We understand that a car wreck can shatter lives in an instant. As your Minneapolis car accident lawyer, we step into the chaos you are facing and offer grounded authority, unwavering support, and a path toward justice.
We are Nelson Personal Injury, LLC, an established team of personal injury lawyers rooted in Minnesota for nearly four decades. Our legacy began in 1995 when Timothy W. Nelson founded the firm in St. Cloud, and grew stronger in 2012 when his son, Matthew J. Nelson, joined the practice.
Together, they combine a family-driven commitment to service with legal experience to secure meaningful results for accident victims across our state.
From the moment you contact us, you are more than a case file. You become part of a story we take personally. We have applied our knowledge of Minnesota’s no‑fault system, comparative fault rules, and injury thresholds to recover millions for thousands of clients, including those harmed in distracted driving collisions.
We have built relationships with medical professionals, economists, and accident reconstruction experts to show the full scope of your losses—not just what insurers want to count.
Here is how we address your immediate pain:
- You are overwhelmed by medical bills, insurance calls, and the ripple of physical and emotional strain.
- You fear that talking to the wrong person too soon could jeopardize your claim.
- You worry that proving distraction, such as a text glance or a quick adjustment, is too subtle to hold an insurance company or defendant accountable.
Addressing those fears starts with clarity. You do not have to navigate this alone. As your experienced accident lawyer in Minneapolis, Minnesota, we stand ready to:
- Interpret complex laws to protect your rights under Minnesota’s no-fault system.
- Identify and preserve key evidence that shows the true cause of your crash.
- Prevent insurers from minimizing your injuries or profiting from ambiguity.
Your story and your recovery deserve precision, care, and fierce advocacy. We invite you to keep reading as we walk you through what distracted driving cases involve and how our approach will help you reclaim control, starting now.
What Counts as Distracted Driving in Minnesota?
When we speak with clients who come to us after a serious crash, one of the first questions they ask is whether the at-fault driver’s distraction counts under the law.
As an experienced car wreck attorney in Minneapolis, we want to be clear: distracted driving takes many forms, and Minnesota law recognizes them all.
The Three Main Types of Distraction
- Visual distraction: Taking your eyes off the road, even briefly, to glance at a text or check GPS.
- Manual distraction: Removing one or both hands from the steering wheel to eat, adjust music, or reach for an item.
- Cognitive distraction: Letting your mind wander away from driving, whether due to stress, fatigue, or engaging in conversations.
Minnesota’s Hands-Free Law
Since 2019, Minnesota drivers have been prohibited from holding a phone while operating a vehicle. The law allows only hands-free devices for calls or GPS use.
Despite this, distracted driving continues to be a leading cause of serious injury crashes across Minneapolis and the rest of the state. According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, distracted driving contributes to an average of one in nine crashes on Minnesota roads each year.
Everyday Examples We See in Minneapolis
As an accident lawyer in Minneapolis, Minnesota, we frequently uncover patterns of distraction, such as:
- Texting at stoplights or while driving through intersections
- Eating or drinking during heavy Minneapolis traffic
- Adjusting dashboard screens or navigation while traveling at highway speeds
- Interacting with children or passengers in the back seat
Why This Matters for Your Claim
Even when a driver insists they only looked away for “a second,” those seconds often change lives permanently. As an auto accident attorney in Minneapolis, MN, we focus on gathering the evidence needed to prove that these moments of inattention caused the crash. That means requesting phone records, reviewing traffic camera footage, interviewing witnesses, and sometimes working with digital forensic experts.
Understanding what counts as a distraction is the first step in protecting your rights. In the next section, we will show the real dangers behind these behaviors and why they continue to be a pressing threat on Minneapolis streets.
The Real Dangers: Statistics and Stories
We have seen firsthand, as a Minneapolis distracted driving car accident lawyer, how a single moment of inattention can devastate an entire family. Numbers alone cannot capture the heartbreak, but they do show the scale of the problem.
Minnesota Distracted Driving Statistics
According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety:
- Distracted driving contributes to approximately 11 percent of all crashes in Minnesota each year.
- From 2018 to 2022, there were more than 39,000 distracted driving crashes, resulting in over 24,000 injuries and 200 deaths (dps.mn.gov).
- The majority of offenders are between the ages of 21 and 34, although no age group is immune.
These numbers mean that nearly every driver in Minneapolis has either been directly impacted or knows someone who has suffered in a distracted driving crash.
