Distracted driving encompasses any activity that diverts a driver’s attention from driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Drivers who allow themselves to perform various activities, such as texting, eating, reading, shaving, adjusting the radio, using a navigation system, or daydreaming are not focused on the main task of driving safely and may put others at risk.
If you or a loved one are the victim of an accident due to distracted driving, a Minneapolis distracted driving accident lawyer may be able to help. Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC today at (844) 730-0233 to learn more.
Distracted Driving Statistics
From 2015 to 2019 in Minnesota, more than 50,000 crashes, or one out of every seven crashes, were related to distracted driving, according to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. In 2019, distracted driving contributed to 3,279 injuries and 32 deaths.
Minnesota has penalties for distracted driving, including strict fines, court fees, potential for increased insurance rates, and even felony charges if a driver injures or kills someone under Minnesota’s hands-free law passed in 2019. Despite all of these penalties, distracted driving remains a serious matter in Minnesota that comes with many costs.
When you are in an accident with a distracted driver, you become the victim of someone else’s negligence. Whether they are illegally using a handheld device or participating in another activity such as eating, adjusting the radio, putting on makeup or shaving, looking at a map, or reaching for an object, child, or pet, they are guilty of negligence when their action causes harm to another.
For a free legal consultation with a distracted driving accidents lawyer serving Minneapolis, call (844) 730-0233
Reasons To Hire a Lawyer
When you decide to hire a Minneapolis distracted driving accident lawyer, they will be by your side every step of the way. Having legal representation can help ease the burden of the caseload while you recover from your injuries and spend invaluable time with your family.
They can advise you what to do and what not to do in order to help your case. For example, they may advise you not to speak with any insurance company or adjuster.
Insurance companies may make you an initial offer without assessing the real extent of your losses. While an offer may seem fair, a lawyer can evaluate your losses and make sure the amount would fairly compensate you. They can examine the costs you have incurred and put a dollar amount on them. If the insurance company’s offer does not fairly compensate you, a lawyer can then proceed with negotiating with the insurer, which may or may not lead to representing you in court.
A lawyer can advise you on many other matters as well, making sure that you are not further injured by having to pay for damages for an injury you suffered through no fault of your own. They can address your specific concerns and answer any questions that you may have, making sure to keep you updated on any developments in your case.
A lawyer can then gather all of the information needed to present a strong case. They can speak with witnesses and medical experts and look over police and medical reports. They may visit the accident scene and try to reconstruct what happened with the help of other professionals, for example.
When filing a claim or suit, your lawyer will attempt to prove negligence on the part of the at-fault driver. Your lawyer must show that:
- The other driver had a duty of care to drive carefully and responsibly
- The other driver breached that duty of care
- You suffered harm or injury as a result of the breach
- Actual monetary damages or costs were incurred
Once your lawyer proves negligence, they can pursue the insurer for fair financial recovery on your behalf. Some of the damages a lawyer can seek for you may include:
- Medical bills
- Therapy and rehabilitation
- Loss of wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Auto repair or replacement
- Towing expenses
- Rental car costs
- Pain and suffering
In the case of a loved one’s death, a lawyer can further try to recover funeral expenses, loss of consortium, loss of loved one’s income, and more.
Minneapolis Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
Limits on the Time To File a Claim
After a car accident, the legal process is usually the last thing you want to consider, but you do not have an endless amount of time to pursue a claim or file a lawsuit. Acting sooner than later can help you secure your right to seek fair compensation in court if negotiations with an insurance company fail.
You have two years to file a personal injury claim, according to Minnesota Statutes § 541.07, and three years to file a wrongful death claim, according to Minnesota Statutes § 573.02.
You do not want to wait because a legal case takes time to develop. Every step in developing your case, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurers, takes time. You want to give your case the time it deserves.
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Reach Out To Determine Your Legal Options
Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC today at (844) 730-0233 for your free consultation. A Minneapolis distracted driving accident lawyer is waiting to get to work for you. You do not need to worry about lawyer fees. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. Our fee comes from any settlement we obtain for you.
Call or text (844) 730-0233 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
