When an impaired driver strikes your vehicle and injures you, it may seem to be a straightforward claim. However, Minnesota courts require clear proof the other driver was operating their vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other substances. Even if you prove a driver was impaired, you must still establish that the impaired driver’s negligence caused the crash that led to your injuries.

Have you been injured by an impaired driver in Minneapolis? If so, being represented by a winning law firm, like TSR Injury Law, can greatly benefit the outcome of your case. Our firm has extensive experience representing victims injured in complex cases, including those seriously harmed by impaired drivers. Call our law offices today to discuss your situation and learn about your legal options. We fight hard to get you the compensation you deserve.

Request a FREE Case Review today. Call: (612) TSR-TIME to talk to a qualified TSR attorney.

When Is a Driver Legally Impaired in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, a driver is legally impaired when their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) reaches 0.08 percent or higher. This standard applies to all drivers aged 21 and over operating personal vehicles. Commercial drivers face stricter limits with a legal BAC threshold of just 0.04 percent. For drivers under 21, Minnesota enforces a zero-tolerance policy with a 0.00 percent BAC limit.

Impairment extends beyond alcohol. Minnesota law considers a driver impaired when under the influence of controlled substances, prescription medications, or even over-the-counter drugs that affect driving ability. The legal standard focuses on whether the substance has impaired the driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely, regardless of whether the substance is legal.

Minnesota operates under both “per se” impairment laws based on specific BAC thresholds and broader impairment standards that do not require a specific measurement. This means a driver can be declared legally impaired even without chemical test results if their behavior and condition indicate substantial impairment.

What Evidence Do I Need to Prove Driver Impairment?

Building a successful impairment claim in Minnesota takes more than circumstantial evidence. If you have legal representation, which we strongly recommend, your attorney will obtain specific evidence that demonstrates the other driver was unable to operate their vehicle safely due to alcohol, drugs, or other substances at the time of the collision.

Any evidence presented must establish that the driver was impaired. It must also prove that the impairment directly led to the crash and caused your injuries.

Key evidence to support a DWI case in Minnesota might include:

• Police reports documenting observed signs of impairment at the scene
• Chemical test results showing BAC levels above Minnesota legal limits
• Medical records indicating the presence of drugs or alcohol
• Witness statements describing erratic driving or visible impairment
• Video footage capturing driving behavior or the driver’s condition
• Bar receipts or credit card statements showing alcohol purchases
• Social media posts indicating substance use before driving
• Prior DWI/DUI convictions (admissible in certain circumstances)
• Expert testimony connecting impairment to collision causation
• Documentation of refused testing, which can indicate consciousness of guilt
• Physical evidence from the vehicle such as open containers

Can Police Help Provide Evidence That Proves the Other Driver Was Impaired?

Minneapolis police officers wear body cameras that capture their interactions with the impaired driver, preserving valuable evidence of slurred speech, coordination problems, or the odor of alcohol. The detailed observations documented in police reports may include bloodshot eyes, unsteady movement, and failed sobriety tests. Additionally, police may obtain search warrants for blood draws if a driver refuses testing, ensuring that crucial evidence is preserved for your injury claim.

In addition to the circumstantial evidence police officers observe or capture with their body cameras, you get the detailed documentation that is recorded in your police report. This report forms the foundation of many successful impairment cases in Minnesota.

If responding officers observe signs of impairment in a driver that has been involved in a crash, they will likely conduct standardized field sobriety tests (SFSTs). Common FSTs include the one-leg stand test, walk-and-turn test, and the horizontal gaze nystagmus test.

Any chemical testing of blood, breath, or urine creates further documentation of impairment that carries significant weight in court beyond any circumstantial evidence provided.

What Is Circumstantial Evidence and How Does It Help to Prove an Impaired Driver Caused My Crash?

Circumstantial evidence includes indirect proof that suggests the driver was impaired without directly measuring intoxication levels. This evidence helps to create a compelling picture of impairment when chemical tests are unavailable or inconclusive.

