How the Minnesota car accident statute of limitations works with no-fault
Talk through the Minnesota car accident statute of limitations for your case on a free call.
Minnesota allows six years to sue over a crash injury under section 541.05, far longer than most states. The harder question is whether you may sue at all. As a no-fault state, Minnesota requires $4,000 in medical costs, 60 days of disability or a permanent injury first.
The deadlines in Minnesota
| What | Time limit | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Injury lawsuit | Six years | Minn. Stat. § 541.05, subd. 1(5) |
| Car or property damage lawsuit | Six years | Minn. Stat. § 541.05, subd. 1(4) |
| Shared fault | Barred if your fault is greater than the defendant’s | Minn. Stat. § 604.01 |
| Minimum liability cover | $30,000 / $60,000 / $10,000 | Minn. Stat. § 65B.49 |
| No-fault PIP and lawsuit threshold | $40,000 PIP; over $4,000 medical or other listed harm to sue for pain | Minn. Stat. §§ 65B.44, 65B.51 |
| Notice to a city or county | Within 180 days | Minn. Stat. § 466.05 |
The Minnesota threshold to sue for pain
Under section 65B.51, you can claim pain and suffering only if your reasonable medical costs exceed $4,000. You also qualify with permanent injury, permanent disfigurement, death or 60 days or more of disability. Disability here means you cannot do substantially all of your usual daily activities.
What your own no-fault policy pays
Basic economic loss benefits, often called PIP, come from your own insurer first. They total at least $40,000 per person, split as $20,000 for medical bills and $20,000 for lost income and similar losses, under section 65B.44.
For injuries to others, each policy must carry $30,000 per person and $60,000 per crash. Property damage cover must be at least $10,000, under section 65B.49.
Shorter Minnesota deadlines to watch
A claim against a city, county or other local government needs written notice within 180 days, under section 466.05. That is a fraction of the six years.
A death claim must be filed within three years of the death and no later than six years after the crash, per section 573.02.
Fault and when to phone a Minnesota car accident lawyer
Your award shrinks by your share of the blame. You are barred if your fault is greater than that of the driver you sue, under section 604.01. An attorney can line up the medical records that clear the threshold and answer the fault story. Calling is free and fees come only from a successful result.
Other states: Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota or every state on one page.
Minnesota car accident statute of limitations questions
How long do I have to sue after a car accident in Minnesota?
Six years from the crash for injury or car damage, under section 541.05. Local government claims need notice within 180 days.
Can I sue for pain and suffering after a Minnesota crash?
Only if medical costs top $4,000 or you have permanent injury, disfigurement or 60 days of disability.
Does no-fault pay my bills even if I caused the crash?
Yes. Your own basic economic loss benefits pay regardless of fault, up to the policy limits.
Before the clock runs out
Minnesota insurers often lean on the $4,000 threshold to keep pain and suffering off the table. Call before you sign a release and a lawyer will review your deadline and offer free.
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