What to Do After a Car Accident in Minnesota?

by OMEED E. BERENJIAN

Last Updated January 13, 2026 in Personal Injury

A collision, even a low-speed collision, occurs fast. The cops are called, statements and photos are taken, insurance information is exchanged, witness information is obtained, and the injured parties are attended to and/or transferred to the nearest hospital. All that occurs within an hour or two of the collision, and you are left to wonder: What do I do after a car accident in Minnesota?

Six Steps for a Personal Injury Claim

Generally, if you were injured and not at fault for the collision, you have six steps that you should go through for a personal injury claim.

1. Initial Treatment
2. File a No-Fault Claim with your No-Fault Insurance
3. File a Bodily Injury Claim with the At-Fault Party’s Insurance.
4. Contact an Attorney
5. Treat until Recovered
6. Demand for Compensation

However, your next step after a collision varies greatly depending on the role you played in the collision and the insurance involved. Let’s review the different roles that can occur in a collision and their next steps.

DRIVER OF NOT AT FAULT VEHICLE:

Not at Fault, Injured & Insured:

1. Initial Treatment
   1. The first thing you should do if you have been injured in a collision is to seek treatment. Keep an eye out for any new symptoms that develop over the next few days and continue treating them as they arise.
   2. It’s important to keep track of your treatment facilities so your insurance knows which treatment facilities are associated with the collision claim and to pay them promptly from your No-Fault Benefits.
2. File a No-Fault & Bodily Injury Claim
   1. To set up a no-fault claim, you will need to contact your insurance and tell them you are looking to set up a no-fault claim to receive no-fault benefits.
   2. Your insurance will then send you an application for benefits to complete and return. Once they have the completed form, you will likely be approved for no-fault benefits.
   3. To set up a bodily injury claim, you will need to contact the at-fault party’s insurance company and notify them that you are looking to set up a bodily injury claim.
   4. If you have already contacted an attorney and you have not established either of these claims, your legal team can establish a claim for you.
3. Contact an Attorney
   1. At this time, it would be wise to contact a personal injury attorney.
   2. At BK Law Group, our personal injury attorneys and their skilled legal team are adept at handling insurance claims and will be your biggest advocate during the claims process. If you have any questions and would like a free consultation, please call our offices, and we would be more than happy to help.
4. Treat until Recovered
   1. After a claim has been made and all parties are notified (insurance companies, treatment facilities, attorneys, etc.), you should continue to treat your injuries until you have fully recovered or are in pre-accident condition.
   2. The bulk of personal injury cases consists of waiting for the injured party’s treatment to be completed before demanding compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance.
5. Demand for Compensation
   1. Once you have finished treatment, you should contact your attorney. They will then prepare your file for the demand.

Not at Fault, Injured, & Uninsured:

1. Initial Treatment
   1. Seek treatment after the collision for any immediate pain and injuries sustained. Keep an eye on your injuries for additional and worsening symptoms.
2. Obtain Insurance
   1. Get Insurance as soon as possible if you are able.
   2. Driving in Minnesota without insurance can incur penalties of at least $200.00, revocation of your license, and you could be charged with a misdemeanor.
3. Contact an Attorney
   1. Even if you are uninsured, you may still have a claim if you were not at fault for the collision.
   2. Driving uninsured can incur penalties and make any claim that much more difficult, but if you were not at fault for the collision and liability is not in dispute, then you may be able to file a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance.
   3. It’s advisable to contact a personal injury attorney due to the complexities of uninsured cases.

Not at Fault, Not Injured, Insured:

1. Monitor Potential Injuries
   1. Injuries can arise later in the case. It’s important to note whether any injuries arise after the collision. These might include injuries such as neck pain, whiplash, concussion, etc. Some of these symptoms might not appear right away, but might present themselves a few days later.
   2. If you later develop injuries and seek treatment, then you should consider contacting a personal injury attorney for a free consultation and evaluation of your case.
2. File a Property Damage Claim.
   1. While you might not have been injured in the collision, your vehicle might have received significant damage.
   2. Contact your insurance company and report the property damage, noting you were not at fault for the collision. You will need to follow up on the claim and provide evidence of the vehicle’s prior value and the damages sustained.

