treatment and/or transportation to the hospital.

You may think your injuries are not that serious, but this is not something you should determine on your own. Instead, err on the side of caution and allow a licensed medical professional to evaluate your injuries.

Amazon trucks are often much larger than the vehicles they hit, which could result in severe injuries, such as:

2. Exchange Information With the Amazon Driver

While you wait for law enforcement to arrive, you should exchange information with the Amazon truck driver, including:

3. Get Medical Care for Your Injuries

You may be able to seek compensation for the crash, but your health is the priority. The first place you should go after leaving the scene is the emergency room. There you can be seen by qualified medical professionals to identify your injuries and begin to take steps to stabilize them.

Seeking immediate treatment is not only important for your health, but also your claim. Immediate treatment leaves little doubt about the cause of your injuries. If you wait to go to the hospital, insurance companies are likely going to claim your injuries were caused by something else.

4. Document the Crash

It is certainly helpful when our clients gather information about their crash while they are at the scene. However, this should only be done if you will not be putting yourself in danger or aggravating your injuries. If you are unable to move your car out of the flow of traffic and away from danger, it may be best to stay in your vehicle until the police arrive.

Some of the ways you can document the scene of your Amazon delivery truck crash include:

5. Call an Experienced Attorney

You may think about calling the liable insurance company to file a claim and begin the process of pursuing compensation. However, if you have a significant injury, insurance companies are going to look for some reason to deny your claim. They may also offer a tiny sum of money to settle your claim. Even if the offer sounds like a lot, there’s a good chance it’ll be nowhere close to the actual value of your damages.

In addition, you may have a long-term injury, which means you may need significant compensation for months or even years down the road. In these situations, you need an experienced attorney to help you seek full compensation. Without full compensation, you might not be able to get all the treatments your doctor recommends. Financial struggles may also arise if you are unable to work due to your injuries. This is even more reason to reach out to an experienced attorney for options and advice.

Talking to the insurance company can be a bad idea because you might say something that hurts your claim:

These are just a few examples of innocent statements victims often make. However, things you say can be used against you and could hurt your claim for compensation from Amazon regarding your auto accident.

You should not try to take on powerful insurance companies, especially those associated with a huge company like Amazon, on your own. At TSR Injury Law, our experienced attorneys can manage the entire legal process on your behalf. This means we can:

We have the resources and experience to manage your case from start to finish, and there are no upfront costs.

Can Amazon Be Held Liable for Your Crash?

This is just one of many examples of a question that an experienced attorney from our firm can answer. Often the answer to this question is no. Amazon is not going to be held liable for damages from a crash caused by an Amazon delivery driver.

Amazon delivery truck drivers are independent contractors. They are not employees of Amazon, even though:

• Drivers wear uniforms with the Amazon logo.
• Drivers operate Amazon trucks.
• Amazon determines drivers’ routes and supplies – they control drivers’ schedules.

It is cheaper to employ independent contractors because they do not have the same rights as employees. Part of the reason it is cheaper is that Amazon is unlikely to be held liable for damages caused by the actions of independent contractors.

All of this means Amazon is probably not directly liable for your damages. Your attorney will likely need to file a claim with the private insurance policy held by the independent contractor. Amazon may have hired the driver through another company. If so, they may have insurance coverage for the driver who caused your crash.

Minnesota is a no-fault state, so you can also seek first-party compensation from your own car insurance coverage. This could include compensation for medical expenses and other damages.

Amazon Employees vs. DSP Contractors: Who Is Liable?

Most drivers delivering Amazon packages are not Amazon employees. Instead, Amazon contracts with small local companies called Delivery Service Partners (DSPs), which hire their own drivers.

From the outside, it can be hard to tell. DSP drivers wear Amazon uniforms, drive Amazon-branded vans, and follow Amazon’s delivery metrics. But because Amazon classifies these drivers as DSP employees rather than Amazon employees, Amazon will typically argue it has no direct liability for a crash.

Whether Amazon itself can be held liable is a more complex legal question that depends on the degree of control Amazon exercised over the driver’s work.

What if the Amazon Truck Driver Hits My Car and Runs?

Despite being an unfortunate situation no matter what, when the vehicle that hit you and ran is a marked Amazon delivery truck, that detail can help investigators. Amazon trucks are identifiable, and the company’s delivery records and GPS tracking may help law enforcement locate the driver.

That said, you should still take the same steps you would after any hit and run when the perpetrator is an Amazon truck:

• Try to note the license plate number
• Mark down the direction the truck went and any identifying details you can
• Call the police immediately and report the crash
• Do not chase after the driver

Because Minnesota is a no-fault state, you can turn to your own personal injury protection (PIP) coverage for medical expenses regardless of whether the driver is found. If the driver cannot be identified, your uninsured motorist coverage may also apply.

What if the Driver Was Using His or Her Own Vehicle?

The Amazon Flex program allows people to deliver packages using their own vehicles. If the at-fault driver for Amazon was using a personal vehicle, you may have a compensation claim from that driver’s personal auto insurance policy.

Amazon also provides a commercial auto insurance policy for these drivers. Compensation from this insurance may be available if you exhaust the driver’s personal insurance policy.

