In Minnesota, the law limits the amount of time you have to file a car accident claim after being injured. This timeframe, called the statute of limitations, directly affects your ability to pursue compensation for your injuries.
Knowing what the Minnesota statute of limitations for a car accident claim is and understanding how it applies can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. A car accident can disrupt your life, leaving you with injuries that require time, energy, and money to address.
If you’re injured in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you might be able to hold the responsible party accountable for your losses.
However, Minnesota’s legal deadlines can impact your right to seek compensation if you wait too long. An experienced Minnesota car accident attorney can help you with this process, advising you on the timing and handling of your claim so you don’t miss any critical deadlines.
Minnesota's Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury
Under Minnesota law, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including car accident cases, is typically six years from the date of the accident. However, the deadline for taking legal action against an uninsured motorist is four years from the date of accrual.
These deadlines give injured parties a reasonable window to assess their injuries, gather necessary evidence, and file a claim against the at-fault party. However, while six years may seem ample (or four, depending), certain circumstances can make this timeline shorter or involve additional deadlines to consider.
You must act within the applicable deadline if you hope to secure compensation for your injuries. You need to speak with an attorney to understand the precise deadline that applies to your situation so you can preserve your right to recover damages for your losses.
Car Accidents in Minnesota
Car accidents are a common occurrence in Minnesota. According to recent data, Minnesota sees thousands of crashes each year, many of which lead to severe injuries or fatalities. Latest crash data shows:
- In 2022, 70,266 total traffic accidents occurred throughout Minnesota.
- 23,704 people suffered injuries and 444 died in car crashes across the state.
- The total economic loss due to car accidents in Minnesota was more than $2.23 billion.
- Around 66% of all traffic accidents involved more than one vehicle.
Knowing the risks associated with driving in Minnesota can help you stay vigilant, but it doesn’t always prevent accidents. If you find yourself injured in a crash, remember that legal options are available to help you recover from the physical and financial impact of your injuries.
When Does the Clock Start Ticking?
For most car accident claims in Minnesota, the statute of limitations starts on the date of the accident. The idea behind this rule is simple: since the accident caused the injuries, the clock starts on the day the incident occurred. This rule applies to the majority of personal injury cases stemming from car accidents, though certain exceptions exist.
For example, some injuries might not be immediately apparent, and symptoms can take days or even weeks to surface. In these cases, your attorney can help you explore your options, though the general rule is that the clock begins ticking at the time of the crash.
If you think your case involves circumstances that might affect this deadline, consulting an attorney sooner rather than later can help you determine the best course of action.
Exceptions That Can Extend the Time You Have to File
While the standard statute of limitations is six years, Minnesota law makes exceptions for certain situations that can extend this deadline. These exceptions exist because, in some cases, unique circumstances make it unfair to expect an injured person to file their claim within the standard timeframe.
Here are a few examples of exceptions that might apply:
- Minors: If the injured person is a minor at the time of the accident, the six-year statute of limitations doesn’t begin until they turn 18. This means they would have until their 24th birthday to file a personal injury claim for injuries sustained in a car accident.
- Mental Incapacity: If someone is declared legally incapacitated and unable to make decisions about their own well-being, the statute of limitations may be delayed until their capacity is restored. An attorney can provide clarity on whether this exception might apply.
- Delayed Discovery: While rare in car accidents, some injuries or issues related to the crash may not become immediately evident. This is sometimes called the “discovery rule.” If injuries or damages emerge after the accident date and were not initially obvious, Minnesota law may allow extra time to file, depending on the circumstances.
Each of these exceptions requires thorough documentation, and missing evidence or paperwork can complicate the process. Therefore, you need to consult an attorney as soon as possible to discuss any potential exceptions and determine if any of these factors apply to your case.
Situations Where You Need to File a Claim Sooner
If your accident involves a government entity, such as a city or state road maintenance department, you’ll likely face an entirely different set of deadlines. Minnesota has strict requirements when filing claims against public entities like cities, counties, or state agencies.
In these cases, the statute of limitations is not only shorter but you’re also required to submit a notice of claim within 180 days of the accident. Missing this deadline means your claim against a government entity might be barred, regardless of its validity.
For instance, if a city-owned vehicle was involved in your accident, or if unsafe road conditions on government-maintained property caused your crash, these stricter deadlines apply. Filing a claim against a government agency involves more than meeting timelines—you must also follow specific protocols for the claim to proceed.
If you believe a government entity is involved in your case, you must speak with an attorney who can help ensure you comply with all necessary requirements.
