Minnesota Car Accident Lawyer
A car accident can upend your life in seconds. Medical bills pile up, you’re missing work, and insurance companies are already looking for ways to pay you less. You deserve an attorney who will fight for the full compensation you’re owed.
At Swor & Gatto, we’ve represented thousands of car accident victims across Minneapolis, St. Paul, and greater Minnesota since 1981. Our attorneys handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on healing: investigating the crash, preserving evidence, negotiating with insurers, and taking your case to trial when necessary.
Why you need a Car Accident Attorney After a Crash
Many people assume that filing an insurance claim after a car accident is straightforward. But insurance companies are businesses. Their goal is to minimize payouts, not to make sure you’re fully compensated. Without legal representation, you’re negotiating against adjusters who handle hundreds of claims a year and are trained to protect their company’s bottom line.
Here’s what’s at stake when you try to handle a car accident claim on your own:
- Insurance adjusters may pressure you into a quick settlement before you understand the full extent of your injuries. Some injuries (like soft tissue damage or traumatic brain injuries) don’t show their full impact for weeks or months.
- Recorded statements can be used against you. Even casual comments can reduce your claim’s value significantly.
- Evidence disappears quickly. Surveillance footage gets overwritten, witnesses’ memories fade, and vehicle damage is repaired before it can be documented.
- Minnesota’s six-year statute of limitations may seem generous, but building a strong case requires acting quickly.
Swor & Gatto takes the burden off your shoulders. We handle communications with insurance companies, gather and preserve evidence, coordinate with medical providers, and build a case designed to recover the maximum compensation for your injuries and losses. Our team has secured over $250 million in settlements and verdicts for our clients, and we work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we win.
Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle
Every car accident is different, and the legal strategy that works for one case may not apply to another. Our attorneys have decades of experience with every type of car accident case, and we tailor our approach based on the specific circumstances of your crash.
Drunk Driving Accidents
Hundreds of people are injured or killed by drunk drivers in Minnesota every year. These cases differ from other car accident claims because they may involve both criminal and civil proceedings. The at-fault driver’s intoxication can also open the door to punitive damages beyond standard compensation.
Minnesota’s dram shop laws may allow you to pursue claims against bars, restaurants, or other establishments that overserved the driver. We pursue every available source of compensation, holding both the driver and any negligent establishments accountable.
Hit and Run Accidents
Being injured by a driver who flees the scene is frustrating, but you still have options. Minnesota law requires drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage, which can provide compensation even when the at-fault driver is never identified.
We’ve helped hit and run victims since 1981, including pedestrians struck while crossing the street, drivers forced off the road, and people injured in multi-car crashes. We work closely with local law enforcement to identify responsible drivers, and when that isn’t possible, we fight to maximize recovery through your own insurance policy.
Distracted Driving Accidents
Some estimates attribute 25 to 50 percent of all car accidents in Minnesota to driver distraction. Texting, eating, adjusting GPS, and even talking to passengers can divert attention long enough to cause a serious collision. Texting drivers alone are up to 23 times more likely to crash than attentive drivers.
When a distracted driver causes your accident, our attorneys gather phone records, witness testimony, and other evidence to prove their negligence and hold them accountable.
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end crashes are among the most common car accidents on Twin Cities interstates like I-94, I-35W, and Highway 62, particularly during rush hour. While these collisions may seem minor, they frequently cause whiplash, herniated discs, and other soft tissue injuries that may not become apparent for days or weeks.
We advise anyone involved in a rear-end collision to seek medical attention promptly and consult an attorney before giving statements to insurance companies. The full extent of your injuries may not be known immediately, and early statements can limit your ability to recover full compensation.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions are among the most severe crashes on Minnesota roads because the force of impact combines the speed of both vehicles. They happen most often on two-lane highways and rural roads, where a driver crosses the centerline after drifting, passing unsafely, or entering a roadway in the wrong direction. The injuries that follow are frequently catastrophic: chest and internal trauma, femur and pelvic fractures, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal damage.