Empty alcohol containers found in the vehicle strongly indicate consumption before driving. Bar receipts and credit card statements from establishments serving alcohol establish a timeline of drinking before the collision. Witness reports of erratic driving patterns such as swerving, inconsistent speeds, or running traffic signals provide behavioral evidence of impairment.

Text messages or social media posts admitting to drinking or drug use before driving can be powerful evidence in your case. The timing and location of the crash, especially near bar closing times, may support impairment claims. Even a driver’s refusal to take chemical tests can suggest consciousness of guilt under Minnesota law.

How Do Witness Statements Support a Car Crash Claim Involving an Impaired Driver?

Witness statements provide independent verification of driver impairment that can significantly strengthen your claim in Minnesota. Neutral third-party witnesses have no financial interest in your case, making their observations particularly credible to insurance companies, judges, and juries.

Witnesses often notice and can testify to pre-crash behaviors like swerving, running red lights, or excessive speed that indicate impairment. They may also observe the driver directly after the collision, noting slurred speech, unsteady walking, or the smell of alcohol that officers might miss if they arrive later.

Passengers in an impaired driver’s vehicle can provide especially valuable testimony about alcohol or drug consumption before the crash. Their firsthand accounts of where the driver had been and what they consumed create a timeline of impairment that directly connects to the collision.

Business employees such as bartenders, servers, or store clerks who interacted with the driver before the incident may testify about signs of intoxication or quantities of alcohol purchased. These professional observations often carry additional weight in establishing the driver’s condition.

What Video Evidence May Help My Case and How Can I Get It?

Video evidence provides visual evidence of driver impairment that is hard to dispute in Minnesota courts. However, this evidence must be secured quickly as many surveillance systems automatically delete or overwrite footage after short periods, sometimes in as little as 24-48 hours after recording.

Video footage that may have captured your crash and the impaired driver include:

• Traffic cameras at Minneapolis intersections capturing erratic driving patterns
• Business security footage showing the driver’s condition before or after the crash
• Dashboard cameras from your vehicle or others involved in the collision
• Minneapolis police body cameras documenting field sobriety tests and interactions
• Police squad car footage showing the driver’s behavior during the stop
• ATM or gas station cameras that recorded the driver shortly before the incident
• Bystander smartphone recordings of the driver or crash scene
• Social media videos posted by the driver or their companions before driving
• Rideshare vehicles with interior cameras if the driver used such services
• Restaurant or bar surveillance showing alcohol consumption prior to driving

Does Minnesota Have Laws to Protect Victims Injured by Impaired Drivers?

Minnesota has established several powerful laws that protect victims of impaired driving collisions. These laws protect victims and enhance their ability to recover compensation for injuries:

• Modified Comparative Fault (Minnesota Statute 604.01): This statute allows recovery even when you are deemed partially at fault. However, the fault assigned to you must not exceed 50 percent.
• Minnesota No-Fault Insurance Law: Provides immediate medical and wage loss benefits regardless of who caused the crash.
• Dram Shop Act (Minnesota Statute 340A.801): Holds bars and restaurants liable for serving alcohol to obviously intoxicated persons.
• Minnesota Joint and Several Liability: Allows full recovery from any party that is more than 50 percent at fault. This law is particularly valuable when combining claims against drivers and establishments to recover compensation following a catastrophic crash involving an impaired driver.
• Vicarious Liability Laws: May hold vehicle owners responsible when they knowingly permit an impaired person to drive their vehicle.
• Punitive Damages Statute: Allows additional compensation when the impaired driver showed deliberate disregard for safety.

Critical Deadlines for Filing Impairment-Related Claims

Minnesota law imposes strict time limits for filing claims against impaired drivers that cannot be extended in most circumstances. Personal injury lawsuits must be filed within six years of the collision date.

Claims against government entities have much shorter deadlines, requiring notice within just 180 days. This applies if your crash involved a government vehicle or employee.

