Being familiar with Minnesota driving laws can be helpful whether you’ve been in a crash or are just trying to avoid breaking any rules of the road. In this section, you’ll find some of the most important laws in Minnesota to help you with driving in general or with a car accident lawsuit.
Minnesota Statute of Limitations
In Minnesota, the statute of limitations for car accidents is two years.
A statute of limitations is the amount of time after an injury happens (or, in some cases, is discovered) that the injured person has to file a lawsuit. Statutes of limitations are considered a balance between the rights of the injured to have time to file a claim and the rights of the defendant to not have a potential lawsuit hanging over them indefinitely.
Minnesota Laws for Car Drivers
Being in an accident isn’t the only unpleasant thing that can happen behind the wheel. Getting pulled over and being fined or even arrested is no fun in Minnesota or anywhere else. Further, being in compliance with all laws may make it easier for you to prove you weren’t responsible for a car accident, especially if the other driver was breaking the law.
- Cell phones and texting. Texting while driving is illegal in Minnesota. It’s also against the law to use your phone except when it’s in hands-free mode.
- Cell phone use age restrictions. In Minnesota, drivers can’t use a phone while driving when they hold a learner’s permit or are in the first year of their intermediate license.
- Minnesota seatbelt requirement. In Minnesota, anyone with a blood alcohol content (BAC) over 0.08 is considered under the influence. If a driver isn’t allowed to drink—such as underage drivers—they’re subject to the state’s zero-tolerance policy. This means that any amount of alcohol could result in a drunk driving charge for an underage person, even a very small amount.
- Drinking and driving laws. In Minnesota, anyone with a blood alcohol content (BAC) over 0.08 is considered under the influence. If a driver isn’t allowed to drink—like underage drivers—they’re subject to the state’s zero-tolerance policy. Any detectable BAC is enough to trigger Minnesota zero-tolerance rules.
Identifying Fault in a Car Crash
In some states, like Minnesota, all drivers are required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance rather than liability insurance. When there’s a car crash in Minnesota, each driver’s PIP coverage pays for their injuries and any injuries to their passengers. If there’s significant property damage, there may still be a determination of who is at fault for the accident. The driver who didn’t cause the accident can make a claim on the other driver’s insurance—or sue the other driver—to recover for the damage to their vehicle.
How Can An Attorney Help You?
Hiring an experienced car accident attorney in St. Paul can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Some ways an attorney can help you include:
- Case Evaluation. An attorney can review the facts of your case and provide guidance on whether you have a valid claim and the potential value of your case. They cannot guarantee they’ll get you a certain amount of money.
- Gathering Evidence. A skilled St. Paul car accident attorney will help you gather and preserve essential evidence to prove the other driver was at fault. This evidence can also help show the extent of your damages and how much compensation you may need.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or avoid paying claims altogether. An attorney in St. Paul can negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
- Litigation Support. If your case goes to trial, an attorney can represent you in court and present your case effectively to maximize your chances of success. They’ll also continue to negotiate throughout this process to try to resolve your claim faster.