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What laws govern distracted driving in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, drivers cannot hold a phone in their hands while driving. “Accessing or posting on social media, streaming videos, checking that box score, or Googling information on a device while driving are against the law in Minnesota, even in hands-free mode.” The law provides some exceptions, but only for hands-free devices. These exceptions include:
- Hands-free phone conversations
- Hands-free use of a GPS
- Listening to music, hands-free
- Emergency assistance or to help someone whose life or safety is in danger
- Performing authorized emergency duties
Violations can result in fines of $100 for a first offense and $300 for a subsequent offense.
Drivers who kill or injure someone while violating the Minnesota hands-free law can be charged with reckless and careless driving, which can result in a felony charge of criminal vehicular operation or homicide.
What types of accidents does distracted driving cause in Minnesota?
Distracted driving is a leading cause of rear-end collisions. By the time a distracted driver realizes their car is too close, it’s too late to stop the collision. Our Minnesota distracted driving lawyers handle rear-end accidents, head-on accidents, broadsides, intersection accidents, single-vehicle accidents, and multiple-vehicle accidents – due to driver distraction.
What types of injuries does distracted driving cause in Minnesota?
At Bradshaw & Bryant, PLLC, our personal injury lawyers handle all types of injuries due to distracted driving, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Paralysis and other types of spinal cord damage
- Traumatic amputation/loss of limb
- Broken bones/fractures
- Burn injuries
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Nerve, tissue, muscle, tendon, and ligament damage
- Neck, shoulder, and back pain
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of hearing or vision
- Cardiac disorders
- Death
Who is liable for a distracted driving accident?
Our Minnesota driver distraction lawyers file personal injury and wrongful death claims against everyone responsible for your accident. The defendants may include one or more of the following:
- The distracted driver
- The distracted driver’s employer, such as a restaurant that hires a driver to make deliveries
- The owner of the car if the owner and driver are not the same, such as when parents give their children permission to drive their vehicle
- Trucking companies involved in a shipment that a distracted driver is transporting
- Other drivers, depending on how the accident happens
How do you show that a driver was distracted?
Our Minnesota distracted driving lawyers help prove that a driver was distracted in the following ways:
- We question our client and any witnesses about what happened.
- We hire investigators who speak with witnesses and who inquire of any nearby residents or businesses if they have any video of the accident.
- Our team thoroughly questions the driver and any other defendants about the accident and the possible ways the driver may have been distracted.
- Our lawyers review your case with the police who investigated the accident.
- We seek court approval to review the driver’s phone records immediately prior to the accident.
- We seek court approval to review any black boxes, electronic logging devices, or any other devices that might indicate driver distraction.
Our Minneapolis-St. Paul lawyers represent injured drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and bicycle riders. We also represent families when a driver distraction accident is fatal.
At Bradshaw & Bryant, PLLC, we demand compensation for all your current and future:
- Medical bills of every kind
- Lost income and benefits including permanent disability compensation
- Physical pain and emotional suffering
- Property damage
- Loss of bodily function
- Inability to enjoy life’s pleasures
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of consortium (enjoyment of marital relations)
We seek wrongful death damages if a vehicle accident due to driver distraction is fatal. These damages include the funeral and burial costs, the loss of financial support your loved one would have provided, and the loss of personal love and guidance your loved one would have provided.
In some cases, we may also seek punitive damages.
Do you have a Minnesota distracted driving lawyer near me?
Yes. Bradshaw & Bryant, PLLC meets accident victims at our offices, including at 1505 Division Street in Waite Park, Minnesota.
If your health prevents you from traveling, we can make arrangements to see you at your home or a convention location. Our lawyers also consult with clients by phone and through online platforms like Zoom and FaceTime.
We’re here to answer your questions and guide you through each step of your claim.
Get help from our accomplished Minnesota distracted driving lawyers now
Our team understands the different remedies you can use to obtain the compensation you deserve after a vehicle accident, even if the driver who struck you is not insured. We’ve helped many car, truck, and motorcycle accident victims obtain strong recoveries. Our lawyers represent clients in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis-St. Paul and the nearby suburbs. Call us or fill out our contact form today to schedule a free consultation.
We also advocate for clients across Central Minnesota, including St. Cloud, Brainerd, and Alexandria, and Stearns, Sherburne, Wright, Morrison, and Benton counties. We handle personal injury claims on a contingency fee basis.