Minnesota Auto Accident Lawyer

For over 65 years, the Minnesota car accident attorneys at Meshbesher & Spence have helped injured people get back on their feet. With 25 attorneys, multiple Minnesota offices, and more than $1.1 billion recovered for our clients, we have the experience and resources to handle your claim with care.

Sustaining life-changing injuries from a car accident is a painful and traumatizing time. If you or a loved one were recently injured due to the fault of another, the experience can be overwhelming. We offer a free case evaluation, work on a contingency fee so you pay nothing unless we win, and our team is available 24/7 to help you take the next steps.

Call Meshbesher & Spence at (612) 339-9121 or contact us online to request a free consultation. You can speak with a lawyer about your accident without committing to a lawsuit.

“Rachel Smith is an extraordinary lawyer! She is kind, a great listener, and provided a sense of relief for me so I didn’t need to worry about my medical bills and could focus on my recovery after being severely injured by a hit-and-run driver. Even though my situation became complex, the results were fantastic! It’s clear to me that Rachel and her associate, Beth VanBuren, are totally committed to doing everything possible to serve their clients. They’ve “raised the bar” for the Legal Profession.

I highly recommend Rachel Smith and Meshbesher and Spence.”

– Terrence W. | Client

Why Minnesotans Choose Meshbesher & Spence

• $1.1 billion+: Recovered in settlements and verdicts for clients.
• Since 1961: More than six decades representing injured people and families.
• 25 attorneys: A team with experience across many types of personal injury claims.
• Multiple Minnesota offices: Convenient access to a legal team familiar with Minnesota courts, roads, insurers, and communities.
• Free consultation: Learn about your options before deciding what to do next.
• Contingency fees: No upfront attorney fees; our fee is tied to the outcome of your case.
• Available 24/7: If you need to talk with someone after a crash, you can reach us at (612) 339-9121.

One of the things we hear most often is, “I can’t afford a lawyer.” We understand why someone would think twice about adding another expense when they’re already dealing with medical bills or a damaged car. But money should not be the reason you decide not to find out what your legal options are. 

You should be able to ask questions and understand your rights before deciding whether to move forward. That’s why Meshbesher & Spence offers a free consultation and handle injury cases on a contingency-fee basis, so there are no upfront attorney fees.

Why Should I Hire a Minnesota Auto Accident Lawyer?

Simply put: we’ll fight for you when you can’t.

Facing serious injuries can completely turn your life upside down — physically, emotionally, and financially. That’s why having an attorney who will fight tirelessly for people like you can make all the difference.

At Meshbesher & Spence, a Minnesota auto accident lawyer is here to fight for you every step of the way: 

• Handling all discussions with pesky insurance companies.
• Filing a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company.
• Seeking coverage under your own insurance policy.
• Taking legal action against the person or entity responsible for your injuries if needed. 
• Securing the full financial recovery you need for medical bills and lost wages.

We understand you have many questions following an injury from a car accident. That’s why we’ve gathered some common questions and answers to help you understand your rights, walk you through the next steps after the accident, and make it easier for you to get in touch with us.

Does a Minnesota Auto Accident Attorney Really Make a Difference In My Case?

Yes. Having a lawyer work on your claim can significantly change the outcome of your case and boost your chances of getting compensation for your injuries. 

A study by Martindale-Nolo revealed that more than 9 out of 10 people with legal representation achieved a settlement or award. However, only about half of those who handled their case alone saw similar results. 

Beyond just getting compensation, having a lawyer also led to a much higher payout. On average, people who worked with a lawyer received nearly 4x the compensation compared to those who handled claims on their own.

Injured in a Crash? Here’s How Meshbesher & Spence Can Help

After a crash, it’s easy to second-guess yourself or wonder if you even have a case. In this video, we talk honestly about why it’s worth picking up the phone, what you can expect, and how having an experienced legal team that actually cares about your future can change everything.

What Types of Compensation Can a Minnesota Car Accident Lawyer Recover for Me?

The monetary value of your settlement depends on multiple factors, including the degree of your injuries and the damages you suffered, including:

• Past and future medical bills
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy expenses
• Prescribed medications
• Lost wages or income
• Property damage
• Disability 
• Pain & suffering

Also, you can seek compensation for wrongful death if your loved one passes away in a car accident.

The value of each individual’s case is very personal in nature, so there is no one-size-fits-all answer as to how much compensation you could receive in a Minnesota car accident lawsuit.

Rest assured that our team of lawyers has represented thousands of people across Minnesota who have sustained injuries due to the negligence of others in both passenger vehicle injury and commercial vehicle injury cases.