Insurance Companies May Have Different Deadlines
Even if the state allows you six years to file a lawsuit, insurance companies may impose their own deadlines for claims. Filing a claim with your insurance or the at-fault driver’s insurer requires prompt action to ensure coverage. Insurers generally expect timely notification of accidents and may deny coverage if claims are delayed without a reasonable excuse.
An insurance adjuster may urge you to settle quickly or discourage you from involving an attorney. However, hurrying into a settlement without understanding the full extent of your injuries can harm your claim. An attorney can advise you on how to respond to insurers while protecting your interests.
What Happens If You Don’t File on Time?
Failing to file a car accident claim within Minnesota’s statute of limitations almost always results in losing the right to seek compensation through the court. This time limit reflects the state's commitment to keeping the legal process fair, ensuring that evidence remains fresh and witnesses' memories clear.
Missing this deadline often means courts will dismiss your case automatically, even if the evidence supporting your claim is strong. The at-fault party or their insurer would no longer be obligated to compensate you for your losses. Therefore, you must act within the legal timeframe to preserve your right to recover damages.
What Types of Claims May You Recover for a Minnesota Car Accident Injury?
After a car accident in Minnesota, you may seek compensation for your injuries and losses through:
- No-fault insurance claims (Personal Injury Protection - PIP): Minnesota is a no-fault state, so you typically start by filing a PIP claim with your own insurance company to cover medical expenses, lost income, and other accident-related costs, regardless of who was at fault.
- Third-party liability claims: If severe injuries meet certain threshold criteria under Minnesota law, you may pursue a claim against the at-fault driver's liability insurance to seek additional compensation beyond what your PIP policy covers. This can include compensation for pain and suffering, disability, and other non-economic damages.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) claims: If an uninsured or underinsured at-fault driver injures you, you can file a claim with your own UM/UIM coverage to bridge the gap between their coverage and your actual damages. (Remember the four-year statute of limitations for these types of claims.)
- Wrongful death claims: If a car accident fatally injures a loved one, their surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim against the responsible party to seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional distress. Minnesota imposes a three-year statute of limitations for wrongful death claims.
- Dram shop liability claim: If a visibly intoxicated driver caused the accident after a bar or restaurant overserved them, you may file a dram shop liability claim against the establishment.
Consult an experienced personal injury attorney in Minnesota to understand your specific situation and determine which claims apply to your case. An attorney can navigate the legal process, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, represent you in court to pursue the compensation you deserve for your car accident injuries.
How an Attorney Can Help You with Your Minnesota Car Accident Claim
An attorney plays a valuable role in managing deadlines and ensuring your case remains on track. By handling the legal details, an attorney can allow you to focus on recovery without worrying about missing critical steps in the claims process.
Whether your case involves negotiating with insurers or presenting evidence in court, a skilled attorney can guide you through each stage of your case.
An attorney also manages documentation, collects evidence, and represents you in negotiations, so you’re not left at a disadvantage. If you’re unfamiliar with the claims process, an attorney can clarify each step, ensuring you understand the choices you have and feel confident in moving forward.
Types of Compensation You Could Recover
If you suffered injuries in a car accident someone else caused, you may be eligible to seek various forms of compensation. Minnesota law allows injured parties to recover damages for multiple types of losses, including:
- Medical Expenses: This can cover anything from emergency treatment and surgery to rehabilitation, therapy, and follow-up care.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, either temporarily or permanently, you may recover compensation for lost income.
- Pain and Suffering: These damages account for the physical and emotional hardship that results from your injuries. Unlike medical bills or lost wages, pain and suffering compensation doesn’t have a precise monetary value, so attorneys play an essential role in demonstrating the impact of your injuries.
- Property Damage: You can seek compensation for repairs or replacement of your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
An attorney’s role in calculating and negotiating these forms of compensation can help ensure you’re not short-changed. They’ll work with you to determine what you’re entitled to receive based on the specific circumstances of your case.
Why Choose Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers for Your Minnesota Car Accident Claim?
The legal team at Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers has decades of combined experience representing clients in the Midwest.
With more than 20 offices throughout Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Iowa, our lawyers are your friends and neighbors. We know the area and the community and take your personal injury claim personally.
If a car accident injures you in Minnesota, Get Nicolet. We can take it from there.
A serious injury can bring everyday life to a standstill, while medical bills and expenses don't take a break. Let us help you regain your peace of mind by working to hold those responsible for your injuries accountable.
Our Minnesota personal injury lawyers know how to work with insurance companies and other liable parties to make sure you get the best settlement possible.
Contact us today for your free case evaluation. In Minneapolis, you can find us at 43 SE Main Street, Suite #500.
Call us directly at (612) 688-4459 or fill out our consultation form online. We're ready to help you!