Auto Accidents

There was a serious head-on car crash near Gilbert early Christmas morning. Three people were involved in the two car crash.

According to the Minnesota State Patrol website, a 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier was traveling eastbound on Minnesota Hwy 135 west of Gilbert, at 12:20 a.m. The Cavalier was in the westbound lane, passing vehicles, when it struck a 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche heading west.

At least one person was seriously injured in the car crash. Officials have not released their identities or conditions. The website classified the crash as a serious injury accident.

There were multiple police departments working at the car crash site, including officers from Eveleth, Gilbert, and Virginia. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office and Minnesota State Patrol were also called to the scene. The car crash did not appear to be weather-related.

A Strain Bus Lines Motorcoach crashed and rolled on Interstate 90 Wednesday afternoon. Initial reports are that at least 23 people were on the bus at the time of the crash and that at least 2 people died at the scene.

The crash happened at about 3:30 p.m. on eastbound I-90. The bus crossed over into the westbound lanes, crashed, and landed on its side in the ditch. The interstate was closed to enable medical crews to assist. Seven ambulances and six helicopters responded from the area including, Mayo Clinic, Mercy Hospital, Austin Medical Center, St. Mary’s Hospital (Rochester) and Naeve Hospital (Albert Lea).

According to Freeborn County Chief Deputy Gene Arnold the driver of the bus was critically injured and transported to St. Mary’s Hospital. Arnold also stated that there were not enough ambulances to transport all of the victims.

The bus was owned and operated by Strain Bus Lines Motorcoach Tours, Rochester. It was making its weekly Wednesday shuttle from Rochester, Byron, Kasson, and Blooming Prairie to Diamond Jo Casino in Northwood, Iowa and back. The passengers were mostly senior citizens.

As recently as August of 2008, the bus had some mechanical issues. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Strain Bus Line has not had a fatal crash for the past two years, but they have had a higher percentage of buses that have been taken out of service compared to other bus companies.

Accident Victims Have Rights

The Minneapolis truck accident lawyers at TSR Injury Law are skilled, aggressive litigators. We have recovered millions for victims of motor vehicle accidents. Call (612) TSR-TIME or submit our free consultation form. Time is critical. Evidence needs to be preserved and witnesses interviewed.

When you take out your RV, whether for a weekend camping trip with the kids, or a month long tour with your spouse, you don’t ever plan on getting injured. You may have an itinerary of where to go, where to stay, who to see and what to bring but you don’t count on what happens if you are in a serious accident. RV accidents can result in life threatening and even fatal consequences. Any accident that occurs on the road can result in devastating injuries including:

• Serious brain and head injuries such as skull fractures
• Spine and back injuries
• Paralysis and permanent disability
• Concussions
• Nerve damage
• Death

ATV and Recreational Vehicle Accidents

At TSR Injury Law Firm we handle all personal injuries on and off the road. If you have been injured or if you are enquiring on the behalf of a loved one that was killed on the roads in an RV accident, then you have certain legal rights. Our qualified Minneapolis auto accident attorneys can help you see your options and understand what comes next in the often confusing and stressful task of trying to mend your life back together after a serious road accident.

We can help you determine what you are entitled for and offer our assistance to those faced with:

• Recreation vehicle accidents including campervans, motorcycles, ATV’s
• Boating and jet ski accidents
• Mechanic defects and product liability cases, such as improper tires
• DUI and DWI road accidents

We offer our assistance in a number of different ways. Our goal is to make this often difficult task as simplified and stress free to you and for your family. After all you have been through, you deserve this and much more! We offer:

• Complete investigation into the accident
• Defective product and liability research
• Insurance claims, denials and all other aspects of insurance related issues

Contact An RV Accident Lawyer in Minneapolis

Driving any type of vehicle on the road, from a motorcycle to a campervan, comes with certain risks. However, in many instances, the accident will not be your fault. There are several instances where you may be eligible for more compensation than what your insurance company is offering you. Instances where the accident is the direct result of someone else, such as a drunk driver, should be looked over by an experienced Minneapolis injury lawyer.

Call (612) TSR-TIME for a free initial consultation about your case or submit our free consultation form.

