Fight for Justice After a Drunk Driving Crash in Minnetonka
If you or someone you love has been injured by a drunk driver in Minnetonka, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to deal with this overwhelming situation on your own. The emotional trauma, physical injuries, and financial strain caused by these reckless incidents can feel impossible to manage. A Minnetonka drunk driving accident lawyer at Fields Injury Law is here to help you regain control, pursue justice, and move forward.
Our drunk driving injury attorneys offer trusted legal support when you need it most. We fight hard to hold drunk drivers accountable and to get you the compensation you deserve.
Contact us now for a free consultation to learn how we can help you seek the compensation and justice you deserve.
Why Drunk Driving Accidents Are So Devastating
Drunk driving crashes are different from other types of collisions. They aren’t just accidents—they're entirely preventable, caused by someone who made a reckless and illegal decision to drive under the influence.
These incidents often lead to catastrophic injuries because intoxicated drivers typically:
- Speed excessively
- Swerve across lanes
- Fail to react in time to avoid a crash
This level of danger increases the chances of serious consequences, from traumatic brain injuries to spinal damage, amputations, or even fatalities.
Long-Term Impact on Victims
A drunk driving wreck can change your life in seconds. Many victims struggle with:
- Ongoing pain and mobility issues
- Emotional trauma, such as PTSD, anxiety, or depression
- Medical debt and lost income from time away from work
- Loss of quality of life, especially when permanent injuries occur
You deserve to be fully compensated for every way this crash has affected your life.
Drunk Driving in Minnesota: What the Numbers Show
Despite efforts to crack down on impaired driving, Minnesota still sees thousands of DUI-related crashes each year. According to impaired driving statistics from the Minnesota Department of Health:
- In a recent year, over 24,000 DWI arrests were made statewide.
- One in seven licensed Minnesota drivers has at least one DWI on record.
- More than 2,200 people sustained injuries in a DUI crash.
- 74 people died in an alcohol-related wreck.
- Minnetonka and the surrounding Hennepin County area regularly report high numbers of impaired driving arrests and crashes.
These aren't just numbers—they represent real lives shattered by drunk drivers. If you’ve been injured, an experienced Minnetonka personal injury attorney can help you pursue justice through the civil legal system.
Your Rights After a Drunk Driving Accident
A drunk driving crash can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what steps to take. But you have rights—and understanding those rights can make a huge difference in your recovery. With help from experienced drunk driving injury lawyers, you can protect yourself, hold the impaired driver accountable, and pursue fair compensation for everything you've lost.
You Have the Right to Medical Care
Your health is the top priority. Even if your injuries seem minor, get checked out immediately after the crash. Some symptoms—like head injuries, internal bleeding, or spinal damage—can take hours or days to show up.
Getting prompt medical attention serves two purposes:
- Protects your health by identifying hidden injuries
- Creates medical records that support your personal injury claim
If you're unsure where to go, your drunk driving accident attorney near you can help connect you with trusted providers.
You Have the Right to Say No to Quick Insurance Offers
Insurance companies may reach out soon after the crash, especially if their policyholder was clearly at fault. They may sound sympathetic—but their goal is often to settle quickly and cheaply.
Initial offers rarely cover the full extent of your damages, especially if your injuries require ongoing care or time off work. Don’t feel pressured to accept money just to make the problem “go away.”
You have the right to review any offer with a DWI accident attorney before agreeing to anything.
You Have the Right to File a Personal Injury Claim
When a drunk driver causes a crash, Minnesota law gives you the right to seek compensation through a personal injury claim. This legal action can recover money for:
- Medical expenses (emergency care, surgeries, physical therapy, prescriptions, and future treatment)
- Lost wages if you couldn’t work after the accident
- Pain and suffering, including emotional distress and trauma
- Property damage, including repair or replacement of your vehicle
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Depending on the facts of your case, you may also qualify for punitive damages, which are designed to punish reckless behavior like drunk driving.
A knowledgeable drunk driving injury lawyer can evaluate your case, file the appropriate paperwork, and represent you in negotiations or court.
You Have the Right to Legal Representation
You’re not required to face this process alone. In fact, hiring a drunk driving accident attorney near you can significantly improve your chances of securing full compensation. Your attorney can:
- Investigate the crash thoroughly
- Handle all communication with the insurance company
- Identify all sources of compensation (including uninsured motorist coverage, if applicable)
- Keep track of important deadlines
- Represent you in court if needed
Having someone on your side who understands Minnesota’s personal injury laws can reduce your stress and give you peace of mind.
You Have the Right to File Within Minnesota’s Statute of Limitations
Under Minnesota law, you typically have six years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. (Minn. Stat. § 541.05) However, depending on the circumstances, certain exceptions might apply—and some insurance policies have shorter deadlines for filing claims.
To avoid missing your chance for justice, it’s smart to speak with a drunk driving accidents lawyer as soon as possible.
How Insurance Works in Minnesota Drunk Driving Cases
If a drunk driver hit you or caused a crash that injured you as a passenger, dealing with insurance is probably one of the last things you want to think about. However, understanding your coverage options can make a big difference in your recovery.
Minnesota’s unique insurance system can be confusing—but a skilled drunk driver auto accident lawyer can help you make sense of it and pursue every dollar you’re entitled to.
