The Minnesota Department of Public Safety indicates that Minnesota has historically ranked among the best states for the lowest traffic fatality rates nationwide. However, the state’s challenging winter driving conditions, combined with busy urban corridors and rural highways, can lead to serious car accidents that cause 1,000s of car accident injuries each year.
When you’re injured in an accident due to another driver’s negligence, Minnesota’s complex no-fault insurance system can make seeking fair compensation seem complicated. You need solid traffic accident legal advice when you’re dealing with mounting medical bills and lost wages.
Our board-certified car crash attorneys at Florin|Roebig understand Minnesota’s unique no-fault laws and have four decades of experience helping accident victims. We’ve recovered millions of dollars for our clients, and we work on a contingency basis, so you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Keep reading to learn more about Minnesota car accidents, including:
- Statistics and dangers
- Insurance requirements
- Comparative fault rules
- Liability and negligence
- Statute of limitations
- Common causes and injuries
- What to do after an accident
- Legal options after a crash
Minnesota Car Accident Statistics
The latest complete data from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety reveals the serious scope of traffic incidents in the state. Minnesota experienced 64,744 total crashes in 2023, with 17,242 injury crashes affecting thousands of families statewide and creating substantial personal injury cases.
2023 Minnesota Traffic Safety Data
The comprehensive crash data shows the significant impact on injury victims:
- Total fatalities: 402 deaths, representing a 9% decrease from 2022
- Total injury crashes: 17,242 crashes resulting in 23,771 people injured
- Serious injury crashes: 1,723 crashes with 2,012 people sustaining serious injuries
- Minor injury crashes: 6,282 crashes, with 8,061 people sustaining minor injuries
- Commercial vehicle crashes: 4,568 Minnesota truck accidents, with 1,230 injuries
- Alcohol-related injury crashes: 3,979 crashes, resulting in 2,246 injuries and 101 deaths
- Motorcycle crashes: 1,042 crashes with 928 injuries
- Pedestrian incidents: 792 crashes with 672 injuries
- Bicycle accidents: 581 crashes with 511 injuries
These statistics underscore the importance of having experienced legal representation when you’re involved in a serious accident. The complexity of determining fault, navigating no-fault benefits and pursuing additional compensation requires skilled traffic accident legal advice.
What To Know About Minnesota Car Accident Claims
The type of car accident claim that your lawyer will help you file will be determined by what caused the accident and how you were injured. A Florin|Roebig attorney will conduct a thorough investigation of your car accident case to determine who was at fault and what type of claim to file, which may include the following.
Negligent Driver Claims
Most car accident injuries occur during crashes where the at-fault party is a driver of one of the vehicles involved in the accident. If another driver caused your crash, you can file a personal injury claim to seek compensation from them or their insurance company. To get a settlement, your personal injury attorney must prove that the other motorist acted negligently, leading to the crash and any injuries or property damage.
Manufacturer Error Claims
In rare cases, a defective part on a vehicle could lead to an accident or injuries. Whether the part was on your car or another driver’s car, you might be able to file a claim against the auto manufacturer. Examples of defective parts include:
- Faulty brakes or tires
- Airbag malfunctions
- Seatbelt failures
- Design defects
Your lawyer can review your case and determine whether a faulty part could have caused the accident or your injury and use that evidence to seek a settlement.
Road Condition Claims
While Minnesota has a large budget for roadway maintenance and upkeep, dangerous road conditions still cause accidents in the state every year. You may not be at fault in an accident due to factors like:
- Poor road maintenance
- Inadequate snow/ice removal
- Missing or improper signage
- Construction zone hazards
Your auto accident lawyer at Florin|Roebig can help you seek compensation from the state or municipality if road conditions were responsible for your car crash.
Minnesota Laws for Car Accident Cases
In the United States, each state is given the right to set up its own laws regarding car accidents and personal injury law. However, the differences between each state can be confusing for new residents or those who have an accident while traveling through the state.
Understanding Minnesota’s No-Fault Insurance System
Minnesota operates under a no-fault insurance system, which significantly impacts how car accident claims are handled. Essentially, if you’re injured in an automobile accident, you’re required to file a claim with your own insurance company first, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. You must file no-fault claims within six months of the accident.
