Auto Accident Attorney Minneapolis MN

A car accident can have devastating and life-changing consequences. When someone else’s negligence causes your injuries, you may be eligible for compensation from the at-fault driver. It may be tempting to handle the situation on your own, but you may recover significantly more when you work with our experienced auto accident attorney Minneapolis MN law firm on your side. The lawyers at Bye, Goff & Rhode are here to help. Contact our law firm for a free consultation.

Decades of Experience Handling Auto Accident Litigation

At Bye, Goff & Rhode, we know that serious injuries need serious lawyers. Our award-winning team of personal injury attorneys boasts over 180 years of combined experience, which we use to serve our clients in all kinds of auto accident cases. We offer innovative legal strategies that are focused on your success. 

Our Values 

Bye, Goff & Rohde believe in going above and beyond for our injury clients. Some injury lawyers rarely see the inside of a courtroom. They see settlement as the goal and are unprepared to take a case to trial. You can trust that our board-certified attorneys are prepared to take your case all the way to trial if that’s what it takes to get the results you deserve. 

Our law firm has represented victims in auto accident lawsuits in Minneapolis and the surrounding region since 1974. We recognize the importance of cultivating strong relationships with our clients. We will always prioritize your needs and comfort. 

We Understand the Local Pain Points

When you work with our auto accident attorneys, you can be confident in our knowledge about the local Minnesota and Wisconsin area. We know the high-risk roads and highways like the Lowry Hill Tunnel, giving us a unique perspective on your case that can help maximize your recovery.

Our Lawyers Are Prepared for All Kinds of Auto Accident Cases

When people think of auto accidents, they typically think of a crash involving a commuter vehicle, like a car or pickup truck. Bye, Goff & Rhode can represent people in all kinds of auto accidents in the greater Minneapolis area. Our attorneys are here to help you.

Car Accidents 

According to Minnesota Crash Statistics, Minneapolis and Hennepin County reported 63,655 accidents in 2024, resulting in 423 fatalities. The High Injury Street Network identifies many roads in Central Minneapolis as high-injury areas, including 7th Street North and Highway 152 in and out of the city. If you or a loved one has been injured in a traffic collision, our auto accident attorneys serving Minneapolis have extensive experience helping residents file successful claims.  

Motorcycle Accidents 

Motorcycle accidents require lawyers who are familiar with the local laws. These cases can be more challenging to win due to the high cost of damages that many motorcycle riders incur. Our team is skilled in negotiating with insurance providers and will fight for your right to fair compensation regardless of the cost of your injuries. 

Truck Accidents

Semi-trucks are a part of daily life and are essential for keeping the economy going. A collision between a car and a semi-truck can leave victims with lifelong injuries and unimaginable medical costs. Trucking companies have significant resources to invest in protecting themselves in the event of a crash, leaving the average truck accident victim at a significant disadvantage. Working with our Minneapolis auto accident attorneys can level the playing field and help you recover the maximum compensation available. 

Potential Causes of Auto Accidents in Minneapolis

Auto accidents occur due to a variety of factors and conditions. Based on a report from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, these are some common behaviors that lead to fatal accidents.

  • Speeding – Speed limits are in place for a reason. When people exceed the posted speed limit, they put their lives and the lives of other drivers at risk. Speeding also endangers pedestrians and bicyclists.
  • Drunk Driving – Drinking and driving can lead to catastrophic and even fatal collisions. The same is true of using any drugs or controlled substances before getting behind the wheel.
  • Distracted Driving – Texting while driving, looking up directions on your phone, or eating while driving can all take your attention away from the road. Though Minnesota has enacted distracted driving laws to mitigate these accidents, many fail to obey them. 
  • Lane Splitting – It’s also worth noting the dangers of lane splitting and how this can lead to motorcycle crashes as well as auto accidents with other kinds of vehicles.

Insurance Laws Could Affect Your Auto Accident Claim 

When it comes to auto accidents, Minnesota operates on a no-fault insurance model, which can affect how you process your claim. Most states use an at-fault policy, which requires the party at fault to pay for the damages. However, the no-fault system allows you to file a claim for reimbursement with your insurance, regardless of who was responsible for the accident. 

