Minneapolis Distracted Driving Lawyer

Distracted driving is something everyone knows they shouldn’t do, but something many people are guilty of every day in Minneapolis. The smartphone has made texting, emailing, talking, and using social media while driving a common occurrence throughout the United States. Driver distraction leads to thousands of car accident fatalities every year. If the other driver was texting and driving at the time of your accident, talk to the lawyers at Knutson + Casey. We want to help you pursue compensation from at-fault drivers.

Cell Phone Laws in Minneapolis

Minnesota Statutes Section 169.475 makes it illegal for drivers to read, write, or send “electronic messages” on a wireless device while a vehicle is in traffic – both driving and stopped in traffic. “Electronic messages” include texts, emails, instant messages, commands to web pages, and other data transmitted between devices. It is also illegal to browse the web from an electronic device while driving. There is an exception if the device is hands-free or voice-activated, or if the driver is obtaining emergency assistance or reporting an accident. Drivers under the age of 18 cannot use a cell phone to text regardless of whether the device is hands-free or hand-held.

It is currently legal in Minnesota to talk on the phone while driving, but lawmakers recently proposed a bill to ban all cell phone use while driving, except in hands-free mode. The penalty for texting and driving in Minnesota is a $225 fine. Drivers can receive fines and traffic tickets for reckless or careless driving for texting behind the wheel, as this action demonstrates a “disregard for the safety of others,” according to Section 169.13. If a driver was texting at the time of an accident, victims with property damage and/or personal injuries may be able to sue for negligence.

Pursuing a Claim Against a Negligent Driver

If you have a suspicion that a driver was texting while driving at the time of your accident, come to Knutson + Casey and tell us your story. We may investigate your accident and gain access to the other driver’s cell phone records. These records could confirm that the driver was reading, composing, or sending a message at the time of the collision. We could also collect statements from eyewitnesses who saw the driver texting or using his or her cell phone before the crash. Even if you cannot prove the driver was texting, it may be possible to show the driver was distracted or driving recklessly.

There are many ways to prove texting while driving. With experienced, aggressive attorneys like the legal team at Knutson + Casey, you can engage in the investigative process with confidence. We have the people, resources, and case history to give you peace of mind during even the most complex car accident case. We have successfully settled and tried over 2,000 cases in more than 25 years of legal experience, securing several million-dollar settlements. We are a trusted, responsible team of attorneys in the Minneapolis and St. Paul areas.

After any car accident, stay on the scene and gather information. Record things like the other driver’s name and contact info, as well as the names of any eyewitnesses. Take photos of the scene of the crash if possible. Then, seek medical attention for any injuries. The sooner you visit the hospital after a car accident, the better. Once you’re on the mend, it’s time to talk to an attorney. The lawyers at Knutson + Casey will visit you in your home, hospital, or recovery center if you cannot come to our offices. We want to discuss your texting while driving case as soon as possible. Call (507) 344-8888 or contact us online to get in touch with our Minneapolis attorneys.