Call Now | Free Consultations 218-210-2043

CALL

Your Northern Minnesota Personal Injury Attorneys

Bemidji Car Accident Lawyers Serving Northern Minnesota

Last updated on May 21, 2025

We understand that being involved in a car accident can be an overwhelming and traumatic experience. In such difficult times, it’s crucial to have a compassionate and experienced legal team by your side ready to fight for your rights and guide you through the complexities of a personal injury claim. At Hazelton Law Group, our attorneys have been serving the communities of Bemidji and Grand Rapids for many years, building strong connections with the people they represent. Our mission is to not only provide effective legal representation but also educate our clients about their situations and their options.

Contact our Bemidji lawyers by calling 218-210-2043 or contacting us online. We serve all of Northern Minnesota.

Below, we have provided a selection of commonly asked questions that we receive at our office and the answers to them. If you have more, you can always reach out to our office to learn more.

Why Choose Hazelton Law Group

At Hazelton Law Group, we bring over 50 years of collective experience in personal injury law to Northern Minnesota. Our father-son team of Gary and Brooks Hazelton, along with Christine Andersen, is nationally esteemed for our advocacy and legal services. We educate and empower our clients, striving for justice and fair compensation in all of our cases. Our work is recognized by both local communities and national entities.

We’re proud to serve not only Minnesota but also extend our reach to tribal courts, Alaska, and North Dakota, ensuring our clients’ rights are upheld with dedication and zealous advocacy. You can learn more about our work by reading the words of our many satisfied clients. We have handled many injury claims stemming from car accidents, and have obtained seven-figure judgments for severe injuries such as spinal fractures, traumatic brain injuries and even wrongful death claims stemming from car crashes.

How Does Comparative Fault Law Work In Minnesota?

When it comes to car accidents, understanding the legal aspects is essential to determine if you have a valid claim. In Minnesota, we operate under a comparative fault system, which means that even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you may still be entitled to compensation. Our experienced lawyers are well versed in the intricacies of comparative fault law. We can assess your case to determine the strength of your claim. We will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the accident, gather evidence and build a solid argument to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Evaluating Your Legal Options

After a car accident, it is common to question whether you have grounds for a lawsuit. At Hazelton Law Group, our team believes in educating our clients about their legal options and empowering them to make informed decisions. Our dedicated attorneys will carefully evaluate the details of your case, including the extent of your injuries, the negligence of the other party and the impact on your life. They will provide honest and transparent guidance, helping you understand the viability of a lawsuit and the potential outcomes. Rest assured that they will tirelessly fight to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents In Minnesota

In accidents and challenging moments, uncertainty can be overwhelming since you don’t know the right legal step to take. Here, we provide answers to some of the top questions we hear from our clients about car accidents in Minnesota.

When are car accidents most likely in northern Minnesota?

Car accidents in northern Minnesota are typically most common during two seasons: winter and summer, each bringing different risks for drivers.

In the winter, crashes often happen because of hazardous road conditions caused by:

  • Icy or snow-covered roads
  • Freezing rain that creates black ice
  • Poor visibility from snowstorms and shorter daylight hours
  • Loss of vehicle control on rural or poorly plowed roads

In the summer, accident risks increase due to heavy lake and cabin traffic, among other factors. Common summer-related accident risks include:

  • Congested roads during weekends, holidays and the fishing opener
  • Improperly secured boats, trailers or recreational vehicles
  • Inexperienced drivers towing heavy loads
  • Overloaded trailers causing swaying or loss of control

Both winter and summer driving conditions require extra caution and defensive driving to avoid serious accidents in northern Minnesota.

What are the common causes of car accidents in northern Minnesota?

Drivers should be aware of the most common car accident causes in northern Minnesota, which include:

  • Rural road accidents involving high speeds, wildlife and sharp turns
  • Distracted driving, such as texting or adjusting navigation systems
  • Drunk or impaired driving, especially around holidays, long weekends and special events
  • Poor weather conditions, including snow, ice, rain and fog

Understanding these common risks can help drivers stay safer on northern Minnesota’s roads.

