Category: Vehicle Accidents
What to Do After Hitting a Deer in Minnesota: Understanding Insurance & Liability
October 6, 2026 | Adriel B. Villarreal
October marks the beginning of deer mating season in Minnesota, bringing a surge in deer-vehicle collisions across both rural roads and metro-area highways. Hitting a deer can be a terrifying, jarring experience that leaves you shaken, your vehicle damaged, and your head spinning with questions about insurance and liability. Knowing what to do after hitting a deer—and understanding how Minnesota law and insurance policies handle these accidents—can make all the difference. Step-by-Step: What to Do Immediately After a Deer Collision If you strike a deer, your safety and the safety of your passengers should be your first priority. Take these steps right away: Move to Safety: If your vehicle is still operable, pull over safely to the shoulder or a nearby side street. Turn on your hazard lights. Call 911 or Local Law Enforcement: Report the accident immediately. Minnesota law requires you to report accidents involving property damage above a certain threshold or any injuries. A police report also creates an official, objective record, which is vital for your insurance claim. Stay Away from the Animal: Do not approach an injured deer. A frightened and wounded large animal can thrash violently and cause severe injuries. Let law enforcement or animal control handle it. Document the Scene: When it is safe to do so,…
Read MoreUnderstanding Vanessa’s Law for Teen Drivers in Minnesota
January 21, 2026 | Adriel B. Villarreal
Minnesota teen drivers who are convicted of an impaired driving crime or crash-related moving violation are subject to a penalty that would bar them from driving until they are at least 18 years old. This penalty is due to Vanessa’s Law. If you or your child are at risk of losing driving privileges because of Vanessa’s Law, an attorney can help you secure the best possible outcome. What Is Vanessa’s Law in Minnesota? Vanessa’s Law is a Minnesota statute that restricts driving privileges for teens convicted of an impaired driving crime or crash-related moving violation. Teens penalized under Vanessa’s Law cannot obtain a driver’s license until they are at least 18. There are slight differences in how the law applies to unlicensed teens versus teens with provisional licenses, which we’ll explain below. Vanessa’s Law was passed in May of 2004, one year after Vanessa Weiss was killed just days before turning 16. Vanessa was a passenger in a vehicle driven by an unlicensed 15-year-old. Vanessa’s Law was named in her memory and aims to protect people from injuries and fatal accidents caused by teen drivers. How Vanessa’s Law Applies to Unlicensed Teens Unlicensed teens convicted of a crash-related moving violation or alcohol/controlled substance violation cannot receive a license, provisional license, or instruction permit…
Read MoreHow to Stay Safe on Blackout Wednesday
November 20, 2025 | Adriel B. Villarreal
The night before Thanksgiving, known as “Blackout Wednesday” or “Drinksgiving,” has become a dangerous night for driving due to widespread binge drinking. Most college students are home for the holiday and spend Thanksgiving Eve partying with friends. Many adults of all ages also go to the local bar, enjoying the night before their day off from work. Unfortunately, this binge drinking also leads to an increased rate of impaired driving on Thanksgiving Eve. To help protect our community, we’re sharing these tips to help you stay safe on Blackout Wednesday. Don’t Drink and Drive We hope this first one is obvious, but it still needs to be said. Even small amounts of alcohol can impair your judgment and make driving dangerous for yourself and everyone around you. DUI and DWI charges are also serious matters that could bring jail time, large fines, and license revocation. If you do drink on Blackout Wednesday, have a designated driver or use a rideshare service. This is a vital step to take even if you were planning on driving. Find a ride and come back for your car once you’re sober. Drunk driving causes approximately 11,000 deaths in the United States every year. Drinking and driving simply isn’t worth the risk. Tell Someone Your Plans If you…
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