Law Office of Jeffrey A. Jones, P.A.Law Office of Jeffrey A. Jones, P.A.2026-08-21T08:58:41Zhttps://www.jeffjoneslawoffice.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1503677/2023/08/cropped-JeffreyJones-Site-Icon-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Law Office of Jeffrey A. Jones, P.A.<![CDATA[What damages can families recover in a Minnesota wrongful death case?]]>https://www.jeffjoneslawoffice.com/?p=2505732026-08-21T08:58:41Z2026-08-21T08:58:41ZMinnesota focuses on the family’s pecuniary loss
Minnesota wrongful death law centers on pecuniary loss, which means the value of what the family lost because of the death. That may include:
Lost income and employment benefits
Funeral and burial expenses
Lost household services
The care, guidance and support the person would have provided over time
The court evaluates the family's actual losses, not just the costs that are immediately obvious or easy to quantify.
A court-appointed trustee brings the claim
A wrongful death claim in Minnesota goes forward through a trustee rather than through each family member filing separately. A court-appointed trustee brings the case on the family’s behalf, and the trustee appointment process sets out how that happens. That process matters because the claim still needs a clear legal representative even when several family members may have suffered the loss.
Records can help show what the family lost
A wrongful death case often depends on employment records, tax returns, family testimony and evidence showing the person’s role in the household. Financial records and evidence of day-to-day support often shape claims after a wrongful death. A lawyer can gather and organize that evidence early in the process, when it matters most.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Jeffrey A. Jones, P.A.<![CDATA[Can you sue Metro Transit after a bus rear-ends your car?]]>https://www.jeffjoneslawoffice.com/?p=2505722026-07-29T15:07:47Z2026-07-29T15:07:47ZWhen a Minneapolis Metro Transit bus rear-ends your car, it can be a traumatic experience. It is understandable if you are feeling anxious and worried about your compensation, while still reeling from the physical and emotional impact of the accident. Here is what you need to know about your rights.
What does the law say?
According to state law, every municipality is legally liable for any damage or injury caused by the negligence of its officers, employees and agents while they were on official duty. Depending on the facts of the accident, you may hold Metro Transit liable for the damages and losses caused by the bus driver’s actions.
When can you seek compensation?
Minnesota follows a modified comparative negligence system. That means you have to prove that the bus driver’s negligence actually caused or contributed to your injuries and losses if you are aiming to recover compensation. Furthermore, your own share of fault or contribution to the accident should be less than 50% for you to remain eligible to receive damages.
What challenges might you face?
Metro Transit can act aggressively when it comes to defending its employees or limiting your claim. Here is how they might challenge you:
They may argue that you were partially at fault for the accident.
They might dispute the severity of your injuries.
They could claim sovereign immunity or other legal protections to limit liability.
They may delay the claims process significantly.
It is important to prove that the negligence on your part was insignificant while filing a tort claim.
How can you protect your rights?
Metro Transit’s defense strategy can be a hard nut to crack. Nevertheless, an attorney experienced in motor vehicle accident claims can assist you. They can assess your situation and build a strong strategy to protect your rights.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Jeffrey A. Jones, P.A.<![CDATA[Can a car’s failure to detect a motorcycle be a product defect?]]>https://www.jeffjoneslawoffice.com/?p=2505712026-07-14T15:41:09Z2026-07-24T15:38:01ZHow the system could be defective
A detection system's failure to identify a motorcycle does not automatically mean your car has a defect. However, it may raise questions about whether it:
Failed to identify a crash risk
Responded late after detecting a crash risk
Lacked adequate warnings about known system limits
Malfunctioned
Vehicle data and software records may show how the system reacted before the collision. Investigators may compare this information with recall records and the condition of the damaged car to identify a possible system failure.
What information may matter
If you suspect the safety system failed, vehicle data may show how it reacted before the crash. Software records may also identify the system version in use.
Recall records and the damaged car may reveal a defect that contributed to the motorcycle crash. This evidence can show whether the detection system worked as intended.
