You never see car accidents coming. You could be carrying out your day as any other, picking up your kids, running errands, or trying to get to work. But all it takes is one careless driver to throw your life off course.

The crash itself takes mere seconds. The aftermath drags on much longer, leaving you to deal with injuries, damage, unexpected questions, and pushy insurance companies.

At Meshbesher & Spence, we know how stressful this is, because we’ve helped hundreds of Minnesotans through it. Since 1961, our job has been to take that weight off your shoulders.

When you hire a Burnsville car accident lawyer from our team, you get more than legal support. You get someone who knows how to fight back, deal with the insurance companies, and pursue the full compensation you need to move forward. With over $1.1 billion recovered for our clients, we don’t back down.

Reach out to Meshbesher & Spence today by filling out our quick online form or by calling (612) 339-9121 today.

“After experiencing an auto accident that required extensive therapy both physically and emotionally, James Sheehy and his assistant, Tammy, were just as essential to my recovery as any doctor or nurse.

Through a steady flow of clear communication, my mind was set at ease from the very first phone call to the milestone day of meeting in person to receive my settlement. James and Tammy fought for every possible opportunity to fully maximize my settlement. That same amount of effort was given in the care taken by them to ensure that I was doing well throughout my physical and psychological recovery. I cannot speak highly enough of their attention to detail and personable professionalism. Thank you, James and Tammy!!”

– Pamela B. | Client

The Reality of Car Accidents in Burnsville, MN

You don’t have to be driving far or fast to get into a serious crash in Burnsville.

Car accidents in our area are more common than most people realize. According to the 2024 crash data for Dakota County:

5,784 total crashes were reported
1,306 crashes involved injuries, leaving 1,827 people hurt
18 fatal crashes resulted in 23 deaths
381 crashes involved commercial vehicles
186 crashes happened in active work zones
4,460 collisions caused property damage only

Dangerous Collisions in Burnsville

Highway 13 and Nicollet Avenue is one of the most hazardous intersections in Burnsville. Over 75 crashes were reported here from 2018 to 2022, including two pedestrian deaths. This intersection has five times the state’s average fatal crash rate, making it one of the most dangerous in all of Minnesota.

Other dangerous stretches of road in Burnsville that are hotspots for accidents include:

County Road 42 and Burnhaven Drive / I-35
Crystal Lake Road and I-35
McAndrews Road and Nicollet Avenue
Highway 13 and Portland Avenue

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Burnsville

Most car accidents are not truly “accidents.” Instead, they are the direct result of a driver choosing to be careless or reckless. Because Burnsville sits on major north-south and east-west corridors (I-35W, I-35E, and Highway 13), our community sees a constant flow of traffic, which increases the chances of collisions.

Below are some of the most common causes of serious crashes in our area:

Distracted Driving: In 2024, distracted driving contributed to at least 29 deadly crashes across Minnesota and was linked to an estimated 137 serious injury cases.
Speeding and Aggressive Driving: Trying to weave through traffic or speeding to make a light at a busy intersection is a major factor in severe accidents. As of 2025, speeding has already played a role in at least 10 fatal crashes, continuing its long-standing place as one of the leading causes of deadly accidents on Minnesota roads.
Impaired Driving (DUI/DWI): Currently, roughly one out of every seven Minnesotans has at least one DWI on their record. Impaired drivers cause some of the most tragic and devastating accidents, putting innocent Burnsville residents at risk.
Weather-Related Negligence: While Minnesota winters bring ice and snow, drivers must adjust their behavior. A driver who fails to slow down or keep a safe distance on a slick highway is still negligent, even if the weather is bad.
Failing to Yield/Improper Turns: Intersections along high-traffic roads like McAndrews Road and Nicollet Avenue are hot spots for T-bone collisions and left-turn crashes when drivers misjudge traffic or ignore a red light.

