*The results are conditioned to the unique circumstances of each case. These results do not guarantee your case will result in the same compensation.
Car accidents involving a distracted driver can be quite traumatic, in addition to causing many physical, emotional, and financial challenges. In the quest to find a reputable Minneapolis distracted driving lawyer, the Schmidt & Salita Law Team specializes in handling these cases with precision, advocating justice for those affected, and seeking rightful compensation. Minnesota has laws against distracted driving to help protect drivers, but a violation of those laws can amount to disastrous situations. Our experienced lawyers offer focused representation to handle such complicated situations.
Minnesota has some strict laws against distracted driving to reduce accidents and save lives. For that matter, Minnesota forbids drivers from using any handheld device while operating a vehicle; the prohibition against texting and browsing is high. Even holding a phone while at a stoplight is illegal; it’s a great threat to safety on the roads. Fines start at $50 for the first offense, with an increase in subsequent offenses; repeat offenses and/or incidents resulting in harm could incur higher penalties.
Furthermore, Minnesota law considers distracted driving to be a form of reckless or careless driving. When the actions of a distracted driver result in injury or death, that driver may be subject to severe criminal charges, even potential imprisonment. It indicates how serious Minnesota considers the menace of distracted driving and values the lives of all road users. Drivers will be contributing to preventing accidents and making the roads much safer by abiding by these laws.
Distracted driving is often caused by preventable behaviors that take eyes off the road. Common causes include:
Other contributing factors include fatigue, emotional stress, and multitasking while driving. For example, a driver who checks his or her social media for only five seconds while driving at 55 mph drives the length of a football field without his or her eyes on the road. This staggering fact speaks volumes about the dangers of distracted driving.
These campaigns of public awareness, such as Minnesota’s “Toward Zero Deaths,” work to reduce such preventable behaviors. While education is important, personal responsibility can also make a difference in reducing risks.
Minnesota’s hands-free law requires drivers to ensure that any calls or navigation are through hands-free or voice-activated devices. The 2019 law makes it against the rules to hold a phone while driving, even at red lights or stop signs. This is done to minimize distractions, thus keeping drivers’ eyes on the road.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety said drivers can call, text, listen to music, and use navigation. These must be done through voice commands or with a single touch and without holding the phone. Note that being hands-free does not equate to being distraction-free since cognitive distractions may still impair a driver’s focus.
Since the hands-free law took effect, it has helped reduce crashes and fatalities from distracted driving. But many drivers are still in the dark about key details—such as not being able to manually dial phone numbers or access apps while operating a vehicle. Public education on these particulars is crucial to increasing safety and adherence to the statute.
Yes, you can make a claim against a distracted driver if their negligence caused your accident. Minnesota operates under a comparative negligence system, which means you can recover damages if you’re less than 50% responsible for the accident.
To make a claim, you will need to show the following:
Legal representation can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. Many victims of distracted driving accidents have pursued claims and recovered substantial settlements to rebuild their lives. Evidence such as phone records and witness testimony bolsters your case.
To protect your rights, it is important to act promptly. In Minnesota, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally two years from the accident date, and you have only a limited window to take legal action. The time starts running immediately after the accident occurred, so it is important to see an attorney as soon as possible after the accident to assess your case and begin gathering evidence.
Victims of distracted driving accidents in Minneapolis may be entitled to various forms of compensation. Economic damages can include medical expenses, hospital bills, physical therapy, other ongoing rehabilitation, and lost wages because of time missed at work or a reduced earning capacity. Non-economic damages, too, are equally essential and cover pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life. A few courts even grant punitive damages to prevent recurrence and pinpoint one’s responsibility in case the action of the responsible driver was deemed extra reckless.
Document all losses as precisely as possible so you can arrive at fair compensation. This includes medical records, invoices for expenditures, specific estimates of repairs, and even income proof. You will be getting a better and more valid lawyer with the assurance of taking every minute detail related to your case into consideration.
Distracted driving is a deadly behavior causing many deaths and serious injuries. Federal studies suggest distracted driving contributes to approximately 5000 wrongful deaths every year on our nation’s highways.
Distracted driving results from the use of electronic devices such as texting, emails, and downloading music.
The Schmidt & Salita Law Team recently settled a case of personal injury resulting from the driver of a large SUV being distracted while pouring M&M candies to his wife, a passenger in the vehicle. The total settlement was for more than $900,000.00. Studies show that the average period of distraction is 27 seconds. This is enough time for a vehicle traveling down the roadway at 70 miles per hour to travel almost ½ mile!
Navigating any distracted driving case is never easy, but having the right legal team makes all the difference. Our experienced team will comprehensively investigate to build strong cases by gathering critical evidence such as surveillance footage, phone records, and detailed police reports. We build not just the case but also negotiate aggressively with insurance companies for the best possible settlements and provide vigorous representation in court when needed.
In our client-centered approach, your voice will be heard, your rights protected, and your concerns will be given full consideration from start to finish. We always try to provide results that allow clients to heal from their physical, emotional, or psychological issues and move forward with restored confidence in the knowledge that their legal concerns are being addressed.