However, auto accident litigation is still possible. This system can be confusing for accident victims, making it crucial to have the best car accident attorney in your corner to maximize your recovery.
Required Insurance Coverage in Minnesota
Because Minnesota is a no-fault state, anyone who registers a vehicle in the state must carry a minimum of:
- Bodily Injury Liability: $30,000 per person / $60,000 per accident
- Property Damage Liability: $10,000
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Coverage: $40,000 total per person ($20,000 for medical expenses and $20,000 for non-medical expenses, such as lost wages)
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: $25,000 per person for injuries / $50,000 per accident for injuries
When You Can Step Outside No-Fault
While Minnesota’s no-fault system requires you to first seek benefits from your own insurance when you’re involved in a car or motorcycle accident, you may be able to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver if:
- Your medical expenses exceed $4,000 or
- You suffer disability for 60-plus days, permanent injury or disfigurement, or death.
These “threshold” requirements allow seriously injured victims to seek compensation for their injuries or property damage from negligent drivers and/or their insurance company, but navigating these exceptions requires skilled auto claim lawyers.
Comparative Fault in Minnesota Car Accidents
Minnesota follows a comparative fault system. Even if you bear some responsibility for an accident, you can still recover damages as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re awarded $100,000 but found to be 20% at fault, you’d receive $80,000.
If you have any questions about fault in your Minnesota car accident, an experienced auto accident injury attorney at Florin|Roebig can review your case and help you determine who was at fault and whether filing a personal injury claim is the right thing to do.
Who Is Liable in Minnesota Car Accidents?
Another legal term you’ll hear a lot after an auto accident is “liability,” which is different from fault. In legal terms, the liable party is the one who is lawfully responsible for paying damages to a claimant after a car accident.
Liability can be difficult to determine because many different factors can cause an accident. It’s very possible to be at fault for your accident and not be liable for the monetary and non-monetary damages that occur.
In other words, a motorist may have caused the accident because they couldn’t do anything to avoid it. For example, if a car’s brakes weren’t working because of a manufacturing defect and the brakes were unable to stop the vehicle the way they were designed to, the driver is still considered at fault for the accident but not liable for it.
In this case, the company responsible for making the brakes may be strictly liable for the accident. The company that created the brakes is required to be held to a strict standard because the public’s safety relies on their brakes working correctly.
In another case, if a road crew member working on a road failed to warn motorists adequately of construction and it caused an accident, the driver would also be at fault, but the construction company or city/county is liable.
Courts consider multiple factors when determining fault and liability in car accident cases in these types of situations. At Florin|Roebig, our car accident attorneys can help ensure that the responsible parties are held accountable for your injuries and help you secure the rightful compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Minnesota Car Accidents
Weather-Related Accidents
Minnesota’s harsh winter conditions contribute significantly to accident rates, which can include:
- Ice and snow that create slippery road surfaces
- Reduced visibility from snow, fog and winter storms
- Black ice or invisible ice patches that cause vehicles to lose control
- Inadequate tire preparation for winter weather conditions
Traffic Violations and Negligence
Based on Minnesota crash data, the leading causes of serious accidents include:
- Failure to yield right-of-way (includes at yellow lights)
- Following too closely
- Speeding (primary cause among certain age groups)
- Distracted driving (includes phone use or texting while driving)
- Failing to remain in the proper lane
- Careless or negligent driving
- Drunk driving (responsible for about 25% fatalities)
However, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, along with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT), identified four top behaviors most frequently cited in fatal car crashes. These behaviors were impaired driving, speeding, distracted driving and not using a seat belt.
High Accident Risk Areas in Minnesota
Like most states, larger metro areas have more accidents than smaller or rural regions. For example, Minneapolis traffic accidents totaled 3,897, with 2,007 injuries, and auto crashes in St. Paul totaled 2,618, with 710 injuries in 2023, per Minnesota crash statistics. These two cities are the largest in the state.
In comparison, Bloomington car accidents totaled 389, with 267 injuries, and automobile accidents in Brooklyn Center totaled 376, with 196 injuries, during the same period. The lower numbers for these two cities are likely due to their much smaller population. Even smaller cities like Edina have even fewer accidents, with 197 auto crashes and 75 injuries.
