Drinking and driving is avoidable.  Unfortunately, drunk driving is a leading cause of car accidents in Minnesota.  In Minnesota, a driver can be charged with DWI if operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or more.  If the driver causes a car accident and injuries, the driver is responsible for the damages, as well as possible criminal charges.

Additionally, Minnesota has a Dram Shop law which imposes liability on drinking establishments that illegally sell alcohol without a license, sell to someone under the age of 21 or sells to someone obviously intoxicated.  The establishment can be held liable if injuries or death follow.  Additionally, Minnesota has Social Host Liability, where if a party host serves alcohol to someone under the age of 21, he or she can be held liable if injury or death occurs under the Minnesota Civil Damages Act.

Damages that can be collected in a drunk driving accident include compensatory damages for loss of wages, medical bills, pain and suffering.  Additionally, it is possible to bring a claim for punitive damages in drunk driving accidents against the individual who was driving while intoxicated. 

If you want to pursue a case against a drunk driver because you have been injured, it is important to hire an attorney as soon as possible to help you deal with insurance companies, medical reports and the driver.  Additionally, if you have been arrested after causing a drunk driving accident, the sooner you contact attorney the easier it is to protect your rights.

If you have been involved in an accident with a drunk driver, contact our Minnesota Attorneys at Klun today.