Liability in a head-on crash is often clearer than in other collisions, but that rarely makes the case simple. Injuries this severe routinely exceed the at-fault driver’s policy limits, which means your recovery depends on identifying every layer of coverage that applies. Our attorneys investigate the cause, work with accident reconstruction experts when the point of impact is disputed, and pursue each available policy.
Speeding Accidents
Speed is a factor in nearly 30 percent of fatal crashes in Minnesota. When a driver exceeds the posted limit, they reduce their reaction time, increase stopping distance, and dramatically amplify the severity of any resulting collision. Minnesota law requires all drivers to exercise reasonable care, and speeding is a clear breach of that duty.
Our attorneys work with accident reconstruction experts when necessary to establish the role of speed in your crash and fight for full compensation for your injuries.
Multi-Vehicle Pileups
Multi-vehicle accidents are common in the Twin Cities, where heavy rush hour traffic and extreme winter weather create dangerous conditions. When multiple vehicles are involved, determining fault becomes significantly more complex, and insurance companies will do everything they can to minimize their exposure.
We investigate multi-vehicle accidents thoroughly to identify every liable party and pursue compensation from each. Our familiarity with insurance company tactics gives us an advantage in these complex cases.
Rideshare and Uber/Lyft Accidents
Rideshare accidents involve multiple layers of insurance coverage depending on whether the driver was logged into the app, waiting for a ride request, or actively transporting a passenger. These overlapping policies create confusion that insurers can exploit to deny or reduce claims.
Our attorneys understand how rideshare insurance policies work in Minnesota and will determine which coverage applies to your situation: the driver’s personal insurance, the rideshare company’s commercial policy, or your own coverage.
Accidents With Uninsured or Underinsured Drivers
Sometimes the at-fault driver carries insufficient insurance, or none at all. Minnesota law requires all policies to include uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, meaning your own insurance can fill the gap. However, your insurer may not make this easy.
Before filing a claim with any insurer, talk to our attorneys. A single miscommunication during an insurance interview can significantly reduce your payout. We handle the entire process to protect your interests and fight for the maximum coverage available.
Bus Accidents
Bus accident cases involve unique legal considerations because bus companies and public transit agencies are common carriers with a heightened duty of care. Liability may rest with the driver, the operating company, a maintenance provider, or a government agency. Identifying the right defendants requires thorough investigation.
Because many buses lack safety restraints, passengers are especially vulnerable to serious injuries. Our attorneys handle cases involving passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers injured in bus collisions.
Fatal Car Accidents and Wrongful Death
Losing a family member in a car accident is devastating. While no amount of money can replace your loved one, a wrongful death claim can provide financial security and hold the responsible parties accountable.
Minnesota’s wrongful death statute allows the trustee of the deceased’s estate to bring a claim within three years. Recoverable damages include funeral expenses, loss of income and future earning capacity, loss of companionship, and pain and suffering endured before passing. We’ve fought for families since 1981, and we’re prepared to shoulder the legal burdens so you can focus on your family.
Compensation Available After a Car Accident
Every potential client wants to know the same thing: how much is my case worth? No attorney can guarantee a specific dollar amount, but understanding the types of damages available helps you evaluate whether a settlement offer is fair.
In cases involving particularly reckless conduct (such as drunk driving), you may also be entitled to punitive damages, intended to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior.
Our track record of more than $250 million recovered for clients across 10,000+ cases reflects our ability to secure full and fair compensation. We work with medical professionals, economists, and life care planners to document the true cost of your injuries, not just today’s bills, but the long-term financial impact on your life.
Minnesota Car Accident Laws You Should Know
Statute of Limitations
Minnesota gives you six years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (Minn. Stat. § 541.05). For wrongful death, the deadline is three years (Minn. Stat. § 573.02). Acting quickly preserves evidence and strengthens your case.
Comparative Fault
Minnesota follows a modified comparative fault rule (Minn. Stat. § 604.01). You can recover compensation even if partially at fault, as long as your share is 50 percent or less. Your award is reduced by your percentage of fault.
No-Fault Insurance
Minnesota is a no-fault state, meaning your own insurer pays for medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who caused the accident. If your injuries are serious (permanent injury, disfigurement, disability lasting 60+ days, or medical expenses exceeding $4,000), you can pursue a claim directly against the at-fault driver.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Minnesota law (Minn. Stat. § 65B.49) requires all auto policies to include UM/UIM coverage, protecting you when the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance.