This weekend there were two more car crashes involving HCMC ambulances — on the heels of an ambulance accident last weekend where a pedestrian was killed. These two crashes were within minutes of each other. The second ambulance was responding to the first ambulance crash when it was hit by a drunk driver.

The first accident happened in North Minneapolis. The ambulance had its lights and siren going. A taxi cab failed to yield at the corner of Lyndale Avenue and Highway 55; the ambulance crashed into it. The cab driver was sited for failing to yield to an emergency vehicle.

The call was made that an ambulance was needed to take the taxi driver and his two passengers to the hospital, one passenger in serious condition. As the ambulance was driving to the accident, it was hit by a drunk driver, in a minivan, with no headlights on. The driver was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving.

In total eight people were involved in the two accidents. The four paramedics sustained minor injuries, two people were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, and one woman is still in serious condition at HCMC.

In Minnesota, most accidents file a claim on their own no-fault insurance coverage. No-fault covers:

• wage loss
• medical expenses
• replacement service
• funeral expenses
• burial expenses
• rehabilitation

There are many complexities in Minnesota insurance laws. It is in your best interests to contact an experienced Minneapolis personal injury lawyer. Our partners are skilled, aggressive litigators. We know Minnesota law. We know insurance. We will fight for compensation for you. Call (612) TSR-TIME or submit our contact form.

Tragedy struck early Sunday morning near Cambridge, Minnesota. A newly-licensed, 16-year-old-driver hit another vehicle at 2:40 a.m. The teen driver survived, but the four passengers in her vehicle died; as did the the two occupants of the other vehicle.

The 16-year-old was traveling east on Hwy 95, driving a 1998 Pontiac Grand Am, when she struck a westbound 2000 Oldsmobile Bravada. The roads were wet at the time of the crash. The name of the teen driver has not been released, because she is a minor and there is the possibility of criminal charges being brought against her.

The passengers in the Grand Am were: Kelsee Blackledge, 15; Stephen Kendryna, 16; Travis Buchan, 17; and Travis Gryczkowski, 21. The names of the deceased in the Bravada have not been released pending identification.

The Minnesota State Patrol was on the scene with the Braham Police Department, Cambridge Police Department, Isanti County Sheriff Office, and the Isanti Police Department. The driver of the Grand Am was wearing a seatbelt, but it appears that the other occupants were not buckled up. The accident is under investigation to see if alcohol played a role in the crash.

This was the third crash this weekend involving teen drivers on Minnesota roads. All three of the crashes involved fatalities.

Help For Victims’ Families

Our hearts go out to the families of the victims of these crashes. Nothing can be done to change the outcome of a tragic accident, but counseling, education, and getting involved with proactive, safety groups (like SADD or MADD) can help those left behind work through grief and benefit others.

If you want any information about your legal rights, call a Minneapolis injury lawyer at TSR Injury Law at (612) TSR-TIME or submit our contact form. Our lawyers are skilled, aggressive litigators. We can review your options and help in any way. The phone call is free.

A Brainerd man was injured in a motorcycle versus vehicle crash.

The 63-year-old man was injured after a motorcycle crash that involved a vehicle on Highway 18, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.

Leslie George Peck was transported to Essentia Health St. Joseph’s Medical Center where he was treated for his injuries and then released.

It was reported that a vehicle was driving westbound on Highway 18, while another was stopped in the westbound lane waiting to make a left turn. The vehicle that was headed westbound was driven by Edvin L. Sjolin, 51. He said that Peck’s motorcycle was in front of him and had to brake quickly and hard, so Sjolin braked quickly to avoid colliding with Peck’s motorcycle. When Sjolin looked in his rearview mirror and saw that a vehicle that was going to turn was braking hard and skidding, Sjolin accelerated up the right turn late to move out of the way, but he was unable to in time. This is when Peck’s motorcycle ran into Sjolin’s vehicle.

Peck told police that he did not see Sjolin’s brake lights until right before he hit him and that he was braking hard to avoid colliding with the car and found himself in the right turn lane to avoid colliding with the car. He said he couldn’t get around the vehicle and that is why he ran into the right rear corner of the vehicle.

Sjolin was not injured in the auto accident.

