Have you been injured in an accident with a drunk driver? If so, you have legal options.
At Nelson Personal Injury, LLC, we understand the impact of drunk driving accidents. We are here to help you protect your rights and recover the compensation you deserve. The first step is to schedule a risk-free, no-cost consultation with our office.
Minnesota Drunk Driving Statistics
You may think you will never be involved in a drunk driving accident; however, when you consider the statistics, you may have to think twice.
It is estimated that one in seven Minnesotans with driver’s license have one or more DWIs.
What this means is that more Minnesotans are drinking and driving than many people realize. Over 100,000 individuals reported they had a drink and gotten behind the wheel at least once in 2020.
The Impacts of Drunk Driving
Drunk driving impacts everyone in the State of Minnesota. Some of the ways it does this include:
Reduced Road Safety
One of the most direct impacts of drunk driving is the substantial decrease in road safety. Drunk drivers exhibit a range of dangerous driving behaviors, including swerving, speeding, and failing to obey traffic signals, putting everyone in their vicinity at risk. In addition, drivers who are under the influence exhibit slowed reaction times, inability to focus and pay attention, and reduced motor skills. All of these factors create a situation where the ability to operate a vehicle safely on the road is reduced.
Our experienced car accident attorneys in Minneapolis understand the complexities of these cases and use their knowledge to fight for the rights of those affected.
Emotional and Physical Trauma
The victims of drunk driving accidents often suffer from severe physical injuries that can have long-lasting effects. Beyond the physical pain, the emotional and psychological trauma can be equally debilitating, affecting victims’ quality of life and their ability to return to normalcy.
At Nelson Personal Injury, LLC, we understand the profound impact these injuries can have on our clients’ lives and work hard to secure the compensation necessary to assist in their recovery.
Financial Burdens
Accidents caused by drunk drivers often result in significant financial burdens for victims and their families, including medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages. Our Minneapolis drunk driving accident lawyer is dedicated to alleviating these financial stresses by pursuing full and fair compensation for our clients. By taking away the financial stress after a drunk driving accident, you are able to focus on your recovery.
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Your Legal Rights to Compensation After Being Hit and Injured by a Drunk Driver
In Minnesota, victims of drunk driving accidents have the right to seek compensation for their injuries and losses. Our state’s laws are designed to protect individuals harmed by drunk drivers’ irresponsible actions.
At Nelson Personal Injury, LLC, we are here to guide you through the legal process. Our Minneapolis drunk driving accident lawyers have extensive experience navigating Minnesota’s legal system and are committed to advocating for your rights.
Understanding Minnesota’s No-Fault Insurance System
Minnesota operates under a no-fault insurance system, meaning that, generally, your insurance company will pay for your medical bills and lost wages up to a certain limit, regardless of who caused the accident. The required minimum no-fault coverage requires $20,000 in medical expenses, and $20,000 in wage loss.
However, in certain cases, you may be able to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver—this is where our expertise becomes invaluable. In order to be able to pursue a claim against the drunk driver, you must meet one of five so called no-fault “thresholds.” These five thresholds include: (1) if you have sustained a death; (2) if you have more than 60 days of disability; (3) if you have a scar or disfigurement; (4) if you have more than $4,000 in medical expenses (excluding the costs of x-rays); or (5) if you have a permanent injury.
Seeking Damages Beyond No-Fault Benefits
If a drunk driver has injured you, and you have met one of the thresholds, you might be entitled to seek additional compensation for your losses. This can include medical expenses and wage loss that exceed your no-fault coverage, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and more.
Our team of skilled drunk driving accident attorneys in Minneapolis will thoroughly investigate your case, gathering the necessary evidence to build a strong claim on your behalf. If the other driver does not have insurance, instead of a claim against the at-fault driver, you can bring a claim against your own uninsured motorist portion of your insurance policy.
If the other driver does not have insurance to compensate you for your injuries, you may be able to bring an underinsured motorist claim against your own underinsured motorist portion of your insurance policy.
Whether you qualify for one of these claims requires a thorough review of the applicable insurance policies.
Dram Shop Laws in Minnesota
In addition to claims against your own insurance policy and the at-fault driver, you may have another potential claim stemming from a drunk driving accident. Minnesota’s dram shop laws may allow you to seek compensation from a business that served alcohol to the drunk driver who caused your accident.
If it can be proven that the establishment made an illegal sale of alcohol, that illegal sale caused or contributed to the party’s intoxication, the intoxication was the direct cause of the injury, and that the injured person sustained damages, you may be able to pursue damages against the establishment. There are different forms of “illegal sales” of alcohol, the most common of which is when alcohol is served to an obviously intoxicated person. In addition to proving the above, an injured person must also adhere to strict statutory notice requirements in order to pursue a dram shop claim. If you do not, you may lose your right to pursue such a claim. Because of this, it is important that you seek counsel from an experienced Minnesota personal injury attorney who can review your situation and protect your rights.
How We Can Help with Your Minneapolis Drunk Driving Accident Claim
At Nelson Personal Injury, LLC, we understand the challenges you face after being involved in a drunk driving accident. Our team of Minneapolis drunk driving accident lawyers is here to provide the support and guidance necessary to secure the compensation you deserve.
Comprehensive Case Evaluation
We offer a comprehensive evaluation of your case, taking the time to understand your situation and the extent of your injuries. This initial step allows us to tailor our approach to meet your needs and objectives.
Experience with the Local Legal System
With years of experience in Minnesota’s legal system, our drunk driving accident attorneys in Minneapolis are prepared to offer expert representation. We will handle all legal aspects of your claim, from negotiating with insurance companies to representing you in court if necessary. We ensure that the legal process is as stress-free as possible for you.
Maximizing Your Compensation
Our team is committed to securing the maximum compensation for your injuries and losses. We consider all aspects of your case, including current and future medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other damages specific to your situation. Our approach ensures no detail is overlooked in the fight for your rights.
Personalized Support and Communication
We believe in maintaining open and transparent communication with our clients at Nelson Personal Injury, LLC. You will be kept informed and involved at every stage of your case, and our attorneys are always available to answer any questions. Our commitment to personalized support means you can focus on your recovery, knowing that your case is in capable hands.
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Contact Us for Help with Your Drunk Driving Accident Claim
In every drunk driving accident case we handle, our priority is the well-being and satisfaction of our clients. If a drunk driver in Minneapolis has hurt you or a loved one, let our dedicated team at Nelson Personal Injury, LLC, help you navigate the legal process and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