Not at Fault, Not Injured, & Uninsured:

1. Monitor Potential Injuries
   1. Some injuries can arise days after the collision. It’s wise to keep an eye on your pains and symptoms to see if they worsen.
2. Obtain Insurance
   1. Get Insurance as soon as possible if you are able.
   2. Driving in Minnesota without insurance can incur penalties of at least $200.00, revocation of your license, and you could be charged with a misdemeanor.

PASSENGER IN NOT AT FAULT DRIVERS’ VEHICLE:

Insured & Injured Passenger of Insured Not at Fault Vehicle:

1. Initial Treatment
   1. Seek treatment after the collision for any immediate pain and injuries sustained. Keep an eye on your injuries for additional and worsening symptoms.
2. File a Claim with Your No-Fault Insurance
   1. Despite you being in someone else’s vehicle, your insurance is still the first priority for any injuries sustained in the collision. Only when a demand is sent will you receive payment from the at-fault party’s insurance.
   2. To set up a no-fault claim, you will need to contact your insurance and tell them you are looking to set up a no-fault claim to receive no-fault benefits.
   3. Once they have the completed form, you will likely be approved for no-fault benefits.
   4. If you have already contacted an attorney and you have not established a claim, your legal team can establish a claim for you.
3. File a Bodily Injury Claim with the At-Fault Party’s Insurance
   1. To set up a bodily injury claim, you will need to contact the at-fault party’s insurance company and notify them that you are looking to set up a bodily injury claim.
   2. If you have already contacted an attorney and you have not established this claim, your legal team can establish the claim for you.
4. Contact an Attorney
   1. At this time, it would be wise to contact an attorney, as passenger injury cases can be complex.
   2. At BK Law Group, we understand the complexities of passenger injury cases, and we work diligently to ensure that you receive the most compensation possible. If you have any questions and would like a free consultation, please call our offices, and we would be more than happy to help.
5. Treat until Recovered
   1. After a claim has been made and all parties are notified (insurance companies, treatment facilities, attorneys, etc.), you should continue to treat your injuries until you have fully recovered or are in pre-accident condition.
   2. The bulk of personal injury cases consists of waiting for the injured party’s treatment to be completed before demanding compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance.
6. Demand for Compensation
   1. Once you have finished treatment, you should contact your attorney. They will then prepare your file for the demand.

Insured & Injured Passenger of Uninsured Not at Fault Vehicle:

1. Initial Treatment
   1. Seek treatment after the collision for any immediate pain and injuries sustained. Keep an eye on your injuries for additional and worsening symptoms.
2. File a Claim with your No-Fault Insurance.
   1. Despite you being in someone else’s vehicle, your insurance is still the first priority for any injuries sustained in the collision. Only when a demand is sent will you receive payment from the at-fault party’s insurance.
   2. To set up a no-fault claim, you will need to contact your insurance and tell them you are looking to set up a no-fault claim to receive no-fault benefits.
   3. Once they have the completed form, you will likely be approved for no-fault benefits.
   4. If you have already contacted an attorney and you have not established a claim, your legal team can establish a claim for you.
3. File a Bodily Injury Claim with the At-Fault Party’s Insurance
   1. To set up a bodily injury claim, you will need to contact the at-fault party’s insurance company and notify them that you are looking to set up a bodily injury claim.
   2. If you have already contacted an attorney and you have not established this claim, your legal team can establish the claim for you.
4. Contact an Attorney
   1. At this time, it would be wise to contact an attorney, as passenger injury cases can be complex.
   2. Despite the occupied car being uninsured, you still have a right to compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance.
   3. At BK Law Group, we navigate all the complexities of personal injury cases so you can focus on your recovery and overall well-being.
5. Treat until Recovered
   1. After a claim has been made and all parties are notified (insurance companies, treatment facilities, attorneys, etc.), you should continue to treat your injuries until you have fully recovered or are in pre-accident condition.
   2. The bulk of personal injury cases consists of waiting for the injured party’s treatment to be completed before demanding compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance.
6. Demand for Compensation
   1. Once you have finished treatment, you should contact your attorney. They will then prepare your file for the demand.

