Every year, thousands of Minnesota drivers face the aftermath of serious car accidents. A serious car accident leaves more than physical damage; it disrupts your routines, income, and sense of control. The confusion of dealing with insurance companies, medical appointments, and financial pressures compounds an already difficult situation. At Fields Injury Law, we understand the uncertainty you may be facing and are here to guide you through each step of the legal process.
Key Takeaways
- Minnesota’s no-fault insurance provides initial benefits, but you may pursue a personal injury claim for pain and suffering if your medical bills exceed $4,000 or you sustain a permanent injury, disfigurement, or disability for 60 days or more.
- Minnesota law gives you six years to file a car accident lawsuit, but starting the process promptly helps your lawyer gather critical evidence.
- You may recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, vehicle damage, and the personal impact of pain and suffering.
- Insurance companies often try to settle claims for less than their full value; legal representation protects your financial interests.
- Fields Injury Law offers free, no-obligation consultations 24/7 to help you understand your legal rights after an accident
Why Choose the Minnesota Car Accident Lawyers at Fields Injury Law
Fields Injury Law brings decades of combined experience to Minnesota car accident cases. Our attorneys have successfully handled thousands of injury claims, from minor collisions to catastrophic crashes. We've recovered millions in compensation for clients facing serious injuries.
Personalized Attention Throughout Your Case
Our approach centers on personalized attention for each client. Clients consistently praise our accessibility and dedication, noting how we treat them "like family" during difficult times. This personal touch combines with thorough documentation and skilled negotiation when working with insurance companies.
We understand the financial strain car accidents create. That's why Fields Injury Law operates on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for your case. Available 24/7 at (612) 206-3495, we're here when you need us most. Don't let insurance companies pressure you into accepting less than your documented losses may support. Contact Fields Injury Law today for your free consultation.
I Fully recommend Fields Injury Law to those that been in a car accident and suffered injuries. My attorney was Zack and along with his assistant Felicia helped me with my case and been there through the whole process and calling to check how we are doing, sending birthday cards. Very thoughtful of them! They are very professional and good at what they do.
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Minnesota Car Accident Compensation
Car accident compensation in Minnesota involves multiple categories of damages. Under Minnesota law, car accident victims have six years to file a personal injury lawsuit, though insurance claims often have much shorter deadlines.
How Minnesota Law Determines Car Accident Compensation
Minnesota’s no-fault system requires your own auto insurance to pay for initial medical expenses and wage loss through Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits, regardless of who caused the accident. However, to step outside the no-fault system and file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver for non-economic damages like pain and suffering, your injuries must meet a certain threshold.
You may file a personal injury lawsuit if you have:
- More than $4,000 in reasonable medical expenses,
- A permanent injury or disfigurement, OR
- A disability that prevents you from working for 60 days or more.
If you meet one of these thresholds, you can seek both economic and non-economic damages from the at-fault party.
Economic and Non-Economic Damages
Economic damages form the foundation of most car accident claims. These measurable losses have clear dollar values that we can calculate and present. The specific amounts depend on your individual circumstances, including injury severity and impact on your daily life. Common economic damages in Minnesota car accident cases include:
- Medical expenses (emergency treatment, surgery, rehabilitation, medications)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Property damage to your vehicle
- Future medical care costs
- Out-of-pocket expenses related to your injuries
Non-economic damages address the human cost of car accidents beyond financial losses. Minnesota law recognizes that serious injuries affect your quality of life in ways money cannot directly measure. These damages consider pain, suffering, and life changes resulting from your accident.
Past Case Results
Local Minnesota Car Accident Statistics
Minnesota roads present unique challenges for drivers throughout the year. According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, our state sees thousands of traffic crashes annually. Winter weather conditions contribute significantly to accident rates.
High-Risk Areas in Minnesota
The Twin Cities metro area experiences particularly high accident rates due to heavy traffic volume. Interstate 94 through Minneapolis and St. Paul ranks among Minnesota's most dangerous highways. Construction zones along I-35W and Highway 62 create additional risks.