The Schmidt & Salita Law Team has over 160 years of combined experience in bringing justice to the victims of Personal Injury, Workers’ Compensation, and death in car accidents, bicycle accidents, and truck accidents.
Contact today a Minneapolis distracted driving attorney for a free no-obligation consultation to help you fight your rights.
*The results are conditioned to the unique circumstances of each case. These results do not guarantee your case will result in the same compensation.
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Schmidt Law Firm is so much more than the usual out for their back pocket firm they are a group of truly caring people. I was hit by a car & have memory loss. I don’t know how many times they all had to go over and over the same thing with me. They even gave me reminder calls for my doctors appointments. When things were so overwhelming I would call and all I could do is cry and they listened and never once complained or cut me short. Doug and Vanessa were all very helpful so was the rest of the staff. God Bless them all. By the way they got me a lot more than I had hoped for. You really don’t want to be on the opposing side of the table of Doug, he will rip you before you know he did it and he does it in such a nice way.
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When you schedule your free consultation with a personal injury attorney in Minnesota, you should come prepared with specific questions for us to address. Some of the common questions clients ask us are:
Yes, in almost all cases, having an attorney is crucial to protect your rights and secure the settlement you deserve. The Schmidt & Salita Law Team is here to guide you through the entire process, from collecting evidence to handling medical bills and lost wages. We’ll help you gather medical records and reports to support your claim, determine the value of your case, and negotiate a fair settlement. If needed, we’re prepared to file suit and take your case to court to ensure the best possible outcome.
It’s very important to start collecting evidence right away to support your case. The Schmidt & Salita Law Team will help obtain accident reports, interview witnesses, and work with treating doctors to ensure you get the proper medical care. We’ll also handle communication with insurance adjusters. Delaying the decision to hire an attorney can lead to lost time and missed opportunities. We’re here to guide you through the process from the start, ensuring you have the best chance for a successful outcome.
Many people worry about the cost of legal fees, but with Schmidt & Salita Law Team, your first consultation is free. We handle most Personal Injury and Workers’ Compensation cases on a contingent fee basis, meaning you won’t pay attorney fees unless there’s a settlement. If we win, you’ll only pay a percentage of the settlement for fees and costs, ensuring you never end up “in the hole.” This system is often called “No fees until you recover” and works like a real estate agent’s commission—paid only when you win.
It’s crucial to hire an attorney with experience in Personal Injury, Workers’ Compensation, and Wrongful Death claims. The Schmidt & Salita Law Team brings over 160 years of combined experience, handling thousands of cases, including auto accidents, construction injuries, medical malpractice, and more. Our team is dedicated to providing personal service and treating you like more than just a case number. We believe in a team approach to ensure the best possible outcome and your satisfaction every step of the way.
Most Personal Injury and Workers’ Compensation cases typically take at least a year or more to settle, and some can take even longer. This is mainly due to medical reasons, as it takes time to determine the permanent nature of an injury. Doctors or Chiropractors are often better equipped to assess the permanency of your injury. Once we have medical evidence, we compile all necessary documents and submit a settlement demand to the insurance company. The negotiation process can take several months, and if an agreement isn’t reached, we may need to file a lawsuit.
The value of a Personal Injury or Workers’ Compensation case depends on several factors. These include the degree of fault of the responsible party, the severity of your injuries, pain, and permanent disability, as well as medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. The financial ability of the at-fault party, often determined by insurance coverage, also plays a role. Schmidt & Salita Law Team, with over 160 years of combined experience, is here to help you evaluate the worth of your case and guide you through the process.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured, please fill out the form below for your free consultation or call us at (952) 473-4530
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“I wanted to extend my personal thanks and appreciation, as well as that of my siblings. We are appreciative of the representation you extended to our father. He always battled for the “little guy,” and you did that for him thru this process. Please extend this thank you to Molly as well. Thank you.”
“Doug Schmidt and his team were a godsend – they were compassionate and professional in helping my sister and I navigate our mother’s Wrongful Death. They were easy to communicate with, and I always felt my concerns and opinions were being heard. I would recommend Schmidt Law Firm to anyone who asks.”
“I feel very lucky to have Mr. Schmidt working for me. He took my case when my first lawyer would not and could not fight his way out of a paper bag. My case was very involved but Mr. Schmidt made it look so easy.”
“Doug and his team are top notch. They are hard working and meticulous with getting the best results… I felt like I was in good hands through the entire process. I couldn’t be happier with the outcome.”
“I wanted to tell you thank you for everything you have done for me I really appreciate it…I truly appreciate everything you did just taking the time to answer my questions, makes me feel good about what was going on and understanding what was happening and everything and just being patient with me. Again I truly appreciate ha...
“Just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you and your staff for all your efforts to collect benefits on behalf of my husband. Your kindness and sympathy during our initial visit with you was very much appreciated.”
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Dean M. Salita, with more than 30 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
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1600 Hopkins Crossroad
Minnetonka, MN 55305
Phone (952) 473-4530
Toll Free 1-800-656-8450
Fax (952) 544-1308
call us: 952.473.4530
