Law Office of Jeffrey A. Jones, P.A.Law Office of Jeffrey A. Jones, P.A.2026-07-10T14:49:45Zhttps://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[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.
]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Jeffrey A. Jones, P.A.<![CDATA[Why passengers are often injured even in low-speed transit accidents ]]>https://www.jeffjoneslawoffice.com/?p=2505372026-04-09T08:38:38Z2026-04-09T08:38:38ZPublic transportation is part of daily life for many people, offering a convenient way to get to work, school or appointments. Because buses, trains and shuttles are such a routine part of the day, many riders assume they are relatively low risk.
But even when a transit accident happens at a low speed, passengers can still suffer painful and sometimes serious injuries. What seems like a “minor” incident can quickly become much more significant when people are standing, unrestrained or even just caught off guard.
How low-speed transit accidents can still cause serious passenger injuries
One of the biggest reasons passengers are hurt in low-speed transit accidents is the sudden force involved. A bus or train does not have to be moving fast for a hard stop, abrupt turn or unexpected jolt to throw someone completely off balance. Standing passengers are especially vulnerable because they may be holding a rail, walking to a seat or simply not braced for the movement. In a crowded transit vehicle, one person losing balance can also create a chain reaction, causing others nearby to fall.Another important factor is the lack of restraints. Unlike passenger cars, many buses, trains and light rail vehicles generally do not provide seat belts for riders. That means even a seemingly minor impact can send someone into a pole, floor or another passenger. These types of accidents can lead to serious injuries such as head trauma, neck injuries and soft tissue damage. These injuries may require ongoing medical care, time away from work and significant financial strain for victims and their families.In the eyes of the law, public transportation providers are often considered “common carriers,” which means they are responsible for using a higher degree of care to help protect passenger safety than an ordinary driver would be expected to use. Additionally, these cases can become even more complicated when a government-run transit agency is involved. In Minnesota, injury claims involving public transit may be subject to special legal rules under the state’s municipal tort laws, including notice requirements and limits on recoverable damages. For example, Minnesota law generally requires notice of a claim to be presented within 180 days after the injury is discovered. Missing a deadline or misunderstanding the rules can put a claim at risk. If you were hurt while riding public transportation, it may be worth speaking with someone who understands how these cases are handled. An experienced legal professional can help you better understand your options and whether you may be entitled to recover compensation for what happened.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Jeffrey A. Jones, P.A.<![CDATA[Common injuries in motorcycle accidents]]>https://www.jeffjoneslawoffice.com/?p=2505312026-03-24T18:39:47Z2026-03-24T18:39:47ZBrain and spinal cord injuries
One of the most severe injuries resulting from a motorcycle accident is a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Wearing a helmet reduces the risk, but even then, the force of the impact can cause the brain to move within the skull.
Living with a severe TBI can include ongoing neurological care, along with cognitive therapy and rehabilitation. It can affect memory, personality and the ability to work. Between lost earning capacity and permanent disability, a TBI is one of the most financially and emotionally devastating injuries.
If a rider is thrown from the bike or lands awkwardly during a crash, they could end up with damage to the spinal cord. Partial or complete paralysis means lifetime medical care, assistive devices, home and vehicle modifications, assistance with daily needs and the loss of independence and income. Costs for a spinal cord injury can end up in the millions over time.
Road rash and fractures
“Road rash” occurs when the skin scrapes against the pavement. While it may sound minor, severe cases can lead to deep wounds, infections and permanent scarring. Long-term casts may include:
Skin grafts
Reconstructive surgery
Chronic pain
Nerve damage
Fractures in the arms, legs, ribs and pelvis are extremely common in motorcycle accidents. Some breaks require surgery and the placement of hardware, such as plates and screws. There may be multiple surgeries followed by physical therapy and rehabilitation. This leads to time away from work and lost income.
The true cost of a motorcycle accident goes far beyond the initial medical bills. The insurance system can be complex, especially since motorcycles are treated differently from standard passenger vehicles under the state’s no-fault laws. Therefore, it’s crucial for injured riders to get experienced legal guidance to understand their rights and pursue the compensation they need for long-term recovery.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Jeffrey A. Jones, P.A.<![CDATA[How to stay safe when driving around a truck]]>https://www.jeffjoneslawoffice.com/?p=2505162026-03-06T10:15:09Z2026-03-06T10:14:46ZSeveral surveys conducted in the past regarding how drivers feel around a truck have consistently shown that many experience fear. Naturally, it can be intimidating to share the road with a vehicle that’s 20-30 times heavier and substantially higher.
Nonetheless, it’s possible to remain calm and drive safely around a truck. Here is how:
Know a truck’s blind spots
Being fully aware of the location and scale of a truck’s blind spots/no-zones is crucial to staying safe. Trucks have blind spots that are much larger than those of a passenger car. The right-side blind spot is the largest, spanning multiple lanesand along the entire side of the trailer. The left side blind spot often covers one lane. It extends from the driver's side mirror to about the middle of the trailer.In the rear, the blind spot extends to at least 30 feet behind the trailer. It’s important to increase the safe following distance. Lastly, the blind spot immediately in front of a truck can extend approximately 20 feet from the cab.
How to safely pass a truck
Always use the left lane when passing a truck. Before initiating a pass, confirm that you can see the truck driver’s reflection in their side mirror. If you can’t see their face, assume they can’t see you as well. If you can, signal your intention and accelerate. Do not linger beside it. You want to minimize the time spent in the blind spot. When you pass the truck, keep driving until you can see both of its headlights in your rearview mirror before merging back into the lane.You can safely drive around trucks. However, your safety also depends on the actions of truck drivers. If a driver acted negligently, harming you, consider legal guidance to understand your options. ]]>