What to Do After a Traffic Accident​ in Minnesota?

If you’ve been in a traffic accident, you might be rattled and unsure what to do. Understandably, a crash can be overwhelming, especially when you have to figure out your next steps. You must understand that protecting yourself legally after a car accident in Minnesota holds the same importance as your actions during the incident. Knowing what to do after a traffic accident in Minnesota can protect your safety and your legal rights.

This is true whether you’re in a fender bender on I-35W or a serious accident in Edina. The steps you take immediately after a crash, as well as the next few days, can have an impact on your health, finances, and any future legal claim.

Minnesota Traffic Accident Statistics

Minnesota sees its fair share of traffic accidents every year. In 2024, there was a total of 63,644 crashes in the state. These were broken up by the following:

• 17,194 injury crashes
• 23,741 total people injured
• 423 fatal crashes
• 468 fatalities
• 46,027 property damage crashes

These statistics demonstrate the importance of having a traffic offense attorney if you are involved in a traffic accident.

Ensure Your Safety

The first and most important thing to do following any traffic crash is to check that everyone is safe. If you can, move your car out of traffic to a safe location and turn on your hazard lights. Check yourself, your passengers, and others for injuries. Even if there are only minor injuries, call 911 immediately. Minnesota traffic offense laws state that if an accident results in an injury, death, or apparent property damage greater than $1,000, drivers are legally required to report it.

Stay calm and focused on safety. If you prevent further injury, you will have acted responsibly, which may become relevant in court if questions are raised later.

Contact Law Enforcement

After most traffic accidents in Minnesota, law enforcement should be notified. The responding officer will prepare an official accident report, which can become a vital piece of evidence in traffic offense cases. The responding officer will document witness accounts and conditions of the weather and road while taking photographs of the scene.

The accident report serves as protection against false allegations and offers important evidence if liability, insurance, or Minnesota traffic law questions arise.

Exchange Information

Exchange important information with the other driver so that you can reference it in later claims or follow-ups. Information to exchange includes:

• Full name
• Phone number or other contact information
• Insurance information
• License number
• License plate number
• Make and model of car

Avoid admitting liability. Casual comments, even a simple apology, can be interpreted as an admission of fault or liability.

Document the Accident

Take your own photos of the scene, if it is safe. Photograph property damage and injuries with your cell phone and include skid marks, traffic signs, and roadway conditions. Include wide, medium, and close-up views. Photos can be invaluable for a property damage claim or criminal defense case involving a charge of reckless or careless driving. The more you document at the time, the better your case will be later if it is disputed.

Seek Medical Attention

Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you don’t believe you are seriously injured. Some injuries, such as whiplash or concussions, may not have immediate symptoms. A medical record generated immediately after the accident will establish that your injuries were caused by the crash, which insurance companies and courts typically require.

Delayed treatment can impact your health, as well as your claim if the other driver’s insurance disputes that the injuries were a result of the collision.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Your insurance policy will likely have a time limit on reporting an accident. Give the requested information, but don’t admit fault. Tell the insurance adjuster only what you know to be true. Beware that their job is to pay you as little as possible.

Hire a Traffic Offense Lawyer

If your crash results in legal issues, like reckless driving, hit-and-run, or DUI charges, you may want to hire a traffic offense lawyer. Representation can be critical in the case of injury, severe property damage, or if you have prior convictions.

FAQs

Q: What Should I Do After a Car Accident in MN?

A: In the event of a car accident in Minnesota, the steps to follow include checking for injuries, calling 911, moving to a safe location if possible, exchanging information with the other driver, contacting law enforcement to have a report filed, taking photos, seeking medical attention, and notifying your insurance company.

Q: What Happens If the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?

A: In the event that the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, Minnesota law permits you to seek compensation from your own insurance policy if you have coverage. Consulting with an attorney can assist you in defending your rights and maximizing your recovery for property damage, medical expenses, and lost wages.

Q: What Should I Not Say to the Insurance Company After a Car Accident?

A: Be careful when talking to insurance companies following a car accident. Do not admit fault or speculate on the cause of the accident or injuries. Do not tell the insurance company “I’m fine” unless you have been examined by a doctor. Never give a recorded statement without fully understanding your rights. Concentrate on answering questions with factual details, such as time and place, along with the vehicles involved.

Q: How Long Do You Have to Report a Car Accident in Minnesota?

A: In the state of Minnesota, any accident that results in injury, death, or serious property damage needs to be reported to the police immediately. Your insurance provider will also require you to report as soon as possible. While there may not be an exact number of days you have to report, if you wait too long, there may be issues with your insurance claim.

Contact Santana Law, PLLC, Today

If you have been involved in a traffic accident in Minnesota, you should not have to go through the recovery process alone. Former prosecutor Ronnie Santana has a wealth of courtroom experience that he uses to fight for your rights. Call Santana Law, PLLC, today. He makes regular court appearances at the Hennepin County Government Center with confidence.