No-fault insurance benefits must be claimed within six months to preserve your right to medical expense coverage and wage loss benefits.

Dram shop claims against establishments that served alcohol to impaired drivers face a shorter two-year statute of limitations. Missing these deadlines permanently eliminates your right to compensation regardless of how strong your case is.

Taking Legal Action After Being Hit by an Impaired Driver

If you were injured by an impaired driver in Minnesota, it is important to protect your legal rights by contacting a qualified lawyer right away. Having a knowledgeable and experienced attorney frees you up to focus on your physical healing. It also significantly improves your chances of obtaining the full and fair compensation you need and deserve.

At TSR Injury Law, we encourage you to contact our trusted law firm for a FREE Case Review. Taking this step right away helps to ensure all critical evidence, like video footage and credible witness statements, is preserved before it gets damaged, lost, cleared away, or destroyed.

Contact our law offices today to discuss your situation, get answers to your questions and learn if you may have a case. When we represent your car crash case, there are no upfront costs or fees to pay. We only get paid if you do.

Need Legal Help? Call TSR today: (612) TSR-TIME

Did you know that in Minnesota, drivers under the age of 21 face severe consequences for having even a sip of alcohol before driving? Unlike the 0.08 percent limit for adults, Minnesota’s zero tolerance Law means exactly what it says – no amount alcohol is allowed for young drivers. This strict standard exists because even small amounts of alcohol significantly increase an inexperienced driver’s risk of causing a crash.

Parents can help teens and other younger drivers make safer choices before getting behind the wheel. They can also ensure their teen drivers are informed and understand the gravity of drinking and driving, including how one unwise decision can have life-altering consequences.

At TSR Injury Law, our primary focus is representing the innocent victims injured by impaired drivers. That said, our experienced Minneapolis car crash attorneys have seen firsthand how underage drinking and driving affects families on both sides of a crash. While we would prefer these crashes did not happen at all, we are deeply committed to helping victims of underage drunk driving crashes rebuild their lives.

Call: (612) TSR-TIME for a FREE case review today.

What Is Minnesota’s Zero Tolerance Law?

Minnesota’s zero tolerance law specifically applies to drivers who are under 21. Under this law, younger drivers are not permitted to have any alcohol in their system while driving – period. In some states, the zero-tolerance law permits underage drivers to have 0.02 percent alcohol in their system. However, zero tolerance in Minnesota, sometimes referred to as the “not a drop” law, means no alcohol.

This law is strict because young drivers already have a higher risk of causing crashes due to inexperience. Adding even a single drink can slow reaction times and impair decision-making. It is vital that parents help their teens understand that there is no “safe amount” to drink before driving until you are 21 – the only acceptable level is zero.

How Does Zero Tolerance Differ From Standard DWI Laws?

The biggest difference between zero tolerance and DWI laws is in the amount of alcohol allowed. While underage drivers are not permitted any alcohol intake before getting behind the wheel, the zero-tolerance law does not apply to older drivers. For drivers already 21 and older, Minnesota law allows a maximum blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent.

The penalties are also different for impaired teenage drivers who get behind the wheel than for drivers who are 21 and older.

What Penalties Do Young Drivers and Their Parents Face for Violating the Zero Tolerance Law?

Minnesota takes a firm stance on underage drinking and driving through its zero-tolerance law, creating significant consequences for young drivers. In some cases, there are implications for their parents as well. The state’s strict approach aims to deter this dangerous behavior through escalating penalties. Even first-time offenders face severe penalties, including:

• Driver’s License Suspension: Immediate license suspension for 30 days to 180 days, depending on prior offenses and BAC level. First-time offenders may face shorter suspensions while repeat violators can expect to have their license suspended for longer periods.
• Fines and Court Costs: Penalties start at $100, but can exceed $1,000, and there may be additional court fees and surcharges. These financial burdens typically fall on parents as drivers under 18 often do not have sufficient funds to pay these costs.
• Criminal Record: Unlike some traffic violations, zero-tolerance violations do not just appear on a teen’s driving records, they appear on criminal records as well. Having a zero tolerance or DUI record can severely affect college applications, employment opportunities, and housing options.
• Mandatory Education: Required participation in alcohol awareness and driver improvement programs at the offender’s expense. These programs involve multiple sessions and assessment components.
• Insurance Consequences: Substantial premium increases that often double or even triple insurance costs. Parents covering their child’s insurance are personally responsible for paying these higher rates. Increased premiums can last for years.
• Reinstatement Fees: Suspended drivers pay hefty reinstatement fees to get their licenses back.

Can Parents Be Held Liable for Their Teen’s Alcohol-Related Driving Offense?

In Minnesota, parents can face significant civil liability if their teenage driver causes a crash while driving under the influence of alcohol. This means parents can be held financially liable in injury claims.

There are other avenues through which parents may be held financially responsible if their intoxicated teen driver caused the crash that injured you or a loved one, including:

• Parental Liability Statute: Minnesota law allows victims to pursue claims against parents for damages caused by their minor children. This applies directly to alcohol-related crashes.
• Negligent Entrustment: Parents who provide vehicle access to a teen with known drinking issues face liability. Courts examine whether parents should have anticipated potential harm.
• Social Host Liability: Parents who provided alcohol or allowed drinking on their property before driving face additional liability. This applies even when parents were not present when the alcohol was being served.
• Vicarious Liability: Teens driving family vehicles operate under the “family purpose” doctrine. This law creates another avenue for holding the parents of an at-fault teen liable, regardless of whether they had direct knowledge of their child’s actions.
• Insurance Implications: Family auto insurance provides initial coverage, but policy limits may be insufficient. Parents’ personal assets may also be at risk if the resulting damages exceed available coverage limits.

Courts look at the whole picture when deciding if parents are liable, including whether the teen is a repeat offender, how aware the parents are of their teen’s behavior, and whether the parents could have done more to prevent the incident occurring.

How Underage DWI Affects Auto Insurance Rates

In addition to the increased premium rates we already mentioned, many insurance carriers place underage DWI offenders into high-risk pools with specialized coverage requirements and limitations. Some insurers refuse coverage entirely, forcing families to seek expensive alternatives from companies that specialize in high-risk drivers.

The financial ripple effect extends beyond premium increases. Families face additional costs for SR-22 certification (proof of insurance filing required by the state), higher deductibles, and reduced coverage options. Even siblings in the same household may see rate increases based on the family’s overall risk profile.

For crash victims, the insurance implications create important strategic considerations. Knowing these financial pressures exist can inform settlement negotiations, particularly when dealing with coverage limitations or denial of claims based on policy exclusions for illegal acts.

Victim Rights When Injured by an Underage Impaired Driver

Victims injured by impaired underage drivers have specific rights that extend beyond the legal rights of standard injury cases. Minnesota law provides enhanced legal protections that could substantially increase your compensation and streamline the recovery process.

First, victims gain immediate access to the underinsured motorist coverage on their own policy, regardless of the at-fault driver’s insurance limits. This coverage provides an additional source compensation which is valuable to a case since younger drivers often carry only minimum coverage.

Second, victims can pursue property owner liability when the underage driver consumed alcohol at a residence before driving. This “social host liability” extends to parents, homeowners, or tenants who knew or should have known the teen was engaged in underage drinking.

Third, Minnesota allows victims to introduce evidence of the zero-tolerance violation in civil proceedings even without a criminal conviction. The lower burden of proof in civil cases (preponderance of evidence) means your attorney can establish the violation even if criminal charges are not filed or were reduced through plea bargaining.

These special protections reflect Minnesota’s commitment to supporting those harmed by the preventable danger of underage-impaired drivers. At TSR Injury Law, we leverage these provisions to maximize your recovery beyond what traditional negligence claims might provide.