What steps should I take after a car accident?

It is important to stay calm after a crash. Here is what to do after a car accident:

  1. Check yourself and others for injuries and call 911 if necessary
  2. Move your vehicle to a safe location if you can
  3. Exchange contact and insurance information with all parties involved
  4. Take photos of the vehicles, the accident scene and any visible injuries
  5. Notify your insurance company about the crash

Following these steps can protect your health, your legal rights and your ability to recover compensation after an accident.

How do I report a car accident in Minnesota, and who should I contact?

In Minnesota, reporting a car accident is required under certain circumstances. Drivers must take the following actions:

  • Contact law enforcement immediately if there is an injury, death or property damage of $1,000 or more
  • If police do not investigate at the scene, complete a Minnesota Motor Vehicle Crash Report within 10 days
  • Submit the completed report to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety

Our attorneys can provide guidance to ensure the accident scene was properly documented and reported to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.

What is the new law regarding distracted driving in Minnesota auto accidents?

According to the 2023 Minnesota statutes, in the event of a collision, the driver:

  • Must stop, investigate and remain at the scene if aware of injury or death without obstructing traffic
  • Remain at the scene of the accident if the collision involves another attended vehicle
  • Must provide personal information. Insurance details must be given within 72 hours if not provided at the scene
  • Must inform the owner of a damaged, unattended vehicle

Additionally, a driver operating a vehicle with the owner’s consent is considered the owner’s agent in case of accidents.

What is Minnesota’s stance on texting and driving, and how can it affect my accident case?

Minnesota prohibits texting and driving. Using a wireless device while driving can result in fines, with subsequent offenses incurring higher penalties. In accident cases, texting violations may strengthen claims by establishing negligence, but case specifics and evidence are crucial.

What are the legal implications of failing to yield the right-of-way in a car accident case?

When a driver fails to yield the right-of-way and causes an accident that leaves you injured, they are likely to be responsible for your medical expenses, lost income, property damage and more.

How is driver fatigue in a car accident treated in a personal injury claim?

If you believe driver fatigue contributed to a car accident, you may be able to build a case based on the other driver’s negligence. An experienced car accident lawyer knows how to gather evidence, such as witness statements, police reports or even medical records, to support your claim.

Trying to negotiate fair compensation takes a lot of work. Having an attorney representing you makes it easier for you to focus on healing.

What does comparative fault mean in personal injury?

When a court is reviewing who is at fault in a personal injury case, different standards can be applied to determine how damages will be allocated. Comparative fault is the one to which Minnesota applies. It means that when considering the harm caused, the court will also look at whether your actions contributed to the harm you suffered. Your potential recovery will then be reduced by the amount that you contributed to the damages you suffered. For example, if you were in a car accident and suffered $100,000 in harm, but were found to be 20% at fault for the accident, you will only be able to recover 80% of the damages you suffered.

Minnesota also applied an additional restriction, called the modified comparative negligence rule. Under this rule, if you are 51% or more at fault for the harm that you suffered, then you will be barred from obtaining any damages. This means that it is important to have a seasoned litigator who can help you establish the fault of the other driver and fight against any allegations of contributory fault on your part.

Experience, Results And Client Testimonials

With nearly 50 combined years of experience, our lawyers have a track record of success in handling car accident claims. They value educating our clients from day one. They have secured substantial settlements and verdicts for our clients, providing them with the financial support they need to recover and move forward. Our attorneys’ commitment to client satisfaction is reflected in the testimonials we have received from individuals they have represented. We encourage you to explore these testimonials and hear firsthand accounts of the personalized attention and exceptional legal representation our team provides.

Get Started With A Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, our Bemidji lawyers are here to help. Contact Hazelton Law Group at 218-210-2043 or through our online form to schedule a free consultation. Our compassionate team will listen to your story, answer your questions and provide you with the guidance you need to make informed decisions about your case. Remember, time is of the essence in personal injury claims, so reach out to us today. Our attorneys are ready to fight for you.