Furthermore, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) identified Highway 252 in the state as having larger rates of vehicle crashes compared to similar highways throughout the region. MnDOT was particularly concerned about the elevated fatal crashes along this highway between motor vehicles and vulnerable users, such as bicyclists and pedestrians.
Serious Injuries from Minnesota Car Accidents
Car accidents can result in life-changing injuries that affect victims and their families for years. Serious injuries from Minnesota auto crashes can include:
Catastrophic Injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) affecting cognitive function and personality
- Spinal cord injuries resulting in partial or complete paralysis
- Severe burns requiring multiple surgeries and skin grafts
- Amputation injuries requiring prosthetics and rehabilitation
- Multiple fractures requiring extensive surgical repair
Common Injuries
- Neck and back injuries, including herniated discs and whiplash
- Broken bones and fractures requiring surgery
- Internal injuries to organs requiring emergency treatment
- Soft tissue injuries causing chronic pain
- Cuts and lacerations requiring stitches or plastic surgery
Psychological Trauma
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affecting daily life
- Anxiety and depression following traumatic accidents
- Driving phobia impacting independence and employment
What to Do After a Car Accident
The moments and hours after a car accident can determine the success of your personal injury claim. Minnesota’s no-fault insurance system adds complexity to the process, making it crucial to handle each step correctly to protect your legal rights.
1. Secure the Area and Call for Help
Your first responsibility is safety. If vehicles are blocking traffic and can be moved safely, relocate them to the shoulder. Turn on hazard lights and set up flares or reflectors if available. Call the police immediately to report the accident, even for seemingly minor accidents. Minnesota requires filing an accident report with police for crashes involving injuries or property damage over $1,000, and you have 10 days to report an accident to avoid serious legal consequences.
2. Obtain Medical Care
Request a medical evaluation at the scene, even if you feel fine. Adrenaline and shock can mask serious injuries like concussions, internal bleeding or spinal damage. Paramedics can provide initial treatment and document your condition, creating valuable medical records for your personal injury claim.
3. Preserve Evidence While It’s Fresh
If you’re uninjured and it’s safe to do so, use your phone to take photos or videos of the accident scene from multiple angles, capturing vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals and weather conditions. Record the positions of all vehicles before they’re moved. Take pictures of visible injuries and get photos of license plates, insurance cards and driver’s licenses. Don’t forget to record the date, time and location of the accident in a video.
4. Collect Contact Information
Gather comprehensive details from everyone involved in the accident as soon as you make sure nobody is seriously injured. Contact information is helpful to both your insurance company and your Florin|Roebig personal injury attorney, which should include:
- Names
- Phone numbers
- License plate numbers
- Driver’s license number
- Driver’s insurance information
If you learn that one of the people involved in the accident isn’t insured, make note of this. You will also need to provide your information to the other parties involved. Also, be sure to get the name and badge number of the responding police officer and the report number to retrieve it when it becomes available.
5. Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
Once you’ve dealt with the necessities immediately following an auto accident, such as seeking medical care and giving your statement to the police, you must contact your insurance company. It’s essential to get your insurance claim process started as soon as possible due to the 6-month limitation on filing a claim.
Florin|Roebig attorneys are always available for a free consultation and evaluation of car accident claim cases. Even if everything goes smoothly, we can help ensure that your claim is processed in a timely manner.
6. Contact a Florin|Roebig Car Accident Lawyer
Contacting a personal injury attorney is a vital decision that all car accident victims should consider. There are many ways an attorney can assist you during the claims process, including advising you on what you should and shouldn’t say while filing your claim. Important don’ts include:
- Don’t admit fault or apologize
- Don’t delay medical treatment
- Don’t sign documents except the police report
- Don’t give detailed statements to insurance agents
- Don’t post about the accident on social media
A car accident attorney can also help you complete your insurance paperwork, evaluate the damages caused by the accident, obtain the police report and more. Attorneys help make sure you don’t have to handle the stress of the aftermath of an accident by yourself.
