Minnesota Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers

Minnesota Drunk Driving Laws

Minnesota takes drunk driving seriously, imposing strict laws and penalties to deter impaired driving. Under Minnesota law, a driver is considered impaired if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher.  For commercial drivers, the limit is lower at 0.04%, and for drivers under the legal drinking age of 21, any detectable amount of alcohol can result in a DWI charge.

Even if a driver does not meet these BAC limits, they can still be arrested and charged if they are considered to be “under the influence” of alcohol.

Minnesota’s DWI laws also apply to drug impairment. A driver can be charged with a DWI if they are found to be impaired by drugs, including legal prescription medications, controlled substances, and even over-the-counter medicines.

Penalties for First-Time DWI Offenders

A first-time DWI conviction in Minnesota can result in the following penalties:

• Up to 90 days in jail
• Fines up to $1,000
• License suspension for 90 days, reduced to 30 days if the driver pleads guilty
• Ignition interlock device installation if the BAC is 0.16% or higher or if the driver refused a chemical test (more on this below)

Repeat DWI Offenses and Felony DWI

Minnesota operates on a four-tier system for DWI offenses. A fourth DWI within 10 years is classified as a felony and carries severe penalties, including:

• Up to seven years in prison
• Fines up to $14,000
• Long-term license cancellation

Felony DWI offenders may also face vehicle forfeiture, mandatory alcohol treatment programs, and extended ignition interlock requirements​.

Ignition Interlock Program

The Ignition Interlock Program is designed for drivers with high BAC levels or multiple DWI convictions. These drivers must install an ignition interlock device, which prevents the vehicle from starting if alcohol is detected in their breath. As of 2015, nearly 10,000 devices had been installed across the state​.

Implied Consent Law

Minnesota’s implied consent law requires drivers to submit to chemical testing for alcohol and controlled substances if law enforcement suspects impairment. Refusing a test is a crime and will result in an automatic license suspension. It can also be used as evidence against the driver in court​.

Statute of Limitations

In Minnesota, victims of drunk driving accidents typically have six years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, contacting a Minnesota drunk driving lawyer at SiebenCarey as quickly as possible is always best. The sooner your attorney can investigate your accident, the easier it will be for them to build a strong case on your behalf.

Drunk Driving Accident Injuries

Drunk driving accidents often result in severe and life-altering injuries, many of which have long-term consequences for victims. The combination of impaired reaction times, poor judgment, and increased speeds commonly seen in drunk driving crashes can lead to devastating outcomes.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most grave outcomes of a drunk driving accident. A TBI can occur when the head strikes a hard surface or from the violent shaking of the brain inside the skull upon impact. TBIs range from mild concussions to severe, life-threatening injuries, potentially leading to long-term impairments.

Spinal Cord Injuries

The force of a collision can damage the spinal cord, resulting in partial or total paralysis, depending on the location and severity of the injury. Spinal cord injuries often require lifelong medical care and can drastically reduce the quality of life. Even minor damage to the spinal cord can lead to chronic pain, mobility issues, and loss of function in different parts of the body.

Broken Bones

Fractures and broken bones are common in drunk driving accidents due to the immense force of the crash. Victims may suffer breaks in their arms, legs, ribs, and more. These injuries can take months to heal, and severe breaks might require surgery, physical therapy, and long-term rehabilitation.

Internal Injuries

The blunt force trauma from a drunk driving collision can lead to internal injuries, such as damage to the:

• Liver
• Spleen
• Kidneys
• Lungs

These injuries are especially worrisome because the symptoms may be delayed. In other words, you could be badly injured without even knowing it. Therefore, it is critical for all accident victims to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Whiplash and Neck Injuries

Whiplash occurs when the impact of a crash jolts the neck. While commonly associated with rear-end collisions, whiplash can occur in many accidents. Whiplash can cause chronic pain and stiffness, affecting a victim’s ability to work and perform everyday tasks.

Burns

Drunk driving accidents can sometimes result in fires, especially if the fuel tank is punctured or a vehicle's electrical system is damaged. Victims may suffer from burns that require extensive medical treatment, including surgeries, skin grafts, and prolonged hospital stays. Severe burns can also cause permanent disfigurement and lead to significant psychological trauma.

Psychological Trauma

In addition to physical injuries, victims of drunk driving accidents often experience psychological trauma that can lead to:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Phobias
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

The emotional and psychological scars can be just as debilitating as physical injuries, impacting victims' ability to function in daily life. For this reason, these conditions are a legitimate form of pain and suffering under Minnesota law.

Who Is Liable for a Minnesota Drunk Driving Accident?

Liability in a Minnesota drunk driving accident can involve several parties. While the impaired driver is usually the primary defendant, Minnesota law allows for additional parties to be held liable depending on the circumstances of the crash.

The Drunk Driver

The primary person held liable in a drunk driving accident is, of course, the intoxicated driver. The driver can be sued for negligence and reckless endangerment, and the victim may seek compensation for any medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.

Dram Shop Liability

Minnesota’s Dram Shop Law extends liability to establishments that serve alcohol to visibly intoxicated individuals, including:

• Bars
• Restaurants
• Liquor stores

If the establishment served alcohol to a patron who later caused a drunk driving accident, they may be liable for damages in addition to the driver. Dram shop liability claims allow victims to pursue compensation from the business contributing to the driver’s impairment.

Social Host Liability

In Minnesota, social host liability applies to individuals who provide alcohol to minors. If an adult knowingly provides alcohol to someone under 21 years old, and that person then causes a drunk driving accident, the host can be held liable for any resulting injuries. This law holds individuals accountable when they contribute to underage drinking that causes a crash.

Employer Liability

If the impaired driver was working at the time of the accident, their employer could also be held responsible under vicarious liability. This protection typically applies if the driver was performing work-related tasks when the accident occurred, such as:

• Delivering goods
• Driving a company vehicle
• Running a professional errand
• Transporting passengers

Employers can be liable if they fail to screen, train, or supervise employees properly or if they allow an employee to drive knowing they were intoxicated.

Insurance Companies

Insurance companies play a pivotal role in compensating victims. Minnesota’s no-fault insurance system means victims can file claims with their own insurance providers to cover medical bills and lost wages, regardless of who was at fault. However, for more severe injuries, victims may pursue compensation from the impaired driver’s insurance through a personal injury claim.