Minneapolis Distracted Driving Accident Attorneys

Injured in a Crash by a Distracted Driver in Minneapolis, MN?

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of serious motor vehicle accidents, and it remains a growing problem on Minneapolis roads. When drivers take their attention off the road, even for a few seconds, they put themselves and everyone around them at risk. If you or a loved one has been involved in a distracted driving accident, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries, medical bills, and other damages.

At Fay & Associates, our experienced team of Minneapolis distracted driving accident lawyers is here to help you through every step of the legal process. We understand how devastating these accidents can be, and we are committed to holding negligent drivers accountable for their actions. With a focus on personal injury law and a track record of success, we will fight for the compensation you deserve.

Call (612) 888-8354 or contact us online today to request a free case evaluation.

What is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving occurs when a driver’s attention is diverted from the task of driving. Distractions can come in many forms, but they all have one thing in common: they reduce a driver’s ability to react quickly to changes in road conditions, leading to a higher likelihood of accidents.

There are three main types of distractions: visual, manual, and cognitive. Visual distractions take your eyes away from the road, manual distractions take your hands off the steering wheel, and cognitive distractions take your mind away from the primary task of operating a motor vehicle.

In Minnesota, it is illegal to use a handheld phone while driving, yet distracted driving continues to be a pervasive issue. When drivers ignore these laws and cause accidents, they can and should be held responsible.

Common Types of Distractions

Distractions come in various forms, and they can all lead to dangerous accidents. Here are the most common types of distractions drivers face:

• Texting or Using a Cell Phone: Texting while driving is one of the most dangerous forms of distracted driving because it involves three types of distractions at once: visual, manual, and cognitive. Drivers take their eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, and mind off driving. Minnesota law prohibits texting while driving, but violations still occur.
• Talking to Passengers: Engaging in conversation with passengers can take the driver’s focus away from the road. While chatting may seem harmless, it can reduce reaction times and distract the driver’s attention from hazards.
• Eating or Drinking: Many drivers eat or drink while on the road, which can cause them to take their hands off the wheel and lose concentration. Spills or reaching for food can exacerbate the danger.
• Using In-Car Technology: Adjusting GPS, changing radio stations, or fiddling with in-car entertainment systems are all common distractions. These activities require drivers to divert their attention from the road, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Personal Grooming: Some drivers attempt to save time by engaging in grooming activities, such as applying makeup or combing their hair while driving. These actions are dangerous distractions that take the driver’s attention away from driving.
• Daydreaming or Zoning Out: Not all distractions are physical. Mental distractions, such as daydreaming or being lost in thought, can cause drivers to lose focus and miss important cues on the road.

Proving Liability in a Distracted Driving Accident

If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, proving liability is a critical step in securing compensation for your damages. However, proving that the other driver was distracted at the time of the accident can be challenging. That’s where an experienced Minneapolis distracted driving accident lawyer from Fay & Associates comes in.

Here are the key elements involved in proving liability in a distracted driving case:

• Evidence of Distracted Driving: One of the primary tasks in a distracted driving case is gathering evidence that shows the other driver was not paying attention to the road. This evidence can come in many forms, such as:
  • Cell phone records showing that the driver was texting or using their phone at the time of the crash.
  • Eyewitness testimony from other drivers or passengers who observed the distracted behavior.
  • Surveillance footage from nearby traffic cameras or businesses.
  • The driver’s own admission, either to police officers or at the scene.
• Police Reports: In many cases, police officers who respond to the scene of the accident will document their observations, including any indication that the driver was distracted. This report can be a crucial piece of evidence in building your case.
• Reconstruction Experts: Accident reconstruction experts can analyze the scene of the crash and recreate the events leading up to the accident. Their analysis can often reveal signs that the driver was distracted, such as the lack of brake marks or failure to take evasive action.
• Violation of Traffic Laws: If the driver violated Minnesota’s hands-free or distracted driving laws, this violation can serve as strong evidence of negligence. A violation of traffic laws, coupled with the occurrence of an accident, is often sufficient to establish liability.

Why Choose Fay & Associates?

At Fay & Associates, we have extensive experience handling distracted driving accident claims in Minneapolis. Our attorneys are dedicated to providing personalized service and aggressive representation. We know how insurance companies operate and how they try to minimize payouts, but we will not back down until we secure the maximum compensation you deserve.

From gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies or representing you in court, we are here to handle every aspect of your case. Our goal is to relieve your burden so you can focus on healing.

Contact us today at (612) 888-8354 to schedule a free consultation with a skilled Minneapolis distracted driving accident lawyer.