We have 40 years of experience in car accident law at Florin|Roebig, and we aren’t afraid to negotiate with insurance companies. Let us fight for maximum compensation for you and your family members.
Our Featured Case Results
The Car Accident Claim-Filing Process
If you or someone you love has been injured or had property damaged as a result of a car accident, you may have questions about the claim-filing process. The process can be challenging, but hiring the legal services of an accident attorney can make it easier.
When the time comes to begin your claim, the following are the basic steps you should take to start the process:
- Review your insurance policy: Before you file your claim, educate yourself on your insurance policy. Many people don’t know what their policy entails regarding accidents, fault and liability.
- Hire a top accident lawyer from Florin|Roebig: This step is often overlooked, but it’s an essential and beneficial step to take for your insurance claim. Even if your accident was fairly straightforward, hiring a Florin|Roebig attorney can help ensure your insurance company acts appropriately.
- Obtain a copy of the police report: A police report is an official, legal explanation of the events leading to an accident. It will say who was found to be at fault for the accident and who should be held liable for damages.
- Document your damages: Collect all documentation related to your accident, including your medical records and bills to prove your personal injury. You also need employment records showing your lost wages to claim economic losses.
- Call your insurance agent to begin a claim: After you have the documentation and evidence you need, contact your insurance agent. Your agent will start your claim for no-fault benefits and ensure you have the paperwork you need. An insurance adjuster will investigate the accident, including injuries and property damage, to provide their opinion on the fault and how much you should be compensated.
- Count on Florin|Roebig to handle your case: We begin by helping determine if your injuries meet the threshold requirements to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver for damages beyond no-fault benefits you collect from your insurance provider. We also conduct a thorough investigation to build your case, including accident reconstruction, if necessary, expert witness consultation, medical record review and insurance policy analysis.
- Negotiation and settlement: We negotiate with the insurance company to secure the maximum compensation for all your damages, including future medical expenses and lost earning capacity. However, if a settlement can’t be reached, then we file a lawsuit in court and fight to get you the full compensation you deserve.
Statute of Limitations in Minnesota
You have two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Minnesota. While this is a lengthy amount of time, it’s crucial to act quickly because:
- Evidence disappears over time.
- Witnesses’ memories fade.
- Medical records may be destroyed.
- Insurance claim deadlines are much shorter.
For no-fault benefits, you typically have 60 days to provide notice of your claim to your insurance company. If you fail to file your accident claim against the negligent driver, you’re barred from having the court hear your case.
Ways an Accident Can Impact Your Life
Many effects extend beyond the immediate aftermath of a serious car accident. Many car accidents can cause life-altering expenses and bills that can be staggering.
The following are some of the ways an accident can impact your life:
- Losing your job
- Losing the ability to make money and provide for yourself and your family
- The loss of your vehicle and transportation
- Losing your independence (due to permanent injury requiring ongoing assisted care)
- The cost that pain and suffering have taken on your life
- Developing post-traumatic stress disorder
- Losing your companion or partner (e.g., as a surviving spouse)
- Adaptations to your home or method of transportation to adapt to severe or permanent injuries
Your settlement must reflect the total amount of compensation you’ll need to counter the impacts of the accident. The Florin|Roebig law firm has won millions in case awards for their clients because of injuries, which helps them rebuild their lives after an auto accident.
How Florin|Roebig Can Help With Your Car Accident Claim
Many people don’t fully understand why they should hire a car accident attorney after they’ve been in an accident, especially if it wasn’t a very serious accident. However, there are a number of different benefits that come with hiring a Florin|Roebig automobile accident lawyer.
If you’re considering hiring a Florin|Roebig attorney, the following are advantages that you would gain.
Car Accident Case Experience
Attorneys attend school for many years to become highly knowledgeable of the laws of the United States and the state in which they practice. They also continue to educate themselves on their given area of expertise because laws change constantly. Let us take the weight off your shoulders by expertly handling your car accident claim.
A Strong Personal Injury Claim
Top attorneys in personal injury claims will understand exactly what it takes to build a strong claims case for their clients so they can receive the maximum compensation amount. A collision lawyer with experience managing auto accident claims will have greater insight than the average personal injury attorney and be able to clarify the process of filing a solid claim for you each step of the way.
