Injured? Request a Free Case Review – Talk to an Attorney Now!

Minnesota Local Accident Resources

Free Case Review

Charities That Local Accident Reports Supports

Minnesota Local Accident Resources

Minnesota Wrongful Death Resources

Have you recently had a loved one pass away in a fatal car accident? We are here to help you during this difficult time. Contact our Minnesota wrongful death lawyers team to schedule a free consultation and begin your path toward justice and compensation.

If someone close to you has been involved in a horrific Minnesota car accident that caused their death, you know that going through this time in your life can be tough and life-changing. You might be emotionally scarred or are suffering from crushing financial burdens like hospital bills, funeral costs, and more. In the face of something so horrible as losing a loved one, you need legal representation on your side from a trusted legal advocate. 

No matter what issue you are facing as you attempt to recover from an accident emotionally, you have community resources and professionals to help you meet the recovery challenges.

Call a lawyer

If the Wrongful Death Resulted in Lost Income

Suppose someone you love has been involved in an accident that was fatal, resulting in lost potential income. In that case, you can utilize various resources during this difficult time to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Some of these resources include the following:

  • Department of Human Services: The Minnesota state government can provide extra income in certain cases in which supplemental income might be needed. By exploring what options are available, The Minnesota Department of Human Services may be able to help financially work through the death of a loved one. 
  • Supplemental Security Income: This income can help you if you are an adult with children or have a low income and limited resources and have been involved in an accident. These monthly payments might be able to help you with your basic needs when you need them the most.
  • MSBA: The Minnesota Bar Association can help connect you to attorneys with experience in specific fields after you have been injured due to a party’s negligence. We want to stand by your side at this time and help you connect with an attorney you can rely on.

Need help with requesting an official copy of the incident police report?

In Minnesota, copies of police reports can be found online via the state government’s website. Only the parties involved can request a copy of the police report because these reports are considered confidential. Insurance companies and wrongful death attorneys may request police reports on behalf of their clients as long as their clients sign an authorization form. Our local attorney, who works in wrongful death cases, will provide you with a free copy of your incident report. If someone you love was killed in a car accident but you are having trouble getting a copy of the report, contact us, and we will help you get a copy.

Emotional Support

After the death of someone close, one is expected to feel grief and emotional discomfort. Although it may seem like there is no one to turn to during this troubling time, there is. Follow the links below for resources to help you cope, get back on your feet, and live life again.

  • Mental Health Minnesota: At Mental Health Minnesota, this program works with people who have been dealing with mental health issues with the integration of peer-to-peer programs, public policy advocacy, educating others, and research.
  • NAMI Minnesota: The National Alliance on Mental Illness, also known as NAMI, operates in Minnesota to help others understand trauma, depression, and many other psychological effects on people today and gives them the resources that they need to move forward.
  • Allina Health: Allina Health connects you with providers who can help you through these difficult times as you struggle with the trauma of your accident. You will find groups available to you, like group therapy, and more when you need them the most.
Call a lawyer

When the Accident Happened Due to Drunk Driving

Intoxicated driving incidents are some of the most devastating accidents that happen on our roads every year. We want you to be prepared for your case with some information regarding the BAC limits in the state of Minnesota, which should be helpful to you during the midst of a claim. In Minnesota, there is a 0.08% BAC limit. If someone has refused to take a BAC test under Minnesota law for either drunk or drugged driving, they could also receive criminal penalties for this. Here are some resources for those who have suffered due to a drunk driver:

  • MADD Minnesota: Mothers Against Drunk Driving is a nonprofit that seeks to end drunk and drugged driving in its tracks and help the victims of these violent crimes. They offer a 24-hour helpline and many other services.
  • Minnesota Victim’s Compensation Fund: If you or someone you know has been involved in a crime-related accident, such as a hit-and-run or struck by a drunk driver, the victim’s compensation fund in Minnesota can help you with losses incurred as a result of the crime.

