Injury Law FAQ

Last updated on April 7, 2026

What To Do After an Accident

The questions and answers below address common concerns Minnesota victims often have in the aftermath of an accident or injury.

What does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer?

Most Minnesota personal injury lawyers work under a contingency fee agreement, which means the attorney is paid a percentage of the recovery rather than an upfront fee. This structure allows injured people to pursue a claim without taking on additional financial strain during a challenging time. 

If the case does not result in any compensation, the client typically does not owe the attorney any fees. However, some expenses may still apply depending on the agreement and the complexity of the matter.

How long do I have to file a claim in Minnesota?

Minnesota law generally allows injured individuals to take up to two years to file a personal injury lawsuit, although certain claims may fall under a longer six-year deadline depending on the circumstances. These timelines are strict, and missing them can prevent you from recovering compensation entirely, even when liability is clear. 

Because determining the correct deadline can be complex, it is vital to assess the facts of the case early on to avoid losing important rights.

Will my case go to court?

Many personal injury cases resolve through negotiation, insurance discussions or alternative dispute resolution rather than a full trial. However, a case may proceed to court if liability is disputed, damages are contested or the insurer refuses to make a fair offer after reviewing the evidence. Preparing a case as though it may go to trial often strengthens negotiations and helps ensure that all evidence is properly developed and preserved.

How long will my case take?

The timeline for a personal injury case varies based on the severity of the injuries, the length of medical treatment and the willingness of the insurance company to negotiate. Some claims settle within a few months once medical care stabilizes, while others require extended investigation or litigation that can last a year or more. 

A careful approach helps ensure that all damages are fully understood before any final decisions are made. This is particularly essential when long-term medical needs or future wage losses are involved.

What will hiring a personal injury attorney do for me?

An experienced personal injury attorney can do many things that will dramatically affect the success and value of your case. First, a personal injury attorney experienced in motor vehicle accident claims will know how to immediately investigate the collision so as to preserve information that can be critical in proving who was at fault in causing the collision. While it may seem obvious, and it may even be that admissions regarding fault were made at the scene, stories frequently change, often dramatically, once a claim is made. That is why it can be critical to investigate and secure evidence immediately. In addition, an experienced personal injury attorney will understand how to document all of your losses and how to present them on your behalf. In motor vehicle accident cases, our staff actually gathers your medical bills and information to prove your wage loss and replacement services claims and submits them for reimbursement so you do not have to bother with these tasks while you are attempting to heal from your injuries. One of the major roles of an attorney is to determine all theories of liability and sources of recovery that might be available to you. There are also things that need to be done in a procedurally proper manner to avoid jeopardizing additional rights that you may have. Finally, insurance companies know which attorneys will actually take cases to trial and which attorneys will cave in and take smaller settlements in order to avoid having to go to trial. This fact alone can be significant in what the insurance company is willing to pay you in settlement to avoid going to trial.

 

 

Below are links to view answers to frequently asked questions on a variety of injury law case topics.