A car accident can happen in split seconds. And when it does, the outcome can be life-altering. If you are involved in a car accident that is not your fault, Minnesota negligence laws allow you to pursue the liable party for the resulting damages.
However, you do not have the luxury to file a claim at your convenience. Every state has a time period within which a plaintiff must file a claim against a negligent party. This time period is known as the statute of limitations and it exists to ensure that personal injury claims are pursued within a reasonable time frame.
What is the Minnesota statute of limitations for injury claims?
Under Minnesota law, you have up to two years to file a personal injury claim against the defendant. The statute of limitations period takes effect from the date of the accident. With a few exceptions, filing pursuing the defendant after the expiry of the statute of limitations period can result in your claim’s denial.
Are there any exceptions to this rule?
There are a few exceptions under which the statute of limitations period might be delayed. Here are some of these scenarios:
- If the accident victim was a minor at the time of the accident. In this case, the statute of limitations will be put on hold until the victim turns 18.
- If the accident victim was mentally ill, the statute of limitations will be put on hold until the victim recovers their mental competence.
- If the victim succumbs to their injury. In this case, the victim’s family has up to three years to pursue wrongful death claims against the defendant.
Knowing your legal rights and responsibilities is key when litigating a personal injury lawsuit following a car accident.