Drunk Driving Accidents in Minnesota
Minnesota Car Accident Attorney
The drunk driving statistics in Minnesota are rather staggering. According to a government report compiled in 2008, over 23% of Minnesota drivers reported driving under the influence of alcohol in 2007.This is the highest percentage in the United State. At the same time Minnesota had a record setting 42,000 DUI arrests the same year. Minnesota takes drunk driving very seriously. Those who have the "it is not going to happen to me" mentality when they get into a car after having enough drinks to push them over the legal blood alcohol limit of .08 are too often mistaken. Because of such statistics, there are an unbelievable number of people who have experienced the pain and suffering caused by drunk drivers. Dozens of innocent people are killed each year and their families must rely upon a Minnesota personal injury attorney to file a wrongful death claim.
Car Accident Lawyer in Minnesota
Under Minnesota Statute, Section 169A, a person may not drive with a blood alcohol concentration of .08. If an individual is documented doing this, it is evidence of negligence for a civil case. This does not mean an automatic win, but it does mean the case is a strong one. So what can you claim as damages?
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Cost of care
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages (compensation to punish the party at fault for ignoring the rights or safety of others)
If a loved one has died, your drunk driving accident lawyer will ensure your claim includes:
- Medical expenses
- Funeral expenses
- Loss of potential income
- Punitive damages
- Loss of protection, comfort, counsel and society
Depending on the circumstances a victim or the family of a victim can ask for punitive damages based on evidence regarding past drunk driving convictions. It the accused has prior convictions it is likely that punitive damages will be awarded. Even if the accused has no prior charges or convictions, the victim can still bring a civil case against the accused. However evidence of intoxication will still have to be provided. Talk to an experienced personal injury lawyer at Heimerl & Lammers about your right to file a claim for damages.
If you have been injured by a drunk driver, you should not be alone in your case. Contact a Minnesota drunk driving accident lawyer at our firm for the aggressive and compassionate representation you deserve.