Charities Supported by Local Accident Reports

  • Arrive Alive Tour: Defined as the number one Health and Wellness Organization in the Nation, they visit schools and campuses across the nation to talk about the dangers of driving while intoxicated, distracted, fatigued, and at unsafe speeds. Their programs are designed to heighten awareness of the consequences and dangers of negligent driving and impact students with lasting and positive messages.
  • The Compassionate Friends: This organization provides grieving families with personalized support, comfort, and hope during their most difficult times.
  • Eluna: Eluna is a resource center designed to help parents and families who have been impacted by addiction and/or loss. They address the vital needs of children affected by grief and addiction and provide them with valuable resources.
  • Family Means: A center for grief and loss, Family Means offers individual, family, and couple therapy as well as support groups, training, and professional workshops.
  • Healing Tree: This is a non-profit that advocates healing from abuse and trauma instead of merely coping with the symptoms to help victims and, ultimately, society as a whole.
  • Stop Distractions: An organization dedicated to limiting the life-long devastation that often results from losing a loved one in a distracted driving collision.
Call a lawyer

What You Need to Know About Wrongful Death Cases

In Minnesota, wrongful death is defined as the result of an individual or corporation’s wrongful act or omission that ends in a fatality. A wrongful death may be caused by careless behavior or intentional misconduct such as assault, vehicular manslaughter, or negligence.

A successful wrongful death case may be brought when the responsible party is proven to have been negligent in their conduct, which directly resulted in the victim’s loss of life.

Several factors are considered by Minnesota juries while deliberating over the amount of financial compensation needed to recover damages, including:

  • The deceased victim’s age
  • The condition of their health at the time of their passing
  • The deceased’s life expectancy
  • The earning capacity of the deceased
  • Any personal injury suffered by the family members

Who can bring a wrongful death lawsuit in Minnesota?

A trustee appointed by the court may bring a wrongful death lawsuit, often the surviving family members or spouse of the deceased victim. Surviving relatives are eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit, including children, parents, grandparents, siblings, or a spouse.

What damages can be compensated for when you file a wrongful death lawsuit in Minnesota?

Damages in a Minnesota wrongful death case may include financial compensation for the following loss categories:

  • Burial costs
  • Funeral expenses
  • Bills that stem from the treatment, care, and hospitalization needed to treat the deceased individual’s final illness or injury
  • Loss of protection, assistance, or care from the deceased
  • Loss of wages, income, and benefits provided by the deceased to their family members.
  • Loss of the deceased’s advice, comfort, companionship, and guidance.
Call a lawyer

In Minnesota, how long do I have to file a wrongful death claim?

All states have laws called “statutes of limitations” that set time limits on how long you have to file a wrongful death lawsuit from the date of your loved one’s death. In Minnesota, the deadline is three years from the date of the person’s passing but no later than six years after the event that ultimately caused the underlying injury. If the claim is not filed within 3-6 years, the court will most likely refuse to hear it.

A few exceptions exist, including:

  • If the death was caused by medical malpractice, the lawsuit must be filed within three years of the fatality but no later than four years from the date of the error made by the healthcare provider.
  • If the death was caused by murder, no statute of limitations exists, and a claim can be filed any time after the individual’s passing.

Examples of Qualifying Wrongful Death Cases

Example 1. Mr. Smith, a father of three, lost his life when his vehicle was struck by Mr. Walker, a drunk, uninsured driver, at the intersection of Main Street and Clinton Avenue.

Why It Qualifies as a Wrongful Death Case: Despite the fact that the driver was uninsured, Mr. Smith’s family is able to seek a wrongful death lawsuit under their own uninsured motorist policy. Mr. Walker’s drunk driving was the ultimate cause of the crash and Mr. Smith’s passing, making this a valid claim.

Example 2. Mr. Hart was heading home one night on a rural highway. A semi-truck owned and operated by Whitestaff Logistics swerved into his lane, causing a fatal head-on crash.

The collision happened due to the truck operator falling asleep while driving after a 16-hour shift, as confirmed by the tracking systems onboard the truck. Mr. Hart did not survive the crash.

