According to a 2006 government study, Minnesota has some of the most dismal drunk driving statistics in the country. Despite a record-setting 41,951 DUI arrests in 2006, over 23% of Minnesota drivers reported driving under the influence of alcohol in the previous year – the third highest percentage among all 50 states.
Drunk drivers in Minneapolis cause unbelievable amounts of pain and suffering, killing or injuring dozens of innocent people every year. The Minneapolis DUI victims’ lawyers of Walker Law Office, P.A. are dedicated to helping those who have been hurt – or who have seen their loved ones hurt – because of someone’s irresponsible decision to drink and drive.
Minneapolis Drunk Driving Victims Compensation
State law allows a claim for punitive damages by the victims of accidents caused by Minneapolis drunk drivers who show an intentional or reckless disregard for the rights of others.
Punitive damages are money damages that are intended to punish the defendant for DUI or DWI in Minneapolis. These damages are based upon the wrong done and the ability of the defendant to pay. However, these damages are rarely, if ever, covered by insurance. Therefore, they must be collected from the defendant’s personal assets.
The idea is that such damages will deter people from drunk driving. In other words, if a drunk driver is sued he is responsible not only for damages to compensate a person for the injuries he has caused, but also for punitive damages to punish him for his conduct. An experienced Minneapolis DUI victim’s attorney from Walker Law Office, P.A. may be able to help you make a claim for punitive damages against the drunk driver who caused your injuries, pain and suffering.
Why hire a Minneapolis DUI Victim’s Lawyer?
Cases involving drunk drivers in Minneapolis raise complex legal issues that usually require immediate investigation. It is very important to hire a knowledgeable Minneapolis DUI damages lawyer immediately if you are hurt in a DUI or DWI-related accident for several reasons:
Evidence must be collected quickly. To ensure that your claim for Minneapolis DUI injury compensation is as strong as possible, an experienced attorney will need to get the facts quickly, before evidence is lost and witnesses forget important details.
Liability for DUI is complicated. In addition to the drunk driver himself, other people or establishments may also be legally responsible for your injuries. A Minneapolis drunk driving victim’s lawyer can help you determine who was at fault. See Dram Shop Liability and Liquor Liability for more information.
Compensation for your expenses, pain and suffering. Only a competent lawyer can help you get the maximum amount of compensation for the injuries you have sustained as a result of a drunk driver.
Contact Us Today
Whether you have racked up high medical bills, lost wages, or suffered mentally and emotionally as a result of being injured by a drunk driver or DUI offender, a Minneapolis DUI victim’s lawyer from Walker Law Office, P.A. can help. For more information and a free consultation with our experienced and professional staff, call Walker Law Office, P.A. at (612) 821-0094, (214) 550-3333 or email walker@walkerjustice.com.