After a crash, there’s often a reason for what happened: “They couldn’t see me,” “the road was icy,” or “traffic stopped out of nowhere.” Sometimes that’s true. But an explanation isn’t an excuse for what happened to you. 

 Insurance companies may use those same circumstances to shift blame away from their driver. Our attorneys have spent decades handling crashes across Minnesota, and that local experience matters. We know the roads, the conditions, and the driving problems that come up here. That gives us a better starting point for figuring out what happened and making the strongest case for our clients.

What Are the Primary Causes of Car Accidents in Minnesota?

Car accidents usually don’t just happen out of nowhere. Most of the time, they are caused by a driver’s reckless or negligent actions or choices.

In Minnesota, some common reasons why car crashes occur include:

Speeding

Speeding remains one of the leading causes of car accidents in Minnesota. In fact, speeding has been a factor in over 15% of all Minnesota crashes since 2020. When drivers go too fast, especially in bad weather or heavy traffic, they have less time to react to sudden problems. Speeding also increases the force of a crash, leading to more severe injuries. 

Impaired Driving

Even a small amount of alcohol can affect a driver’s judgment and reaction time. Every year, impaired driving causes tragic accidents in Minnesota, taking lives and causing serious injuries.

In Minnesota, over 100,000 people admitted to drinking and driving at least once in a 30-day period in 2020. In 2021, alcohol-related crashes led to 2,228 injuries and 74 deaths. Most DWI offenders were men, with half between the ages of 20 and 34. 

Distracted Driving

Texting, talking, eating, or even just changing the radio can take a driver’s eyes and mind off the road, even for a few seconds. Those few seconds can lead to a crash. In 2023, distracted driving was a factor in 2,165 injuries and 26 deaths in Minnesota. 

Our state’s “Hands-Free” law makes it illegal for drivers to read or send text messages, emails, or use the internet on a handheld device while driving, stopped in traffic, or even waiting at a red light or stop sign.

Drowsy Driving

Driving while tired can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence. Fatigue slows your reaction time, impairs your judgment, and in extreme cases, can cause you to fall asleep behind the wheel.

An analysis of crash data from 1999 to 2008 found that an estimated 16.5% of fatal crashes, 13.1% of crashes involving hospitalization, and 7% of all crashes where a passenger vehicle was towed involved a drowsy driver.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed that 37% of drivers claimed to have fallen asleep or nodded off while driving at some point in their lives.

Severe Minnesota Winter Driving Conditions

Minnesota winters can make even familiar roads dangerous. Black ice, blowing snow, reduced visibility, and packed or rutted roads can make it difficult to stop or stay in your lane.

These conditions can be especially difficult on major Minnesota routes such as I-94, I-90, Highway 52, Highway 61, and Highway 169. 

Minnesota drivers also have to contend with snowplows, reduced lanes, ruts, and changing road conditions. MnDOT notes that black ice can form quickly and may be difficult to see, particularly on bridges and overpasses. During severe storms, blowing snow and poor visibility can become dangerous enough for the state to issue no-travel advisories or close roads.

When a crash happens in these conditions, the weather itself does not necessarily explain who was responsible. Drivers still have to adjust their speed, following distance, braking, and driving to the conditions. For example, a driver who is traveling too fast for an icy road or following another vehicle too closely may have less time to stop when traffic slows suddenly.

But there may be more to the story. What was the driver doing before the crash? How fast were they going? Could they see the road? Were they following too closely? Did they lose control before hitting another vehicle, or did another driver make an unexpected move? Those details can help explain how the crash actually happened.

Failing to Yield

This often happens at intersections or when drivers are merging. Not giving other drivers the right-of-way can cause head-on collisions, T-bone crashes, or sideswipes.

Aggressive Driving

Aggressive driving, such as tailgating, speeding, running red lights, and weaving through traffic, has become more common and more dangerous in Minnesota since the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Department of Public Safety, crash numbers surged by about 10% through 2023, with a record 488 traffic deaths in 2021.

One AAA study found 59% of Gen Z drivers say they’re more impatient than a year ago, and 54% of all drivers admit to regularly speeding. 

Feeling like the roads are more hectic in Minnesota? You’re not alone. Between distracted drivers, DUI incidents, and rising aggression behind the wheel, driving in Minnesota can feel more stressful than ever. And while defensive driving helps, you can’t always control what others do on the road.

If you’ve been hurt in a crash caused by someone else’s reckless behavior, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Support from a trusted Minnesota car accident attorney is just a call away at 612-339-9121.

When Should I Contact an Auto Accident Attorney in Minnesota?

Generally speaking, the sooner you talk to a car accident lawyer, the better. 

