Detailed Answer
Under Minnesota law, to prove another motorist’s negligence in a collision at a traffic signal or exit, you must establish four key elements: duty, breach, causation, and damages. You bear the burden to show each element by a preponderance of the evidence.
1. Duty of Care
Every driver in Minnesota owes a duty to operate a vehicle with reasonable care and to obey official traffic signals. For example, Minn. Stat. § 169.06 requires drivers to stop when facing a red signal, and Minn. Stat. § 169.20 governs right-of-way at traffic control signals. At exit ramps, drivers must yield when merging; see Minn. Stat. § 169.21.
2. Breach of Duty
A breach occurs when a driver fails to meet the required standard of care. Typical breaches include running a red light, accelerating through a yellow light without caution, or failing to yield when exiting a highway. Evidence of speeding, distracted driving, or violating traffic laws supports your claim of breach.
3. Causation
You must link the breach directly to the collision. Actual cause means the breach triggered the crash; proximate cause means the crash was a foreseeable result. For instance, if a driver runs a red signal and T-bones your car, the breach directly caused your injuries.
4. Damages
Finally, you must document actual losses. Damages may include medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Keep detailed records and receipts.
Evidence Collection
Solid evidence strengthens each element of negligence. Common sources include:
- Accident Reports: Obtain law enforcement reports for citations and officer observations.
- Traffic Camera Footage: Request signal-camera or intersection-camera video from the city or county.
- Surveillance Videos: Check nearby businesses or homes for private cameras.
- Photographs: Take wide-angle shots of vehicle positions, skid marks, signal lights, and road signs immediately after the crash.
- Eyewitness Statements: Collect names and contact information of bystanders and passengers.
- Event Data Recorders: Ask to preserve “black box” data for vehicle speed and braking history.
- Expert Analysis: Consider accident reconstruction experts to diagram angles and impact forces.
Helpful Hints
- Document the scene promptly using your phone or camera.
- Write down your recollection of the crash while details remain fresh.
- Preserve all medical and repair bills in one organized file.
- Communicate in writing with insurance companies to create a record.
- Consult an attorney early to avoid missing the two-year statute of limitations (Minn. Stat. § 541.07).
- Do not admit fault or discuss blame at the scene.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a qualified attorney to address your specific situation.