Injured By a Drunk Driver in Minnesota? Get the Compensation You Need

Being involved in any kind of accident in Duluth is scary, but it is far worse if you are seriously injured. Are you going to recover fully? How long will you be out of work? Who is going to pay the bills while you recover? What about your family and other responsibilities? Will your life be affected permanently? How much is all of this going to cost you in the end?

When your injuries are due to a run-in with a drunk driver, there is an entire extra layer of concern. You want to make sure that they are held accountable for their actions. That you do not have to pay for what was clearly their mistake.

Unfortunately, just because something seems clear and obvious to you does not mean that you will automatically get the justice you deserve. As a firm that has represented many clients throughout Minnesota with their DUI accident claims, the attorneys at Olson, Poole & Envall have personally witnessed the effects of a drunk driving accident on its victims and their loved ones. The struggle to recover from injuries. The difficulty in overcoming the emotional trauma. The stress of dealing with medical bills and lost income from missed work.

When you decide to partner with us, you get skilled, experienced professionals whose knowledge of Minnesota DUI Accident law gives you the best chance at receiving fair and just compensation. Moreover, our goal is to make the legal part of this journey as smooth and simple as possible for you. So you can focus on what really matters — getting better.

Successful DUI Accident Claims Begin with Understanding MN Law

Minnesota is a “No-Fault” state. This means every driver is required to keep an auto insurance policy that includes no-fault coverage. The way this clause generally works is if you are a licensed Minnesota driver with a current insurance policy, then you do not have to wait to file a claim.

Your own carrier is likely to cover the basic economic losses associated with your accident in any situation. When the fault is found to lie with another driver (especially one who is driving under the influence), your insurance company should also work directly with that driver’s carrier to resolve the matter.

This no-fault system was designed to

  1. a) ensure injured parties get the help they need,
  2. b) prevent frivolous lawsuits, and
  3. c) help keep overall insurance premiums low for Minnesotans.

The basic recoverable benefits under Minnesota law include medical treatment and rehabilitation service expenses and any loss of income or replacement services you experience during recovery.

When a Drunk Driving Accident Impacts More Than Your Basic Needs

That being said, these are not always the only expenses associated with an accident like this. Do you have a family? Has your accident affected childcare? Have you suffered permanent use or function loss of any kind? Was a loved one involved in the accident? Did they wrongfully perish?

These are all very real and very calculable losses that must be addressed when resolving your claim. At LaCourse, Poole & Envall, we always make sure to examine your situation from every angle to accurately calculate the damages you have suffered. That way, you have the highest chance of being fully compensated for all of your losses.

Provisions for Additional Damages under Minnesota Law

According to state statutes, victims of drunk driving accidents may be afforded additional rights to recover a number of other types of damages not covered above.

Specifically, Minnesota law addresses three more ways a drunk driving accident victim may pursue compensation:

  • Economic losses that were not covered by your first-party benefits may be recoverable when another party’s fault is proven.
  • Non-economic (or general) damages can include compensation measures such as pain, suffering, and mental anguish of the victim, and in cases where there was a total loss of life, a value may be derived from the loss of companionship.
  • Punitive damages are an additional consideration that may be claimed by a specific legal procedure when clear evidence that a “deliberate disregard for the rights or safety of others” exists.

Olson, Poole & Envall Can Help You Decide When (and Who) to Sue for Your DUI Accident in Duluth

Damages beyond your basic economic losses from a drunk driving accident are often awarded through the pursuit of a negligence lawsuit. In order to pursue additional damages, a victim must meet one of four extenuating circumstances:

  • Qualifying medical expenses exceed $4,000
  • A claimant has been disabled for 61 days or more
  • A claimant has suffered permanent injury
  • A claimant has been disfigured permanently

Drunk driving victims who have suffered any single one of these conditions have a right to pursue additional compensation.

Determining Who an Accident Victim Should Sue

Who are you pursuing this compensation from? The answer may seem obvious, but when our attorneys file a negligence suit in relation to a drunk driving accident, often they end up naming multiple parties.

For example, there are certain circumstances when an establishment that sells, serves, or otherwise provides alcohol to its patrons may be considered negligent as well. This matters, because while an individual drunk driver may not have the resources to completely cover the damages you have suffered, a business that is found to have acted negligently is more likely to be able to offer you fair and just compensation.

These and a plethora of other considerations must be made when evaluating your particular personal injury case. Before determining your best path forward, our lawyers closely examine every aspect of the case so that they can develop a clear, thorough strategy.

Do Not Pay for the Mistake of a Drunk Driver in Duluth — Reach Out Today

Olson, Poole & Envall have spent decades representing Minnesotans who have been injured by drunk drivers, and we have a track record of success in making sure you get the compensation you deserve.

When you choose to partner with our firm, you can rest assured we will investigate every aspect of your case using our extensive knowledge of Minnesota law and experience working on DUI accident cases like yours. Then, we will arm you with that knowledge so you can make the best possible decisions.

Ultimately, our mission is to help you make sure the right parties are held responsible for their actions, and that you are fairly and meaningfully compensated for your losses. Do not wait and hope for the best — if you have questions about how you should pursue your case, reach out to Olson, Poole & Envall for an initial consultation at no charge.

Local: 218-461-0247

Toll-free: 218-727-5384

Email: Andrew@NorthlandLawyers.com