Rochester Car Accident Attorney

Following a vehicle crash, victims and their dear ones face an uphill struggle. It becomes challenging to focus solely on your health and recovery. Medical bills mount up, while victims lose pay owing to time away from work. 

To complicate things further, obtaining fair compensation from insurance providers is rarely simple. Have you been injured in a vehicle accident in Rochester, MN? Meshbesher & Spence can help.

The legal staff at Meshbesher & Spence has served innocent people wrongly injured in Minnesota and beyond for over 60 years. Our team is ready to ease your burden, just as we have done for countless others before you. 

A Rochester car accident lawyer at our firm has the necessary experience to take insurance providers and defense attorneys head-on so our clients are fairly rewarded. Plus, there are no upfront costs and zero fees unless we win your case. 

Contact Meshbesher & Spence today to chat about your rights and what our legal team can do for you in a 100% free, no-obligation consultation. Reach out to our trusted team online or call (612) 339-9121 today.

“I couldn’t have been more impressed by the representation Meshbesher and Spence provided in my malpractice lawsuit! Jim Sheehy’s communication, organization, and leadership were top-notch. I was frequently updated and never left in the dark during this whole process. My questions were always answered in a timely fashion.

Jim and his colleague Josh Tuchscherer fought for me during mediation and treated the case as if it were their own. They made me and my wife feel at ease during the whole process. They were fully prepared, and their professionalism and hard work ethic were shown in the end. I felt I was represented by the best lawyers, period!!”

– Alex G. | Client

Rochester Car Accident Statistics

According to the Minnesota Crash Statistics website, the Rochester Police Department reported 1,016 total crashes in 2023. Below is a more in-depth breakdown of that number: 

• Of the 1,016 crashes, 338 were injury crashes, leaving 467 vehicle occupants with injuries.
• 62 of them were commercial vehicle crashes.
• Property damage occurred in 678 of these crashes.
• 17 of these crashes took place in a work zone.
• The month of January saw the highest number of crashes, with 102 crashes.

Although no fatalities were tied to any car accidents in Rochester in 2023, at least 3 fatal crashes occurred in the city in 2024.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Rochester

Rochester is known for its unpredictable weather and busy streets, making driving here more challenging than in many other places. 

With an average of 30 inches of rain and 48 inches of snow each year, it’s no surprise that weather-related accidents are common. On top of that, Rochester has been reported as the second windiest city in the U.S., with winds often exceeding 12 mph. 

These weather factors, combined with everyday driving habits, create a number of situations where accidents can happen. Here are some of the most common causes of car accidents in Rochester:

• Distracted Driving: Whether texting, checking social media, fiddling with the radio, or adjusting the GPS, distractions can take a driver’s focus off the road and easily lead to crashes.
• Speeding: When drivers speed, they have less time to react to unexpected situations. In Rochester’s snow, ice, or rainy conditions, speeding can quickly turn a minor mistake into a serious accident.
• Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol and drugs slow reaction times and impair judgment. These are major causes of accidents that could have been prevented if the driver had stayed sober.
• Weather Conditions: Minnesota winters bring icy roads and heavy snowfall, while rainy days make it harder to see clearly. Drivers must adjust their speed and be extra cautious when road conditions are less than perfect.
• Reckless Driving: Tailgating, weaving through traffic, or cutting others off are all forms of reckless driving that put everyone on the road at risk.

After an accident, the last thing you want to do is give a recorded statement to the insurance company. While they may ask for one, be careful. Insurance adjusters are trained to get you to say things that could hurt your claim or be used against you later on.

It’s recommended you consult with a Rochester car accident attorney first before making any statements and accidentally harming your claim. At Meshbesher & Spence, we’re more than happy to chat with you in a 100% free case evaluation. Get in touch with us online or call (612) 339-9121 to learn more about how we can protect your claim from insurance companies.

How Can a Rochester Auto Accident Lawyer Help Me With My Case?