Compensation for an Amazon Delivery Truck Crash

Victims of Amazon delivery truck crashes may be able to seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages, such as:

Call TSR Injury Law to Discuss Your Car Crash Claim

When an Amazon driver has hit your car and after you call the police, the next people you should call are us.

TSR Injury Law has been helping victims of motor vehicle crashes for decades, securing millions on behalf of our clients. Overall, our firm has obtained more than $1 billion for our clients.

An initial consultation is free, and there are no upfront fees for our services. We are not paid for representing you unless we secure compensation.

Contact us right away. Phone: (612) TSR-TIME.

Medical marijuana became legal in Minnesota in 2014. According to Minnesota’s Office of Medical Cannabis, there were more than 40,000 patients in the state’s Medical Cannabis Registry as of March 23, 2023. There is no doubt that many of these patients drive, which also means they could be involved in crashes.

If an insurer finds out a crash victim has a prescription for medical marijuana, you can be sure the insurer will try to use this fact against them. Even if you have been following Minnesota law and using medical marijuana responsibly, the insurance company may say you caused, or partially caused the crash.

TSR Injury Law’s experienced Minneapolis auto accident lawyers discuss medical marijuana and car crash liability. If you were injured in a crash caused by another driver, we are here to help.

Free Consultation. No Upfront Fees. Call (612) TSR-TIME.

Seeking Compensation After a Minnesota Car Crash

It is important to remember Minnesota is a no-fault state, which means you can seek compensation from your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance no matter who is at fault. PIP provides compensation for hospital and medical bills, along with lost wages and replacement services.

After some crashes, your lawyer may also recommend filing a liability insurance claim against the at-fault driver. It will be up to your attorney to provide evidence that the other driver’s actions were the cause of the collision that resulted in your damages.

In a liability insurance claim, a crash victim’s medicinal marijuana prescription may come into question. As the insurance company is going to try to use this against the victim, it is important for victims to inform their attorneys if they have a prescription.

Keep in mind that insurance companies may try to use prescriptions for other medications against you as well. This is especially true if you are taking medications that causes drowsiness or other side effects that affect your ability to safely operate a car.

Who Can Get a Prescription for Medical Marijuana in Minnesota?

Use of medical marijuana in Minnesota is only legal for people with certain medical conditions, including:

How Medical Marijuana May Impair Your Ability to Drive

Even though you have a prescription, the Minnesota Department of Health advises patients not to drive or operate heavy machinery while experiencing the effects of medicinal cannabis. These effects can include delayed reaction time and impaired reflexes.

The duration of side effects from medical cannabis depends on many factors, such as:

While these factors must be considered when determining how long marijuana affects a user, side effects typically last several hours.

If you get into a car crash while you are still experiencing side effects from the use of medical marijuana, you could bear some amount of liability for the collision. This is especially true if there is evidence your negligence behind the wheel was at least part of the reason for the crash. For example, if you rear-ended another vehicle, it is easier for the opposing side to argue your reaction time was delayed. It is a reasonable argument that your medical marijuana use was the reason why you did not stop in time to avoid a collision.

Could You Be Held Liable Because of Your Medical Marijuana Prescription?

It would be difficult for the insurance company to hold a medical marijuana prescription against you if:

• Evidence supports that you were not driving recklessly during the crash
• You have a valid prescription
• You can establish responsible use of medical marijuana

It is important that victims of a car crash hire an attorney who is prepared to take the case to court. The possibility of going to court is often motivation enough for insurance companies to increase their offer of compensation.

Many insurance companies are also unwilling to risk going to court If your lawyer has strong evidence that is likely to convince a jury. Not only could the insurance company lose the lawsuit, but they may also end up paying much more than they would have had to pay in an out-of-court settlement.

The bottom line is that if you’ve suffered injuries in a crash that was not your fault, you need an experienced lawyer, with a history of results, fighting for the compensation you need.

Each car crash and resulting legal case is different. If you have questions about how a medical marijuana prescription may affect liability for the crash that injured you, contact us for assistance.

What if I Have a Positive Drug Test?

Another factor to consider is that even if you were not experiencing side effects, marijuana is likely to show up on a drug test weeks or even months after it is consumed. That is why you may need testimony from a doctor about how much THC was in your system and whether that amount would be enough to impair you as a driver.

This is yet another reason why crash victims, including those who use medical marijuana, need an experienced lawyer who is prepared to handle a complex car crash claim. An experienced lawyer knows how to find relevant experts to help build a strong case.

Were You Injured by a Negligent Driver? Call TSR Today

We have helped countless victims of car crashes in Minneapolis and throughout the state. We know the many challenges victims face, including the physical and emotional challenges presented by their injuries. We also know how devastating a car crash injury can be to your finances.

Our experienced attorneys are here to help you pursue the compensation you need for your injuries and damages. We have the legal knowledge and resources to guide you through the legal process.

We know many crash victims are concerned about the cost of hiring a lawyer, but at TSR there are no upfront costs. We do not get paid unless you receive compensation.

Have legal questions following a crash? Call TSR today: (612) TSR-TIME.