Detailed Answer — Next steps after you get the police crash report in Minnesota
Receiving the police crash report is an important milestone. It confirms the basic recorded facts: parties, vehicles, injuries reported at the scene, officer observations, and often a diagram or citations. Use that report as a starting point — not as the final word — and follow these practical legal steps to move a personal-injury claim forward under Minnesota law.
1. Preserve medical care and documentation
Seek and continue medical care immediately for any injuries. Your medical records link your condition to the crash and form the backbone of injury damages. Keep copies (or request copies) of:
- ER and clinic visit notes
- Diagnostic tests (X-rays, MRIs)
- Physical therapy notes
- Prescription records and receipts
2. Collect and secure evidence
In addition to the police report, gather:
- Photos of vehicles, road conditions, traffic signs, skid marks, and visible injuries
- Contact info for witnesses and their statements, if possible
- Any dash-cam or surveillance video
- Repair estimates and receipts for vehicle damage and any rental-car costs
3. Notify your insurer and the other driver’s insurer
Promptly report the crash to your auto insurer. Minnesota law and most policies impose cooperation and timeliness duties in claims handling. Keep a written log of all communications, including dates, names, and notes of what was discussed.
4. Understand insurance rules that may apply
Minnesota has no-fault (personal injury protection) rules and other coverage layers that can affect early compensation. See Minnesota’s no-fault provisions and related insurance law in Minnesota Statutes chapter 65B: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/65B. Your insurer may pay personal injury protection (PIP) benefits for medical costs and some wage loss before fault is resolved.
5. Review the crash-report details carefully
Police reports are helpful but not conclusive. Compare the report to your memory and other evidence. If there are clear inaccuracies (wrong vehicle, missed injuries, or omitted witnesses), note them immediately and collect supporting evidence to correct the record.
6. Get medical liens and bills organized
Ask providers for itemized bills and ask whether they will place a medical lien. Keep track of any payments your insurance makes so you can accurately calculate your out-of-pocket damages and any subrogation the insurer may seek.
7. Demand package and settlement negotiations
When your medical condition has stabilized (or earlier for documented urgent needs), you or your attorney will prepare a demand package for the at-fault party’s insurer. This typically includes the police report, medical records and bills, wage-loss documentation, a statement of injuries and future care needs, and a settlement demand. Insurers commonly respond with an offer, and parties negotiate until they reach a settlement or decide to litigate.
8. Be aware of the statute of limitations and other legal deadlines
Personal-injury claims are subject to strict filing deadlines under Minnesota’s limitation-of-actions law. Consult Minnesota Statutes, chapter 541, for time limits and related rules applicable to civil actions: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/541. Missing the applicable deadline can bar your right to sue, so act promptly.
9. Consider consulting a personal-injury attorney early
An attorney can evaluate liability, handle communications with insurers, assemble demand materials, calculate damages (including future care and non-economic losses), and watch for carrier tactics such as lowball early offers. Many attorneys offer a free initial consultation and work on contingency (they charge only if you recover).
10. If negotiations fail, prepare for litigation
If you can’t reach a fair settlement, your lawyer will advise about filing a lawsuit and the litigation timeline. Filing suit starts the court process and allows discovery — depositions, written questions (interrogatories), and subpoenas for records — to build stronger proof of fault and damages.
Relevant Minnesota statutes and official resources
- Duty to stop and report accidents: Minn. Stat. §169.09
- Insurance and no-fault provisions: Minn. Stat. ch. 65B
- Limitation-of-actions (deadlines to file suit): Minn. Stat. ch. 541
- Minnesota Department of Public Safety — Office of Traffic Safety (crash data and reporting): dps.mn.gov
Bottom line: Use the crash report to support your claim, preserve evidence and medical records, notify insurers, document economic losses, and consider legal help. Act quickly to protect your rights and meet Minnesota’s legal timelines.
Disclaimer: This article is informational only and does not constitute legal advice. For legal advice about your particular situation, contact a licensed Minnesota attorney.
Helpful Hints — Practical tips to keep your claim moving
- Photograph everything as soon as possible (scene, vehicle damage, injuries, road signs).
- Seek medical attention even for minor symptoms — early documentation helps link injuries to the crash.
- Keep a daily symptom and expense journal (pain levels, missed work, medication, therapy visits).
- Don’t give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer without counsel; provide facts but avoid speculation.
- Request a copy of the full police report and any CAD or body-cam footage from the responding agency.
- Keep all receipts for out-of-pocket expenses (towing, rental car, prescriptions, home help).
- Ask your medical providers about billing and whether they place liens — clarify how payment will be handled if you settle later.
- If fault is disputed or injuries are severe, consider early expert help (accident reconstruction, medical specialists, vocational experts).
- Track deadlines: insurer claim-report deadlines, any written-statements requests, and the statute of limitations for filing suit.
- If you hire an attorney, confirm fee structure (contingency %, costs advanced, and how liens/subrogation will be handled).