When a driver drives drunk or similarly impaired, they are putting others at risk. According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, alcohol-related crashes account for one-third of all Minnesota traffic deaths each year.
Drunk driving is never excusable. When an accident with injuries or fatalities occurs due to a drunk driver, justice should be sought. A Minneapolis drunk driving accident lawyer may be able to help. Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC today at (844) 730-0233.
The Far-Reaching Effects of Drunk Driving Impairment
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the cost of alcohol-related crashes is more than $44 billion a year. Although alcohol-related crashes can be easily prevented, many people drive drunk because they do not realize how quickly and seriously alcohol can affect them. Once a 0.08 blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is reached, a driver experiences:
- Impaired perception
- Short-term memory loss
- Reduced concentration
- Reduced speed control
- Reduced visual search
- Poor muscle coordination affecting balance, speech, hearing, and reaction time
Spotting a drunk driver on the road is not difficult. Drunk drivers often brake erratically and weave across the road into other lanes. They may even drive on the opposite side of the road into oncoming traffic.
Although Minnesota’s BAC legal limit is 0.08, drivers can be arrested with lower BAC levels. Drivers who are caught driving drunk in Minnesota, like drunk drivers in other states, can face harsh penalties. A first-time drunk driving offender in Minnesota can face potential jail time, loss of license for 30 days to a year, and costs of up to $20,000 for court and legal fees and increased insurance premiums.
Many safeguards are in place to try and prevent drunk driving. First-time offenders in Minnesota may have to have an ignition interlock installed in their vehicle. An ignition interlock is a device installed under the dashboard and connected to the starter. The driver has to blow into a tube to provide a breath sample before starting their car. The car will not start unless their BAC is below 0.02.
Another safeguard that can be found across the country are sobriety checkpoints. Police officers stop cars at a specific location to check drivers’ alcohol levels. These are usually publicized in advance and usually occur during holiday weekends in order to deter people from drinking and driving.
Despite all of the safeguards in place, many people still suffer the consequences of a drunk driver’s impairment and negligence.
For a free legal consultation with a minneapolis drunk driving accident lawyer lawyer serving Minneapolis, call (844) 730-0233
The Steep Costs Associated with Drunk Driving
When you suffer injuries in an accident due to a drunk driver, you can encounter many costs. Some of them may include:
- Doctor and hospital visits
- Surgeries
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Lost paychecks
- Loss of job
- Disfigurement and disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Car repairs or replacement
- Towing and/or rental car costs
- Pain and suffering
If a loved one died as a result of a drunk driving accident, you may also be facing:
- Funeral expenses
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of loved one’s income
- Mental anguish and depression
You could be suffering from many other things not included in these lists. You are already suffering greatly; you should not have to suffer even more by paying for things that occurred due to no fault of your own. Another person was negligent and caused you great harm. They should be held liable and made to pay for your suffering. A Minneapolis drunk driving accident lawyer can help you recover some or all of these costs.
Minneapolis Minneapolis Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
What a Lawyer Can Do for You
You deserve justice. A lawyer can help you obtain that justice and more. They will stand by your side and fight for your rights. When you decide to hire a lawyer, you are making a giant step towards resolving the situation that turned your life upside down. You will be on the path to healing. Once a lawyer listens to you explain the details of your case, they will get to work.
A lawyer will look over police, medical, and insurance reports. They will interview witnesses and study the scene of the accident. They will consult with other experts if needed. A lawyer has a lot of resources that you may not have. They will determine liability and put a dollar amount to your damages. They will negotiate with the insurance company to try to obtain a fair settlement for you. If they cannot, they will not be afraid to fight for your rights in a court of law.
A lawyer will keep you informed during each step of the litigation process. They will advise you on what you should and should not do to help. They will listen to your concerns and answer any questions you may have.
Call today for a free case review.
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Begin Your Fight for Justice Today
Minnesota Statutes § 541.07 states that you have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury claim, and according to Minnesota Statutes § 573.02, most wrongful death actions must be filed within three years of the date of the death. You do not want to delay; once the time has elapsed, you will likely be barred from ever filing a claim.
A Minneapolis drunk driving accident lawyer is ready to speak with you during a free consultation. Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC at (844) 730-0233 today. We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you pay nothing up front or out of pocket. We receive our fee from the settlement we obtain for you.
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