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Minnesota Distracted Driving / Texting Accident Attorneys

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Distracted Driving Injury Attorneys in Minnesota

Minnesota is one of 47 states and territories that have laws against sending or reading text messages while driving a motor vehicle. The law is designed to lower the risk of an accident because the driver was distracted. Despite texting or emailing while driving being illegal in Minnesota, distracted driving continues to be a major problem. A hands-free law has now been enacted in Minnesota to further protect the public from distracted driving.

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Understanding Distracted Driving in Minnesota

A recent study found that 62-percent of drivers keep their phones within reach while driving, 61-percent send, receive, or reply to text messages while behind the wheel and an astounding 27-percent will post on Facebook or other social media when they should have their attention focused on the road.

In a recent year, distracted driving resulted in nearly 4,000 people being killed and hundreds of thousands more suffering serious injuries around the United States. But distracted driving can involve things other than texting while operating a motor vehicle:

  • Applying makeup or adjusting hair
  • Eating and drinking
  • Adjusting the GPS navigation system
  • laughing and talking with other passengers
  • Watching a video when driving
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Experienced Distracted Driving Attorneys in Minnesota

When a driver is doing any of these things, they can cause an accident that results in serious injury to passengers in another car or even pedestrians. There are three kinds of distractions:

  • Visual which means the driver took their eyes off the road for some reason. Visual distraction includes turning around to check on kids in the backseat, turning attention to talk with other passengers, or looking at cell phones, etc.
  • Manual is when a driver takes their hands off the wheel when adjusting the GPS, adjusting the heat or air conditioning, changing radio stations, applying make-up, or eating.
  • Cognitive distractions occur when the driver begins daydreaming about their next holiday trip, being involved in an argument with a passenger in their car or thinking about a presentation at work later that day. There are many examples of cognitive distractions that can cause personal injury on Minnesota roads.

When You or Your Passengers are Hurt by a Distracted Driver in MN

At Sieben Edmunds Miller, our personal injury lawyers are experienced at representing people who have been injured as a result of another driver being distracted. We work hard to ensure that the victims of a distracted driving accident are represented when dealing with insurance companies and presenting their case in court if it becomes necessary to go that far.

Traffic laws in Minnesota require that a driver not text while driving and use a hands-free device to speak on the phone. It prohibits anyone younger than 16 years of age to use a mobile device for any reason when behind the wheel. The only exceptions are in the event of an emergency and the driver needs to call 911 or if the driver is in a life-threatening situation.

Consult Us Without Cost or Obligation

If you have been injured by a distracted driver in Mendota Heights, Eagan, or the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, talk with a Minneapolis Personal Injury Lawyers and St.Paul Personal Injury Lawyers at Sieben distracted driver injury lawyer for free and without any obligation on your part. Your job right now is recovering from your accident. Our job is to protect you and obtain the compensation you deserve as a result of the accident.

Frequently Asked Questions about Distracted Driver Accidents in Minnesota

Sieben Edmunds Miller
What is considered distracted driving in Minnesota?
Distracted driving in Minnesota refers to any activity that diverts the driver’s attention away from the primary task of driving. This includes texting, talking on the phone, eating, drinking, adjusting the radio or GPS, and any other activity that takes the driver’s eyes, hands, or mind off the road.
How common is distracted driving in Minnesota?
Distracted driving remains a significant problem in Minnesota, with many drivers engaging in activities like texting or using their phones while driving despite laws prohibiting such behavior.
What are the penalties for texting while driving in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, texting while driving is illegal and can result in fines and penalties for violators, including points on their driving record and increased insurance rates.
Can I hold a distracted driver accountable for my injuries in Minnesota?
Yes, if you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by a distracted driver in Minnesota, you may be able to hold them accountable for your injuries and damages through a personal injury claim. 
What should I do if I suspect the other driver was texting at the time of the accident?
If you suspect the other driver was texting at the time of the accident, gather as much evidence as possible, including witness statements, photos of the scene, and any available documentation of the driver’s phone usage.
How can an attorney help me if I've been injured by a distracted driver in Minnesota?
An attorney experienced in distracted driving accidents can help you navigate the legal process, gather evidence to support your claim, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent your interests in court if necessary.
What compensation can I seek if I've been injured in a texting-related car accident in Minnesota?
You may be able to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and other damages resulting from the accident.
Is it possible to prove that the other driver was texting at the time of the accident?
Proving that the other driver was texting at the time of the accident can be challenging but not impossible. Evidence such as phone records, witness testimony, and police reports can help establish this fact.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim after a texting-related car accident in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after a car accident is generally two years from the date of the accident. It’s crucial to act promptly to preserve your right to compensation. 
Will my insurance rates go up if I file a claim for a texting-related accident?
Filing a claim for a texting-related accident may result in an increase in your insurance rates, but this can vary depending on your insurance provider and policy.
Can passengers also file claims for injuries caused by a distracted driver in Minnesota?
Yes, passengers injured in a car accident caused by a distracted driver in Minnesota can also file personal injury claims to seek compensation for their injuries and damages.
What steps should I take at the scene of a car accident if I suspect the other driver was distracted?
At the scene of the accident, gather evidence, exchange information with the other driver, and report the accident to the authorities. Be sure to mention your suspicions of distracted driving to the responding officer.
Is it worth hiring an attorney for a texting-related car accident in Minnesota?
Yes, hiring an experienced attorney can significantly increase your chances of obtaining fair compensation for your injuries and damages in a texting-related car accident case. 
Can I recover damages for pain and suffering after a texting-related car accident in Minnesota?
Yes, you may be able to recover damages for pain and suffering, along with other economic and non-economic damages, in a texting-related car accident claim in Minnesota.
How much does it cost to hire a distracted driving accident attorney in Minnesota?
Many attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case, typically taking a percentage of the settlement or verdict as their fee. Therefore, there’s usually no upfront cost to hire a distracted driving accident attorney in Minnesota. 
What evidence is crucial in proving a distracted driving accident in Minnesota?
Key evidence includes witness statements, cell phone records, police reports, photos or videos of the accident scene, and any other documentation showing the driver’s distraction at the time of the crash.
Can I still pursue a claim if the distracted driver denies texting or being distracted?
Yes, you can still pursue a claim even if the distracted driver denies texting or being distracted. Your attorney can work to gather evidence and build a case to establish the driver’s distraction despite their denial.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident? Can I still recover compensation in Minnesota?
Minnesota follows a modified comparative fault rule, meaning you can still recover compensation if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Is there a cap on the amount of compensation I can receive for a distracted driving accident in Minnesota?
Minnesota does not have a cap on economic damages such as medical expenses and lost wages. However, there is a cap on non-economic damages, including pain and suffering, which may vary depending on the circumstances of the case.
How long does it typically take to resolve a distracted driving accident case in Minnesota?
The time it takes to resolve a distracted driving accident case in Minnesota can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the case, the extent of the injuries, and whether the case goes to trial. However, many cases are resolved through settlement negotiations, which can take several months to a year or more.
If you have any further questions or need assistance with your vehicle accident case, please don’t hesitate to contact us for a free case evaluation. We’re here to help you navigate the legal process and seek justice for your injuries. 

Minnesota Distracted Driving / Texting Accident Attorneys

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2640 Eagan Woods Drive
Suite 220
Eagan, MN 55121

(651) 994-6744

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