Car Accident Laws in Minnesota
Car accidents in Minnesota—from icy winter collisions to distracted driving incidents in the Twin Cities—can leave victims facing medical bills, lost wages, and long-term injuries. Minnesota’s car accident laws include no-fault insurance rules and a threshold system that determines when you can sue. This guide breaks down how Minnesota handles car accident claims so you can take the right steps after a crash.
Minnesota Is a No-Fault Insurance State
Minnesota uses a no-fault insurance system, meaning your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage pays for medical bills, lost wages, and certain other expenses after a crash—regardless of who was at fault.
Standard PIP benefits include:
- Up to $20,000 for medical expenses
- Up to $20,000 for lost wages
- Funeral expenses and replacement services if needed
You must use your PIP coverage first before pursuing a liability claim against another driver.
When Can You Sue the At-Fault Driver?
To step outside the no-fault system and file a lawsuit against the other driver, your injuries must meet one of the following legal thresholds:
- Medical expenses over $4,000 (excluding diagnostics)
- Permanent injury or disfigurement
- Disability lasting 60 days or more
- Death
Once you meet one of these conditions, you may seek damages for pain and suffering and other non-economic losses.
Modified Comparative Fault in Minnesota
Minnesota follows a modified comparative fault rule with a 51% bar. If you’re found to be 51% or more at fault for the crash, you cannot recover damages. If you’re 50% or less at fault, your recovery will be reduced by your share of fault.
For example, if you are awarded $40,000 but are found 25% at fault, your final award would be $30,000.
Minimum Insurance Requirements in Minnesota
All drivers in Minnesota are required to carry:
- $30,000 bodily injury per person
- $60,000 bodily injury per accident
- $10,000 property damage
- $40,000 in PIP benefits (per person per accident)
- $25,000/$50,000 uninsured motorist (UM) coverage
- $25,000/$50,000 underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage
These coverages help ensure compensation is available even when the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance.
Statute of Limitations in Minnesota
You have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Minnesota. For property damage claims, the deadline is six years. If you file your lawsuit after these deadlines, the court will likely dismiss your case.
It’s important to act quickly to gather evidence and protect your rights.
When You Must Report a Crash
Minnesota law requires you to report a crash if:
- There is injury or death
- Property damage exceeds $1,000
You must report the accident to local law enforcement and file a written report with the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) within 10 days if requested. A police report is helpful when filing insurance claims.
What Happens If the Other Driver Is Uninsured?
Minnesota drivers are protected by required uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. If the other driver has no insurance or not enough to cover your injuries, your UM/UIM policy can step in to help pay for medical bills, lost income, and other damages.
This coverage is critical in hit-and-run cases and when the at-fault driver carries only minimum liability limits.
What Damages Can Be Recovered?
If your injuries meet the legal threshold, you can seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses not covered by PIP
- Lost wages beyond PIP limits
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage
PIP benefits cover initial losses, but a liability claim or lawsuit may provide a broader recovery.
What Rights Do Passengers Have?
Passengers can usually file a PIP claim under the insurance policy of the vehicle they were riding in. If they are seriously injured and meet the threshold, they may also sue the at-fault driver—whether that’s the driver of their vehicle or another vehicle involved in the crash.
Passengers are rarely found at fault, so they often have strong claims.
Do You Need a Lawyer After a Crash in Minnesota?
While no-fault laws are designed to simplify the claims process, things can get complicated when serious injuries are involved. A personal injury attorney can help determine whether your injuries meet the threshold, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurers. Many lawyers offer free consultations and only charge if they recover compensation for you.