Drunk Driving Accident

Drunk driving is a major cause of serious car accidents throughout Minnesota. Interestingly, recent studies have shown that drunk driving occurs at a higher rate than the national average in Minnesota. At the Meshbesher Law Firm, we recognize that in addition to dealing with injuries sustained in an alcohol-related accident, you are also rightfully angry — you or your loved one has been hurt in a completely preventable accident, an often tragic consequence of another’s criminal irresponsibility. Having an experienced Minnesota drunk driver accident attorney to represent your interests will ensure that your rights as a victim are protected.

DWI And DUI Penalties

Drunk drivers are prosecuted criminally for their actions. Driving while intoxicated (DWI) and driving under the influence (DUI) penalties include large fines, fees and jail time. In addition, drunk drivers will lose their license to drive for a period of time. This is the state’s way of punishing the drunk driver. If you have been the victim of a drunk driver, you will have the opportunity to work with the criminal prosecutor at the criminal trial and you will be given the opportunity to let the judge know how the drunk driver’s actions have affected you and your family.

You as a victim have a civil claim against the drunk driver for the medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering and loss of enjoyment of lifestyle you encounter due to your injuries. If the intoxicated driver can be shown to have been acting with deliberate indifference to the safety of others, punitive damages may be sought directly against the driver in addition to the claim against his or her insurance company. Punitive damages against a drunk driver are especially punishing as they are paid directly by the driver and not by his or her insurance company.

In addition, you may have a claim against the bar that over-served the drunk driver. The Minnesota Civil Damages Act, Minn. Stat. 340A.801, also known as the Dram Shop Act, holds drinking establishments and/or liquor stores liable for supplying the persons responsible for accidents with alcohol. In Minnesota, it is against the law to serve an overtly intoxicated person or a minor alcohol. Finally, Minnesota has partially embraced Social Host Liability in providing for civil lawsuits against private individuals who provide alcohol to minors.

Have You Been A Victim Of A Drunk Driver? Contact Minnesota’s Drunk Driving Lawyers Today

Rest assured that lawyers at the Meshbesher Law Firm will aggressively pursue any and all avenues of recovery to help compensate you and your loved ones for the injuries and losses suffered as a consequence of a drunken driving accident. It is vital that you contact a Meshbesher personal injury attorney right away to protect the rights of you and your family. Very strict notice requirements exist, and prompt investigation will help provide you with the best outcome possible.

Lawyers at the Meshbesher Law Firm have successfully handled many serious injury and wrongful death actions involving dram shop claims. To speak to one of our experienced Minnesota personal injury attorneys, call us at 612-349-5215 or contact us online.

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