Rural Minnesota presents different dangers. Two-lane highways with high speed limits see devastating head-on collisions. Deer-vehicle crashes spike during autumn months, particularly in northern Minnesota.
Hear From Our Clients
Common Types of Car Accidents We Handle
Fields Injury Law represents victims of all types of Minnesota car accidents. Each crash type presents unique legal considerations and challenges.
Rear-end collisions remain the most common accident type in Minnesota. These crashes often result in whiplash and other soft tissue injuries. T-bone accidents at intersections cause particularly severe injuries due to limited side-impact protection. Multi-vehicle pileups on Minnesota highways create complex liability scenarios that require careful investigation.
Head-on collisions result in the most severe injuries and fatalities. Drunk driving accidents represent a subset requiring special attention to punitive damages under Minnesota law. Single-vehicle accidents may still involve legal claims against government entities for dangerous road conditions.
What to Do After a Minnesota Car Accident
Taking proper steps after a car accident protects both your health and legal rights. The hours and days following your accident may prove critical for both physical recovery and potential legal claims.
Medical Care and Documentation
Seek immediate medical attention, even for seemingly minor injuries. Some injuries, particularly head trauma, may not show immediate symptoms. Common delayed symptoms include persistent headaches, dizziness, and neck pain.
Obtaining essential documentation begins immediately. The police report provides an official record you can request within days. Beyond official reports, maintaining personal documentation strengthens your claim. Insurance companies scrutinize every detail, making comprehensive records essential:
- Keep all medical records, bills, and treatment plans
- Save receipts for medications and medical equipment
- Document missed work with employer verification
- Maintain a journal describing pain levels and daily impacts
- Photograph injuries as they develop and heal
These records help establish your accident's full impact. Bring all documentation to a lawyer for review. Lawyers handle insurance communications, protecting you from making potentially harmful statements during the claims process.
FAQ for Minnesota Car Accident Lawyer
How much does hiring a car accident lawyer cost?
Fields Injury Law works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for your case. We cover case expenses during litigation and only collect fees from successful settlements or verdicts.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Under Minnesota Statutes § 604.01, you can recover damages if your fault is not greater than the fault of the person against whom recovery is sought. This means you can recover compensation even if you are found to be 50% at fault for the accident, though your recovery amount will decrease by your percentage of fault.
Our attorneys work to minimize any fault attribution and protect your right to compensation.
Should I talk to the other driver's insurance company?
Insurance adjusters may reach out quickly after an accident seeking recorded statements. Speaking with a car accident attorney first helps you understand what information to share and what might impact your claim. Fields Injury Law handles all insurance communications for our clients.
What if the at-fault driver has minimal insurance?
Minnesota requires only $30,000 per person in liability coverage, which may not cover serious injuries. Your underinsured motorist coverage might provide additional compensation. Our attorneys explore all available insurance policies and compensation sources.
What is Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and what does it cover in Minnesota?
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is a mandatory part of your own auto insurance policy in Minnesota. It provides no-fault benefits to cover your initial economic losses after an accident, no matter who was at fault. Basic PIP coverage includes up to $20,000 for medical expenses and up to $20,000 for lost wages and replacement services, for a total of $40,000 in benefits.
What happens if the at-fault driver has no insurance?
If an uninsured driver injures you, you can turn to your own insurance policy for compensation. Minnesota requires all drivers to carry Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage. This coverage steps in to pay for the damages the at-fault, uninsured driver should have covered, including your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Car Accident Resources
Get Help from Minnesota Car Accident Attorneys
Car accidents disrupt every aspect of your life. While you focus on healing, Fields Injury Law handles the legal complexities of your claim. We've helped thousands of Minnesotans document their losses and seek appropriate compensation under state law.
Contact the Minnesota car accident lawyers at Fields Injury Law today at (612) 206-3495 for your free consultation. Available 24/7 throughout Minnesota, including Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Minnetonka, we're ready to review your case and explain your legal options.
