Personal Injury Lawyers In Minnesota For Canadians Involved In Car Accidents

Minnesota is a beautiful state neighbouring Canada’s southern border, sharing wonderful cross-border community ties with the provinces of Manitoba and Ontario.  Unfortunately, while travelling through The North Star State, snowbird car accidents can happen.

Minnesota is a “modified comparative fault” state. You can only sue for pain and suffering and for any financial losses when your level of responsibility for the cause of the accident does not exceed that of the other party (or parties) involved.

This is a concern for only the drivers of a car. In most cases, passengers are rarely responsible for an accident. This is somewhat true when referencing pedestrians and bicyclists. 

What Should You Do If You’re Involved in An Accident Outside Your Home State or Province?

• Your top priority is always the health and safety of you and your family. Be sure to seek out medical attention immediately.
• Make sure the police are contacted.
• If possible, take a picture of the other driver’s licence and insurance, and a picture of the licence plate.
• Call your insurance company and report the accident.
• Contact the Snowbird Helpline as soon as possible for advice.

For Minnesota Car Accidents, When Can You Pursue A Claim Against The At-Fault Driver?

If you have suffered serious or catastrophic injuries arising from a Minnesota car accident, you always need to speak to experienced personal injury lawyers in Minnesota. Ultimately, the facts of the accident need to be reviewed. Your lawyer will determine if this is a case you should proceed with.

Minnesota Injury Threshold

The Minnesota injury threshold is an important consideration too. You are eligible to pursue a personal injury claim against the driver who caused the accident if you suffer or have incurred damages such as:

• Permanent injury or disfigurement
• More than $4,000 in medical expenses, services, or products (not including diagnostics like x-rays or MRIs)
• Disability lasting for more than 60 days
• Death

Minnesota Car Insurance

Like most US states, Minnesota motorists have very small car insurance liability and PIP policies. Canadians will likely need to look to their own car insurance policy for protection. For example, if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, a lawsuit or claim must be filed against your Canadian car insurance policy.

You must submit claims to your car insurer for SAB or PIP benefits. This is a complicated situation but revolves around your contractual rights. SEE ‘Canadian Snowbird Information’.

Minnesota Statute of Limitations

Every state has its own time limits for bringing a personal injury claim. The Minnesota Statute of Limitations varies according to the type of claim. Knowing which statute of limitation applies under state and federal law is critical.

You must bring a lawsuit within your case’s time limit. If not, you lose your right to sue and recover damages. Here are a few considerations:

• Automobile/Motor Vehicle Accidents– within six years of the date of the accident
• Bicycle, Motorcycle, Pedestrian, Truck, Death, Accidents– within six years from the date of the accident
• Railroad/Train Crossing Accidents– within two years from the date of the accident.

Why You Need Snowbird Car Accident Help For A Personal Injury Claim In Minnesota For Cross-Border Accidents?

1. For 35 years, Snowbird Accidents has been assisting Canadian Snowbirds and US Snowbirds involved in car accidents and other personal injury accidents across North America. Very few lawyers and attorneys understand the complexity of cross-border accidents. 
2. Snowbird Accidents has been helping seriously injured Canadian Snowbirds and US Snowbirds get the treatment and care they need. This way, they can recover from their injuries and access fair compensation for their losses. We understand it is not only the injured party that may require assistance. Loved ones can face significant challenges also.
3. Snowbird Accidents arrange for you to speak to some of the best personal injury lawyers in Minnesota who are experienced with cross-border accidents. They work collaboratively with other lawyers and attorneys in various states and provinces to protect you and your family’s legal rights and remedies.