Motor vehicle drivers have a legal responsibility to pay attention to the road and concentrate on the driving task – and nothing else – when they drive. Unfortunately, distracted driving has become a common risk on Minnesota’s roads.
If you suffer injuries or property damage because of a distracted driver, learn your legal rights with help from an experienced Minneapolis car accident lawyer at Goldenberg Lauricella, PLLC. We have over 40 years of experience helping local accident victims recover the compensation they deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our Minneapolis distracted driving accident attorneys.
What Is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving refers to the operation of a motor vehicle while a driver’s attention is divided between driving and another, unrelated task. It is a dangerous driver behavior that contributes to thousands of automobile accidents each year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), at least 3,275 people lost their lives because of distracted drivers in 2023 (8 percent of all fatal crashes).
Common Types of Driver Distractions
Cell phones are the number one most common driver distraction. A large percentage of motor vehicle drivers use their phones while driving in ways that are dangerous, such as text messaging, reading emails, scrolling through social media, watching videos, and taking photos and videos.
Other common types of driver distractions our Minneapolis distracted driving accident lawyers typically see include:
- Eating and drinking
- Looking at a map or GPS
- Personal grooming
- Talking to passengers
- Handling children or pets
- Reading billboards
- Rubbernecking car accidents
- Daydreaming or cognitive distractions
There are three types of driver distractions: visual, manual and cognitive. Visual distractions are anything that take the driver’s eyes off the road. Manual distractions remove one or both of the driver’s hands from the steering wheel. Cognitive distractions take the driver’s mind off of the driving task. All three can lead to a dangerous loss of vehicle control and a serious car crash.
Contact Our Minneapolis Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers Today
Who Is liable for a Distracted Driving Accident in Minneapolis?
Minnesota operates under a no-fault car insurance system when it comes to determining liability, or financial responsibility, for a crash. This means you will seek primary coverage from your own car insurance provider, regardless of who is at fault for the distracted driving accident in Minneapolis.
If your injuries are serious and your own personal injury protection (PIP) coverage is not enough to pay for them, however, you can file a claim with the distracted driver’s car insurance provider. All drivers in Minnesota are required to carry liability insurance to pay for the bodily injuries and property repairs of others when they cause accidents.
Compensation Available in a distracted driving accident claim
You may be entitled to economic and non-economic damages after a distracted driving car accident in Minneapolis. Depending on the circumstances, you could also receive punitive damages to punish the other driver for gross negligence or reckless driving.
Common damages available include:
- Hospital and ongoing medical bills
- Lost wages
- Lost capacity to earn
- Pain, suffering and emotional distress
- Property damage repairs
- Loss of consortium
Bringing a claim against a negligent driver for distracted driving could lead to the financial compensation you deserve for your past and future losses.
Contact Our Minneapolis Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers Today
If you get hurt in an accident involving a distracted driver in Minneapolis, try to stay calm and gather information. This includes the other driver’s contact information and photos of the scene. Get immediate medical care for your injuries. Then, contact the Minneapolis injury lawyers at Goldenberg Lauricella, PLLC, for a free consultation about your case. We will help you understand your rights and take legal action toward a just resolution. Call (612) 333-4662 now.