Minnesota car accident laws combine a no-fault insurance system with fault-based lawsuits for more serious injuries. Your own PIP coverage pays first for medical bills and lost wages, and you can sue the at-fault driver once you meet a tort threshold, such as $4,000 in medical expenses. Fault is shared under a 51 percent bar, crashes with injuries must be reported, and most injury claims must be filed within six years.
This guide summarizes the rules that most often decide a Minnesota crash claim, with the statute for each so you can see where the rule comes from.
No-Fault Insurance and PIP
Minnesota requires personal injury protection (PIP) on every auto policy, with minimum coverage of $40,000 per person: $20,000 for medical expenses and $20,000 for non-medical losses such as lost wages and replacement services. PIP pays regardless of who caused the crash. For a complete breakdown, see Minnesota no-fault insurance and PIP coverage explained and our no-fault claims page.
When You Can Sue the At-Fault Driver
Under Minnesota Statute 65B.51, you can bring a claim against the at-fault driver for pain and suffering and other damages beyond PIP if you meet at least one threshold:
- More than $4,000 in reasonable medical expenses, not counting diagnostic X-rays and certain rehabilitation costs
- Disability for 60 days or more
- Permanent injury
- Permanent disfigurement
- Death
Modified Comparative Fault
Minnesota Statute 604.01 reduces your damages by your percentage of fault. If your fault is greater than the person you are suing, you cannot recover from that person. In practice, this works as a 51 percent bar. Proving fault is covered in proving driver negligence in a Minnesota car accident.
Minnesota Crash Report Requirements
Under Minnesota Statute 169.09, a driver involved in a crash that causes injury, death, or total property damage of $1,000 or more must file a written crash report with the Department of Public Safety within 10 days, unless a police officer completed a report. Drivers must also stop, give their information, and render reasonable aid to anyone injured.
Minnesota Hands-Free Law
Minnesota Statute 169.475 prohibits holding a phone while driving. Drivers may use voice commands or one-touch activation in hands-free mode, but cannot hold the phone, scroll, or watch videos, even at a stop light. A violation can be used as evidence of negligence in a crash claim, and phone records are often requested when distraction is suspected.
Minnesota Seat Belt Law
Minnesota Statute 169.686 requires drivers and all passengers to wear seat belts, and police can stop a vehicle for a seat belt violation alone. In a civil injury case, however, Minnesota law generally bars evidence that you did or did not wear a seat belt. Under Minnesota Statute 169.685, proof of seat belt use or nonuse is not admissible in personal injury litigation, so an insurer generally cannot reduce your recovery because you were unbelted.
Minnesota Move Over Law
Minnesota Statute 169.18 requires drivers approaching a stopped emergency vehicle, tow truck, road maintenance vehicle, or other vehicle with flashing lights on the shoulder to move over a lane when safe, or slow down if they cannot. Violations frequently support negligence claims when roadside workers or stranded motorists are injured.
Filing Deadlines
| Claim | General Deadline |
|---|---|
| Personal injury from negligence | 6 years |
| Wrongful death | 3 years from death, with an outside limit tied to the date of the act |
| No-fault arbitration and benefits | Separate rules and policy deadlines apply |
Even with a long deadline, evidence is easiest to gather in the first weeks after a crash.
Quick Reference
| Law | Statute | Key Point |
|---|---|---|
| No-fault PIP | 65B.44 | $40,000 minimum, split medical and non-medical |
| Tort threshold | 65B.51 | $4,000 medical, 60 days disability, permanent injury, disfigurement, or death |
| Comparative fault | 604.01 | Recovery barred if your fault is greater |
| Crash report | 169.09 | 10 days when injury, death, or $1,000+ damage |
| Hands-free | 169.475 | No handheld phone use while driving |
| Seat belt evidence | 169.685 | Belt use generally not admissible in injury cases |
| Move over | 169.18 | Move over or slow down for stopped vehicles with lights |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Minnesota a no-fault state for car accidents?
Yes. Your PIP coverage pays first, but you can sue the at-fault driver once you meet a tort threshold.
Do I have to report a car accident in Minnesota?
Yes, within 10 days if there is injury, death, or $1,000 or more in property damage and police did not complete a report.
Can not wearing a seat belt reduce my claim in Minnesota?
Generally no. Minnesota law bars evidence of seat belt use or nonuse in personal injury cases.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Minnesota?
Generally, six years for personal injury from negligence. Wrongful death claims have a shorter deadline.
Can I recover if I was partly at fault?
Yes, if your fault is not greater than the other driver’s. Your damages are reduced by your percentage.
Talk to a Minnesota Car Accident Attorney
Nelson Personal Injury represents crash victims across Maple Grove, St. Cloud, and Minnesota. When you call, our team will ask about your crash, your injuries, and your PIP claim, then explain whether you meet a tort threshold and what your options are. Learn more about our Minnesota car accident attorney services.
