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Minneapolis Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
A drunk driving accident in Minneapolis can turn your world upside down, leaving you with serious injuries, emotional trauma, and overwhelming financial burdens. Worst of all, these accidents only happen because of one person’s reckless decision to drink and drive.
At SiebenCarey, we are dedicated to protecting the rights of Minneapolis residents who have been harmed by drunk drivers. We will work tirelessly to secure justice and give you the compensation you deserve.
Don’t delay – your rights are important.
Contact us now to discuss your claim.
Drunk Driving: An Ongoing Problem in Minneapolis
Despite law enforcement efforts and public awareness campaigns, drunk driving remains a persistent problem in Minneapolis. The city is a hotbed for drunk driving accidents for several reasons:
- Urban density and nightlife: Minneapolis is home to numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants, especially in neighborhoods like Downtown, Uptown, and Northeast. This concentration of venues serving alcohol increases the likelihood of impaired drivers on the road.
- Busy roads and freeways: Major highways like I-94 and I-35W run through Minneapolis, making it a crucial transportation hub. This high traffic volume exacerbates the risks associated with impaired driving, particularly during weekends and holidays when drunk driving incidents tend to spike.
- Pedestrian Traffic: Minneapolis is known for being a pedestrian-friendly city, but this also means that drunk driving accidents involving pedestrians are a serious concern. Drunk drivers are often less capable of reacting to pedestrians in crosswalks or cyclists on bike lanes.
To combat these factors, law enforcement has ramped up efforts to stop drunk driving in Minneapolis. Every year, Minnesota police arrest roughly 25,000 drivers for driving while intoxicated (DWI). In Hennepin County alone, roughly 10% of residents have a DWI charge on their driving record.
Despite this, drunk driving continues to be a leading cause of traffic fatalities and injuries in Minnesota. Every year, Minnesota sees thousands of alcohol-related crashes, resulting in more than 2,000 injuries and 145 fatalities.
Clearly, drunk driving in Minneapolis is still a problem that needs to be solved.
Help Minneapolis hold drunk drivers accountable.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident
After a drunk driving accident in Minneapolis, it’s crucial to take immediate steps to protect your health, safety, and legal rights. Here’s what to do:
- Call 911: Report the accident right away. An official police report will be critical in documenting the crash and proving fault. Remember: Do not admit fault at the scene of the accident. Wait until you’ve spoken to an attorney before assigning blame.
- Get medical help: Seek medical attention, even if you feel fine. Injuries like concussions or internal bleeding may not show symptoms immediately but can be serious.
- Collect evidence: If possible, take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Get contact information from witnesses and the other driver.
- Keep detailed records: Document all accident-related expenses, including medical bills, property damage, and lost wages. These records will help support your claim for compensation.
- Contact a Minneapolis drunk driving lawyer: To protect your rights and maximize your compensation, consult an experienced attorney. They can navigate insurance negotiations and ensure you get a fair settlement.
PRO TIP:
Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies before speaking with an attorney. Insurers may use your words to minimize or deny your claim.
Severe Injuries Caused by Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving accidents in Minneapolis often result in severe and life-changing injuries, many of which can lead to long-term physical, emotional, and financial burdens.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) occur when the brain sustains damage from a violent blow or jolt, which is common in drunk driving accidents. These injuries can range from concussions to severe brain damage, potentially causing long-term cognitive impairments, memory loss, or even permanent disability.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The force of impact in a drunk driving accident can cause severe spinal cord injuries, which can lead to partial or total paralysis, depending on the injury’s location and severity. Spinal cord injuries often necessitate lifelong medical care, rehabilitation, and assistive devices. Even less severe injuries to the spine can result in chronic pain and loss of mobility.
Whiplash and Neck Injuries
Whiplash occurs when the head is suddenly jerked backward and forward, damaging the neck’s muscles and ligaments. This injury is common in rear-end drunk driving collisions. Whiplash can cause chronic pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, affecting a victim’s ability to work and perform daily tasks.
Broken Bones and Fractures
Fractures and broken bones are common in drunk driving crashes due to the intense force involved. Victims may suffer breaks in their arms, legs, or ribs. Severe fractures might require surgery, metal implants, and extensive physical therapy.
Internal Injuries
Blunt force trauma from a drunk driving accident can result in internal injuries, such as damage to vital organs like the liver, kidneys, or lungs. These injuries are particularly dangerous because they often have delayed symptoms, meaning that victims might not realize the extent of their injuries until much later. This makes it essential to see a doctor as soon as possible after a Minneapolis drunk driving accident – even if you feel fine at the time.