Faulty automobiles cause accidents throughout Minnesota and the United States every single day. Airbags, electrical systems, brakes, and much more are responsible for injuries that people sustain and, tragically, there are times in which death is the end result.

Another type of accident that is problematic is the rollover accident. This occurs when the wheels on one side of the vehicle leaves the road and causes the vehicle to tip over. This most frequently happens on curves or corners, but it can also occur when a person must swerve someone or something ready to hit them or to prevent themselves from being the cause of an accident. Defective tires can also lead to rollover accidents.

There are a number of reasons why injuries occur during rollover accidents rather than the rollover itself. One perfect example is a roof that is too weak to protect the occupants inside. In vehicles where rollovers are possible, the roof should be strong enough. This is where an experienced Minneapolis rollover accidents lawyer comes in. Your lawyer can address this issue when seeking compensation for you to pay for the monetary damages the injuries brought upon you.

Rollover Accident Categories

There are two categories of rollover accidents. They are:

• Negligence – The negligence of other drivers can lead to a rollover accident. They may fail to yield, fatigued, intoxicated, engaging in careless conduct, not paying attention, or doing something else that may cause the accident.
• Design Defect – SUV rollovers are common because of the design of these vehicles. The center of gravity is high, which makes them very susceptible to tipping and rolling. In fact, a rollover accident is three times more likely to occur in an SUV that a car.

Unfortunately, the fatality rate in a rollover accident is higher than any other type of crash due to weak roofs, breaking windows, seatbelts that do not retract to hold the occupants, and the absence of rollover-triggered side canopy airbags.

Compensation For Rollover Accident Injuries

The injuries that can result in a rollover accident can be fatal. If not fatal, a person can be paralyzed, have brain injuries, and be disabled for the rest of their lives from a number of other injuries that can occur. When that’s the case, compensation should be sought from the party that is responsible for accidents. This compensation is sought because the injuries result in medical expenses, lost wages, childcare costs, and so much more that can hurt you financially and add to your stress. Your Minnesota rollover accidents lawyer will fight for your rights and make sure those responsible are held accountable so you can reduce your stress by not having to worry about the financial consequences of your injuries.

Contact A Minneapolis Rollover Accidents Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a rollover accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. It is your right to hold the responsible party accountable for the injuries or the death that occurred.

To find out more, call (612) TSR-TIME and speak to a Minneapolis personal injury attorney at our firm, or fill out our online contact form and tell us about your case so you can schedule your free case evaluation and learn about your rights and options.

A Star Tribune delivery truck was broadsided by a Geo Prism, that ran a red light, early Monday morning. It happened at Washington Avenue North and 10th Avenue North, just around the corner from the distribution center.

The driver of the Prism tried to flee the scene, but was found and arrested under suspicion of driving under the influence. One person in the car was taken to Hennepin County Medical Center with serious injuries. The truck driver was not injured.

Sgt. Jesse Garcia of the Minneapolis Police Department said, “A drunk driver went through a red light and basically caused this accident.” The driver was identified. “He does have some priors, and he does have some alcohol-related charges on his driving record,” said Garcia. “So, you know, it sounds like someone that has issues with alcohol.”

If you have been injured by a drunk driver, you need professional legal representation to access all of the compensation available. Our car accident lawyers in Minneapolis are skilled, knowledgeable litigators with years of experience in personal injury law. TSR Injury Law is a sponsor of MADD Minnesota and the recipient of the 2008 MADD Choice Award.

Call (612) TSR-TIME or submit our free consultation form.

A car collided with a light-rail train in Bloomington Monday afternoon. The driver of the car and a train passenger were transported to the hospital with neck and back injuries.

A spokesman for Metro Transit reported that the driver of the train was able to slow down before the crash, but could not stop the train in time. The Chevrolet Malibu was exiting from eastbound Interstate 494, toward 34th Avenue South, when the brakes failed. The woman driving was not able to stop and crossed the path of the southbound Hiawatha Line train.

Metro Transit is investigating the incident, but it appears the car’s mechanical failures are to blame.

Any auto collision can be a very traumatic experience for everyone involved. If a vehicle malfunctioned, there may be a case for product liability. A product can be found deficient if it has a manufacturer’s defect or a design defect. It takes an aggressive litigator to investigate, persuade, and win deserved compensation. Contact an experienced car accident lawyer in Bloomington at (612) TSR-TIME. Our attorneys have decades of combined experience handling complex crash cases.