In Minnesota, there are limitations on when a victim may file a personal injury lawsuit. There is also a minimum threshold for medical bills and a minimum number of days you are disabled, permanently injured, or disfigured.

A car accident lawyer in Minnesota will help determine your eligibility to file a case and the type of compensation you can expect.

Minnesota generally gives six years to bring an action for personal injury, although exceptions can apply depending on the facts and the parties involved. However, waiting can create problems even when a lawsuit deadline seems far away.

Why You Should Avoid Recorded Statements to Insurance Companies

After a car accident, many people receive a request from the other driver’s insurance company for a recorded statement. However, giving such a statement can seriously damage your case.

First and foremost: insurance companies are not on your side. Their goal is to protect their interests and pay as little as possible. When they ask for a recorded statement, they are trained to ask questions designed to gather information that could be used against you later.

For instance, they may ask seemingly harmless questions like, “How are you feeling today?” If you respond with, “I’m fine,” they can use that statement to argue that you weren’t seriously injured, even if you were experiencing pain that hadn’t fully manifested yet.

Also, insurance companies may try to steer the conversation away from encouraging you to seek medical attention. This is important because, without documentation from a licensed medical doctor, it becomes difficult to prove your injuries and their severity.

Remember, once you provide a recorded statement, you lose control over how your words may be interpreted or used against you. It’s recommended you talk with a qualified car accident attorney before speaking with any insurance company.

A Minnesota auto accident lawyer will protect your case, handle interactions with insurance companies, and help you avoid accidentally hurting your claim. Contact Meshbesher & Spence today online or call (612) 339-9121 to get a team with your best interests in mind on your side.

Understanding Minnesota Car Insurance Coverage & Claims

After a serious crash, you may be dealing with hospital bills, a damaged car, missed work, and calls from insurance companies, all at once. It’s not always clear which insurance company should pay, what your policy covers, or what happens when another driver caused the wreck. Minnesota’s insurance laws can make these questions even more complicated. 

Here’s what you need to know about how coverage works and what options may be available to you.

Minnesota’s No-Fault Insurance System & PIP Benefits

Minnesota is one of the twelve states that use a mandatory “no-fault” insurance system. Under the Minnesota No-Fault Automobile Insurance Act, vehicle owners generally must carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP).

PIP is designed to pay certain expenses related to your injuries regardless of who caused the accident. Your own policy may help cover medical expenses, lost income, and replacement services, subject to your policy limits and the requirements of Minnesota law.

The minimum required PIP coverage is $40,000 per person injured in an accident: $20,000 for medical expenses and $20,000 for non-medical expenses, such as lost income and replacement services.

PIP does not pay to repair or replace your vehicle. Property damage is handled separately through applicable collision coverage or the at-fault driver’s property-damage liability coverage.

What Does Minnesota PIP Cover?

Depending on your policy and the circumstances of the crash, PIP may provide benefits for:

• Reasonable medical expenses related to the accident
• A portion of lost income if your injuries keep you from working
• Replacement services when your injuries prevent you from performing certain necessary tasks
• Other qualifying basic economic losses covered by the policy and Minnesota law

No-fault insurance is not a promise that every expense from a crash will be paid. PIP has limits, and some losses fall outside PIP altogether. That distinction becomes especially important when someone suffers serious or long-term injuries.

How Long Do I Have to Make a Minnesota No-Fault Claim?

Minnesota law generally requires a no-fault claim to be made within six months of the accident. The claim also requires documentation, including proof of expenses and an application for benefits. Your insurer may also request that you undergo a medical examination in certain circumstances.

Do not wait until your PIP benefits are exhausted to think about your other legal options. An attorney can review your insurance coverage and the circumstances of the crash early in the process, which can help identify potential liability claims before important deadlines become an issue.

Stepping Outside No-Fault: When Can I Sue the At-Fault Driver?

Minnesota’s no-fault system does not prevent an injured person from bringing a claim against the driver who caused the crash. Instead, Minnesota law places limits on when an injured person can recover certain damages from the at-fault driver.

To pursue a claim for noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering, an injured person generally must meet at least one of Minnesota’s statutory thresholds. These include:

• Reasonable medical expenses exceeding $4,000, excluding certain charges for diagnostic imaging;
• 60 or more days of disability;
• Permanent disfigurement;
• Permanent injury; or
• Death.

Meeting one of Minnesota’s thresholds may allow you to pursue a liability claim against the at-fault driver for damages beyond what PIP covers, including pain and suffering and certain other losses. The $4,000 threshold refers to reasonable medical expenses, not necessarily the amount you paid out of pocket.