Uninsured & Injured Passenger of Insured Not at Fault Vehicle:

1. Initial Treatment
   1. Seek treatment after the collision for any immediate pain and injuries sustained. Keep an eye on your injuries for additional and worsening symptoms.
2. File a No-Fault Claim with the Not at Fault Vehicles Insurance
   1. Despite not having auto insurance, you are still covered under the not-at-fault party’s insurance. However, they will want to establish that you have no other insurance that you can use before they accept the claim and pay for No-Fault benefits.
   2. If you have yet to establish a claim, BK Law Group’s dedicated personal injury team will be happy to help you start that claim.
3. File a Bodily Injury Claim with the At-Fault Party’s Insurance
   1. To set up a bodily injury claim, you will need to contact the at-fault party’s insurance company and notify them that you are looking to set up a bodily injury claim.
   2. If you have already contacted an attorney and you have not established this claim, your legal team can establish the claim for you.
4. Contact an Attorney
   1. At this time, it would be wise to contact an attorney, as uninsured passenger injury cases can be complex.
   2. At BK Law Group, we understand the complexities of passenger injury cases, and we work diligently to ensure that you receive the most compensation possible. If you have any questions and would like a free consultation, please call our offices, and we would be more than happy to help.
5. Treat until Recovered
   1. After a claim has been made and all parties are notified (insurance companies, treatment facilities, attorneys, etc.), you should continue to treat your injuries until you have fully recovered or are in pre-accident condition.
   2. The bulk of personal injury cases consists of waiting for the injured party’s treatment to be completed before demanding compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance.
6. Demand for Compensation
   1. Once you have finished treatment, you should contact your attorney. They will then prepare your file for the demand.

Uninsured & Injured Passenger of Uninsured Not at Fault Vehicle:

1. Initial Treatment
   1. Seek treatment after the collision for any immediate pain and injuries sustained. Keep an eye on your injuries for additional and worsening symptoms.
2. Contact an Attorney
   1. Despite neither you nor the occupied vehicle having insurance, you may still be entitled to no-fault benefits through the Minnesota Automobile Assigned Claims Bureau.
   2. You also may still have a claim for compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance. At BK Law Group, we handle the complexities of the cases so you can focus on your recovery and overall health. If you have questions about your case and would like a free consultation, call our offices, and we will be happy to help.

Not Injured Passenger of Not at Fault Vehicle – Insured or Uninsured

1. Monitor Potential Injuries
   1. Injuries can arise later in the case. It’s important to note whether any injuries arise after the collision that could have been directly caused by it. These might include injuries such as neck pain, whiplash, concussion, etc. Some of these symptoms might present themselves days after a collision.
   2. If you later develop injuries and seek treatment, then you should consider contacting a personal injury attorney for a free consultation and evaluation of your case.

DRIVER AT FAULT VARIETIES:

At Fault, Injured, & Insured

1. Initial Treatment
   1. It’s vital to seek treatment after the collision to assess any immediate pain and injuries sustained in the collision.
2. File a No-Fault Claim
   1. After the collision, you should file a no-fault claim. While it might seem counterintuitive to file a claim for an at-fault collision, you are still entitled to no-fault benefits even if you are at fault.
3. Apply for No-Fault benefits.
   1. Once a claim is established, you will want to apply for no-fault benefits. Your insurance should send you an application to complete and return to them. Once they have completed the application, you should be approved for no-fault benefits.
4. Treat until Recovered & Monitor No-Fault Benefits
   1. Now you need to treat until you have recovered. During this time, your no-fault benefits will be active, and you should have your treatment facilities send the bill to your no-fault insurance rather than your health insurance.
   2. It’s important to keep track of your no-fault benefits. You have $20,000.00 in medical benefits and mileage reimbursement, and once that $20,000.00 is used, you will have exhausted your medical no-fault benefits. However, you may still have additional non-medical benefits available, such as replacement services and wage loss.
5. Watch for Insurance & Attorney Correspondence
   1. Your insurance handles personal injury cases, and you will likely not have much involvement. However, if the case goes to litigation, you will be notified, and if the awarded amount exceeds your policy limits, you will be liable for the remaining amount. More often than not, insurance companies will settle claims as they do not want to manage the complexities of litigation. However, that doesn’t eliminate the possibility of litigation altogether.
   2. If you receive documentation from a law office, it’s advised that you contact your insurance company right away for further explanation of your case. While it might be tempting, do not contact the law office that sent you the letter. They will not be able to reveal any information and will direct you to call your own insurance for further details.