Uncovering what caused your accident is not just about getting answers. It is a critical step in holding the right party accountable. Insurance companies will not hand over fair compensation unless you can clearly show who was at fault and why.

That is where our legal team comes in. At Meshbesher & Spence, we uncover the truth behind the crash, using everything from traffic footage to phone records to witness interviews. The stronger the evidence of negligence, the stronger your claim, and the better your chances of recovering the full compensation you deserve.

To learn more about how a Burnsville car accident attorney will protect your rights and build a case that holds the at-fault driver accountable, contact Meshbesher & Spence today at (612) 339-9121 or fill out our quick online form to schedule your free consultation.

Why You Should Never Give a Recorded Statement to the Insurance Company

The phone call you receive from the other driver’s insurance company may sound friendly. However, the insurance adjuster is not on your side. Their job is to protect their company’s profits, and they do this by finding ways to pay you as little as possible.

The number one tactic they use is asking you for a “quick, recorded statement.”

Do not give them a recorded statement before speaking to a Burnsville accident lawyer.

Why? Because they are looking for anything you say to use against you later. They will ask questions designed to make you say things that:

Minimize Your Injuries: You might say, “I’m a little sore,” right after the accident, before the serious symptoms of whiplash or a concussion show up days later. They will use this quote to argue your injuries are minor.
Suggest You Were Partially At Fault: They might trick you into saying something like, “If I had seen them sooner…” which they can twist to claim you share some of the blame.
Lock You Into a Story: Before you even fully understand the details of the crash or the full extent of your injuries, they want your statement on record to prevent you from clarifying or correcting details later.

Protect your future. Do not sign anything or agree to a recorded statement before consulting an attorney.

The Serious Injuries a Burnsville Car Accident Attorney Can Help With

Some crashes leave you shaken. Others leave you with injuries that change your life.

When another driver is careless, the damage often goes far beyond the vehicle. You may be dealing with physical pain, limited mobility, time off work, or emotional stress that doesn’t go away easily. That’s where we come in.

At Meshbesher & Spence, we’ve handled thousands of injury claims since 1961. We know how to build strong cases for all types of accident-related injuries, including:

Whiplash and neck injuries
Soft tissue injuries
Broken bones
Cuts and bruises
Chronic pain or psychological trauma
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions
Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
Internal organ damage
Severe burns and disfigurement

Can a Burnsville Auto Accident Lawyer Still Help Me If a Loved One Died in a Collision?

Losing a family member in a car accident is one of the most painful experiences anyone can face. If someone else’s careless or reckless actions caused the crash, you may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim under Minnesota law.

A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit that allows surviving family members to seek compensation for things like:

Funeral and burial costs
Medical bills related to the final injury
Loss of the deceased’s income and financial support
Loss of companionship, guidance, and emotional support

In Minnesota, these claims must be brought by a court-appointed trustee on behalf of the surviving spouse, children, parents, or other close relatives.

The Meshbesher & Spence Difference: What a Burnsville Auto Accident Attorney Will Do for You

After a serious crash, your focus should be on healing, not spending your already stretched time on a legal battle or fighting with insurance companies.

When you hire Meshbesher & Spence, we step in to handle everything, giving you the time and space you need to recover.

Here is what your Burnsville auto accident lawyer will do for you:

Launch a full investigation right away: We don’t wait for answers; we go get them. From day one, we begin gathering the police report, reviewing your medical records, collecting evidence such as traffic footage and cell phone records, conducting witness interviews, and visiting the crash scene to understand exactly how the collision occurred.
Handle all communication with insurance companies: You will never have to speak to an adjuster or worry about saying the wrong thing. We deal with all of it, including Minnesota’s no-fault rules, so you’re not misled into accepting a low settlement.
Calculate the full value of your claim: Your losses go far beyond your medical bills. We work to identify every area of damage, so that no part of your recovery is overlooked or undervalued.
Take the fight to court if needed: Most cases settle, but not all do. We prepare every claim like it will go before a jury. If the other side won’t offer a fair deal, we are fully prepared to file a lawsuit and take your case to trial.