How Crashes Involving Underage Impaired Drivers Affect Injury Claims

Crashes involving impaired teen drivers create distinct advantages for injury victims during the claims process. Insurance companies recognize the elevated liability exposure these cases present, often leading to higher settlement offers and more efficient resolution.

Clearer Fault Determination

Zero-tolerance violations clearly establish who was at fault. This means less time arguing about who caused the crash and more focus on getting you fair compensation for your injuries.

Potential for Additional Compensation

Cases involving underage drunk drivers may qualify for punitive damages – extra money meant to punish dangerous behavior. These amounts can exceed standard limits when criminal convictions are involved.

Stronger Evidence for Your Case

Police reports for underage drinking cases include detailed notes about the driver’s condition, test results, and alcohol measurements. This evidence makes your injury claim much stronger than in typical car crash cases.

Call TSR Injury Law to Get the Compensation You Deserve After an Underage DWI Injury

If you were injured by an impaired teenaged driver, the legal advantages are significant—but only if you have an attorney who knows how to use them effectively.

Be sure you do not risk your ability to recover the full compensation you deserve. At TSR Injury Law, our highly qualified law firm understand Minnesota’s zero tolerance laws and how they can strengthen your injury claim. Contact us today for a free, no risk consultation. In this meeting, we listen to what happened, evaluate your case, and explain your legal options.

When TSR represents you, we fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve, allowing you to focus on what matters most—your recovery. There are no upfront costs or fees to pay when we represent you.

TSR Injury Law. We Get Results for You. (612) TSR-TIME

Far too many Minnesota motorists are struck and injured by impaired drivers. In seconds, one person’s decision to get behind the wheel while intoxicated can cause severe and catastrophic physical harm to another person. This often results in mounting medical bills, missed work, and sometimes permanent impairment. Some victims may not be able to return to living an independent life or go back to their former career.

At TSR Injury Law, our knowledgeable Minneapolis car crash lawyers are deeply committed to fighting for victims injured by drunk drivers. We see the real people behind each case — hardworking individuals whose lives have been forever changed through no fault of their own. Our team gathers compelling evidence and builds cases that demand fair compensation.

Request a FREE case review today: Call: (612) TSR-TIME

Can I Sue a Drunk Driver Who Hit Me in Minneapolis?

The short answer is yes, you can sue a drunk driver who hit you in Minneapolis, but you must first prove their negligence caused your injuries. As the injured victim claiming damages, Minnesota law requires you to demonstrate that the driver breached their duty of care and directly caused your harm. Intoxication alone does not automatically establish liability, even if the other driver is drunk. Your case needs evidence connecting their impaired driving to the collision and your resulting injuries.

Regardless of who caused the crash, Minnesota operates under a no-fault insurance system, which means you must first seek compensation through your own insurance. However, if your injuries qualify as permanent under Minnesota law or your medical expenses exceed the state’s threshold, you gain the right to step outside the no-fault system and pursue a claim against the drunk driver and their insurance directly. This opens the door to additional compensation beyond what your own insurance covers.

Minnesota’s threshold criteria includes the following:

• The Victim Sustained Permanent Disfigurement: Disfigurement may apply if you sustained lasting physical changes, such as scars or the loss of a limb, that permanently affect your appearance.
• You Have a Permanent Injury: The drunk-driving crash caused you to suffer a permanent injury, such as a spinal cord injury or a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
• Disability for 60 Days: If your car crash injury causes you to be disabled for at least 60 days after the crash that caused your injuries.
• Medical Expense Threshold: The crash caused you to meet or exceed Minnesota’s limit for medical expenses, which currently stands at $4,000 not including imaging like X-Rays and MRIs.

How Does Minnesota No-Fault Insurance Pay My Medical Bills After a Drunk-Driving Crash?

