Minnesota Personal Injury Settlement Calculator
Minnesota requires the highest PIP coverage of any US state — $40,000. This robust no-fault system ensures injury victims receive substantial initial coverage regardless of fault. Modified comparative fault (51% bar) governs lawsuits that exceed the no-fault threshold.
Minnesota's $40,000 PIP — Highest in the US
Minnesota is a no-fault state under Minn. Stat. § 65B.44, requiring all drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage of at least $40,000 — the highest mandatory PIP requirement of any state in the US. This splits into $20,000 for medical expenses and $20,000 for non-medical losses (lost wages, replacement services).
$20,000 medical PIP: Covers all reasonable medical and rehabilitation expenses from the crash, regardless of fault.
$20,000 non-medical PIP: Covers lost wages (up to $500/week), replacement services, and survivors' economic losses.
Suing outside the no-fault system: You can bring a lawsuit against the at-fault driver for pain and suffering when your medical expenses exceed $4,000, you suffer a disability for 60+ days, a permanent disfigurement, or death.
Minnesota's modified comparative fault (51% bar) under Minn. Stat. § 604.01 then governs any lawsuit — if you are 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing from the other driver.
Statute of Limitations: 2 Years
| Case Type | Time Limit |
|---|---|
| Personal Injury | 2 years |
| Wrongful Death | 3 years |
| Property Damage | 6 years |
Average Settlements in Minnesota
Minnesota settlements are above the national average, driven by Minneapolis's higher wages, substantial healthcare costs, and an active plaintiff bar. Because the $40K PIP threshold filters out minor cases, lawsuits that do proceed tend to involve more serious injuries — pushing average settlement values up.
- Minor injuries (soft tissue, whiplash): $10,000 - $35,000
- Moderate injuries (fractures, surgery): $45,000 - $130,000
- Serious injuries (permanent disability): $200,000 - $800,000
- Catastrophic injuries: $800,000+
Top Cities in Minnesota
| City | Population | Settlement Trends |
|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis | 429K | Highest in state |
| St. Paul | 311K | High |
| Rochester | 121K | Moderate |
Minnesota Insurance Minimums
Minnesota requires drivers to carry the following minimum auto liability insurance coverage:
Required Minimum Coverage (Minnesota)
- Bodily Injury: $30,000 per person / $60,000 per accident
- Property Damage: $10,000 per accident
Minnesota requires 30/60/10 minimum auto liability. Minnesota is a no-fault state with mandatory PIP ($40,000 minimum covering medical expenses and lost wages). You can sue the at-fault driver only if your medical bills exceed $4,000 or you suffer permanent injury.
Settlement Amounts by Injury Type in Minnesota
Settlement values vary widely depending on how badly you were hurt. These ranges are based on typical outcomes in Minnesota courts and insurance negotiations. Your case could be higher or lower depending on the specifics.
| Injury Type | Typical Settlement Range | Multiplier Used |
|---|---|---|
| Whiplash / Soft Tissue | $8,000 - $25,000 | 1.5x - 2.5x |
| Fractures | $30,000 - $85,000 | 2x - 3.5x |
| Herniated Disc | $40,000 - $115,000 | 2.5x - 4x |
| Concussion / Mild TBI | $30,000 - $90,000 | 2x - 3.5x |
| Burns | $45,000 - $180,000 | 3x - 5x |
| Back / Spinal Injury | $75,000 - $380,000 | 3.5x - 5x |
| Knee / Shoulder Surgery | $45,000 - $140,000 | 2.5x - 4x |
| Wrongful Death | $450,000 - $2,500,000+ | N/A |
These numbers reflect cases where the other party was clearly at fault. If you share some blame, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault under Minnesota's negligence rules.
Damages Caps in Minnesota
Minnesota does not cap economic or non-economic damages in personal injury cases. Punitive damages are uncapped but rare and require clear and convincing evidence of deliberate disregard for safety. Medical malpractice has no damages cap in Minnesota.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Minnesota's statute of limitations for personal injury?
Minnesota has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims (Minn. Stat. § 541.07). Wrongful death claims must also be filed within 3 years. Missing the personal injury deadline permanently bars your claim, so it's critical to act promptly.
How does Minnesota's modified comparative fault law work?
Minnesota uses modified comparative fault with a 51% bar (Minn. Stat. § 604.01). If you are 50% or less at fault, you recover damages reduced by your share of fault. If you are 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing. Minnesota is a no-fault state with the highest mandatory PIP requirement in the US at $40,000.
What is the average settlement in Minnesota?
Minnesota personal injury settlements average $35,000 to $135,000. Minneapolis and St. Paul see the highest verdicts. Minnesota's $40,000 PIP requirement means initial medical costs are well-covered, and claims that exceed the no-fault threshold tend to involve serious injuries with higher value. Minor injuries: $10K-$35K. Moderate injuries: $45K-$130K. Serious injuries: $200K-$800K.
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