1. Sand Law, LLC
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death, dog bites, nursing home abuse, slip and fall accidents, workplace injuries, sexual abuse cases
Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, T-bone accidents, commercial truck accidents, catastrophic injuries, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims, no-fault insurance claims
Background: Sand Law takes a litigious proactive approach to personal injury cases. The firm carefully selects cases to ensure attentive representation. Attorneys are willing to take cases to trial when necessary. The firm has multiple offices throughout the Twin Cities metro area, including St. Paul, Minneapolis, Woodbury, and White Bear Lake locations for convenient access.
Location: 332 Minnesota Street, Suite W2402, St. Paul, MN 55101
Contact: (651) 291-7263 | https://www.sandlawllc.com/
Consultation: Free confidential consultation, contingency fee basis
2. Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death, personal injury
Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, T-bone accidents, intersection accidents, highway accidents, drunk driving accidents, distracted driving accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, catastrophic injuries
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, no-fault PIP claims, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims, bad faith insurance claims
Background: Founded in 2007 by Russell Nicolet. The firm has obtained millions of dollars on behalf of clients through jury trial verdicts and settlement negotiations, including a $1.2 million recovery for a child who suffered burns in a car crash. The firm is the Official Personal Injury Law Firm of the Minnesota Twins and the Proud Law Partner of the Minnesota Vikings. Attorneys have decades of combined experience. The firm provides representation throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Location: St. Paul, MN (Multiple locations in Twin Cities area)
Contact: (651) 237-4258 | (612) 446-3999 | https://nicoletlaw.com/st-paul-personal-injury-lawyer/
Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee basis (no upfront fees)
3. Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, product liability, nursing home abuse, wrongful death
Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, rollover accidents, head-on collisions, multi-vehicle accidents, defective products, medical device injuries, pharmaceutical injuries, construction defects
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, product liability claims, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims
Background: Founding attorney Mike Hall began practicing law in 1970. The firm has more than 40 years of legal experience and over 80 years of combined experience among attorneys. Attorneys have been named in the list of Top 100 Trial Lawyers by National Trial Lawyers. The firm has recovered more than $90 million for clients. Multiple offices throughout Minnesota, including Minneapolis, Edina, and St. Cloud.
Location: St. Paul, MN (serving all of Minnesota)
Contact: (800) 292-1979 | (651) 645-7777 | https://www.hallinjurylaw.com/st-paul-personal-injury-lawyer/
Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee basis
4. Milavetz Injury Law, P.A.
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death, personal injury
Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, T-bone accidents, intersection accidents, highway accidents, drunk driving accidents, distracted driving accidents, catastrophic injuries, permanent disfigurement cases
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, no-fault PIP claims, third-party liability claims, underinsured motorist claims, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims
Background: The firm has been representing car accident victims since 1963. Award-winning trial attorneys with decades of experience. The firm has recovered millions of dollars in life-changing settlements for clients. Attorneys work closely with experts to assess damages and build strong cases.
Location: St. Paul, MN
Contact: (651) 645-7777 | https://www.milavetzlaw.com/st-paul/car-accident-lawyer/
Consultation: Free consultation available
5. Rogosheske, Rogosheske & Atkins, PLLC
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, personal injury, wrongful death
Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, T-bone accidents, intersection accidents, highway accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, catastrophic injuries
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, no-fault insurance claims, third-party liability claims, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims
Background: The firm has been serving St. Paul since 1948. Over 80 years of combined experience among attorneys. Deep understanding of the legal landscape in both Minnesota and Wisconsin. The firm takes a personalized approach to every case and provides strategic, effective representation focused on individual client needs.
Location: St. Paul, MN
Contact: (651) 413-9004 | https://www.rogo-law.com/personal-injury/car-accident/
Consultation: Free consultation available
Car Accident Laws and Regulations in Minnesota
Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims: Six years from the date of the accident under Minnesota Statutes Section 541.05(1)(5). However, for practical purposes and insurance claim purposes, acting within two years is advisable.
Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims: Three years from the date of death under Minnesota Statutes Section 573.02.