The Human Side of the Numbers
As an auto accident attorney in Minneapolis, MN, we often meet clients who believed their injuries would be minor, only to find themselves facing long-term medical care, lost work, and emotional trauma.
For one family we represented, a glance at a phone while merging onto Interstate 94 led to a rear-end collision that left a young passenger with lasting back injuries. While we cannot disclose client details, we can say their lives were permanently altered by a driver who thought “just one second” would not matter.
Ripple Effects of a Single Crash
The consequences extend beyond the person injured. Families suddenly become caregivers. Employers lose valuable team members for weeks or months. Children watch parents struggle with pain or financial stress. As a car wreck attorney in Minneapolis, we know these hidden costs often exceed what insurance companies want to recognize.
Why It Matters
As an accident lawyer in Minneapolis, Minnesota, we take these cases seriously because every distracted driving crash is preventable. Unlike weather-related accidents or unavoidable hazards, distraction is a choice. Proving that choice and holding drivers accountable is not only about compensation, it is about justice and making our community safer.
Legal Rights After a Distracted Driving Accident
When a distracted driver injures you, confusion about your rights often adds to the physical and emotional toll. Our team has guided thousands of clients through this process, helping them understand what Minnesota law provides and how to secure the compensation they need to recover.
Minnesota’s No-Fault Insurance System
Minnesota follows a no-fault insurance model. This means:
- Your own insurance covers initial medical bills, lost wages, and replacement services, regardless of who caused the accident.
- These benefits are called Personal Injury Protection (PIP).
- Coverage usually begins immediately, but limits are capped, often leaving victims with significant out-of-pocket expenses when injuries are serious.
As an auto accident attorney in Minneapolis, MN, we know that no-fault benefits often fall short, particularly when hospitalizations, surgeries, or rehabilitation are required. That is when additional legal remedies come into play.
The Right to Pursue Additional Claims
Victims may step outside of the no-fault system and pursue a claim against the at-fault driver if their injuries meet certain legal thresholds, such as:
- Permanent disfigurement
- Permanent injury
- Disability lasting more than 60 days
- Medical bills exceeding $4,000
When these thresholds are met, you may pursue compensation directly from the distracted driver and their insurance company.
Damages You May Recover
As a car wreck attorney in Minneapolis, we fight to recover damages that reflect the true scope of your losses, including:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost income and diminished earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Loss of consortium for family members
- Rehabilitation, therapy, and long-term care
Why Legal Representation Matters
Many accident victims mistakenly believe that their insurance will “take care of everything.” In reality, insurers are motivated to minimize payouts. As an accident lawyer in Minneapolis, Minnesota, we protect your rights by gathering the necessary evidence, negotiating aggressively with insurers, and, when necessary, bringing your case before a jury.
The law is designed to protect you, but navigating the system alone leaves you vulnerable to mistakes and pressure from insurance companies. With the right legal team, you can ensure your rights are fully upheld.
Why These Cases Are Different from Other Car Accidents
Not every auto accident is the same. As a Minneapolis distracted driving car accident lawyer, we have seen that proving distraction presents challenges that make these cases different from a typical crash. While the damage may be clear, a rear-end collision, a sideswipe, or a high-speed wreck, the underlying cause often requires careful investigation.
Proving Distraction Is Not Always Simple
Unlike drunk driving, where a chemical test can confirm impairment, distracted driving leaves fewer obvious signs. Insurance companies often argue that accidents were caused by weather conditions, traffic flow, or driver error rather than distraction.
To counter this, an auto accident attorney in Minneapolis, MN must gather evidence such as:
- Cell phone records that show texting or calling at the time of the crash
- Surveillance footage or dashcam video
- Witness statements confirming the driver was looking down or occupied
- Accident reconstruction reports showing delayed reaction times
Juries and Insurers Take Distraction Seriously
As a car wreck attorney in Minneapolis, we know that when juries and insurance adjusters see clear proof of distraction, they respond strongly. Distracted driving is not viewed as a minor mistake—it is often equated with recklessness. This makes compelling evidence even more important, as it can significantly influence settlement negotiations and trial outcomes.
The Role of Technology
Modern vehicles complicate the picture. Built-in touchscreens, hands-free systems, and constant notifications blur the line between acceptable and negligent behavior. As an accident lawyer in Minneapolis, Minnesota, we have to show how these “everyday” distractions still violate a driver’s duty of care and directly cause harm.
