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Legal Support Against Drunk Drivers
Most people drive nearly every day whether commuting home from work, picking the kids up from school, going shopping, or just taking a fun drive in the country. The last thing anyone thinks about when they pull out of their garage is “I will be hurt in a car accident today” or “a drunk driver will change my life today.”
Sadly, the simple fact is that accidents happen every day, usually to people with a spotless driving record. Some of these accidents cause devastating injuries and even death. If you have been hurt in an accident, or a loved one was tragically killed as a result of the negligence or drunk driving of someone else, then you need the highly skilled and experienced drunk driving personal injury accident lawyers at Sieben Edmunds Miller in Minnesota.
I’ve Been in an Accident – Now What?
Compensation Beyond Your Insurance Benefits
Far too often, when somebody is in an accident they think their insurance company will cover the cost of repairing damage to your car and take care of whatever medical expenses you might incur as a result of the injuries you suffered.
Even though Minnesota is a no-fault state when it comes to accidents involving motor vehicles, many times your own insurance will not cover all of your expenses. It might not replace all of the income you might lose as you recover and undergo rehabilitation therapy or paying somebody to look after your kids. Finally, your insurance company has no interest – or obligation – to pay you for the pain and suffering you endure. The fender should get fixed but that will not make you whole.
Deep, Lifelong Injuries from a Minnesota Motor Vehicle Accident
Sometimes, the victim of a car accident will walk away totally unscathed. But others are left with permanent disabilities, disfiguring scars, and the need for ongoing medical treatment and therapy. This is why if you are in any sort of an accident that may have been the fault of the other driver, the first thing to do is seek medical attention that you may need. Many long-lasting accident injuries are not immediately apparent, even if you are badly hurt. Typically, the more chronic injuries are:
- Chronic neck, hip, shoulder, and back pain from being whipped around or being held by the seat belt at the moment of impact
- Loss of limbs
- Paralysis
- Impact from the airbag injuring the head, eyes, or ears
- Disfigurement
- Brain injuries and head trauma, even when wearing a seat belt
- Loss of life
Where a Minnesota Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
Your job after being injured in an accident is to recover as much as possible. Our job at Sieben Edmunds Miller is fighting to get you the total compensation you deserve. If you have been hurt as a result of the negligence of the driver of another vehicle in Eagan, Mendota Heights, Dakota County, Minneapolis, or St. Paul, after taking care of your immediate medical needs call the Minneapolis Personal Injury Lawyers and St.Paul Personal Injury Lawyers for drivers at Sieben Edmunds Miller.
Frequently Asked Questions about Drunk Driver Accidents in Minnesota
Sieben Edmunds Miller
What should I do immediately after being injured by a drunk driver in Minnesota?
If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver, prioritize your safety and seek medical attention for your injuries. Report the accident to the authorities and gather evidence, including the driver’s information, witness statements, and photographs of the scene. Contacting an experienced drunk driver accident attorney should also be a priority to protect your rights and pursue compensation.
What legal options do I have if I've been injured by a drunk driver in Minnesota?
If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver, you may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent driver. Additionally, depending on the circumstances, you may be able to pursue compensation from other parties through a premises liability claim, such as the establishment that served alcohol to the intoxicated driver.
How can an attorney help me with my drunk driver accident claim?
A skilled drunk driver accident attorney can assist you by investigating the accident, gathering evidence of the driver’s intoxication, negotiating with insurance companies, and advocating for your rights in court. Their goal is to secure fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
What damages can I recover in a drunk driver accident lawsuit?
In a drunk driver accident lawsuit, you may be eligible to recover various damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, property damage, and other related costs. An attorney can help you assess the full extent of your damages and pursue maximum compensation.
How can I prove that the driver who hit me was drunk at the time of the accident?
Proving that the driver who hit you was drunk at the time of the accident typically involves gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, breathalyzer test results, and any other documentation of the driver’s intoxication. An experienced attorney can help you gather and present this evidence effectively.
What if the drunk driver's insurance company denies my claim?
Can I still pursue a claim against the drunk driver if they were arrested for DUI/DWI?
What if I lost a loved one in a drunk driving accident?
If you lost a loved one in a drunk driving accident, you may be eligible to pursue a wrongful death claim against the negligent driver. Wrongful death claims seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the emotional impact of losing a loved one. An attorney can help you navigate this complex legal process with compassion and expertise.
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit after a drunk driving accident in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a drunk driving accident is generally two years from the date of the accident. It’s crucial to take legal action within this timeframe to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Can I still pursue compensation if the drunk driver was uninsured or underinsured?
Yes, if the drunk driver was uninsured or underinsured, you may still have options for seeking compensation. Your attorney can explore alternative sources of compensation, such as uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, or pursuing a premises liability claim against other liable parties, such as the establishment that served alcohol to the intoxicated driver.
What if the drunk driver claims they were not at fault for the accident?
If the drunk driver disputes fault for the accident, your attorney can investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, gather evidence of the driver’s intoxication, and build a strong case to establish liability. Witness statements, police reports, and other documentation can help support your claim against the drunk driver.
Will I have to go to court if I file a drunk driver accident lawsuit?
Can I recover punitive damages in a drunk driver accident lawsuit?
How can I afford legal representation for my drunk driver accident case?
At Sieben Edmunds Miller, we offer free initial consultations for drunk driver accident cases, and we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t owe any attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you. We strive to provide accessible legal representation to all clients, regardless of their financial situation.
What if the drunk driver fled the scene of the accident?
If the drunk driver fled the scene of the accident, it’s crucial to report the hit-and-run to the authorities immediately and seek medical attention for any injuries. You may still be able to pursue a personal injury claim against the driver, especially with the help of an experienced attorney who can conduct a thorough investigation to identify the responsible party.
Can I still pursue a claim if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Minnesota follows a comparative negligence system, which means you can generally still pursue a claim for compensation unless you are found to be 51% at fault for the accident or more. However, your total recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault. An attorney can assess the circumstances of the accident and determine how comparative negligence laws may impact your case.
What if the drunk driver's insurance policy limits are insufficient to cover my damages?
Can I still pursue compensation if the drunk driver was driving a company vehicle at the time of the accident?
What if I suffered injuries as a passenger in a vehicle driven by a drunk driver?
If you were a passenger in a vehicle driven by a drunk driver and suffered injuries due to their negligence, you may be entitled to seek compensation for your damages. You have the right to pursue a claim against the driver’s insurance policy and potentially other liable parties, such as the establishment that served alcohol to the driver.
What if the drunk driver was underage at the time of the accident?
Can I file a lawsuit against a bar or restaurant for over-serving alcohol to the drunk driver?
Yes, if a bar or restaurant knowingly over-served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated patron who later caused an accident while driving under the influence, you may have grounds for a dram shop liability claim against the establishment. Dram shop laws hold alcohol vendors accountable for serving alcohol to visibly intoxicated individuals who then cause harm to others.
What if the drunk driver was operating a boat or other watercraft at the time of the accident?
If the drunk driver was operating a boat or other watercraft at the time of the accident, similar legal principles apply as with drunk driving accidents on the road. You may still be entitled to pursue compensation for your injuries and damages, and an attorney can help you navigate the complexities of boating accident laws in Minnesota.
What if I'm unsure whether the driver who hit me was intoxicated at the time of the accident?
If you’re unsure whether the driver who hit you was intoxicated at the time of the accident, it’s essential to gather as much evidence as possible, including witness statements, police reports, and any indications of impairment observed at the scene. An experienced attorney can help you investigate the circumstances of the accident and determine whether alcohol played a role in causing the crash.
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