At Fault, Injured, & Uninsured

1. Treat your Injuries
   1. You should seek treatment as soon as possible after a collision to determine any immediate injuries sustained after the collision. You should then follow up on those treatments until you have healed.
2. Obtain Insurance
   1. Get Insurance as soon as possible if you are able.
   2. Driving in Minnesota without insurance can incur penalties of at least $200.00, revocation of your license, and you could be charged with a misdemeanor.
3. Watch for Insurance & Attorney Correspondence.
   1. You may receive notice that you are being sued for the injuries sustained during the collision and for non-economic damage.
   2. However, insured individuals have uninsured and underinsured policies to cover cases where the at-fault party is uninsured/underinsured. If the amount for the uninsured/underinsured claim does not cover all the damages, you may be sued to recover the remaining damages.

At Fault, Not Injured, & Insured

1. Report the collision
   1. It’s important to report the collision so you have documentation of the crash if you develop injuries a few days after the collision.
2. Monitor Potential Injuries
   1. Injuries can arise later in the case. You should take time to monitor yourself and any injuries or pains you feel, and if they are worsening over the next few days.
   2. If injuries develop, you can apply for no-fault benefits from your auto insurance.

At Fault, Not Injured, & Uninsured

1. Obtain Insurance
   1. Get Insurance as soon as possible if you are able.
   2. Driving in Minnesota without insurance can incur penalties of at least $200.00, revocation of your license, and you could be charged with a misdemeanor.
2. Watch for Insurance & Attorney Correspondence.
   1. You may receive notice that you are being sued for the injuries sustained during the collision and for non-economic damage.
   2. However, insured individuals have uninsured and underinsured policies to cover cases where the at-fault party is uninsured/underinsured. If the amount for the uninsured/underinsured claim does not cover all the damages, you may be sued to recover the remaining damages.

PASSENGER IN AT FAULT DRIVERS’ VEHICLE

Injured & Insured Passenger of Insured At-Fault vehicle

1. Initial Treatment
   1. Seek treatment after the collision for any immediate pain and injuries sustained. Keep an eye on your injuries for additional and worsening symptoms.
2. File a Claim with Your No-Fault Insurance
   1. Despite you being in the at-fault vehicle, your insurance is still the first priority for any injuries sustained in the collision. Only when a demand is sent will you receive payment from the at-fault party’s insurance.
   2. If you have already contacted an attorney and you have not established a claim, your legal team can establish a claim for you.
   3. Your insurance company will send you or your attorney an application to complete and return for your no-fault benefits. Once they receive the application for benefits, you will likely be approved for no-fault benefits.
3. File a Bodily Injury Claim with the At-Fault Party’s Insurance
   1. To set up a bodily injury claim, you will need to contact the at-fault party’s insurance company and notify them that you are looking to set up a bodily injury claim.
   2. If you have already contacted an attorney and you have not established this claim, your legal team can establish the claim for you.
4. Contact an Attorney
   1. At this time, it would be wise to contact an attorney, as passenger injury cases in the at-fault vehicle can be complex and sensitive.
   2. At BK Law Group, we understand the complexities and sensitivities of passenger injury cases, especially in at-fault vehicles, and we work diligently to ensure that you receive the most compensation possible. If you have any questions and would like a free consultation, please call our offices, and we would be more than happy to help.
5. Treat until Recovered
   1. After a claim has been made and all parties are notified (insurance companies, treatment facilities, attorneys, etc.), you should continue to treat your injuries until you have fully recovered or are in pre-accident condition.
   2. The bulk of personal injury cases consists of waiting for the injured party’s treatment to be completed before demanding compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance.
6. Demand for Compensation
   1. Once you have finished treatment, you should contact your attorney. They will then prepare your file for the demand.

