A car accident can scramble everything in seconds: your health, your finances, your sense of what comes next. The steps you take in the immediate aftermath can shape the strength of your personal injury claim just as much as the crash itself. At Meshbesher & Student, P.A., we've guided Minneapolis-area clients through this process for decades, and we know exactly where people slip up. Here's what to do.
Stop, Stay Safe, & Call 911
1. Stop your vehicle immediately.
Minnesota law requires all drivers involved in a collision to stop. Move to a safe location if possible, but do not leave the scene. Turn on your hazard lights.
2. Call 911.
Even when injuries seem minor, a police report creates an official record that can be critical to your personal injury case. Request an ambulance if anyone is hurt.
3. Seek medical attention even if you feel fine.
Whiplash, internal injuries, and concussions often don't show symptoms right away. Seeing a doctor within 24 hours documents your injuries and links them directly to the accident.
Minnesota tip: Minnesota is a no-fault insurance state, which means your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage pays your initial medical bills, regardless of who caused the crash. You still have the right to pursue a personal injury claim for serious injuries.
Gather Evidence at the Scene
The moments following a collision are your best and sometimes only window to document what happened. Your phone is your most powerful tool.
4. Photograph everything.
Capture all vehicles, damage, skid marks, road conditions, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. Get wide shots and close-ups.
5. Exchange information.
Get the other driver's name, license number, insurance company and policy number, and vehicle plate. Collect contact info from any witnesses.
6. Get the police report number.
Ask the responding officer for the report number so you can obtain the full report later. This document will be referenced throughout your claim.
What Not To Do
What you say at the scene matters legally. Do not apologize, admit fault, or speculate about what caused the crash. Avoid giving a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company before speaking with an attorney. Adjusters are trained to minimize payouts.
When to Contact a Minneapolis Personal Injury Attorney
Minnesota's statute of limitations gives car accident victims six years to file a personal injury lawsuit, but waiting that long is rarely wise. Evidence disappears. Witness memories fade. Insurance companies begin building their defense the moment a claim is reported.
If you've been injured in a Minneapolis car accident, speaking with a personal injury attorney early gives you a clearer picture of what your claim is worth and what deadlines apply to your specific situation. Our team at Meshbesher & Student, P.A. offers free consultations for accident victims throughout the Minneapolis metro. Review our successful outcomes on the Case Results page.
Hurt in a car accident? Talk to Meshbesher & Student, P.A.. Our Minneapolis personal injury attorneys are available to answer your questions, with no obligation and no upfront cost. Call us at (612) 200-1526 or contact us online for a FREE consultation.
