St. Paul Car Accident Lawyer

Minnesota is a no-fault car insurance state. What that means is if you're involved in an accident, you must first file a claim with your insurance company to seek compensation for expenses.

That doesn’t mean you’re barred from making a claim or filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.

Eligibility for Suing After a Car Accident in Minnesota

However, to do so, your case must meet certain criteria, including:

• Your total medical expenses exceeded $4,000; or
• You suffered any of the following because of the accident:
  • Permanent disfigurement
  • Permanent injury
  • Disability for 60 or more days

If your case meets the above thresholds and you are considering suing the at-fault driver, it's important to note that Minnesota has a 2-year statute of limitations on personal injury claims. Failing to meet this deadline may result in your case being dismissed. Speak with our St. Paul car accident attorneys for help determining your legal options for pursuing a lawsuit.

To seek just compensation, you must negotiate with the insurance company or you must convince a judge or jury that you're owed an award for damages. This part of the process can be daunting, especially if you don't have experience with these types of situations. At Rogosheske, Rogosheske & Atkins, PLLC, we are skilled at developing and presenting compelling arguments both inside and outside of court.

How Much Is My Car Accident Case Worth in MN?

One of the questions we get most often about car accident cases is what amount of compensation can be expected. Unfortunately, that's not an easy question to answer, as various factors must be considered.

You must calculate the economic damages you sustained. These include expenses and losses you suffered that have actual dollar amounts attached to them, such as the cost for past and future medical treatment. You must also consider non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. These can be more difficult to calculate because there isn't a set figure for them.

You must also consider the fact that Minnesota is a comparative negligence state. This means that if you take your case to court, the judge or jury must determine whether you had any responsibility for the accident. If they determine you were partly at fault, the amount of your award is decreased by the proportion of your responsibility. For instance, if the judge or jury decides that you should receive $10,000 in compensation but also determines that you were 20% responsible, your award would be diminished by $2,000, leaving you with an $8,000 payout. Additionally, if you're found to be more than 50% responsible for the accident, you wouldn't be entitled to any compensation.

Understanding Car Accident Claims in St. Paul, MN: Local Insights

Navigating the aftermath of a car accident in St. Paul can be particularly challenging, given the city's bustling streets and frequent traffic congestion. If you are involved in a car accident, it's essential to understand your rights and the resources available to you.

In St. Paul, local resources provided by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety and the St. Paul Police Department offer valuable support for accident victims. They include information on filing a report and the immediate steps to take following an accident.

A common challenge for St. Paul residents is managing Minnesota's no-fault insurance system. While designed to expedite the compensation process, this system can become overwhelming, especially when medical expenses exceed the $4,000 threshold or in cases involving permanent injuries. Our team at Rogosheske, Rogosheske & Atkins, PLLC, is well-equipped to help you navigate these complexities and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Additionally, understanding Minnesota’s comparative negligence law is crucial. This law affects the compensation you can receive if you are found partially at fault for the accident. Our attorneys are experienced in local laws and can provide the guidance you need to understand how this law applies to your case.

Whether you’re dealing with the immediate aftermath of a car accident or considering legal action against an at-fault driver, our St. Paul car accident attorneys are here to support you. We are dedicated to helping our community members seek justice and fair compensation for their losses.

Commonly Asked Questions 

What does it mean that Minnesota is a no-fault car insurance state? 

Minnesota is a no-fault car insurance state, which means that after a car accident, you must first seek compensation for accident-related expenses from your own insurance company, regardless of who was at fault. This system is designed to streamline the process of getting medical expenses and lost wages paid quickly without having to establish and prove liability. However, this does not prevent someone from pursuing additional legal action against the at-fault driver if certain conditions are met, such as medical expenses exceeding $4,000 or suffering from permanent injuries or disfigurement.
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Minnesota?
Minnesota law stipulates a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. This means that if you have been injured in a car accident, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. If you fail to file within this timeframe, you may lose your right to seek compensation through the court system. It's important to consult with a legal professional to understand how the statute of limitations applies to your specific case. 

How do I calculate compensation for a car accident in Minnesota? 

Calculating compensation for a car accident in Minnesota involves assessing both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are quantifiable costs, such as medical expenses and lost wages. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, which are more subjective and do not have a predetermined value. Additionally, Minnesota's comparative negligence law may affect the compensation amount. If you are found partially at fault, your compensation could be reduced proportionally to your degree of fault, and if you are more than 50% responsible, you may not be entitled to any compensation. 

What impact does comparative negligence have on my car accident claim in Minnesota? 

Comparative negligence in Minnesota affects your car accident claim by potentially reducing the amount of compensation you can receive based on your share of fault in the accident. During a court case, if it's determined that you were partially responsible for the accident, your compensation will be decreased by the percentage of your fault. For example, if you are awarded $10,000 but found to be 20% at fault, your compensation would be reduced by $2,000, resulting in an $8,000 award. If you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you would not be eligible to receive any compensation under Minnesota law.

Helping Victims Effectively Handle Their Cases 

When you hire us for your car accident case, our St. Paul attorneys will take care of all the details to work toward just compensation on your behalf. We'll review police reports, medical records, witness statements, and even conduct accident scene re-creation to build a solid legal strategy for you.

For the legal guidance you need, contact Rogosheske, Rogosheske & Atkins, PLLC at (651) 413-9004.