Financial Support Available in a Burnsville Car Accident Lawsuit

After a serious crash, the financial stress can pile up fast. If someone else caused your accident, you shouldn’t be the one left paying for it. A successful claim can help you recover money for things like:

Ambulance rides, ER visits, surgeries, and follow-up doctor appointments.
Physical therapy, chiropractic care, or long-term rehabilitation.
Prescription medications and medical equipment like crutches or braces.
Lost paychecks from the time you missed at work.
Future income you may lose if you can’t return to your job.
The cost to repair or replace your car.
Help around the house if you can’t clean, cook, or care for your kids due to your injury.
Pain and discomfort you’ve been living with every day.
The emotional impact of the crash, including anxiety, stress, or sleep issues.
Loss of your normal routine or ability to enjoy things like hobbies, exercise, or time with family.

You deserve more than just having your bills paid. You deserve the chance to rebuild your life.

According to a study by Martindale-Nolo, people who had legal representation received an average of $77,600 in compensation. Those who handled their cases alone averaged just $17,600. Having a lawyer often means a stronger case and better leverage during negotiations.

Why Hire Meshbesher & Spence for Your Burnsville Car Accident Lawsuit

At Meshbesher & Spence, we’ve spent over 60 years helping injured Minnesotans get justice. We don’t just file paperwork or negotiate with insurance companies. We fight for your future like it’s our own.

When you choose our firm, you get:

A legal team that knows how to win tough cases
A proven track record with over $1.1 billion recovered for our clients
Local attorneys who understand Burnsville’s roads, courts, and community
No upfront costs and no attorney fees unless we win your case

Call Meshbesher & Spence today at (612) 339-9121 or fill out our secure online form to schedule your free, no-pressure consultation.

Burnsville Car Accident Lawsuit FAQs

• Will I Have to Go to Court for My Car Accident Case in Burnsville, MN?

Probably not. Most car accident claims are resolved through settlement negotiations without ever stepping into a courtroom. In fact, insurance companies typically prefer to settle rather than go through the time and expense of a trial.

That said, it’s still important to work with a lawyer who is prepared to take your case to court if necessary. Sometimes, insurers refuse to offer a fair settlement, and going to trial may be the only way to get the compensation you truly deserve.
• What Is the Deadline for Filing a Burnsville Car Accident Case?

In Minnesota, you typically have six years from the date of the crash to file a car accident lawsuit. This legal time limit is called the statute of limitations.

While six years may seem like plenty of time, it is important to act quickly. Key evidence like video footage, skid marks, and witness statements can disappear in days or weeks. Waiting too long can make it much harder to build a strong case.

If you miss the deadline, you may lose your right to recover any compensation. That’s why speaking with a car accident attorney as soon as possible is the smartest move.
• How Does Minnesota's No-Fault Law Affect My Burnsville Accident Claim?

Minnesota follows a no-fault system for car accidents. This means your own auto insurance pays for certain losses, like medical bills and lost wages, no matter who caused the crash. These benefits come from your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage.

However, the no-fault system only covers so much. If your injuries are serious, such as permanent disfigurement, lasting impairment, or medical expenses above a set threshold, you may be able to step outside the no-fault rules and file a claim against the at-fault driver for full compensation, including pain and suffering.
• What if I Partially Contributed to the Accident?

Minnesota uses a modified comparative fault system. This means you can still recover compensation for your injuries as long as you are not more than 50% at fault for the crash.

If you are partially responsible, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if your damages total $80,000 and you are found to be 20% at fault, you could still recover $64,000.

Determining fault is not always straightforward, and insurance companies often try to shift more blame onto you to reduce what they have to pay. A Burnsville car accident attorney can help protect your rights by thoroughly investigating the crash and making sure fault is fairly assigned.

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