When the car may share the blame
A motorcycle crash may appear to result from driver error at first. But if your car failed to detect the rider, the safety system's performance may reveal another cause of the collision.
Minnesota law can assign fault to more than one party. A defect in the detection system could place part of the responsibility on the manufacturer if the technology contributed to the crash.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Jeffrey A. Jones, P.A.<![CDATA[Can you sue for defective tires after a car accident?]]>https://www.jeffjoneslawoffice.com/?p=2505682026-07-10T14:49:45Z2026-07-10T14:49:45ZWhat makes a tire legally defective?
Not all tire failures result from driver error or normal wear and tear. Sometimes, the tire itself is the problem. A tire can be defective in three distinct ways:
Design defect: The tire had a safety flaw built into its original design
Manufacturing defect: The tire had a flaw that occurred during the production process
Marketing defect: The tire lacked proper safety warnings or usage instructions
Minnesota law allows victims to pursue product liability claims when defective products cause harm. The tire must have been defective when it left the manufacturer. That defect must have also directly caused the accident.
Who can be held responsible?
Multiple parties may share liability in defective tire cases. Tire manufacturers bear primary responsibility for design and production flaws. Distributors and retailers can also face liability if they sold tires knowing about defects. In some cases, mechanics who improperly installed or maintained tires may be liable.
Minnesota follows a comparative fault system. This means compensation can still be recovered even if partial fault exists, as long as responsibility stays below 51 percent.
How do you prove a tire was defective?
Minnesota law gives personal injury victims up to six years from the date of the accident to file a negligence claim. However, if the lawsuit is based on strict product liability, that window shortens to four years.
To prove a defective tire, you need to present certain evidence. The damaged tire serves as key physical evidence. Examine it for manufacturing flaws, tread separation or blowout patterns. Product recalls or similar complaints against the same tire model can support your case.
Additionally, gather accident reports and witness statements. These can help establish what happened. You may also include maintenance records to show proper tire care.
Unsafe products have no place on Minnesota roads
The road is already full of risks that drivers cannot control. A defective tire should not be one of them. When manufacturers fail to meet safety standards, real people pay the price. Holding the right parties accountable is not just about your recovery. It is about making roads safer for everyone.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Jeffrey A. Jones, P.A.<![CDATA[Fatal pedestrian accidents are up by 75%]]>https://www.jeffjoneslawoffice.com/?p=2505622026-06-30T17:53:59Z2026-06-30T17:53:59ZSince 2009, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of pedestrian fatalities in the United States. They have gone up by 75%, according to recent reports.These reports also look at the annual number of pedestrian fatalities that could have been avoided if it was not for changes to vehicle designs. They claim that anywhere from 200 to 400 additional pedestrians have passed away in these types of accidents every single year.
Why has this increase occurred?
There are likely multiple reasons for the increase in pedestrian accidents, but reports often focus on vehicle designs. They note that pickup trucks and SUVs have gotten much taller and heavier than they were in previous years. These oversized vehicles can inflict greater damage on pedestrians in accidents, and many of them have large, problematic blind spots.For example, a modern pickup truck is much taller than a truck produced in the early 2000s, and it is more likely to have a flat or blunt front end, rather than a sloping hood. This can create a significant blind spot right in front of the truck. A pedestrian who is shorter than the front edge of the hood could be completely invisible to the driver, which can lead to accidents in parking lots, crosswalks or other areas where people are crossing the road.The trend of larger pickup trucks and SUVs does not appear likely to reverse anytime soon, so it is important for pedestrians to know about the additional dangers they face due to these vehicle designs. Those who have lost loved ones also need to know what steps they can take to seek financial compensation.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Jeffrey A. Jones, P.A.<![CDATA[Distracted drivers do not always look distracted]]>https://www.jeffjoneslawoffice.com/?p=2505592026-06-17T17:48:58Z2026-06-17T17:48:58ZSome drivers absolutely look distracted and clearly present a high level of danger to those around them. For instance, you may watch a driver go through an intersection while looking down at their phone, texting and driving. They are not looking at the traffic around them or paying attention to safely operating their vehicle.
