St. Cloud Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys You Can Trust
Dealing with the aftermath of a drunk driving accident is a harrowing experience that can leave you and your family reeling, especially if it has resulted in severe injury or the loss of a loved one. At PCG Law, we are your local St. Cloud drunk driving accident attorneys, deeply committed to representing clients throughout central Minnesota.
Our firm is here to help lighten your legal load in a welcoming environment where we treat every client with empathy and respect. We promise to fight diligently to obtain the compensation you deserve, with decades of experience backing our commitment. When you meet with one of our lawyers, you will feel the warmth and understanding of a heartfelt conversation with a friend.
We offer free initial consultations for personal injury cases at PCG Law. Call us today at 320-200-9805 or send us an email. We represent clients in St. Cloud and throughout central Minnesota.
Fighting For Compensation To Help You Move Forward
Drunk driving accidents are tragically common and entirely preventable, making the consequences all the more difficult to bear. In Minnesota, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not only dangerous but also illegal. The laws here are designed to protect the public and hold negligent drivers accountable for their actions.
In Minnesota, you can pursue compensation for a variety of damages following a drunk driving accident through a personal injury claim. These damages can cover medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering and mental anguish. If you have lost a loved one, wrongful death claims can provide additional compensation for funeral expenses, burial costs, lost income and loss of companionship. An experienced personal injury lawyer can be instrumental in helping you secure a fair result.
Understanding Minnesota Dram Shop Laws
Minnesota’s dram shop laws allow for legal action against alcohol vendors who have irresponsibly served a patron who then causes a drunk driving accident. These laws aim to extend accountability to those who contribute to the risk posed by intoxicated drivers.
The DUI accident lawyers at PCG Law have extensive experience with dram shop claims, ensuring that establishments like bars and restaurants are held responsible when their overserving contributes to a tragic accident.
Dram Shop Law FAQ
What is a dram shop law?
Dram shop law refers to the body of law that holds alcohol-serving establishments, such as bars, restaurants and liquor stores, liable for damages caused by their intoxicated patrons. In Minnesota, these laws are designed to provide a means of recourse for individuals who are injured by the actions of an intoxicated person when the alcohol was provided by a licensed establishment that failed to act responsibly.
How does Minnesota define its dram shop law?
In Minnesota, the dram shop law is codified under Minnesota Statute 340A.801. This statute allows for civil liability on the part of an establishment that illegally sells or serves alcohol. For liability to arise, the establishment must have served alcohol to an obviously intoxicated person or to a minor, and that sale or serving of alcohol then directly causes injury, death or property damage.
The family of an accident victim who died due to a drunk driver’s negligence may also have grounds for a wrongful death claim under Minnesota law.
What are the requirements for filing a dram shop claim in Minnesota?
To file a dram shop claim in Minnesota, the plaintiff must prove that:
- The defendant is a licensed alcohol vendor who sold or served alcohol to the person causing harm.
- The alcohol was sold or served to a visibly intoxicated person or a minor.
- The consumption of alcohol was a direct cause of the injury, death or property damage.
What types of damages can be recovered under dram shop laws?
Victims of drunk driving accidents can seek compensation for a variety of damages under dram shop laws, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and in some cases, punitive damages. The specific damages available will depend on the details of the case. We encourage you to contact the Minnesota dram shop lawyers at PCG Law to learn more.
Is there a time limit for filing a dram shop claim in Minnesota?
Yes. Like other personal injury claims, dram shop claims in Minnesota are subject to a statute of limitations. Generally, a claim must be filed within two years of the injury. However, the specific time limits can vary based on the circumstances, so it’s important to consult with a dram shop lawyer promptly to ensure that your rights are preserved.
Can a social host be liable under Minnesota’s dram shop law?
Minnesota’s dram shop law primarily applies to commercial establishments. However, Minnesota law does recognize a form of social host liability under certain circumstances. If a social host, such as somebody hosting a party at their home, knowingly provides alcohol to a minor, and the minor subsequently causes harm as a result of their intoxication, the host can be held liable. This liability does not typically extend to guests who are of legal drinking age, unlike commercial vendors who can be liable for serving alcohol to visibly intoxicated adults.
Your Legal Advocates In Difficult Times
If you or a loved one has been affected by a drunk driving accident, reach out to PCG Law as soon as possible to get started on your case.
Call us at 320-200-9805 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation.