One person's reckless decision to get behind the wheel can leave you with devastating injuries, emotional trauma, and a mountain of unexpected bills. Whether the crash happened on a busy stretch of I-94 near the Lowry Hill Tunnel, along the congested Hennepin Avenue, or on a weekend night on Lake Street, the consequences are the same. You are left to pick up the pieces while the responsible driver faces criminal charges.
At Fields Injury Law, we are dedicated to helping victims of intoxicated drivers to hold them accountable and secure the financial stability they need to recover. A compassionate Minneapolis drunk driving accident lawyer from our team is ready to listen to your story and explain your options. We invite you to contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation to learn how we can help.
Key Takeaways for Minneapolis Drunk Driving Accident Victims
- Victims of drunk driving accidents in Minnesota have the right to file a civil lawsuit for compensation, which is a separate process from the driver's criminal DWI case.
- It may be possible to hold multiple parties accountable for the accident, including the impaired driver and, in some cases, the establishment that overserved them alcohol.
- Accepting an early settlement offer from an insurance company can prevent a victim from seeking further compensation if their injuries are more severe than initially realized.
- Compensation in a drunk driving accident claim can cover a wide range of damages, including medical bills, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering.
Why Choose Fields Injury Law for Your Minneapolis, Minnesota Drunk Driving Accident Claim?
When you're recovering from a serious injury, the last thing you need is the stress of coordinating with multiple law firms for different aspects of your case. At Fields Injury Law, we recognized this burden and developed our unique All-in-One Injury Solution to simplify the process for you. We provide steady, ongoing support under one roof, allowing you to focus completely on your health and well-being.
Our coordinated team listens carefully to understand the full impact the accident has had on your life. We work together to manage every angle of your situation, from the immediate personal injury claim to any related workers' compensation claim or disability benefits issues that may arise.
Here is what our integrated approach means for you:
- A Unified Strategy: Your personal injury, workers' compensation, and disability claims are handled by a team that communicates constantly, ensuring a consistent and comprehensive strategy for your recovery.
- Simplified Communication: You have a single point of contact, eliminating the confusion of dealing with separate legal teams for different but related legal matters.
- Comprehensive Support: We address your immediate financial needs and plan for your long-term stability, ensuring no stone is left unturned in your pursuit of justice.
By bringing these critical legal services together, we keep your case moving forward efficiently and effectively. Our main goal is to protect your rights and help you recover all the compensation you are entitled to under the law.
Hear From Our Clients
Criminal DWI Charges vs. Personal Injury Lawsuits
After a drunk driving crash in Minneapolis, two different types of legal cases often unfold at the same time: a criminal case and a civil case. It's important to understand the difference between them, as they have separate goals and involve different parties.
The criminal case is brought by the government against the drunk driver.
- Who is involved? The prosecutor, representing the State of Minnesota, files charges against the driver (the defendant). The accident victim is typically a witness in this case.
- What is the goal? The purpose of the criminal case is to punish the driver for breaking the law. According to Minnesota's Driving While Impaired (DWI) laws, penalties can include fines, jail time, driver's license revocation, and mandatory alcohol education programs.
- What is the outcome? The case results in a verdict of guilty or not guilty. A guilty verdict can be powerful evidence in your civil case, but it does not automatically result in compensation for you.
The civil case, also known as a personal injury lawsuit, is a claim you file to recover compensation for your losses.
- Who is involved? You (the plaintiff), with the help of your drunk driving accident lawyer, file a claim against the drunk driver and their insurance company (the defendants).
- What is the goal? The purpose of the civil case is to make you "whole" again financially by compensating you for all the harm you have suffered due to the accident. This includes your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- What is the outcome? The case typically ends in a settlement or, if a settlement can't be reached, a court verdict. The outcome is a monetary award paid to you, not a criminal penalty for the driver.
Even if the drunk driver is found not guilty in their criminal case, you can still pursue and win your civil lawsuit. The standard of proof is lower in a civil case, meaning your attorney only needs to show it was more likely than not that the driver's negligence caused your injuries.
Should I Accept the First Offer from the Insurance Company?
Shortly after the accident, you will likely receive a call from the at-fault driver's insurance adjuster. They may seem friendly and concerned, and they might even make a quick offer to settle your claim. While it can be tempting to accept this money, especially when medical bills are piling up, doing so is often a mistake.
Insurance companies are for-profit businesses. Their primary goal is to protect their bottom line by paying out as little as possible on claims. They know that accident victims are often in a vulnerable position and may not understand the true, long-term cost of their injuries. The first offer is almost always a "lowball" offer that does not account for the full extent of your damages.
Consider these points before accepting any offer:
- Future Medical Needs: Some injuries, like traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord damage, may require lifelong medical care, therapy, and assistive devices. An early offer won't cover these future costs.
- Lost Earning Capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your old job or working at all, you are entitled to compensation for your diminished ability to earn a living in the future. This is a complex calculation that an initial offer will not include.
- It's Final: Once you accept a settlement and sign a release, you give up your right to ask for more money for this accident forever. If you later discover your injuries are worse than you thought, you cannot go back and ask for more.
A Minneapolis drunk driving accident attorney from our firm can accurately assess the full value of your claim by consulting with medical and financial professionals. We will handle all communications with the insurance company and negotiate aggressively for a settlement that fairly compensates you for everything you have lost.