If you are injured in a drunk-driving crash in Minneapolis, your own no-fault insurance policy (Personal Injury Protection or PIP) pays your initial medical bills. Minnesota law requires all drivers to carry a minimum of $40,000 in PIP coverage. This insurance includes $20,000 for medical expenses and $20,000 for non-medical costs, such as lost wages and replacement services. Your insurance company must pay these benefits promptly if they are reasonable and related to the crash regardless of who is deemed at fault.

In Minnesota, your no-fault benefits cover:

• Medical treatments prescribed by your doctor
• Hospital stays and emergency room visits
• Prescription medications related to your injuries
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation services
• Medical equipment such as crutches or wheelchairs
• Transportation to and from medical appointments
• Necessary home care services during recovery

What Happens Once I Exhaust My PIP Coverage?

Once you exhaust your PIP coverage you are eligible to recover additional compensation against the drunk driver’s liability insurance. Unfortunately, many victims do not realize when they have legal options beyond their no-fault benefits.

At TSR Injury Law, we can help you understand the full value of your claim and protect your rights and best interests throughout the legal process.

What Compensation Can You Recover Beyond Medical Costs?

Beyond medical expenses, you can recover several types of compensation after being hit by a drunk driver in Minneapolis. These additional damages address the full impact of the crash on your life:

• Lost Wages: Reimbursement for all income missed during your recovery period
• Future Earning Capacity: Money to compensate for lost opportunities in the future to earn the income you would have earned without your injury or disability.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical discomfort and emotional distress caused by the crash
• Property Damage: Payment for vehicle repairs or replacement costs
• Loss of Enjoyment: Damages for your inability to participate in activities you once enjoyed
• Household Services: Reimbursement if your injuries required hiring help for daily tasks
• Punitive Damages: Additional compensation specifically to punish the driver’s reckless behavior

How Do Punitive Damages Work in a Minneapolis Drunk Driving Crash Claim?

Minnesota courts allow punitive damages when clear and convincing evidence shows the impaired driver acted with deliberate disregard for the safety of others. In many cases, courts may consider that choosing to drive while intoxicated meets this standard. Unlike compensatory damages that reimburse your for your losses, punitive damages focus on punishing the driver’s misconduct.

Evidence That Builds a Strong Drunk Driving Injury Case

Building a successful claim against drunk drivers requires specific evidence that proves both their intoxication and how it directly caused your injuries. While standard crash cases focus on general negligence, drunk driving cases demand additional documentation that establishes the driver’s impairment and reckless decision to drive while intoxicated.

Specific evidence that can significantly strengthen your case, helping you to secure both compensatory and punitive damages, includes:

• Police Report: Documentation that the other driver failed field sobriety tests or the responding officer’s observed slurred speech or bloodshot eyes.
• Chemical Test Results: Blood, breath, or urine tests showing the driver’s blood alcohol content exceeded the legal limit
• Bar Receipts: Evidence showing where the driver consumed alcohol and how much they purchased before driving.
• Surveillance Footage: Video from restaurants, bars, or traffic cameras showing the driver’s condition or erratic driving prior to the crash.
• Witness Statements: Testimony from bartenders, passengers, or bystanders who observed the driver’s intoxication.
• Criminal Conviction: Court records showing the driver was convicted of a DWI/DUI related to your crash.
• Previous DWI Offenses: Documentation of any prior drunk driving convictions that establish a pattern of behavior.
• Crash Scene Photos: Images showing skid marks, road conditions, and vehicle damage patterns consistent with impaired driving
• Expert Testimony: Accident reconstructionists who can explain how intoxication affected driving ability in your specific case.
• Medical Correlation: Documentation linking your specific injuries to the type of crash typically caused by impaired drivers.

Are Minnesota Bars Liable for Serving the Driver Who Hit Me?

Yes, Minnesota bars and restaurants can be held liable for your injuries under the state’s “dram shop law” if they over-served alcohol to the driver who hit you. This law applies when an establishment serves alcohol to someone who is obviously intoxicated, and if that person later causes a crash. The bar must have known or should have known the person was obviously intoxicated while serving them. Your attorney must prove the establishment continued serving drinks despite clear signs of impairment.

