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Summer in Minnesota brings sunshine, lake weekends, and long-awaited celebrations—but it also brings a troubling rise in drunk driving crashes. According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, some of the deadliest days on our roads fall between Memorial Day and Labor Day, particularly over holiday weekends.
Whether it’s a Fourth of July party gone wrong or a Sunday boating trip that ends with a late-night crash, too many families find themselves facing devastating consequences due to someone else’s reckless decision to drink and drive.
At Irwin Law Office, PLC, we understand the unique challenges victims face after a drunk driving accident. Dan Irwin, a trusted Minneapolis accident lawyer with over two decades of legal experience, has helped injured clients across southern Minnesota recover the compensation they deserve. As both a skilled litigator and a compassionate advocate, Dan brings the kind of personal attention and proven knowledge you want on your side after a traumatic car crash.
“I appreciated Dan’s responsiveness, compassion, and the time he took to explain every step of the process. He never made me feel like just another case,” says one recent client. That kind of client-focused care is why so many people turn to Irwin Law Office after a car wreck in Minneapolis or anywhere in the region.
When a drunk driver causes injury or takes a life, the law in Minnesota is on your side—but navigating the process can be overwhelming without experienced legal guidance. That’s why it’s critical to understand your rights and take swift action after a crash. This blog will walk you through what to know, what to do, and how to protect your future.
Summer in Minnesota means more vehicles on the road, more celebrations involving alcohol, and a sharp increase in serious car accidents. According to the Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety, drunk driving crashes peak around Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day. These “high-risk” weekends consistently result in more roadway injuries and fatalities than any other time of year.
For injured victims, these accidents are rarely just bad luck, resulting from preventable, negligent decisions.
Many of these crashes involve repeat DUI offenders or drivers who were visibly impaired but still allowed behind the wheel. In some cases, over-serving by bars or social hosts plays a role—which could make them legally liable under Minnesota law.
In recent years, Minnesota law enforcement has increased DUI patrols during the summer months. But even with these efforts, hundreds of alcohol-related crashes still occur. According to recent reports:
This isn’t just a statewide concern—it’s personal for the communities Irwin Law Office serves. As a respected car wreck attorney in Minneapolis, Dan Irwin has seen firsthand the pain these crashes cause victims and their families.
“Holidays should bring joy, not tragedy. But when someone’s poor decision to drive drunk changes your life, you have every right to seek justice,” says Dan Irwin.
Understanding the risks is the first step. The next step is knowing how Minnesota law protects you and how Irwin Law Office can help you assert those rights.
If a drunk driver has hit you or someone you love in Minnesota, you’re not just dealing with medical bills and vehicle damage—you’re also navigating a complicated legal landscape. Unlike a typical accident, a DUI-related crash often opens the door to enhanced claims, punitive damages, and even third-party liability.
At Irwin Law Office, PLC, we help victims understand their rights, and we fight to hold drunk drivers fully accountable.
As the victim of a drunk driving accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:
These cases are often more complex than a standard car accident because the criminal charges and civil claims proceed separately. A driver may be arrested and charged with DWI by the state, but it’s up to you and your attorney to pursue full financial compensation through a civil claim.
Under Minnesota’s Dram Shop Act (Minn. Stat. § 340A.801), you may be able to sue:
These claims require careful investigation and quick legal action to preserve evidence, surveillance footage, and witness statements.
Dan Irwin has handled DUI crash claims for over 20 years and understands how to build a strong case against all responsible parties.
“When alcohol and negligence combine, lives are shattered. My job is to make sure the legal system works for the people who were hurt, not the ones who broke the law,” says Dan Irwin, a trusted Minnesota drunk driving accident lawyer.
No two DUI injury cases are the same. That’s why Irwin Law Office takes a personalized, one-on-one approach to every claim, ensuring your story is heard—and your future is protected.
While every car crash is stressful and potentially life-changing, drunk driving accidents often involve more serious injuries, more legal complexity, and more opportunities to hold parties accountable. Victims need more than just basic legal advice—they need a law firm with the experience and focus to pursue every avenue for justice.
That’s where Irwin Law Office, PLC stands apart.
Drunk driving crashes frequently involve:
Victims often suffer long-term or catastrophic injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, broken bones, or permanent disability. These are not fender-benders. These are life-altering events, and they require focused legal action.
Dan Irwin, a Minneapolis dedicated car wreck attorney, has decades of experience handling these high-stakes cases. He understands not only how to prove fault but also how to fight for the full scope of your damages, including future care needs and emotional trauma.
One of the most confusing aspects for victims is the difference between criminal and civil cases:
Even if the driver is found guilty in criminal court, that doesn't guarantee you'll receive fair compensation. That's why hiring a knowledgeable Minnesota drunk driving accident lawyer is critical.
As mentioned previously, Minnesota’s dram shop law allows injured victims to bring claims against establishments or individuals who provided alcohol irresponsibly. But these claims have strict deadlines, specific evidence requirements, and are often aggressively defended.
Irwin Law Office knows how to investigate these cases thoroughly:
These steps are essential when building a case that holds every responsible party accountable, not just the driver behind the wheel.