What If the Other Driver Is Uninsured or Underinsured?

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage may provide additional protection when the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough insurance to cover your losses. This coverage can be especially important in hit-and-run cases. The amount of coverage available depends on the policies involved and the circumstances of the crash.

What About Damage to My Car?

PIP covers certain injury-related expenses, not damage to your vehicle. Depending on the circumstances, vehicle damage may be covered by the at-fault driver’s property-damage liability insurance or your own collision coverage, if you have it.

One thing we see often is that an insurance company may want an answer before you really know how your injuries will affect you. You may still be going to appointments, waiting to see how you heal, or learning what treatment you’ll need next. There’s no good reason to rush that decision. Take the time to understand your injuries and what the claim actually involves before agreeing to a settlement.

Should I Accept a Settlement From an Insurance Company?

It’s recommended that you do not accept a settlement from an insurance company without first talking with a lawyer. As we covered, insurance companies aim to minimize payouts.

If the insurance company believes their driver caused the accident, they might offer a quick settlement to the victims. These offers can seem tempting, especially if you’re facing financial challenges due to your injuries.

But accepting a settlement means you waive any future claims for more money, either from the insurance company or in court.

Early settlements are often less than what is fair. It’s crucial to let a lawyer handle negotiations and wait until your doctors fully understand your injuries.

Consulting a Minnesota auto accident attorney first gives you a better chance of recovering more money than what the insurance company initially offers.

The Car Accident Insurance Claim Process in Minnesota

After a car accident, dealing with paperwork is probably the last thing on your mind. You’re shaken up, possibly injured, and trying to process what just happened. Trying to focus on an insurance claim might seem daunting, but starting your claim with the support of an attorney is one of the most important things you can do to protect your right to compensation.

Below are the basic steps to filing a claim in Minnesota: 

• Get Medical Treatment Immediately: Your health comes first. Even if your injuries seem minor, see a doctor right away. Prompt treatment not only supports your recovery, it also creates a medical record that links your injuries to the crash.
• Gather Evidence at the Scene: If you’re able, take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver and collect names of any witnesses.
• Obtain the Police Report: Report the crash to law enforcement if there are injuries, fatalities, or property damage over $1,000. Ask for the report number so you can get a copy, since it provides an official account of the accident and may help clarify fault.
• ​​Consider Speaking With a Minnesota Car Accident Attorney: Many people assume they can handle an insurance claim on their own, especially if the crash seemed simple. But having a lawyer can help make sure your insurance company treats your claim fairly and that you’re not pressured into accepting less than you deserve.
• Review Your Insurance Policy: Understand what your coverage includes, such as deductibles, PIP limits, and whether you have optional protections like uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This can help you set realistic expectations for your claim.
• Notify Your Insurance Company: Minnesota is a no-fault state, which means you’ll usually file your initial claim through your own insurance, regardless of who caused the accident. This is where your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage kicks in to help with medical bills and lost wages. 

While many car accident claims can be resolved through your own insurance, more serious crashes or those involving disputes over fault may require stepping outside the no-fault system and pursuing compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurer.

If you’re unsure about any part of the process, or if the insurance company isn’t treating you fairly, it doesn’t hurt to consult a Minnesota car accident lawyer.

Types of Car Accidents That Our Minnesota Car Crash Lawyer Can Help You With

Not every car accident is as simple as a rear-end at a stoplight. Maybe someone ran a red light. Maybe a driver swerved into your lane without warning. Whatever the case, no two crashes are exactly the same.

After handling thousands of car accident cases across Minnesota, we’ve seen just how unpredictable the roads can be. Here are some of the most common types of accidents we help our clients recover from:

• Rear-End Collisions: These happen when one car crashes into the back of another. They are very common, especially in stop-and-go traffic or at red lights. While they might seem minor, rear-end accidents can cause serious neck and back injuries.
• Side-Impact (T-Bone) Collisions: These crashes happen most often at intersections when one car hits the side of another, forming a “T” shape. They can be very dangerous because the side of a car offers less protection than the front or back, often leading to severe injuries to the driver or passengers on the side that’s hit.
• Head-On Collisions: These are among the most dangerous types of accidents, occurring when the front ends of two vehicles crash into each other. Head-on crashes often happen when a driver drifts into oncoming traffic, perhaps due to distraction, fatigue, or impairment.
• Sideswipe Accidents: These happen when the sides of two cars traveling in the same direction scrape against each other. They often occur when drivers are changing lanes without looking or when they drift out of their lane.
• Rollover Accidents: A rollover happens when a vehicle flips onto its side or roof. These accidents can be caused by speeding, sharp turns, or when a driver loses control, especially in taller vehicles like SUVs. 
• Multi-Vehicle Pile-Ups: In busy areas or during bad weather, one accident can quickly lead to many cars crashing into each other, creating a “pile-up.” These can be incredibly chaotic, as multiple parties may be at fault.