There are deadlines for these claims. Dram shop claims must be filed within two years from the date of your injuries, and notice of the claim is required even earlier. This law provides an additional source of compensation for victims, especially valuable if the impaired driver lacks adequate insurance coverage. Establishments typically carry specific dram shop insurance policies with higher coverage limits than individual driver policies.

Can I Get Compensation If the Drunk Driver Is Uninsured?

Yes, you can still pursue compensation if an uninsured drunk driver hits you in Minneapolis. Your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage becomes your primary source of recovery beyond your no-fault benefits. Minnesota requires all auto policies to include UM coverage with minimum limits of $25,000 per person. This coverage pays what the drunk driver’s insurance would have if they carried a policy.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Drunk Driving Car Crash Claim?

While not legally required, hiring a lawyer significantly increases your chances of maximum compensation after a drunk driving crash. Insurance companies often offer quick, low settlements hoping you will accept before understanding your claim’s full value. Our experienced legal team knows how to document all damages, including future medical needs and non-economic losses.

At TSR Injury Law, we can secure evidence on your behalf, identify all liable parties (including bars), and fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve. We know how to navigate Minnesota’s no-fault system and determine when you qualify to step outside these limits and pursue a claim against an impaired driver and/or a bar. Our law firm also knows how to properly pursue punitive damages—often available in drunk driving cases but frequently overlooked by victims who try to handle their claims alone.

How Minnesota Comparative Fault Affects Your Case

Minnesota follows a “modified comparative fault” rule that affects your compensation if you were partially responsible for the crash. This means you can still recover damages as long as you were assessed with less than 51 percent of fault for your crash. If you do share some fault, it is important to remember that your compensation will be reduced by the fault assigned to you

For example, if you are found to be 10 percent at fault for a crash with a drunk driver, you would receive 90 percent of your total damages.

Insurance companies often try to assign partial blame to victims as a way to reduce the amount they pay out on a claim, even in cases where the other driver was clearly intoxicated.

Insurance Company Tactics to Avoid After Your Crash

Insurance adjusters use specific tactics to minimize payouts after a car crash, including those involving drunk drivers. No matter how friendly the insurance adjuster sounds on the phone, remember that their goals do not align with yours.

Here are a few quick tips to avoid if you call the insurance company before calling an attorney:

• Do Not Agree to Make a Recorded Statement: The insurance company is hoping you will say something that undermines your claim.
• Do Not Agree to a Quick Settlement: Some insurers offer quick settlements before you know the full extent of your injuries, but initial settlement offers are always too low.
• Do Not Sign or Agree to Anything Without First Speaking With a Lawyer: Insurance companies may unnecessarily delay processing or request excessive documentation. The adjuster might misrepresent policy coverage or try to say you have pre-existing conditions.

Critical Actions to Take After Being Hit by a Drunk Driver

Immediately after a drunk driving crash, call 911 to ensure police document the other driver’s intoxication. Request medical attention even if your injuries seem minor. Some symptoms do not fully develop for hours or longer. Seeking immediate medical care gets you the diagnostic testing you need to rule out any potentially life-threatening internal injuries.

Collect contact information from witnesses who observed the driver’s behavior. Note any statements the driver makes about drinking.

When you report the crash to your insurance company, be honest about what happened, but do not provide more than the basic facts. Be sure to keep all medical appointments and follow treatment plans.

How We Protect Your Rights After a Minneapolis Drunk Driving Crash

When a drunk driver shatters your life, you deserve full compensation for every loss you suffer. Minnesota law provides powerful tools to hold intoxicated drivers accountable, but insurance companies work aggressively to minimize payments—even in clear-cut cases.

At TSR Injury Law, our Minneapolis law firm manages all aspects of your claim so you can focus on your healing. We have recovered millions for victims throughout Minnesota. When we represent you, we charge no upfront costs or legal fees unless we win your case.

Call: (612) TSR-TIME today to discuss your case.