Injured in an MN SUV Crash? Protect Your Rights Fast
If you were hurt in a Minnesota SUV crash, start by protecting your health and documenting what happened. Minnesota’s no-fault system provides Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits through your own policy, and additional claims may be possible if certain legal thresholds are met. The steps below explain how to preserve evidence, handle insurers, and when to talk to a lawyer. Have questions now? Contact us for a free consultation.
Immediate Steps After an SUV Crash
Your safety comes first. Move to a safe location if possible and call 911 to report the crash and request medical help. Accept on-scene medical evaluation even if you feel okay; SUV collisions can cause hidden injuries.
Exchange names, contact and insurance information with other drivers, and gather contact details for witnesses. Take wide and close photos of vehicle damage, license plates, the crash scene, debris, skid marks, traffic controls, and your injuries. Note weather, road surface, lighting, and direction of travel. Preserve dashcam footage. Avoid posting about the crash on social media.
Minnesota No-Fault (PIP) Basics
Minnesota is a no-fault state. PIP (basic economic loss) benefits can pay for certain medical and economic losses after a crash, regardless of fault. By statute, basic benefits include defined medical and nonmedical coverages and dollar limits; see Minn. Stat. § 65B.44 for specifics. You typically notify your own insurer to open a PIP claim and seek covered treatment.
You may pursue additional claims against an at-fault driver if you meet Minnesota’s tort thresholds. Examples include a sufficient level of medical expenses, a disability lasting a specified duration, permanent injury, permanent disfigurement, or death. See Minn. Stat. § 65B.51. A Minnesota injury lawyer can assess whether your injuries and losses meet these thresholds.
See a Doctor and Follow the Treatment Plan
Early diagnosis protects your health and documents your injuries. Tell providers about all symptoms, even minor ones. Follow medical advice, attend follow-ups, and keep copies of bills, records, and mileage to appointments. Gaps in care can undermine both recovery and your claim.
Notify Insurers Carefully
Report the crash to your insurer promptly and cooperate with reasonable requests related to PIP. Be cautious with any insurer, especially the other driver’s. Provide facts, not opinions. Consider seeking advice before agreeing to recorded statements or broad medical authorizations, and do not speculate about fault or the extent of your injuries until the facts are clear.
Preserve Evidence
Keep all photos, videos, and the crash report. Save damaged property and don’t authorize repairs or disposal until it’s documented. Write a timeline while details are fresh. If a business or city camera may have captured the crash, act quickly; many systems overwrite footage. An attorney can send preservation letters to help secure evidence.
Common SUV Crash Injuries
SUV crashes can involve rollovers and multi-vehicle impacts. Injuries may include concussions and traumatic brain injuries, neck and back strains, herniated discs, fractures, shoulder and knee injuries, chest and abdominal trauma from restraints, and psychological injuries such as anxiety or PTSD. Document symptoms as they develop.
Potential Compensation
Depending on the facts, recoverable losses may include medical expenses, rehabilitation, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, property damage, out-of-pocket costs, and, in claims against an at-fault party, pain and suffering and other non-economic losses recognized by Minnesota law. Available recovery can vary based on coverage, fault, and whether statutory thresholds are met.
Deadlines and Why Acting Quickly Matters
Strict notice and filing deadlines apply to insurance claims and lawsuits and can vary based on the claim type, parties, and coverage. Acting promptly helps you meet required timelines, secure time-sensitive evidence, and avoid disputes over late reporting. A Minnesota attorney can help identify the deadlines that apply to your case.
What to Do If the Other Driver Was Uninsured or Underinsured
Your policy may include uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. These claims have specific requirements, including prompt notice and, in some situations, insurer consent before settling with an at-fault party. Consult counsel early to protect your UM/UIM rights.
How a Minnesota Injury Lawyer Can Help
A lawyer can evaluate PIP and liability coverage, calculate damages, coordinate medical benefits, gather and preserve evidence, consult experts, negotiate with insurers, and, when needed, file suit. Many Minnesota injury firms offer free consultations and work on contingency, meaning fees are generally collected only if there is a recovery.
Practical Tips
- Use your phone’s notes to record pain levels daily; consistency helps document your recovery.
- Direct providers to bill your PIP first to avoid collections while your claim is pending.
- Keep a single folder (digital or paper) for photos, receipts, prescriptions, and letters.
- Do not discuss the crash on social media; assume anything posted will be reviewed by insurers.
Post-Crash Checklist
- Call 911 and get medical evaluation.
- Exchange information and photograph the scene, vehicles, plates, and injuries.
- Open a PIP claim with your insurer and confirm claim number in writing.
- Follow your treatment plan and save all bills and records.
- Request the crash report as soon as it’s available.
- Identify potential cameras and ask that footage be preserved.
- Notify your insurer about possible UM/UIM issues, if applicable.
- Consult a Minnesota injury lawyer before giving recorded statements.
FAQ
Do I have to see a doctor if I feel fine?
Yes. Some injuries emerge hours or days later. Early evaluation protects your health and creates documentation for PIP and any liability claim.
Which insurer pays first in Minnesota?
Your own PIP generally pays first for covered medical and certain economic losses, regardless of fault. Additional recovery from an at-fault party may be available if thresholds are met.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Deadlines vary by claim type, coverage, and parties. Some notices are required quickly. Speak with a Minnesota attorney promptly to preserve all rights.
What if the other driver has no insurance?
UM/UIM coverage on your policy may apply. Provide prompt notice and get your insurer’s consent before any settlement that could affect UM/UIM rights.
Free Consultation
If you were injured in a Minnesota SUV crash, contact our team for a free, no-pressure case review. We will explain your options and next steps so you can focus on healing.
Key Minnesota Sources
- Minnesota Statutes § 65B.44 – Basic economic loss (PIP) benefits.
- Minnesota Statutes § 65B.51 – Tort liability; thresholds.
Disclaimer: This blog is for general information only and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws, coverages, and deadlines vary; consult a Minnesota attorney about your specific situation.