Every day, we see the aftermath of choices that change lives forever. One of the most devastating trends on our roads today is the rise of car accidents caused by cell phone use.
Victims come to us after suffering broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and even the loss of loved ones. What they all want to know is why something as small as a phone has the power to cause so much harm.
As a Minneapolis car accident lawyer, we know that cell phones are not just a harmless distraction. They are a leading cause of collisions that leave families shattered and communities grieving.
At Nelson Personal Injury, LLC, we have seen firsthand how these cases unfold, and we understand the pain that victims carry with them long after the crash.
Why Cell Phones Are So Dangerous Behind the Wheel
Cell phones demand three forms of attention at once:
- Visual – Taking your eyes off the road
- Manual – Removing your hands from the steering wheel
- Cognitive – Distracting your mind from driving
Even a glance at a text message can take your eyes off the road for five seconds. At 55 miles per hour, that is the same as driving the length of a football field blind.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 3,000 people were killed in 2022 in the United States due to distracted driving, with cell phone use being one of the top causes.
The reality is simple: no message, call, or social media notification is worth the risk of taking a life.
The Local Impact in Minneapolis
Minneapolis roads are no strangers to congestion, construction zones, and winter driving hazards. Adding cell phone use to that mix creates a recipe for disaster.
We often see clients who were rear-ended at stoplights because the other driver was scrolling through their phone. Others were struck at high speeds on the interstate when a driver drifted out of their lane while sending a message.
As an auto accident attorney in Minneapolis, MN, we understand how quickly a routine drive can turn into a life-altering event. Victims often face medical bills, lost wages, and the stress of dealing with uncooperative insurance companies. Our role is to help them rebuild their lives and hold negligent drivers accountable.
Matt Nelson: A Proven Advocate for Victims
Our partner, Matt Nelson, has dedicated his career to helping people recover after devastating injuries. Originally from St. Cloud, Matt graduated from the University of St. Thomas School of Law in 2010, finishing in the top five percent of his class. He has spent more than a decade standing up to insurance companies and fighting for justice on behalf of injured Minnesotans.
Matt has recovered millions of dollars for clients, including a $2.75 million truck accident recovery and multiple six-figure car accident settlements. His experience as both a litigator and a certified no-fault arbitrator, having overseen more than 100 car accident cases, gives him unique insight into how distracted driving claims are handled.
When you work with us, you are not just hiring an accident lawyer in Minneapolis, Minnesota. You are hiring a team that understands the human side of injury law. Matt’s background in psychology and his time working as a mental health counselor make him particularly attuned to the emotional struggles victims face after a crash.
Common Types of Accidents Caused by Cell Phones
Cell phone use contributes to a wide variety of accidents, but we often see these recurring patterns in Minneapolis:
- Rear-End Collisions – A driver looking at a message fails to notice traffic slowing ahead.
- Intersection Crashes – Distracted drivers run red lights or stop signs while glancing at their phones.
- Lane Departure Accidents – Texting leads to weaving, drifting, or sideswiping other vehicles.
- High-Speed Crashes – Even a short distraction on I-94 or I-35 can lead to catastrophic outcomes.
As a car wreck attorney in Minneapolis, we work with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and investigators to prove when cell phone use played a role in a crash. Evidence such as phone records, witness testimony, and traffic camera footage often makes the difference in securing justice.
The Legal Consequences of Distracted Driving in Minnesota
Minnesota law prohibits holding a cell phone while driving. Hands-free devices are permitted, but texting, emailing, and social media use remain strictly illegal. Despite these laws, distracted driving continues to be a leading cause of accidents.
Drivers who cause crashes because of cell phone use can face not only traffic violations but also civil liability. This means victims can pursue compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
Our firm has seen how insurance companies try to minimize or deny claims even when the other driver was clearly at fault. That is why working with an experienced Minneapolis distracted driving car accident lawyer is so critical.
Why Victims Turn to Us
When you are recovering from injuries, the last thing you should have to do is battle with insurance adjusters. We take that burden off your shoulders. Our team builds a strong case, negotiates aggressively, and, if necessary, takes cases to trial to protect our clients’ rights.
Clients choose us because:
- We have decades of combined experience handling auto accident cases in Minneapolis.
- Matt Nelson has successfully recovered millions of dollars across a wide range of personal injury claims.
- We understand the local courts, insurance companies, and defense tactics.
- We care about each client’s story and treat every case with the compassion it deserves.
A Human Perspective
Behind every distracted driving statistic is a real person. We have represented parents who can no longer provide for their children because of spinal cord injuries. We have helped families who lost loved ones in wrongful death cases find a sense of justice. These stories remind us daily of why we do this work.
When you come to us after a cell phone-related crash, you are not just another case file. You are someone whose life has been unfairly disrupted, and our job is to fight to restore your security and dignity.
Preventing Distracted Driving Accidents
While we are here to help victims, prevention remains the ultimate goal. Some practical steps that can save lives include:
- Putting your phone on “Do Not Disturb” mode while driving
- Using hands-free technology only for essential navigation
- Pulling over safely if you need to send a message or make a call
- Talking openly with family and friends about the dangers of distracted driving
By making these choices, we can all contribute to safer roads in Minneapolis.
Call Today for a Free Accident Consultation
Cell phones are powerful tools, but behind the wheel, they are deadly distractions. At Nelson Personal Injury, LLC, we have seen too many lives changed because of a quick text or glance at a notification. If you or a loved one has been harmed in a cell phone-related crash, we are here to stand by your side.
Our team, led by attorney Matt Nelson, has the knowledge, experience, and compassion to guide you through this difficult time. Reach out to us for help from an accident lawyer in Minneapolis, Minnesota, who understands both the law and the human cost of distracted driving.