Injured & Insured Passenger of Uninsured At-Fault Vehicle

1. Initial Treatment
   1. Seek treatment after the collision for any immediate pain and injuries sustained. Keep an eye on your injuries for additional and worsening symptoms.
2. File a Claim with Your No-Fault Insurance
   1. Despite you being in the at-fault vehicle, your insurance is still the first priority for any injuries sustained in the collision.
   2. If you have already contacted an attorney and you have not established a claim, your legal team can establish a claim for you.
   3. Your insurance company will send you or your attorney an application to complete and return for your no-fault benefits. Once they receive the application for benefits, you will likely be approved for no-fault benefits.
3. File an Uninsured Claim with your Auto Insurance.
   1. If the driver of the at-fault vehicle is uninsured, you can still receive compensation through your own insurance.
   2. If you have not yet filed an uninsured claim, your legal team can do so for you.
4. Contact an Attorney
   1. At this time, it would be wise to contact an attorney, as passenger injury cases with uninsured drivers can be complex.
5. Treat until Recovered
   1. After a claim has been made and all parties are notified (insurance companies, treatment facilities, attorneys, etc.), you should continue to treat your injuries until you have fully recovered or are in pre-accident condition.
   2. The bulk of personal injury cases consists of waiting for the injured party’s treatment to be completed before demanding compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance.
6. Demand for Compensation
   1. Once you have finished treatment, you should contact your attorney. They will then prepare your file for the demand.

Injured & Uninsured Passenger of Insured At-Fault Vehicle

1. Initial Treatment
   1. Seek treatment after the collision for any immediate pain and injuries sustained. Keep an eye on your injuries for additional and worsening symptoms.
2. File a No-Fault Claim with the At-Fault Vehicle’s Insurance
   1. Despite not having auto insurance, you are still covered under the occupied vehicles insurance. However, they will want to establish that you have no other insurance that you can use before they accept the claim and pay for no-fault benefits. You will likely also have to complete an application for benefits before you are approved.
   2. If you have yet to establish a claim, BK Law Group’s dedicated personal injury team will be happy to help you start that claim.
3. File a Bodily Injury Claim with the At-Fault Vehicle’s Insurance
   1. You will also need to establish a bodily injury claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance. This can usually be done over the phone.
   2. If you have not yet set up a bodily injury claim and you have retained an attorney, your legal team can complete this step on your behalf.
4. Contact an Attorney
   1. At this time, it would be wise to contact an attorney, as uninsured passenger injury cases can be complex.
   2. At BK Law Group, we understand the complexities of passenger injury cases, and we work diligently to ensure that you receive the most compensation possible. If you have any questions and would like a free consultation, please call our offices, and we would be more than happy to help.
5. Treat until Recovered
   1. After a claim has been made and all parties are notified (insurance companies, treatment facilities, attorneys, etc.), you should continue to treat your injuries until you have fully recovered or are in pre-accident condition.
   2. The bulk of personal injury cases consists of waiting for the injured party’s treatment to be completed before demanding compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance.
6. Demand for Compensation
   1. Once you have finished treatment, you should contact your attorney. They will then prepare your file for the demand.

Injured & Uninsured Passenger of Uninsured At-Fault Vehicle

1. Initial Treatment
   1. Seek treatment after the collision for any immediate pain and injuries sustained. Keep an eye on your injuries for additional and worsening symptoms.
2. Contact an Attorney
   1. Despite not having insurance, you may still be entitled to no-fault benefits through the Minnesota Automobile Assigned Claims Bureau.
   2. You also may still have a claim for compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance. At BK Law Group, we handle the complexities of the cases so you can focus on your recovery and overall health. If you have questions about your case and would like a free consultation, call our offices, and we will be happy to help.

Not Injured Passenger of At-Fault Vehicle – Uninsured or Insured

1. Monitor Potential Injuries
   1. Injuries can arise later in the case. It’s important to note whether any injuries arise after the collision. These might include injuries such as neck pain, whiplash, concussion, etc. Some of these symptoms might present themselves days after a collision.
   2. BK Law Group is here to help; if you later develop injuries and seek treatment, then you can call our offices for a free consultation and evaluation of your case.

Talk to an Attorney After a Car Accident in Minnesota

There are many complexities to a personal injury case, and many questions arise after a collision. However, the answer to the question, “What do I do after a car accident in Minnesota?” is to seek treatment. Immediate treatment after a collision is needed to assess and evaluate any injuries you might have sustained. Everything else can be handled by your personal injury attorney; your job is to treat your injuries and take care of your physical and mental well-being. At BK Law Group, we prioritize your safety and well-being above all else. If you were injured in a car crash and would like a free consultation, call our offices, and we would be more than happy to discuss your case.