By Serdar Arslan, editor · Last reviewed · How we research
Six years: that is how long Minnesota generally allows to sue for crash injuries or vehicle damage. Wrongful death runs on a shorter track: 3 years from the date of death, and no more than 6 years after the act that caused it. Claims against a city or county need written notice within 180 days after the injury is discovered (1 year for wrongful death).
Minnesota is a no-fault state with $40,000 in personal injury protection per person, which covers medical and funeral costs, lost wages and replacement services regardless of fault. Before suing for pain and suffering, you must cross a threshold: more than $4,000 in medical expenses, or a permanent injury, permanent disfigurement, death, or disability of 60 days or more. Fault is compared under a modified rule that bars recovery at 51%. Since 2021, drivers no longer file their own written report with the state, though police must still be notified right away of injury crashes. A crash record costs $5. Minnesota had 477 traffic deaths in 2024.
Key rules at a glance
| Personal injury filing deadline | Generally 6 years from the date of injury for a negligence claim such as a car crash Source: Minn. Stat. § 541.05, subd. 1(5) |
|---|---|
| Property damage deadline | Generally 6 years for damage to personal property such as your vehicle Source: Minn. Stat. § 541.05, subd. 1(4) |
| Wrongful death deadline | Generally 3 years from the date of death, and no more than 6 years after the act that caused it Source: Minn. Stat. § 573.02, subd. 1 |
| Claims against a government entity | For a claim against a city, county or other municipality, you generally must give written notice within 180 days after the injury is discovered (1 year for wrongful death notice). Claims against the State of Minnesota follow separate rules. Source: Minn. Stat. § 466.05 |
| Fault rule | Modified comparative fault (51% bar): Your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault, and you can still recover as long as your fault is not greater than the fault of the person you are suing. At 51% or more, you recover nothing from that person. Source: Minn. Stat. § 604.01, subd. 1 |
| Insurance system | No-fault · $40,000 in Personal Injury Protection (basic economic loss benefits) per person, per accident, for medical and funeral costs, lost wages and replacement services, paid by your own insurer regardless of fault. |
| Minimum liability insurance | $30,000 per person / $60,000 per accident bodily injury; $10,000 property damage |
| Uninsured motorist coverage | Required |
| Damage caps | No general cap on damages in car accident cases against private drivers. To sue for pain and suffering, your case must meet the no-fault threshold: more than $4,000 in medical expenses, or permanent injury, permanent disfigurement, death, or disability of 60 days or more (Minn. Stat. § 65B.51, subd. 3). Claims against government bodies have separate liability limits. |
| Reporting a crash | If a crash causes injury or death, the driver must notify police right away (local police in a city, the State Patrol on a trunk highway, otherwise the county sheriff). The old requirement for drivers to file a written report with the state within 10 days was repealed in 2021. Other duties apply when you hit an unattended vehicle or property. |
Getting your crash report in Minnesota
People involved in the crash (drivers, passengers, owners, pedestrians) can request a copy with the Crash Record Request Form (PS2503), in person at Driver and Vehicle Services in St. Paul or a full-service deputy registrar, or by mail. The fee is $5 per report. You can also ask the police agency that responded. Official request page
Checking a Minnesota lawyer
Before you sign anything, confirm the attorney is licensed and in good standing with the official state search, and ask for the fee agreement in writing. Our guide on choosing and verifying a lawyer lists what to ask.
- License search: Minnesota Judicial Branch – Attorney Search (Lawyer Registration)
- Lawyer referral: Minnesota Lawyer Referral and Information Service (Hennepin and Ramsey County Bar Associations) · 612-752-6699
477 people died in motor vehicle crashes in Minnesota in 2024, according to IIHS analysis of NHTSA FARS data.
Frequently asked questions
›Does Minnesota really allow 6 years to sue after a crash?
Yes, for most negligence claims. You generally have 6 years from the date of injury (Minn. Stat. § 541.05, subd. 1(5)) and 6 years for damage to your vehicle (subd. 1(4)). Wrongful death claims are shorter: 3 years from the date of death and no more than 6 years after the act (§ 573.02).
›What do I need to sue for pain and suffering in Minnesota?
Your case must meet the no-fault threshold: more than $4,000 in medical expenses, or permanent injury, permanent disfigurement, death, or disability of 60 days or more (Minn. Stat. § 65B.51, subd. 3). Below that, your own PIP pays your economic losses.
›What does Minnesota PIP cover?
Basic economic loss benefits of $40,000 per person per accident, for medical and funeral costs, lost wages and replacement services. Your own insurer pays them regardless of who caused the crash.
›Do I still have to send the state a written crash report?
No. The old requirement for drivers to file a written report with the state within 10 days was repealed in 2021. You must still notify police right away if a crash causes injury or death (Minn. Stat. § 169.09, subd. 6).
›How fast must I act if a city vehicle caused my crash?
For a claim against a city, county or other municipality, you generally must give written notice within 180 days after the injury is discovered, or 1 year for wrongful death notice (Minn. Stat. § 466.05). Claims against the State of Minnesota follow separate rules.
Sources
- Minn. Stat. § 541.05 – Various cases, six years
- Minn. Stat. § 573.02 – Death by wrongful act
- Minn. Stat. § 466.05 – Notice of claim (municipalities)
- Minn. Stat. § 604.01 – Comparative fault
- Minn. Stat. § 65B.51 – Tort action threshold
- Minn. Stat. § 169.09 – Accidents
- Minnesota Department of Commerce – Auto Insurance Guide
- Minnesota DPS Driver and Vehicle Services – Request a crash report
- Minnesota Judicial Branch – Attorney Search
- Minnesota Judicial Branch – Other lawyer referral resources
- IIHS – Fatality Facts 2024: State by state