Why It Qualifies as Wrongful Death: This case may qualify for a wrongful death claim, as the big rig’s driver’s carelessness directly caused the death of Mr. Hart. Additionally, suppose it is established that the trucking company that employed the driver was negligent in enforcing legitimate rest periods for its employees. In that case, the company may be held accountable for any resulting truck collisions.

Types of Evidence Required

Several documents are needed when filing a wrongful death claim, including:

  • A death certificate showing the exact cause of death
  • Police report connected to the accident/investigation surrounding the wrongful death
  • Medical records with test results, notations, evaluations, consultation records, prescriptions, or other documentation
  • Autopsy report if the wrongful death is believed to have been due to medical malpractice
  • Evidence of a duty of care relationship between the negligent entity and the deceased victim
  • Financial records/tax returns
  • Physical evidence
  • Videos
  • Photos
  • Statements from witnesses

While a citizen motorist or physician has a duty of care, so do manufacturers. Suppose the loved one lost their life due to a defective product. In that case, the manufacturer may be responsible for manufacturing safe products through the duty of care.

Financial records can prove the extent of support provided by the deceased before their passing. On the contrary, family records, as well as guidance for children, consortium, and funeral expenses, can prove loss of companionship.

Pictures and videos are particularly compelling evidence. Be sure the time and date stamp is present on each file. Statements provided by witnesses, including the contact information of anyone who saw the incident occur, are also extremely helpful.

What is the burden of proof in a wrongful death case?

In a wrongful death case, the burden of proof is generally the plaintiff’s burden of proof. The Burden of proof is the obligation to present substantial evidence to convince the jury or court that the defendant is responsible for the death of the deceased victim.

In many jurisdictions, including Minnesota, the burden of proof in a civil wrongful death case is usually described as “preponderance of evidence.” This means that the plaintiff must demonstrate that it was most likely the defendant’s wrongful/negligent actions that caused the fatality.

To meet this burden of proof, the plaintiff and their lawyer will compile evidence, such as expert testimony, medical records, expert opinions, and more to support their claims. This evidence must be presented to the court to persuade the judge or jury that the actions of the defendant were responsible for the fatality and that compensation is needed.

It’s valuable to note that the burden of proof in a wrongful death claim differs from that in a criminal case, where the standard is generally “beyond a reasonable doubt.” In civil cases, including wrongful death claims, the burden of proof is somewhat lower, making it easier to prevail.

Should I hire a lawyer for a Minnesota wrongful death claim?

If you are considering filing a wrongful death claim, it is highly advisable to work with an experienced wrongful death lawyer. Navigating the legal system can be overwhelming, especially during a time of grief, and having a knowledgeable attorney by your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. A skilled lawyer can provide the support and guidance you need, helping you understand the legal process, your rights, and the options available to you.

They will take on the complexities of gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf. Additionally, an attorney can build a strong case by thoroughly investigating the circumstances of the death and identifying all potential sources of liability. Their expertise ensures that all deadlines are met, paperwork is accurately filed, and no detail is overlooked, which can be crucial in securing the compensation you deserve for funeral expenses, lost wages, and emotional suffering. Having a dedicated advocate allows you to focus on healing while they fight for justice on your behalf.

Accidents in Minnesota by the Numbers

In Minnesota, people lose their lives every year on our roadways. Fatal accidents take many forms on our roads, from pedestrians and truck drivers to many other types of accidents. However, the population has a direct impact on the amount of people who lose their lives in these accidents every year. In 2017, Minnesota’s population sat at 5.5 million people. The following are fatality statistics taken in 2015.

How Do I File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

In most cases, the first step is hiring a wrongful death attorney. Next, your lawyer will gather relevant evidence and file the necessary legal paperwork. Depending on this case, a skilled attorney can negotiate a favorable settlement with the negligent party’s insurance provider. 