But there are other cases in which drivers appear to be paying attention, yet they are still distracted. The driver may not even realize it.
The role of daydreaming in distracted driving accidents
For example, some reports claim that daydreaming is one of the most common forms of driver distraction. The driver may still be looking at the road and holding the steering wheel, so they do not appear distracted to an outsider. But their mind is wandering, they are not paying attention to what they are doing, and it can still have a major impact on their reaction times behind the wheel.Part of the issue with daydreaming is that people do not do it intentionally. Other distractions, like texting and driving, are easy to avoid. But a driver whose mind begins wandering may not even realize they started daydreaming until it is too late and they have already caused a serious accident.
Do you deserve financial compensation?
If you have been injured in an accident due to someone else's negligence, such as a crash caused by a distracted driver, they may be responsible for the damages you are facing. It is important to know when you deserve compensation for things like lost wages, pain and suffering, medical expenses and more.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Jeffrey A. Jones, P.A.<![CDATA[Who is responsible when you are injured in a taxi accident]]>https://www.jeffjoneslawoffice.com/?p=2505572026-06-04T10:43:39Z2026-06-04T10:43:39ZGetting from one place to another should be a routine part of the day. When a taxi ride ends in an accident, however, the consequences can leave passengers facing painful injuries, medical expenses and uncertainty about what comes next.
Transportation accidents are often complex and involve more than just the people inside the vehicle. Determining who may be responsible is an important step toward understanding your legal options and pursuing compensation for your losses.
Determining liability after a taxi accident
In many cases, a taxi driver may be held liable if their actions contributed to a crash. This may include behaviors such as speeding, distracted driving or failing to follow traffic laws. However, responsibility for a taxi accident is not always limited to a single party, and determining liability often depends on the issue of negligence. Negligence refers to careless conduct that results in or contributes to another person’s injury. For example, a driver who fails to stop at a red light and collides with another vehicle at an intersection is likely acting negligently.In some cases, another driver may be responsible. If a reckless motorist causes an accident by running a red light, making an unsafe lane change or driving while fatigued or distracted, they could be primarily at fault. .In certain situations, the taxi company itself may also bear liability. If the company failed to properly maintain the vehicle, hired an unqualified driver or ignored safety regulations, it may be held responsible for the conditions that led to the crash. In addition, commercial insurance policies often come into play, which can further complicate how compensation is pursued and recovered.Because several parties may be involved, determining fault requires a careful review of the facts, including accident reports, witness statements and company records. Each detail can influence how responsibility is assigned and what compensation may be available for injuries and losses.If you have been injured in a taxi accident, it may be helpful to speak with an experienced legal professional who can evaluate your situation and explain your options. Getting guidance early can help make it easier to understand your rights and take the appropriate next steps toward recovery.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Jeffrey A. Jones, P.A.<![CDATA[Dooring is dangerous for bicyclists]]>https://www.jeffjoneslawoffice.com/?p=2505552026-05-26T14:06:40Z2026-05-26T14:06:40ZBicyclists are often seen out riding during the warmer months of the year. While most people focus on the safety tips bicyclists should follow, it’s also necessary for drivers to do their part to keep everyone on bicycles safe.
One issue that is especially urgent is for drivers and occupants of vehicles to avoid dooring the bicyclist. Dooring occurs when someone opens their door in the path of a bicyclist. In many cases, this occurs when the bicyclist is so close that they don’t have time to react.
Dangers of dooring
When dooring occurs, the bicyclist will often strike the door, which can lead to the bicyclist falling. In some cases, they may be able to swerve, but that puts them at risk of being struck by another vehicle or losing control of their bicycle.Even though these incidents occur at slow speeds, they can lead to significant injuries. Bicyclists can end up with broken bones, head injuries, facial injuries, shoulder injuries or a host of other injuries. In many cases, these injuries will require immediate medical attention that can be expensive.