Minnesota’s No-Fault Insurance System
Minnesota is a no-fault state, which means your own insurance policy pays for certain losses—regardless of who caused the accident. This includes:
- Medical bills up to $20,000
- Lost wages (typically capped)
- Mileage and replacement services (such as help with household chores)
This no-fault coverage kicks in immediately after the accident, even if the other driver was clearly intoxicated.
However, no-fault benefits have limits. Once your medical expenses exceed $4,000, or if you suffer a permanent injury, disfigurement, or disability, you can pursue a personal injury claim directly against the at-fault driver.
This is where the help of a drunk driving injury lawyer becomes essential but it can give accident victims and their families a sense of resolution and increased financial security.
Holding the Drunk Driver’s Insurance Responsible
In drunk driving accidents, fault is usually straightforward. That means you're likely eligible to pursue compensation from the impaired driver’s liability insurance policy.
Liability coverage typically pays for:
- Excess medical costs
- Long-term care expenses
- Lost future income
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Punitive damages in some cases
Minnesota law requires every driver to carry minimum liability coverage, but those limits may not fully cover your damages—especially in serious injury cases.
What If the Drunk Driver Is Uninsured or Underinsured?
Unfortunately, not every driver follows the law. If you’re injured in a crash caused by an uninsured or underinsured drunk driver, you can turn to your own UM/UIM (Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist) coverage. This part of your auto insurance protects you when:
- The at-fault driver has no insurance
- The at-fault driver has inadequate insurance
- You’re the victim of a hit-and-run caused by a suspected drunk driver
Minnesota requires all drivers to carry both UM and UIM coverage, so you’re likely protected—even if the drunk driver isn’t.
A drunk driving accident lawyer can review your policy, determine all available sources of compensation, and help file claims on your behalf.
Why Legal Help Matters in Drunk Driving Insurance Claims
Drunk driving injury cases often involve multiple types of insurance—your own no-fault coverage, the drunk driver’s liability policy, and possibly your UM/UIM benefits. Each policy has its own rules and limits, and insurers are not always transparent about what you’re owed.
Don’t try to take on the insurance companies alone. Let a drunk driving injury attorney handle the legal complexities so you can focus on your recovery.
How Much Is Your Case Worth?
After a drunk driving crash, one of the most common questions victims ask is, “How much compensation can I expect?” The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Every case is different, and the final outcome depends on several key factors—some of which aren’t immediately obvious.
Understanding these factors can help you set realistic expectations and make informed decisions. A qualified DUI accident lawyer near you can give you a clearer estimate once the details of your situation are reviewed.
Severity and Type of Injuries
The seriousness of your injuries plays a major role in determining case value. Injuries that require long-term treatment, impact your ability to work, or cause permanent changes to your daily life can lead to higher compensation. That’s why thorough documentation and follow-up care are so important.
Length of Recovery
The longer your recovery takes, the more your accident may impact your financial stability and emotional well-being. If you're dealing with extended time away from work or ongoing treatments, that can affect the overall value of your claim.
Liability and Proof of Fault
While drunk driving cases often have clear fault, it's still necessary to gather strong evidence—police reports, witness statements, toxicology results, and more. The more solid your case is, the stronger your negotiating position will be with insurance companies or in court.
An experienced drunk driving injury attorney can help ensure that nothing is overlooked.
Insurance Policy Limits
Insurance coverage plays a big part in how much you may ultimately recover. If the drunk driver has minimal coverage—or no insurance at all—your own uninsured or underinsured motorist policy may come into play. Your attorney can examine all available coverage and explore every possible source of compensation.
Whether or Not the Case Goes to Trial
Some drunk driving accident cases settle quickly, while others go to court. Cases that settle out of court are usually resolved faster but may result in a lower payout. On the other hand, taking a case to trial can potentially increase your compensation—but it often involves more time, preparation, and risk.
Your drunk driving accident attorney near you will advise you on the best path based on your unique situation, the strength of your case, and your personal goals.
Legal Representation
Having the right attorney on your side can directly impact the value of your case. Insurance companies often offer more favorable settlements to clients who are represented by lawyers—especially those known for taking cases to trial when necessary.
Choosing a firm with experience in drunk driving wrecks and personal injury law means you’ll have someone fighting to ensure no detail is overlooked and no opportunity is missed.
FAQ: Drunk Driving Accident Claims in Minnesota
Can I file a claim if the drunk driver wasn’t charged or convicted?
Yes. Criminal charges are separate from civil lawsuits. You can still pursue compensation even if the driver wasn’t convicted.
What if I was riding with the drunk driver?
You may still have a valid injury claim. Depending on the situation, you could be eligible to file against the driver's policy—or your own uninsured coverage.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
Minnesota law gives you six years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury claim. (Minn. Stat. § 541.05) Don’t wait—some exceptions or insurance deadlines may shorten that time.
How do I find a DUI accident lawyer near me?
Start with a law firm that focuses on personal injury and drunk driving accidents. Look for strong reviews, experience with DUI crash cases, and a free consultation.
Contact Our Minnetonka DUI Accident Lawyers Today
At Fields Injury Law, we know how devastating a drunk driving crash can be. That’s why we work tirelessly to hold reckless drivers accountable and secure full compensation for your injuries. Our experienced drunk driving accident attorneys in Minnetonka are ready to take the legal burden off your shoulders—so you can focus on what matters most: getting better.
Call us now at (952) 234-8426 or fill out our secure online form to schedule your free consultation. Let’s fight for the justice you deserve.