Serving Minneapolis, St. Paul & Surrounding Areas
Minneapolis Coverage
We represent car accident clients throughout Minneapolis and Hennepin County, including cases filed in Hennepin County District Court. Our attorneys are familiar with high-accident corridors like I-94, I-35W, and Highway 62, and understand the specific judges and procedures in this jurisdiction.
St. Paul Coverage
Our firm serves car accident clients across St. Paul and Ramsey County, handling cases in Ramsey County District Court. As a St. Paul firm since 1981, we have deep relationships within the local legal community and firsthand knowledge of the east metro’s most dangerous intersections.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Minnesota
The steps you take immediately after a car accident can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Here’s what we recommend:
Ensure your immediate safety and call 911 if anyone is injured. Even if you feel fine, many serious injuries (including traumatic brain injuries and internal bleeding) don’t show symptoms right away. Getting a medical evaluation creates a documented link between the accident and your injuries.
If you’re able, document the scene with photos and video. Capture vehicle positions, damage, road conditions, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. Get contact information from witnesses. Request a copy of the police report. This is one of the most important pieces of evidence in your case.
Preserve all evidence related to the accident. Don’t repair damaged property or discard damaged clothing. Keep every medical record, receipt, and bill. Do not post about the accident on social media. Insurance companies routinely monitor claimants’ online activity.
Most importantly, do not give a recorded statement to the other party’s insurance company without first speaking to an attorney. Insurers use these statements to find reasons to deny or reduce your claim. Contact Swor & Gatto at (651) 454-3600 for a free consultation. We’ll review your case and advise you on the best path forward.
What to Expect When You Work With Swor & Gatto
We know the legal process can feel intimidating. Here’s how we make it easier:
Free Initial Consultation
We meet with you at our office, your home, or the hospital, wherever is most convenient. We review your case, explain your options, and answer your questions at no cost.
Investigation and Evidence Preservation
Our team moves quickly to gather police reports, medical records, witness statements, surveillance footage, and other relevant evidence.
Handling Insurance Communications
We take over all communications with insurers so you don’t say something that could hurt your claim.
Building Your Case
We work with medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and economists to document the full scope of your injuries and calculate fair compensation.
Negotiation or Trial
Most cases settle through negotiation, but if the insurer won’t offer fair compensation, we’re prepared to go to trial.
No Fee Unless We Win
We work on contingency. You pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we secure compensation for you.
We also offer bilingual attorneys and translation services so every client is fully heard and understood. Se habla español.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents in Minnesota
What should I do immediately after a car accident?
Should I talk to the other driver’s insurance company?
We recommend speaking with an attorney first. Adjusters are trained to minimize your claim, and even casual statements can be used against you. At Swor & Gatto, we handle all insurance communications on your behalf.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
You can still recover compensation in Minnesota as long as your fault doesn’t exceed 50 percent. Your award is reduced by your share of responsibility. For example, if your damages total $50,000 and you’re 30 percent at fault, you could recover $35,000.
How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Minnesota?
You have six years for personal injury and three years for wrongful death. However, we strongly recommend contacting an attorney as soon as possible. Critical evidence can be lost over time.
How much does a car accident lawyer cost?
At Swor & Gatto, we work on a contingency fee basis. There’s no upfront cost, and you only pay if we win. We also offer free initial consultations.
How long does a car accident case take to settle?
Every case is different. Simple claims may settle in months, while complex cases with serious injuries or disputed fault can take a year or longer. We keep you informed at every stage.
How does Minnesota’s no-fault insurance work?
Your own insurance covers medical bills and lost wages up to your policy limits regardless of who caused the accident. If your injuries meet certain thresholds (permanent injury, disfigurement, or medical expenses exceeding $4,000), you can pursue additional compensation from the at-fault driver.
Contact Our Car Accident Lawyers Today
Call (651) 454-3600 today for a free consultation, or contact us online. We can meet at our office, your home, or the hospital. Se habla español.