A court trial is the next option if the negotiations don’t result in a satisfactory offer. A judge listens to both sides of the case, rendering a verdict for or against the plaintiff (party pursuing a lawsuit). If your attorney wins, the court will grant you a monetary award.

Car Crash Statistics in Minnesota

How many car crashes a year in Minnesota?

In 2022, over 70,000 traffic accidents were reported in the state of Minnesota. About 10% more accidents happened in 2022 than in 2021. There were 444 fatalities in 2022, a 9% decrease from the previous year. Additionally, over 23,000 injuries were reported in 2022. This is an approximately 25% increase from 2019. Also, in 2022, there were eight deadly traffic-related incidents per 100,000 vehicles in Minnesota. Lastly, the economic impact of auto accidents in Minnesota in 2022 cost the United States around 2.23 billion dollars.

What is the leading factor in crashes in Minnesota?

Four main types of driver negligence lead to the majority of traffic accidents in Minnesota today. These include:

  • speeding
  • intoxicated driving
  • driving without a seatbelt
  • distracted driving

How many traffic accident fatalities per year in Minnesota?

Over 300 traffic accident deaths happen per year in Minnesota. In 2020, 394 people lost their lives in traffic accidents in the state.

What percent of Minnesota crashes are due to distraction?

11% of Minnesota car wrecks happen due to distracted driving, according to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.

What is the number 1 distraction plaguing American drivers?

According to a recent study, nearly 35% of all drivers who become involved in traffic accidents had interacted with their phones within the minute before the crash.

Minnesota traffic accident deaths dropped by approximately 7% in 2023, according to preliminary data from the Department of Public Safety. 

The data show that roadway fatalities spiked in 2021 immediately after the COVID-19 pandemic and have mostly returned to normal levels since then.

Each year, more than 40,000 people lose their lives in car accidents that occur in the United States. Sadly, these wrecks happen over 6 million times per year, causing more than 3 million people to sustain injuries. Each day, more than 100 people lose their lives in traffic accidents in the US. Additionally, more than 7,500 people end up with injuries from approximately 17,000 traffic collisions that happen each day throughout the nation.

Why do most car crashes happen in the US?

Currently, the majority of auto accidents in the United States are caused by drivers who are negligent while behind the wheel. According to information provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 94% of reported car crashes in the United States are caused by negligent driving.

Negligent Driving Facts

Distracted driving causes over 400,000 traffic accidents annually, resulting in more than 3,000 deaths each year. Speeding leads to over 11,000 fatalities, while drunk or high drivers cause more than 12,000 deaths. 

Fatigued driving contributes to over 100,000 crashes and about 1,600 fatalities annually. Young drivers, ages 15-20, are particularly vulnerable to accidents caused by driver negligence. Car accidents are one of the top ten causes of severe injuries and fatalities in the United States.

Minnesota Grief & Trauma Resources

Resources by State

Reach Out to Local Accident Reports Today

Losing a loved one due to another party’s negligence is devastating, and it’s normal to feel unsure about whether you have grounds for a wrongful death claim. At Local Accident Reports, our experienced Minnesota wrongful death lawyers are here to help. We’ll review your case through a free consultation and explain your legal rights and options. Our lawyers also work on a contingency fee basis, meaning our lawyers only get paid if you get paid after the desired case outcome. You will not need to pay any upfront costs, so feel free to contact us today to begin your path to compensation.  

We’ll be with you every step of the way, protecting your interests and guiding you through the legal process. Although we can’t change what happened, we are committed to helping you secure the compensation your family deserves to ease the financial strain. Call us at (888) 657-1460 for a consultation with a knowledgeable attorney.

Request Your Free Case Review Now

Motor Vehicle Crash Deaths by Road User Type and State

Car Occupants

Car Occupants

140

Pickup and SUV Occupants

Pickup and SUV Occupants

93

Large Truck Occupants

Large Truck Occupants

6

Motorcyclists

Motorcyclists

55

Pedestrians

Pedestrians

38

Bicyclists

Bicyclists

6

Scroll to Top