No matter what kind of accident you were in, identifying the type of crash is only part of the story. What really matters is understanding how and why it happened, and proving that someone else’s reckless or negligent actions were to blame.

That’s why having a Minnesota auto accident lawyer is important. We don’t just know the accident types; we know how to sift through the details, prove liability, and hold the other party accountable for what happened. Every case is different, and we take the time to understand exactly how your crash unfolded.

Meshbesher & Spence: Settlements and Verdicts

It’s crucial to hire a lawyer who knows the ins and outs of car accident lawsuits, but what’s equally important is to pick one with a proven track record of winning verdicts and settlements. 

At Meshbesher & Spence, our decades of work speak volumes about our dedication to getting a favorable outcome for our clients injured in car accidents. Below is just a sample of what we’ve been able to achieve for people in Minnesota: 

• Secured $225,000 for a 22-year-old passenger injured in a hit-and-run, covering hip surgery, lost income, and medical bills after uncovering the identity of the at-fault driver.
• Obtained $500,000 in settlements for a young man injured in a car crash, resulting in serious spinal injuries requiring surgery.
• Won over $300,000 in a jury trial for a client with a car crash injury involving a herniated disc, despite initial offers of only $35,000 and challenges disputing her injuries.

In total, these examples represent only a fraction of the $1.1 billion we’ve recovered for countless clients. If you’ve been injured in a crash, learn how Meshbesher & Spence can help you file a Minnesota car accident lawsuit by contacting us today online or by calling (612) 339-9121.

Roads Where We Often See Serious Crashes in Minnesota

Our attorneys handle crashes on roads throughout Minnesota. Some corridors stand out because of their traffic volume, roadway design, intersections, and exposure to Minnesota weather.

• U.S. Highway 169: A heavily traveled route running from southern Minnesota through the Twin Cities. Traffic volume, congestion, and changing road conditions have contributed to a long history of serious and fatal crashes.
• U.S. Highway 12: This two-lane highway has a troubling history of head-on crashes. A state safety review found its crash rate was nearly twice the average for similar Minnesota highways.
• U.S. Highway 14: Several intersections along this route have seen unusually high numbers of serious crashes. At one Olmsted County intersection, the fatal and injury crash rate was more than six times the state average.
• I-94: The freeway sees heavy traffic across Minnesota, but the Twin Cities corridor can be especially challenging. One section near Highway 252 recorded 914 crashes between 2016 and 2019, including five fatal crashes.
• U.S. Highway 10: This major central Minnesota route carries commuters, commercial vehicles, and travelers heading north. Snow, ice, congestion, and frequent intersections can make crashes more likely and more severe.

Minnesota Car Accident Facts

With millions of drivers, Minnesota sees its fair share of accidents annually. Here are some key statistics to consider: 

• In 2023, 64,711 motor vehicle crashes were reported in Minnesota.
• Of these, 17,226 resulted in injuries, while 379 resulted in fatalities.
• The four leading causes of traffic fatalities in Minnesota are impaired driving, distracted driving, lack of seat belt use, and speed.
• The period from Memorial Day to Labor Day is known as Minnesota’s “100 deadliest days” for driving.

Looking at car accident data in Minnesota in 2024:

• There were 63,655 total traffic crashes reported across Minnesota.
• These crashes tragically resulted in 468 fatalities.
• There were 17,207 crashes that caused injuries, leaving a total of 23,759 people hurt.
• Since 2020, 15.8% of all crashes in Minnesota have been attributed to driver speeding.
• Speeding contributed to 138 fatalities in Minnesota in 2024.
• Meanwhile, Minnesota experienced 142 alcohol-related fatalities in 2024.

Why Hire Meshbesher & Spence

You should have a trusted car accident lawyer looking out for you and your well-being.

Meshbesher & Spence has more than 65 years of experience representing thousands of injured individuals and families in Minnesota, and we will fight to get the compensation you deserve. 

Our team has recovered over $1.1 billion, proudly working to get our clients fair financial support to get their lives back on track. Reach out to us online or call (612) 339-9121 to learn how we can fight for you.

Proudly Representing Minnesota Residents

Find a Minnesota Car Accident Lawyer

Don’t take on the insurance companies on your own. Instead, hire a trusted law firm to handle your claim. We’ll come out to you to discuss your case and help you through this challenging time with the support and legal guidance you deserve.