Minnesota lays out the rules for personal injury cases in the state. If you have been hurt due to someone else’s negligence, knowing how the laws work can influence outcomes: the difference between fair settlements and leaving money on the table.
It matters, even if you only deal with an insurance company and never step into a courtroom.
What situations might lead you to file a personal injury claim? Personal injury lawyers in Minnesota typically step in after these common incidents.
Car Accidents
A car crash can bring medical bills, lost wages, vehicle damage, and sometimes lasting physical or emotional trauma. Even a “minor” mishap may cause whiplash or back strain that takes months to heal.
The four primary reasons for traffic injuries in Minnesota are the following:
- Impaired driving
- Distracted driving
- Not wearing a seat belt
- Speeding
Truck Accidents
Collisions involving trucks happen across the state, often with severe consequences. Because of their size and weight, these vehicles cause significant damage in even low-speed crashes.
Victims might face catastrophic injuries, permanent disabilities, or the loss of a loved one. Experts in personal injury law in Minnesota help them through investigations and negotiations with trucking companies and insurers.
Motorcycle Accidents
There are 225,000 registered motorcycles in the state, a 100% increase since 1996. Unfortunately, this rise has come with a troubling trend.
In 2024, more than 1,500 motorcyclists were hurt and 72 were killed in collisions, the highest fatality count since 1985. That is triple the record low of 24 fatalities recorded in 1997.
Motorcyclists have little protection compared to occupants of cars or trucks, making them more vulnerable.
Bicycle Accidents
Minnesota residents value the freedom and sustainability of biking, whether commuting, running errands, or exploring scenic trails. However, safety remains a concern.
On average, eight bicyclists are killed each year, one every six weeks. According to data from 2015 to 2019, one out of every fifty people killed in a motor vehicle crash was a bicyclist.
Bus Accidents
Buses are generally safe, but they may still get involved in mishaps. Because these vehicles carry many passengers, a single collision affects multiple people at once.
An accident and injury lawyer in Minnesota represents passengers, pedestrians, or drivers hurt in bus accidents, ensuring they understand their rights and pursue compensation.
Pedestrian Accidents
Walking is part of daily life, but about 225 pedestrians are killed or seriously injured on the state’s roads each year. That is one major incident every two days.
Between 2015 and 2019, one in nine people seriously injured or killed in motor vehicle accidents were pedestrians.
Professionals handling cases under the personal injury law in Minnesota assist victims and their families in insurance claims, medical expenses, and legal proceedings.
Dog Bites and Animal Attacks
Animal-related incidents are more common than many people realize.
Approximately 4.5 million people in the U.S. are bitten by dogs yearly. Globally, nearly five million people are bitten by snakes, and cat bites account for two to 50% of reported animal bite injuries. Even monkey bites make up two to 21% of such cases.
In Minnesota, owners or caretakers may be held liable for the harm their pets or animal’s cause. Claims for medical treatment, lost wages, and emotional trauma should be available.
Slips and Falls
In 2021 alone, around 71,000 falls were reported in the state. These mishaps can strike anyone, but mostly older adults, and their population is growing. As such, the risks are also increasing.
Icy sidewalks? Uneven grounds at home? Wet grocery store floors? Slips and falls may occur anytime. If a person fails to address hazards, victims have grounds for a personal injury claim.
Reach Out to Personal Injury Lawyers in Minnesota
A personal injury lawyer in Minnesota is a legal professional representing people harmed by someone else’s wrongdoing. These experts aim to help clients recover compensation for injuries, losses, and other damages. Here is what lawyers typically do:
- Investigate. They gather evidence, interview witnesses, and reconstruct events.
- Determine Liability. They identify the responsible parties and establish fault.
- Handle Negotiations. Attorneys ensure clients are not pressured into unfair settlements.
- Calculate Damages. They consider all expenses, future needs, and non-economic losses like pain and suffering.
- Take the Case to the Court. If settlement talks fail, attorneys take the case to trial.
Having a personal injury lawyer in Minnesota on your side means having an advocate who understands the law and knows how to pursue claims efficiently.
Final Thoughts
Personal injury claims are crucial in your recovery. Whether a crash, a fall, or an animal attack, these claims provide a pathway to financial relief and justice.
An accident and injury lawyer in Minnesota will guide you through the process, protect your rights, and secure compensation. At Osterbauer Law Firm, our team has the experience and dedication you deserve.
Call (612) 334-3434 or contact us online for a free consultation. Our trusted personal injury lawyers in Minnesota are eager to serve you.