Injured in a Minnesota Car Wreck? Avoid These Costly Errors
After a Minnesota car crash, the steps you take can protect your health, insurance benefits, and legal claims. Here are common mistakes to avoid and practical actions to help preserve your rights.
Prioritize Safety and Medical Care
Your health comes first. If possible, move to a safe location, call 911, and get evaluated by medical professionals even if you feel fine. Some injuries surface hours or days later. Follow your doctor’s treatment plan and keep copies of all records, bills, and receipts.
Report the Crash Properly
Call law enforcement for crashes involving injury, death, or significant property damage, and cooperate with the responding officer. Minnesota law imposes reporting and duty requirements for certain crashes; see Minn. Stat. § 169.09. Obtain the incident number and keep a copy of any report for your records.
Notify Your Insurer Promptly
Minnesota uses a no-fault system. Initial medical and certain wage-loss benefits typically come from Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage regardless of fault. See Minn. Stat. § 65B.44. Report the crash to your insurer promptly and provide accurate information. Delays or incomplete information can jeopardize benefits.
Don’t Guess About Fault at the Scene
Avoid making statements like “It was my fault” or speculating about what happened. Stick to observable facts when speaking with police, insurers, and other drivers. Fault is a legal determination that may involve evidence developed after the scene.
Document Evidence Early
- Photograph vehicle positions, damage, skid marks, debris, weather, road conditions, and visible injuries.
- Collect names and contact information for drivers, passengers, and witnesses.
- Save dashcam footage and preserve relevant vehicle data if available.
- Note nearby businesses or residences that might have surveillance video.
Use Caution With Insurance Adjusters and Recorded Statements
Be polite and factual, but remember adjusters represent their companies’ interests. Before giving a recorded statement to another driver’s insurer or signing broad medical authorizations, consider speaking with an attorney.
Mind Medical Billing and Coordination of Benefits
In no-fault claims, PIP typically addresses initial medical expenses and certain wage loss, with health insurance often coordinating afterward. Track which insurer pays which bills and respond to requested forms. Poor coordination can delay care or reduce your net recovery.
Don’t Post About the Crash on Social Media
Public posts can be used against you. Photos, activity updates, or comments that seem harmless may be taken out of context. Adjust privacy settings and avoid discussing the crash or your injuries online.
Watch Out for Quick Low Settlements
Early offers may arrive before the full extent of injuries and losses is known. Once you settle and sign a release, you generally cannot seek additional compensation for the same claim. Consider obtaining legal advice before accepting any settlement.
Track Deadlines and Preserve Claims
Insurance and legal deadlines can be strict, and missing them can bar recovery. Some timelines depend on who was involved (for example, a government entity), the type of claim, and the nature of your injuries. Consult counsel promptly to identify and meet the deadlines specific to your situation.
Understand When You Can Pursue the At-Fault Driver
Because Minnesota uses no-fault insurance, you must meet statutory thresholds before pursuing certain pain-and-suffering (non-economic) claims against an at-fault driver. Examples include a qualifying amount of medical expenses, disability for a specified period, permanent injury, permanent disfigurement, or death. See Minn. Stat. § 65B.51. An attorney can assess whether your circumstances meet a threshold and what damages may be available.
Practical Tips
- Use your phone’s voice notes to capture immediate observations while details are fresh.
- Store your insurance card, registration, and a basic accident kit in your glovebox.
- If pain worsens after initial care, schedule a prompt follow-up and update your insurer.
- Keep a simple injury diary tracking symptoms, work impact, and medical visits.
Post-Crash Checklist
What to do next
- Seek medical care and follow your treatment plan.
- Report the crash and obtain the incident number.
- Notify your insurer and confirm PIP claim setup.
- Gather and save photos, videos, and witness info.
- Track bills, receipts, wage loss, and mileage to appointments.
- Avoid social media posts about the crash or your injuries.
- Review any settlement offers carefully before signing.
- Consider a consultation with a Minnesota injury lawyer.
FAQ
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Minnesota?
Deadlines vary by claim type and parties involved. Some claims may be as short as a few months when government entities are involved. Speak with an attorney promptly to identify your specific limitations period.
Will my PIP cover all my medical bills?
PIP provides basic economic loss benefits up to policy limits, after which health insurance or other coverage may apply. Your total recovery depends on policy limits, coordination of benefits, and potential claims against an at-fault driver.
Do I have to give a recorded statement?
You generally must cooperate with your own insurer, but you are not required to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer. Consider consulting an attorney before doing so.
What if I was partially at fault?
Minnesota uses modified comparative fault. Your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault, and you cannot recover if your fault is greater than the other party’s combined fault.
Talk to a Minnesota Injury Lawyer
If you were hurt in a Minnesota crash, we’re here to help you understand your options. Contact us for a free consultation.
Legal citations
- Minnesota Statutes § 65B.44 (Basic economic loss benefits; No-Fault Act)
- Minnesota Statutes § 65B.51 (Tort liability; thresholds under the No-Fault Act)
- Minnesota Statutes § 169.09 (Accidents; reporting and duties)
Last reviewed: 2025-08-19
Disclaimer: This blog is for general information only and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change and facts matter – consult a Minnesota attorney about your specific situation.