Burns
In cases where the crash leads to a vehicle fire or explosion, victims may suffer from severe burns. Burns can require extensive medical treatments, including surgeries, skin grafts, and prolonged hospital stays. Severe burns can also result in permanent scarring and disfigurement, leading to long-term physical and psychological trauma.
Psychological Trauma
In addition to physical injuries, victims of drunk driving accidents frequently suffer from emotional and psychological trauma. This can manifest as:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
These conditions can have a profound impact on a person’s daily life, relationships, and career. Psychological trauma is a recognized form of pain and suffering under Minnesota law, and victims can seek compensation for these damages.
Don’t face the aftermath of your Minneapolis drunk driving accident alone.
Let our experienced attorneys fight for your rights.
Minneapolis DWI Laws
Driving under the influence is a serious offense in Minneapolis, just as it is across Minnesota. The city enforces strict state DWI laws to protect the public from the dangers of drunk driving.
Drunk Driving Limits
- BAC limits: In Minneapolis, as in the rest of Minnesota, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. (For commercial drivers, such as truck drivers, the legal BAC limit is 0.04%.)
- Underage drinking: For drivers under the legal drinking age of 21, Minnesota has a zero-tolerance policy. Any amount of alcohol in their system can lead to a DWI charge, even if their BAC is below the adult legal limit.
- Under the Influence: Drivers can face DWI charges even if they do not meet the 0.08% BAC limit, as long as they are found to be “under the influence” of alcohol, controlled substances, or a combination of drugs and alcohol. This includes prescription medications and over-the-counter medicines.
Penalties for DWI Offenders
- First-time offenders: A first DWI offense is classified as a misdemeanor and may result in up to 90 days in jail, fines of up to $1,000, and a 90-day license suspension.
- Aggravated DWI: If a driver’s BAC is 0.16% or higher, or if there are aggravating factors such as a child in the vehicle or prior offenses, the penalties increase significantly. This can include extended jail time, longer license suspensions, or mandatory use of an ignition interlock device.
- Second and third offenses: These are considered gross misdemeanors and can result in up to a year in jail, higher fines, and longer license revocation periods.
- Felony DWI: A fourth DWI offense within a 10-year period, or any DWI that results in severe injury or death, is classified as a felony. Felony DWI convictions carry much harsher penalties, including up to seven years in prison, fines of up to $14,000, and long-term or permanent loss of driving privileges.
Implied Consent Law
Minnesota’s implied consent law requires all drivers to submit to chemical testing if an officer suspects they are impaired by alcohol or drugs. Refusing to take a breath, blood, or urine test carries its own set of penalties, separate from any DWI charges. In Minneapolis, refusing a chemical test can result in:
- A 12-month license suspension
- Fines
- Installation of an ignition interlock device
…Regardless of the driver's BAC.
Statute of Limitations
In Minneapolis, victims of drunk driving accidents have six years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. However, the sooner you contact a Minneapolis drunk driving lawyer, the better. Delaying could make it harder for your attorney to build a strong case and win you the full amount of compensation available.
Don’t delay – get the compensation you deserve!
The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be. Contact us today to get started on your claim.
Seeking Compensation After a Drunk Driving Accident
After a drunk driving accident, Minnesota law guarantees you the right to seek compensation for all the damages it caused, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Punitive damages
You can even receive compensation for any estimated future damages. Your Minneapolis drunk driving accident lawyer will help you calculate how much compensation you are owed under Minnesota law.
Who Is Responsible for a Drunk Driving Accident?
Liability in a Minneapolis drunk driving accident will always start with the impaired driver. However, there may also be other parties to blame.
The Driver
Under Minnesota law, drivers found to be under the influence can be held responsible for any injuries and damages they cause. This is true even if the driver does not meet the .08 BAC limit. They may even be impaired by something other than alcohol, such as illegal drugs, prescription medication, or over-the-counter medicine.
Dram Shop Liability
Minnesota’s Dram Shop Law allows victims to hold establishments, such as bars or restaurants, accountable if they served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person who later caused an accident. This means that if a Minneapolis bar or restaurant over-served the driver before the crash, the establishment could be held liable for contributing to the driver’s impairment.
Social Host Liability
Social host liability applies in situations where individuals host private gatherings and provide alcohol to guests. Under Minnesota law, a host can be held liable if they knowingly serve alcohol to a minor (someone under 21) who then causes a drunk driving accident. However, social host liability does not typically apply when serving alcohol to adults.
Employer Liability
An impaired driver’s employer may be held liable if the driver was operating a vehicle for work-related purposes at the time of the accident. This might include:
- Delivering goods
- Driving a company vehicle
- Running a professional errand
- Transporting passengers
This is covered under the legal principle of vicarious liability, which holds employers responsible for their employees’ actions if they occur within the scope of employment. If an employer failed to properly screen or train the employee – or allowed them to drive knowing they were intoxicated at the time – the employer could face further liability.
Insurance Companies
While not directly responsible for causing the accident, insurance companies play a critical role in compensating victims after a drunk driving accident. Under Minnesota’s no-fault insurance law, victims can file claims with their own insurance provider to cover medical bills and lost wages, regardless of who was at fault.
However, for more serious injuries that exceed the limits of no-fault coverage, victims can pursue a claim against the impaired driver’s insurance company. If the impaired driver is uninsured or underinsured, victims may still recover compensation through their own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
We fight for the victims of drunk driving accidents – let us fight for you.
Our team is standing by 24/7 to help you.
How SiebenCarey Handles Drunk Driving Accidents in Minneapolis
The SiebenCarey team will guide you through every step of your drunk driving accident claim, taking the stress off your shoulders while maximizing your claim. Here’s how we handle each case.
1 STEP
Free Consultation and Case Evaluation
Our process begins with a free consultation where we will review the details of your case. During this meeting, we’ll explain your rights and assess the potential value of your claim. This initial evaluation helps you understand the legal process, available options, and how we can assist you in moving forward with confidence.
2 STEP
Comprehensive Investigation
A thorough investigation is critical to building a strong case. Our experienced legal team will gather all necessary evidence, including:
- Police reports
- Medical records
- Photos and surveillance video footage
- Eyewitness accounts
- Expert witness testimony
3 STEP
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Dealing with insurance companies can be overwhelming, especially when they try to minimize your claim. At SiebenCarey, we manage all communications with insurance companies to shield you from low settlement offers. If a fair settlement can't be reached, we are fully prepared to take your case to court and fight for the compensation you deserve.
4 STEP
Pre-Trial Negotiations and Mediation
Most drunk driving accident cases in Minneapolis are resolved before reaching trial. Our team will work tirelessly during pre-trial negotiations and mediation to ensure the best possible outcome for you. Throughout this phase, we remain focused on obtaining fair compensation while minimizing the time and emotional toll a drawn-out legal battle can cause.
5 STEP
Trial Litigation (If Necessary)
If your case goes to trial, SiebenCarey’s trial attorneys will prepare compelling arguments on your behalf. Our experienced Minneapolis drunk driving accident lawyers have won verdicts for our clients worth far more than the insurance companies’ best offers.
6 STEP
Post-Trial Support
Even after a trial concludes, our work doesn’t end. We will make sure you receive the compensation awarded by the court in a timely manner and address any appeals filed by the defendant. No matter how the insurance company responds, we will get you the compensation you are owed as efficiently as possible.
SiebenCarey Is Ready to Help
At SiebenCarey, we understand the profound impact a drunk driving accident can have on your life. From physical injuries to emotional trauma and financial strain, these accidents are overwhelming. Our experienced attorneys are committed to providing both compassionate and aggressive representation, ensuring you receive the full compensation you're entitled to. With deep knowledge of Minneapolis and Minnesota DWI laws, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident, let us help you fight for justice and fair compensation. Contact our Minneapolis office 24/7 for a free consultation at 612-333-4500. If you're recovering at home or in the hospital, we can come to you!
Our Minneapolis-based attorneys are ready to assist you in taking the next steps toward recovery. Reach out today, and let us know how we can help.
Minneapolis Drunk Driving Accident FAQs
Secure the Compensation You Deserve with SiebenCarey!
Take the first step toward justice by reaching out to SiebenCarey for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. Our experienced attorneys are ready to help you navigate your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve.
We’re available 24/7 to discuss your case and guide you through the process. Let SiebenCarey handle the legal challenges so you can focus on your recovery. Reach out today, and we’ll get right to work helping you win the full compensation owed to you!
Minneapolis Office
901 S Marquette Avenue, Suite 500Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402
Phone: 612-333-4500Fax: 612-333-5970