Preventing dooring
One of the most effective ways to prevent dooring is to use the Dutch reach method of opening the door that’s near a path where a bicyclist will travel. This means using the hand closest to the midline of the vehicle to open the door, which forces the individual to turn in a way that allows them to check for bicyclists. Bicyclists who are involved in a dooring crash may opt to pursue a compensation claim if the individual who doored them was acting negligently. These cases can be challenging, so seeking the assistance of someone familiar with bicycle crashes may be beneficial.
]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Jeffrey A. Jones, P.A.<![CDATA[Did a vehicle software issue cause a preventable crash?]]>https://www.jeffjoneslawoffice.com/?p=2505462026-05-11T03:06:07Z2026-05-11T03:06:07ZHow software defects cause crashes
Self-driving software is still subject to many limitations, and manufacturers have had to modify programming that causes vehicles to violate the law. Drivers can still be held liable for failing to properly monitor the vehicle and road conditions.
However, other software defects can impact daily driving even when motorists keep their hands on the wheel. Software controls the performance of the built-in screens in newer vehicles. The screens display speed and fuel levels. They also allow a driver to reverse the vehicle safely.
Issues with software may cause screens to malfunction. This is one reason why software-related recalls have dominated vehicle safety recalls in recent years.
Drivers could misgauge their speed or fail to identify a hazard before putting their vehicle in reverse. While the driver operating a vehicle with defects that impact their ability to drive safely is partially at fault, the manufacturer may also have a degree of responsibility for releasing vehicles with software issues that increase the risk of a collision.
Connecting software issues to the cause of a crash could help injured people pursue the optimal amount of compensation available to them through a lawsuit against the manufacturer instead of settling for the minimal compensation provided by the driver’s insurance coverage. Having experienced legal guidance can help those affected by vehicle defects that cause car crashes.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Jeffrey A. Jones, P.A.<![CDATA[The warning signs drivers ignore before falling asleep]]>https://www.jeffjoneslawoffice.com/?p=2505382026-04-27T19:23:20Z2026-04-27T19:23:20ZCar crashes often feel sudden, as if they happened without warning. But in many cases, the signs were there long before the moment of impact.
Drowsy driving is one of the most overlooked risks on the road. It tends to build quietly, making it easy for drivers to underestimate just how impaired they have become.
The warning signs of drowsy driving
Drowsy driving crashes tend to occur most frequently between midnight and 6 a.m. or in the late afternoon, when the body experiences natural dips in its circadian rhythm. These incidents often involve a single driver running off the road at a high rate of speed with little or no evidence of braking, and they are more likely to happen on rural roads and highways where long, uninterrupted stretches can make it easier for fatigue to take hold.Fatigue rarely appears all at once. It often starts with subtle cues like frequent yawning, heavy eyelids or difficulty keeping your head upright. Drivers may also notice that they are drifting within their lane, missing road signs or struggling to remember the last few miles they traveled. These lapses are not harmless; they are early indicators that the brain is losing focus and reaction time is starting to slow down.As drowsiness deepens, judgment becomes impaired in ways that mirror alcohol-related driving. A person may believe they can push through the fatigue, especially if they are close to their destination. In reality, the risk increases significantly during this stage. Micro-sleeps, brief, involuntary moments of sleep lasting a few seconds, can occur without warning, and at highway speeds, even a few seconds can have devastating consequences.Certain risk factors make drowsy driving more likely and more dangerous. Long work hours, overnight shifts and untreated sleep disorders can all contribute to extreme fatigue behind the wheel. Driving at night or during long, uninterrupted stretches further increases the risk. Even something as common as skipping rest breaks on a long trip can turn a manageable drive into a hazardous situation.When a crash is caused by a fatigued driver, the impact can be life-altering for everyone involved. If you or someone you love has been affected, speaking with a qualified legal professional can help you better understand your options and the path forward.
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