Why Our Approach Matters
Our focus is not only on the crash itself but on uncovering the truth about what the other driver was doing in those critical seconds before impact. This requires persistence, creativity, and access to expert resources. Proving distraction means going beyond the surface and building a case that demonstrates both liability and the full impact on your life.
How a Minneapolis Distracted Driving Lawyer Builds Your Case
When you come to us after a distracted driving crash, we know you want answers, accountability, and a recovery plan. As a Minneapolis distracted driving car accident lawyer, our role is to handle the legal and investigative work so you can focus on healing. Every case is unique, but our process follows proven steps that deliver results.
Step 1: Immediate Investigation
We act quickly to gather and preserve critical evidence, such as:
- Police reports and citations issued to the distracted driver
- Cell phone records showing calls or texts at the time of the accident
- Dashcam or surveillance footage from nearby businesses or intersections
- Eyewitness statements that confirm distraction
An auto accident attorney in Minneapolis, MN, must move fast because evidence can disappear or be altered.
Step 2: Accident Reconstruction and Expert Analysis
We work with accident reconstruction specialists who analyze skid marks, impact angles, and vehicle data. This allows us to recreate the crash and show how distraction led to delayed reactions or unsafe maneuvers. Medical experts help us connect the injuries to the impact, strengthening the claim for full compensation.
Step 3: Documenting Your Losses
As a car wreck attorney in Minneapolis, we understand that your injuries are more than numbers on a medical bill. We document the real costs, including:
- Emergency care, surgeries, and hospital stays
- Rehabilitation and ongoing therapy
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Emotional trauma and reduced quality of life
Our firm has built relationships with trusted medical professionals and economists who provide testimony about long-term needs and financial impact.
Step 4: Negotiating With Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often deny or downplay the role of distraction. As an accident lawyer in Minneapolis, Minnesota, we anticipate these tactics and counter them with compelling evidence. We negotiate from a position of strength, demanding fair settlements that reflect the true scope of your losses.
Step 5: Preparing for Trial
If insurers refuse to be fair, we are fully prepared to present your case to a jury. We have decades of combined trial experience, and we know how to explain complex evidence in a way that resonates with jurors. Our focus is always on accountability and ensuring your voice is heard.
Our approach is comprehensive because distracted driving cases require more than surface-level investigation. We combine persistence, skill, and resources to uncover the truth and hold negligent drivers accountable.
Common Myths About Distracted Driving Claims
When we meet with new clients, we often hear the same doubts and concerns about whether their case is valid. As a Minneapolis distracted driving car accident lawyer, we know that misinformation can discourage victims from seeking justice. Clearing up these myths is one of the first steps in protecting your rights.
Myth 1: A quick glance at a phone does not count as a distraction
Many drivers believe that if they only looked away for “just a second,” it cannot be proven or considered negligence. In reality, that second can mean traveling the length of a football field at highway speeds. As an auto accident attorney in Minneapolis, MN, we routinely uncover phone records and witness accounts that confirm even brief moments of inattention caused a collision.
Myth 2: My insurance will take care of everything
No-fault insurance provides initial medical and wage benefits, but it does not cover the full range of damages when injuries are serious. As a car wreck attorney in Minneapolis, we have seen victims struggle with long-term expenses that no-fault alone cannot cover. Legal action is often necessary to recover the full cost of medical care, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Myth 3: Distracted driving is impossible to prove
Some clients fear that proving distraction is a lost cause without direct video evidence. As an accident lawyer in Minneapolis, Minnesota, we know how to build strong cases using a variety of methods, including:
- Subpoenaing phone and text records
- Working with digital forensic experts
- Obtaining surveillance footage and dashcam recordings
- Using expert testimony to demonstrate delayed reaction times
Myth 4: Only texting counts as distracted driving
Texting is one of the most common distractions, but it is not the only one. Eating, adjusting navigation, talking to passengers, or even changing music settings can all qualify as distractions under Minnesota law. We ensure that every form of negligence is investigated and presented clearly to insurers or juries.
Understanding these myths and the truth behind them helps victims recognize the strength of their case. With the right representation, distracted driving can be proven, and justice can be achieved.
Why Choose Nelson Personal Injury, LLC?
When you are searching for a Minneapolis distracted driving car accident lawyer, you want more than just legal knowledge. You need a team that combines decades of experience with a personal commitment to your recovery.