“Our role is to uncover the full truth, protect our clients’ rights, and demand full accountability from all those involved,” says Dan Irwin.
After a drunk driving crash, many victims assume the insurance company will "do the right thing." Unfortunately, that assumption often leads to denied claims, lowball offers, and endless frustration. Insurance companies are businesses first, and their priority is minimizing payouts, even in cases where the other driver was intoxicated.
At Irwin Law Office, PLC, we regularly help clients who have been pressured into accepting unfair settlements or giving recorded statements that hurt their cases.
Insurance companies count on victims not understanding the long-term value of their case. They hope you’ll settle quickly before you speak with a qualified Minnesota drunk driving accident lawyer who can evaluate your losses.
“The insurance company isn’t looking out for you—we are. Our job is to ensure you’re compensated for every dollar the law allows,” says Dan Irwin, an experienced car wreck attorney in Minneapolis.
Many victims are surprised to learn how much more they’re entitled to—especially when punitive damages, pain and suffering, and future medical costs are fully calculated.
One client recently shared:
“The insurance company offered me $18,000. Dan Irwin fought for me and got a settlement that was nearly triple that amount. I’m so glad I didn’t settle too soon.”
Your case deserves that same level of care.
The moments after a serious crash can be disorienting, but your actions can directly impact your health, your recovery, and your legal case. When alcohol is involved, things get even more complicated. Whether the driver is arrested at the scene or denies being impaired, taking steps that protect your rights is critical.
At Irwin Law Office, PLC, we help injury victims take control of their situation by guiding them through every stage of the legal process. Here's what we recommend if you're involved in a suspected DUI-related crash:
Dan Irwin, a seasoned Minneapolis accident lawyer, oversees every case through his office. He knows what it takes to build a strong claim and fight for victims in negotiations and the courtroom.
“Drunk driving cases require fast, smart action. The sooner you call, the more we can do to protect your case and ensure no detail gets missed,” says Dan.
Even if the at-fault driver was arrested at the scene, that doesn’t guarantee compensation. The civil side of your case needs just as much attention, and Irwin Law Office is here to guide you through it with experience, care, and determination.
When a drunk driver injures you, you deserve more than just a quick settlement—you deserve a legal advocate who will take the time to understand your story, protect your rights, and fight for every dollar you're owed. We don’t treat cases like numbers at Irwin Law Office, PLC. We treat them like lives—because they are.
Led by Dan Irwin, a highly respected car wreck attorney in Minneapolis with over 20 years of experience, our firm has helped victims across Minnesota recover after devastating accidents caused by impaired drivers. Dan is known not only for his negotiation and litigation skills but also for the personal care he gives to every client.
“I know how overwhelming these situations can be. My promise is simple—I’ll treat your case like it’s the most important one I’ve ever handled, because to you, it is,” says Dan Irwin.
Victims consistently describe their experience with Irwin Law Office as clear, reassuring, and personal:
“Dan made a terrible time in my life much easier to manage. He was honest, responsive, and got me a result I couldn’t have achieved alone.”
If you've been injured by a drunk driver in Minneapolis or anywhere in Minnesota, we're here to help you recover—physically, emotionally, and financially.
Let us take care of the legal battle while you focus on healing.
You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, vehicle damage, and emotional trauma. In drunk driving cases, punitive damages may also be available to punish the driver and deter future misconduct. Irwin Law Office can help assess the full value of your case.
Yes. A criminal conviction isn’t required to file a civil injury claim. Even if charges are dropped or reduced, you can still pursue compensation through a civil lawsuit. The legal standard for civil liability is lower than in criminal court.
Minnesota’s Dram Shop Law allows victims to sue bars, restaurants, and liquor stores that served alcohol illegally. Social hosts may also be liable if they provided alcohol to minors. Dan Irwin has experience investigating and pursuing these third-party claims when applicable.
You may still have a valid claim, depending on the circumstances. However, insurance companies may argue you assumed the risk. A skilled attorney can evaluate the details and fight to ensure your rights are protected.
In most Minnesota personal injury cases, the statute of limitations is six years, but claims against bars or third parties (under dram shop laws) must be filed within two years. It’s best to contact Irwin Law Office as soon as possible to avoid missing critical deadlines.
If you or a loved one has been affected by a drunk driving crash, these local organizations may offer support:
For legal support, call Irwin Law Office, PLC for a free, no-pressure consultation.
Summer holidays should be about family, celebration, and freedom—not emergency rooms and funeral homes. When someone else’s decision to drive drunk puts your life at risk, you have the legal right to seek justice—and hold them accountable.
At Irwin Law Office, PLC, we’re here to help you navigate every step of the recovery process. From identifying all liable parties to dealing with insurance companies and taking your case to court if needed, Dan Irwin provides the legal skill, experience, and compassion you deserve.
If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving crash in Minnesota, don’t wait.
Call Irwin Law Office today or contact us online for a free consultation. Let us fight for your future—while you focus on healing.
Don't wait—call now to schedule your consultation and let Minnesota Attorney Dan Irwin fight for your rights!
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