A New Year’s Day crash left 2 dead.

Scott Heckel, 44, of Pine City, was driving his 1995 Chevrolet GMT-400 east on Hwy 70 and attempted to pass in a no-passing zone. He crashed into a westbound 1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue, killing the driver and passenger. The deceased are Michael Moris, 50, and Robin Moris, 48, both of Pine City.

The GMT-400 then slid into the eastbound lane and side swiped a 1999 Dodge Caravan, sending it into the ditch. The driver, Patricia Denn, and passenger, Matthew Denn, sustained minor injuries. Heckel is in serious condition.

The accident is under investigation by Minnesota State Patrol and Pine County Sheriff’s Office. Alcohol is suspected and charges are pending.

If you have lost a loved one in an auto accident and believe that you have a case, contact an auto accident lawyer in Minneapolis at (612) TSR-TIME. We will work tirelessly for justice for your family.

A four-car crash, on Hwy 8 near Chisago City, left a 34-year-old woman dead. There were 9 people in the four vehicles. The other 8 occupants suffered minor injuries.

There were 3 vehicles waiting at a signal light on Hwy 8 at Johnson Lane. When the light turned green, they started to accelerate when they were rear-ended by a fourth vehicle, a 2000 Buick Century. According to the State Patrol, the fourth vehicle was traveling at highway speed.

The accident is under investigation. It did not appear to be alcohol-related.

Overall, the Labor Day weekend was relatively safe. The Minnesota State Patrol said that this was the only fatal accident this weekend. It was a significant drop from the 14 people killed in car crashes over Memorial Day weekend.

Help For Accident Victims’ Families

If your family has suffered spinal injuries, brain injuries, or even wrongful death, you need legal representation to optimize the insurance compensation. It is important to be checked by a doctor if you have been rear-ended at high speed even if you feel like you are not injured. In some cases the soft tissue injuries are not felt for a few days. For more information call (612) TSR-TIME and speak to a Minneapolis personal injury attorney or submit our free consultation form.

TSR Injury Law is a premier personal injury law firm with extensive experience with Minnesota motorcycle accident lawsuits and a reputation for generous settlements.

Partner Steve Terry is an avid motorcyclist himself. He understands the joys and dangers of riding — more importantly he understands how best to argue a motorcycle case to maximize compensation. We know motorcycles. We know the law. We care. We can help. Call one of our Minneapolis motorcycle accident lawyers at (612) TSR-TIME or submit our contact form

Sometimes injuries do not surface immediately. It is vital to track how you are feeling and how you are functioning after your motorcycle accident. Our lawyers have these recommendations to help you assess your recovery.

Ask These Questions after Your Minnesota Motorcycle Accident

• Did your head snap or did your helmet hit the pavement in the motorcycle crash? If so, were you checked for a brain injury or a spinal injury?
• Did you hit your hip joint? You could have iliofemoral ligament damage.
• Did you twist or hit your knee? You could have an ACL injury or other ligament damage.
• Did you slide on your ankle? You may have a trimalleolar fracture.
• Did you hit your elbow in the motorcycle crash? Be sure the doctor checks the ulnar nerve.

Assess Your Skills after a Minnesota Motorcycle Accident

You’re tough, right? Have you been tempted to brush off the dirt and hit the roads again? It is vital to see a doctor to have all of your joints and organs checked. You should monitor your abilities following a Minnesota motorcycle accident, to be sure that there are no lingering effects of the accident. You should ask:

• Am I sleeping as well as I did prior to the motorcycle accident?
• Can I multi-task to the same degree?
• Can I concentrate to the same degree?
• How is my handwriting since the accident?
• Am I able to enjoy life as well as I did before the motorcycle crash?
• Do I worry more since the accident?
• Do I have anxiety attacks since the crash?

Need Help? Contact Us Today

Chuck Slane recently settled a motorcycle accident injury case for 2.8 million dollars. If you have been in a motorcycle accident, you need legal representation to maximize your insurance benefits. Call us today at (612) TSR-TIME or submit our free consultation form.