Negotiating a Fair Settlement
It can be challenging to navigate the claims process with your insurance company and negotiate the proper settlement for your case. You aren’t alone if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the insurance process.
Our Florin|Roebig attorneys have a long history of successfully going head-to-head with insurance companies, and we aren’t afraid to negotiate with insurance providers. When you hire a Florin|Roebig personal injury attorney, you ease the burden of responsibility by shifting the negotiation with insurance companies to a legal professional with experience championing injured parties’ interests. We level the playing field by:
- Properly valuing your claim
- Negotiating aggressively for fair compensation
- Countering lowball settlement offers
- Protecting you from insurance company tactics
Thorough Case Evaluation
We provide free consultations to evaluate your case and explain your legal options. We provide a thorough case evaluation with solid auto accident legal advice. During this evaluation, we review the circumstances of your accident and assess your injuries and damages. Next, we explain Minnesota’s no-fault system and discuss potential compensation sources.
Top Minnesota Car Accident Lawyers
Our experienced Minnesota car accident attorneys include:
- Wil H. Florin, B.C.S.
- Tommy D. Roebig, B.C.S.
- Neil P. O’Brien, M.B.A.
- Shaun M. Cummings
- Luca G. Esposito
- Chad K. Florin, M.B.A., LL.M.
- John J. Hart
- Parker Y. Florin, LL.M.
- Taylor D. Roebig
- Michael A. Ossi, O.C.
- Lawrence J. Najem, O.C.
- Nollys R. Solarte, O.C.
Our team combines decades of experience with cutting-edge legal strategies to secure maximum compensation for our clients.
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
FAQs About Minnesota Car Accidents and Attorneys
How much does it cost to hire a car accident lawyer in Minnesota?
Typically, car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t have to pay anything up front to hire one. If your attorney wins your case, they collect their fee then, but if they don’t win your case, you don’t have to pay them. The Florin|Roebig law firm always works on a contingency fee basis.
What if I was partially at fault for a Minnesota car accident?
You may still be able to file a car accident claim, even if you were partially at fault for the accident. Under Minnesota’s comparative fault system, you can still recover damages if you’re at fault 50% or less. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
What if the other driver involved in the accident doesn’t have insurance in Minnesota?
If the other driver doesn’t have insurance, your uninsured motorist coverage can provide compensation. Your Florin|Roebig attorney can explore different options based on your specific situation.
Do I need an attorney for a crash that wasn’t my fault?
Yes, hiring an attorney for a crash that wasn’t your fault is a good idea because no matter how straightforward a case may seem, hiccups can always happen. Having an attorney who knows your case can help ensure you receive fair treatment.
Can a lawyer help me win my car accident case?
Car accident victims who hire a personal injury attorney have a greater chance of winning their case, on average, than those who have decided not to hire a lawyer. Our attorneys at Florin|Roebig are well-versed in Minnesota car accident laws. They can help you understand these laws, assist you in filing your car accident claim, defend your case in court if necessary and much more.
How to Get Help from Florin|Roebig Attorneys
When you decide to seek the assistance of a personal injury attorney, it’s an important decision that you shouldn’t take lightly. While there are a multitude of other law firms you can choose from, Florin|Roebig is the most skilled and attainable.
If you’re curious about the attorneys of Florin|Roebig and you’d like to learn more about our team or schedule a free consultation, you can reach us by:
- Requesting more information from our website, florinroebig.com
- Calling us 24/7 at the number in your area
- Emailing us at info@florinroebig.com
Our attorneys have been voted as some of the best car accident injury lawyers multiple times for a reason: they care about you and your case. Florin|Roebig will do everything in our power for your case, starting with a free consultation to go over your available options and provide you with our legal recommendations.
Contact Florin|Roebig for Your Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a Minnesota car accident, don’t face the insurance companies alone. The complex no-fault system and comparative fault rules require experienced legal guidance to ensure you receive fair compensation.
We offer free consultations to discuss your case and explain your legal options. There’s no obligation, and we don’t charge any fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you during this difficult time. Contact Florin|Roebig today to schedule your free consultation and case evaluation and let us help you secure the compensation you deserve.