Being in a car accident is stressful enough without having to deal with paperwork, phone calls, and the insurance claims that follow. That’s where a Rochester car accident lawyer steps in. They can guide you through the confusing maze of steps and simplify the process to make it less overwhelming. Here are all the ways a skilled lawyer can support you: 

• Investigate the Accident: A lawyer will help gather evidence from the scene, such as police reports, witness statements, and any available photos or videos. They will also work with accident reconstruction experts if needed to establish fault and strengthen your case.
• Handle the Insurance Claims: Dealing with insurance after a car accident can be confusing and stressful, especially when you’re juggling your own insurer and the other driver’s. A lawyer will take care of the back-and-forth with insurance companies, making sure they don’t delay or undervalue your claim.
• Negotiate With Insurance Companies: Insurance companies are in the business of paying off as little as possible and sometimes offer settlements that barely scratch the surface of what you’ve been through. An experienced lawyer will handle all the talks with the insurance adjusters for you, making sure they don’t try to lowball you.
• Assess the Full Scope of Your Damages: The consequences of car accidents stretch far beyond just property damage. In addition to obvious expenses like car repairs, your lawyer will help evaluate long-term costs, such as rehabilitation or lost future earnings.
• Represent You in Court: If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your lawyer is prepared to take your case to court and fight for your rights.

Types of Compensation a Rochester Auto Accident Lawyer Can Help You Recover

Being in a car accident can change your life in an instant. You’re in shock and trying to adjust to a new normal. What’s more, many people don’t realize that a car accident can lead to a wide range of losses, not just physical injuries or damage to your car, that can affect your life in ways you might not expect.

When you’ve been in an accident, you might be entitled to two types of damages: economic and non-economic losses. 

Economic Damages

These are the actual, measurable costs you’ve had because of the accident. This compensation includes things like medical bills, treatments, and other expenses directly related to your injuries. Some examples of economic damages are past and future medical costs, such as:

• Prescription medications
• Surgery
• Medical equipment (like crutches or a wheelchair)
• Medical tests (X-rays, MRIs, etc.)
• Physical therapy
• Doctor visits
• Mileage to and from medical appointments

Other economic losses could include:

• Lost wages (if you missed work because of your injuries)
• Loss of future earning ability (if your injuries affect your ability to return to work in the future)
• Property damage (like damage to your car)

Also, you may qualify for wrongful death damages if you lost a loved one in a car accident. Compensation for wrongful death can help you cover funeral costs, burial expenses, medical bills, loss of companionship, and the financial support your loved one would have contributed. 

Non-Economic Damages

These damages are harder to measure, but they’re just as important. They cover the emotional and physical pain you’ve gone through because of the accident. Some examples of non-economic damages include:

• Emotional distress (like PTSD, anxiety, or depression)
• Physical pain and suffering
• Disfigurement (like scarring)
• Loss of companionship (if your injury impacts relationships with loved ones)

In Minnesota, there’s no limit on how much you can claim for personal injury damages. If you’ve been hurt in a car accident, a Rochester car accident attorney can help you make sure you get every penny you deserve for your losses.

Insurance companies often push you to accept their first settlement offer, but it’s usually much lower than what you really need to cover all your costs. This quick offer often won’t even cover a fraction of your expenses and losses. It’s important to take your time and talk to a lawyer before making a decision.

A lawyer can help you understand the full scope of your losses and negotiate for a fair settlement. In fact, a Martindale-Nolo study found that those who held out for a better offer received, on average, $30,700 more than those who accepted the insurance company’s first offer.

Why Hire a Rochester Car Accident Lawyer at Meshbesher & Spence

After a car accident, you deserve a lawyer who truly cares about your well-being and will fight for the justice you deserve. With over 60 years of experience, we’ve helped countless Minnesotans get the compensation they need to rebuild their lives.

Our team has recovered over $1.1 billion for our clients, and we’re committed to working toward the financial relief you need to move forward. Our dedicated team has achieved significant victories for Minnesotans, including: 

• $7.1 Million Settlement: An 18-year-old man was struck by a drunk driver in Cass County, suffering severe orthopedic injuries and a traumatic brain injury.
• $800,000 Settlement: A 26-year-old man was injured in a crash with an out-of-control semi-truck, suffering a traumatic brain injury and being comatose for over a week.

Reach out to us online or call (612) 339-9121 today to learn how we can stand up for you and your future. The lawyer you choose matters, and we’ll be here every step of the way to fight for what’s rightfully yours.

Proudly Representing Rochester Residents