At Nelson Personal Injury, LLC, we have built our reputation on results, relationships, and relentless advocacy.
Our Experience
Our firm was founded in 1995 by Timothy W. Nelson, who has dedicated his career to helping accident victims across Minnesota. In 2012, his son, Matthew J. Nelson, joined the practice, bringing fresh energy and an unwavering dedication to client service.
Together, we have represented thousands of injured Minnesotans, recovering millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts. As an auto accident attorney in Minneapolis, MN, our track record shows that we know how to fight for clients in even the most complex distracted driving cases.
Our Approach
We treat every case as if it were our own family’s. That means:
- Direct communication with your attorney, not layers of staff.
- A thorough and strategic approach to investigation and negotiation.
- A willingness to take cases to trial when insurance companies refuse to be fair.
As a car wreck attorney in Minneapolis, we understand that your case is not just about financial recovery; it is about restoring your quality of life and securing peace of mind.
Our Values
We are committed to compassion, transparency, and accountability. Clients consistently tell us that they appreciate how we explain the process clearly and keep them updated at every stage. As an accident lawyer in Minneapolis, Minnesota, we measure success not just by the results we achieve, but by the trust and confidence our clients place in us.
Our Mission
Every distracted driving accident is preventable. By holding negligent drivers accountable, we not only help victims rebuild their lives but also make Minneapolis streets safer for everyone. Our mission is to be both your advocate and your partner in seeking justice.
Practical Steps to Take Immediately After a Distracted Driving Accident
In the aftermath of a crash, emotions run high, and it can be challenging to think clearly. As a Minneapolis distracted driving car accident lawyer, we want to provide a clear path forward so you can protect both your health and your legal rights.
Immediate Actions to Protect Yourself
Steps to take after a car accident with a distracted driver include:
- Seek medical attention even if your injuries seem minor. Many conditions worsen hours or days later.
- Call the police and ensure that an official accident report is filed. This document is critical for insurance and legal claims.
- Gather evidence by taking photos of the scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and your injuries.
- Collect information from the other driver, passengers, and any witnesses.
- Avoid statements to insurers before consulting an attorney. Insurance adjusters often seek to minimize your claim.
As an auto accident attorney in Minneapolis, MN, we remind clients that the actions taken in the first hours and days after a crash can significantly affect the outcome of their case.
Why Contacting a Lawyer Quickly Matters
Evidence such as phone records, video surveillance, or witness testimony can be lost if not preserved immediately. By consulting with a car wreck attorney in Minneapolis right away, you gain an advocate who knows how to secure this evidence before it disappears.
An accident lawyer in Minneapolis, Minnesota, can also handle communication with insurance companies, giving you the time and space you need to focus on healing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Distracted Driving Accidents
How do I know if the other driver was distracted?
Proving distraction requires evidence. As a Minneapolis distracted driving car accident lawyer, we obtain phone records, review traffic cameras, interview witnesses, and consult experts to uncover the truth.
Will no-fault insurance cover all my expenses?
No. Minnesota’s no-fault insurance pays for some medical bills and lost wages, but it has limits. When injuries are serious, an auto accident attorney in Minneapolis, MN can help you pursue a claim against the at-fault driver for full compensation.
What if the driver denies being distracted?
This is common. As a car wreck attorney in Minneapolis, we build cases on evidence rather than admissions. Digital forensics, reconstruction experts, and credible witnesses often prove what the driver will not admit.
Can I still recover damages if I was partly at fault?
Yes. Minnesota follows a comparative fault rule. As long as you were less than 50 percent responsible, you can still recover damages. An accident lawyer in Minneapolis, Minnesota, can ensure fault is calculated fairly.
Do I have to go to court?
Not always. Many cases settle through negotiation. However, if insurers refuse to be fair, we are prepared to take your case before a jury.
Take Back Control After a Distracted Driving Crash
A distracted driver made a choice that changed your life. Now you have a choice too—whether to face this battle alone or with experienced advocates at your side. At Nelson Personal Injury, LLC, we combine decades of legal knowledge with a personal commitment to our clients. We know the roads of Minneapolis, the challenges families face after serious injuries, and the strategies insurers use to minimize claims.
Your pain, your recovery, and your future matter. Let us stand with you. Contact Nelson Personal Injury, LLC today for a free consultation and start the path toward justice and healing.