Statute of Limitations for Property Damage Claims: Six years from the date of the accident.
No-Fault Insurance Claims: Must notify the insurance company within six months of the accident.
At-Fault vs. No-Fault Status: Minnesota is a no-fault insurance state. After an accident, you first seek compensation from your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, regardless of who caused the accident. PIP covers medical expenses, wage loss, and certain other costs up to policy limits.
Threshold to Sue At-Fault Driver: To step outside of no-fault and pursue a claim against the at-fault driver under Minnesota Statutes Section 65B.51, you must meet one of the following thresholds: (1) Medical expenses exceed $4,000, (2) Permanent injury, (3) Permanent disfigurement, or (4) 60 days or more of disability.
Comparative Negligence Rules: Minnesota follows modified comparative negligence under Minnesota Statutes Section 604.01. You can recover damages if you are 50% or less at fault. If you are more than 50% at fault, you are barred from recovery. Compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements:
Bodily Injury Liability: $30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident
Property Damage Liability: $10,000 per accident
Personal Injury Protection (PIP): $40,000 per person per accident ($20,000 medical expenses, $20,000 non-medical expenses)
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident (required coverage)
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Requirements: Mandatory. Covers medical expenses and lost wages regardless of fault up to policy limits.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Required in Minnesota.
Damage Caps: Minnesota does not cap economic or non-economic damages in personal injury cases.
Punitive Damages: Available in cases involving deliberate disregard for the rights or safety of others. No statutory cap.
Dram Shop Liability: Minnesota has dram shop laws under Minnesota Statutes Section 340A.801 allowing claims against establishments that serve alcohol to visibly intoxicated persons or minors who subsequently cause injuries.
Vicarious Liability: Vehicle owners may be held liable under certain circumstances.
Reporting Requirements: Minnesota law requires reporting accidents involving injuries, fatalities, or property damage exceeding $1,000 to law enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does Minnesota’s no-fault insurance system work after a car accident in Ramsey County?
A: Under Minnesota’s no-fault system, you first file a claim with your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance after a car accident, regardless of who caused the crash. Your PIP coverage pays for medical expenses (up to $20,000), lost wages, and replacement services (up to $20,000 combined for non-medical expenses). You cannot sue the at-fault driver for additional damages unless you meet specific thresholds: your medical expenses exceed $4,000, you suffered a permanent injury, you suffered permanent disfigurement, or you were disabled for 60 or more days.
Q: What damages can I recover if I meet the threshold to sue the at-fault driver in Minnesota?
A: If you meet the threshold requirements, you can pursue a third-party claim against the at-fault driver for damages not covered by PIP. These include: past and future medical expenses beyond PIP limits, all lost wages (PIP only covers a portion), pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, permanent disability or disfigurement, and loss of consortium. Minnesota does not cap these damages, allowing full recovery for proven losses.
Q: How does Minnesota’s modified comparative negligence affect my car accident claim?
A: Under Minnesota Statutes Section 604.01, you can recover damages only if you are 50% or less at fault for the accident. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if a Ramsey County jury determines your total damages are $100,000 but you were 30% at fault, you would receive $70,000. If you are found 51% or more at fault, you are completely barred from recovering any compensation from the other driver.
Q: What is the process for filing a car accident claim against a City of St. Paul vehicle or Ramsey County government entity?
A: Claims against Minnesota government entities are governed by the Minnesota Government Claims Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 3.736). You must file a written notice of claim with the appropriate government entity before filing a lawsuit. For state entities, claims are filed with the Minnesota Department of Administration. Different municipalities may have specific procedures. There are shorter deadlines for government claims than standard personal injury cases, so consulting an attorney promptly is essential.
Q: How long do car accident cases typically take to resolve in St. Paul?
A: The timeline varies significantly based on case complexity, injury severity, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Simple cases with clear liability may settle within several months after maximum medical improvement is reached. Complex cases involving serious injuries, disputed liability, or multiple parties can take one to three years or longer. Cases filed in Ramsey County District Court must navigate court scheduling and discovery processes. Most cases settle before trial through negotiation with insurance companies or mediation.