Minneapolis Drunk Driving Accident Attorney

Helping Victims of Drunk Drivers Seek Justice in Minnesota

Unfortunately, drunk drivers are responsible for a great deal of the auto accidents in Minnesota. What makes this type of accident so significant is the fact that it is preventable. The individual getting behind the wheel makes a poor decision, and this poor judgment can lead to the death of another person. This is inexcusable, which is why the penalties for drunk driving are very strict.

Although the penalties are strict, that does not do much for the people hurt in these accidents. Victims include those who have been injured and the family members of the injured. In too many cases, the victims are killed and this leaves their family wondering what they are going to do next, especially in the area of finances when their loved one was their main income earner.

Identifying Liable Parties in Drunk Driving Accidents

It is your right to file a claim for monetary damages in the court system. Your lawyer will file your suit on your behalf and will file it against all of the responsible parties. The responsible parties can include the driver responsible and the drinking establishment that served them. This is referred to as dram shop liability and is very important in a drunk driving accident case.

The state's Dram Shop Act states that an establishment must have a license to sell alcohol, cannot sell alcohol to someone under the age of 21, and cannot sell to someone who is obviously intoxicated.

Common Scenarios in Drunk Driving Collisions

In the Minneapolis area, drunk driving crashes can occur on busy routes like I-94, I-35W, Highway 62, and neighborhood streets where people are walking, biking, or parking their cars. 

Common examples of drunk driving accidents include:

• Head-on or multi-vehicle collisions: A drunk driver may drift into oncoming traffic or strike other vehicles on the road.
• Pedestrian accidents: Impaired drivers may hit individuals walking on sidewalks, crosswalks, or along the shoulder.
• Run-off-road crashes: A driver may leave the roadway and strike objects such as poles, barriers, or parked cars, sometimes causing injuries to others nearby.

No matter what the type, many people have been hurt and killed due to the carelessness and bad decision-making of drunk drivers, and it is only right that they pay all of the consequences for their actions.

Long-Term Impact of Drunk Driving Injuries

Drunk driving accidents can have severe and long-lasting effects on the victims and their families. While immediate consequences, such as physical injuries and damaged property, may be apparent, there are also long-term effects that can impact the lives of those involved for years to come.

Some of the potential long-term effects of drunk driving accidents include:

• Chronic pain and disabilities
• Mental health issues, such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression
• Financial strain due to medical bills and lost wages
• Relationship problems due to brain injury symptoms

At Meshbesher & Student, we understand the complex nature of drunk driving collisions and the impact they can have on people's lives. Our experienced attorneys are committed to helping victims and their families seek justice and compensation for the long-term effects of these devastating accidents.

Compensation Available After a Minnesota Drunk Driving Crash

People often want to know what types of financial recovery may be available after a drunk driving collision. While every situation is different, Minnesota law allows injured people and families to pursue economic and non-economic damages to help address the wide range of losses that follow a serious crash. 

Damages in a drunk driving accident claim include:

• Economic damages: Economic damages include the concrete financial costs tied to the incident. These may involve past and future medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and medications, as well as lost income if you missed work or can no longer perform the same job. Property damage can also be included for car repairs, replacements, and other personal items that were damaged.
• Non-economic damages: These damages address the human impact that does not show up on a bill. This can include physical pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and the strain injuries place on close relationships.

In cases involving a death caused by a drunk driver, surviving family members may bring a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and loss of financial support. By talking in detail about how your life has changed since the crash, our Minneapolis drunk driving accident lawyer can pursue a result that reflects both the financial and personal consequences of what you have endured.

Secure Your Future: Contact Our Minneapolis Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys

After a crash, many people are unsure whether they even have a claim or worry that they waited too long to talk with a lawyer. In Minnesota, strict time limits apply to personal injury and wrongful death cases, and different deadlines may apply depending on whether you are bringing a claim against an individual driver, a bar, or another business. Speaking with an attorney as soon as you are able allows us to preserve evidence, communicate with insurers on your behalf, and make sure important legal deadlines are met while you focus on medical treatment.

Your Minneapolis drunk driving accident attorney will work hard to put together the details of your case and use the legal system to bring all responsible parties to justice so that you do not have to worry about the future of your finances.