Who May Be Held Liable in a Drunk Driving Accident Lawsuit?
While the impaired driver is the most obvious party responsible for the crash, they may not be the only one. Minnesota law allows accident victims to seek compensation from other parties whose negligence contributed to the collision. Identifying all potentially liable parties is crucial for maximizing your financial recovery, especially if the driver has limited insurance coverage.
A thorough investigation by a skilled Minneapolis drunk driving accident lawyer may reveal that one or more of the following parties share responsibility:
- The Drunk Driver: The individual who made the choice to drink and drive is the primary person at fault. Their negligence is the direct cause of the accident and your injuries.
- The Bar, Restaurant, or Liquor Store ("Dram Shop" Liability): Minnesota has a "dram shop" law that can hold establishments liable for illegally serving alcohol. Under this law, a bar, restaurant, or liquor store can be held responsible if they sold alcohol to a clearly intoxicated person and that person went on to cause an accident.
- A Social Host: In some situations, a private individual who hosts a party can also be held liable. If a social host knowingly serves alcohol to a minor (someone under 21) who then causes a drunk driving accident, the host may be held financially responsible for the resulting damages.
- The Driver's Employer: If the drunk driver was on the clock or performing work-related duties at the time of the crash—for example, a delivery driver or a salesperson driving to a client meeting—their employer could be held vicariously liable for the driver's negligent actions.
Determining all sources of liability requires a deep understanding of Minnesota law and a detailed investigation. Our team has the resources to uncover the evidence needed to hold every responsible party accountable for their role in the harm you have suffered.
What Compensation is Available to Drunk Driving Accident Victims in Minneapolis, MN?
The goal of a personal injury claim is to provide you with financial compensation, known as "damages," to cover the losses you have incurred because of the accident. The value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries and the total impact the crash has had on your life. In Minnesota, victims can typically seek compensation for several categories of damages.
Economic Damages (Special Damages)
These are the tangible, out-of-pocket financial losses that have a clear dollar value. The goal is to repay you for every expense you've had to cover due to the crash.
You can seek compensation for:
- All past, current, and future medical expenses (hospital stays, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, etc.)
- Lost wages and income from being unable to work
- Loss of future earning capacity if your injuries are permanent
- The cost to repair or replace your vehicle and other damaged property
- Rehabilitation costs and expenses for assistive devices like wheelchairs or home modifications
It's critical to keep detailed records of all your expenses, as this documentation will serve as the foundation for calculating your economic damages.
Non-Economic Damages (General Damages)
These damages are meant to compensate you for the intangible, non-financial ways the accident has affected your life. While there is no receipt for this kind of suffering, it is a very real and significant part of your ordeal.
These damages may include compensation for:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress, anxiety, and mental anguish
- Scarring and permanent disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in hobbies and activities you once loved)
- Loss of consortium (the impact on your relationship with your spouse)
Because these losses are subjective, proving them requires the skill of an experienced attorney who can effectively tell your story and demonstrate the profound impact the accident has had on your quality of life.
Punitive Damages
In cases of extreme negligence or intentional misconduct, Minnesota courts may award punitive damages. Unlike the damages listed above, which are meant to compensate the victim, punitive damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future. Drunk driving is often considered the type of reckless conduct that warrants punitive damages, and we can advise you if they may be available in your case.
Our Motor Vehicle Case Results
FAQs: Minneapolis Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
Here are answers to some common questions we receive from victims of drunk driving accidents.
Will I have to go to court to get compensation for my injuries?
The vast majority of personal injury cases, including those involving drunk drivers, are settled out of court through negotiations. A settlement avoids the time, expense, and uncertainty of a trial. However, if the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer, our attorneys are fully prepared to file a lawsuit and take your case to court to fight for the compensation you deserve.
How much does it cost to hire a drunk driving accident attorney in Minnesota?
At Fields Injury Law, we handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront fees to hire us. We only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you, either through a settlement or a court verdict. Our fee is a percentage of the total amount we recover, so you never have to worry about paying out of pocket.
Can I still file a claim if a loved one was tragically killed in the accident?
Yes. If you have lost a family member in a drunk driving crash, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This type of claim seeks compensation for the losses the surviving family members have suffered, such as loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and funeral and burial expenses.
Our Drunk Driving Case Resources
Contact Our Trusted Minneapolis Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys Today
You have been through a traumatic event, and you deserve a legal team that will treat you with compassion and respect while fighting tirelessly for your rights. The decision to drink and drive is a negligent act with devastating consequences, and the responsible parties must be held accountable. You should not have to bear the financial burden of someone else's reckless choice.
The Minnesota personal injury lawyers at Fields Injury Law are here to lift that burden from your shoulders. We will handle every aspect of your legal claim so you can devote your energy to what matters most: your recovery.
When you work with our firm, we will:
- Conduct a complete investigation into the accident to gather all necessary evidence.
- Identify all parties who may be held liable for your injuries.
- Calculate the full and fair value of your past, present, and future damages.
- Manage all communications and negotiations with the insurance companies.
- Fight to secure the maximum compensation available for you and your family.
Don't wait to get the help you need. Contact Fields Injury Law today at (612) 206-3495 or through our online form for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case with a dedicated drunk driving accident lawyer.