Personal Injury Protection Plan Coverage

Drivers and residents must maintain a basic personal injury protection policy (PIP) for any vehicles they own that are registered or primarily garaged in Minnesota. The legal minimum for this coverage is $40,000 per person, where $20,000 is allotted to medical expenses, and $20,000 is allowed for non-medical expenses. 

If you are in an accident on a motorcycle or snowmobile, your standard PIP for your vehicle may not cover your losses, as these often require additional coverage. Additionally, your PIP coverage is intended to cover losses related to injuries sustained in the accident and will likely not cover property damage to your vehicle. 

When Your Losses Exceed PIP Limits

If your injuries and losses exceed the limits on your PIP policy, you may need to pursue other avenues of compensation. At this point, you can pursue damages from the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. However, this will require evidence that the driver was responsible, and their provider will often provide pushback on your claim. Dealing with a claim through the other party’s insurance can be complicated, and injury victims often benefit from the support of our auto accident attorneys at this stage of the case. 

If you are unable to recover fair compensation from the other person’s insurance, it may be time to file a lawsuit. 

Indicators That You Need a Minneapolis Auto Accident Lawyer on Your Side

Many people hold off contacting an auto accident attorney until they feel they really need one. In reality, consulting with auto accident lawyers immediately following your collision gives you the best chance at maximizing your recovery. Some signs that it is time to contact a lawyer include:

  • Your injuries are serious or complex
  • Liability in the crash is unclear
  • Multiple parties are involved (common with semi-truck accidents or multi-vehicle accidents)
  • Insurance is denying your claim 

Insurance companies are likely to give more pushback when the dollar amounts are higher. This means that you are likely to have a hard time in cases where you need the compensation the most. If at any point you are unsure of what to do next, or even just overwhelmed by the process, it is time to call one of our auto accident lawyers serving Minneapolis, MN.

Insurance Companies Do Not Have Your Best Interests in Mind

One of the many reasons you need to obtain legal representation is that the insurance company’s primary goal is to protect its interests and minimize payouts. Your interests aren’t considered. They may call you in the day or two following an accident to get a recorded statement, and they will use the things you said in the statement, at the scene, or any other interaction with you to diminish the payout or displace their liability. 

Insurance companies may question the severity of your injuries or the expenses you submit, which can lead you to accept a less-than-fair offer or be unsure of what you deserve. 

Insurance companies may also secure a lower settlement by making an offer soon after the auto collision. It’s tempting to accept the initial offer, but you may not be aware of the extent of your injuries, especially if you have not sought medical treatment.

Time Limits to File an Auto Accident Injury Claim

The Minnesota Commerce Department requires you to file an insurance claim within six months of the accident. If you fail to file a claim with your insurance within that time, you may lose your ability to recover compensation through your own or the other driver’s policy. 

Further, the state of Minnesota has a two-year statute of limitations on most civil cases with rare exceptions. However, if you are filing your claim against a government entity, you may have less time. 

Two years may seem like plenty of time to make up your mind, but it is no excuse to delay legal action. It’s critical to consult with an attorney about your potential legal options sooner rather than later. 

Auto Accidents Can Cause Significant Injuries

Car accidents can be devastating, in some cases causing long-term or permanent disability. Some of the more common injuries we see at Bye, Goff & Rhode include:

Some of these injuries have a generally favorable prognosis, allowing for relatively easy recovery. Others may require surgical intervention, hospitalization, or ongoing treatment. Even relatively minor injuries can force you to incur hefty medical bills and leave you out of work for days or weeks.

This is an unacceptable burden for you to bear alone, and our auto accident lawyers serving Minneapolis  are ready to support you in holding the responsible parties accountable. 

Bye, Goff & Rhode Will Help You Recover the Compensation You Deserve 

Treating and recovering from serious injuries can be expensive, both in the costs you pay and the money you may lose while you are unable to work. Many auto accident victims are unaware of what qualifies for compensation. The specific damages and their value depend heavily on your individual case, but there are a few damages that we commonly claim on behalf of our clients.

Medical Bills

Medical bills can quickly pile up and cost you thousands of dollars. These are among the first considerations for our clients when we begin to discuss the damages in your case. This refers to past or current bills related to your injury, but may also include anticipated medical costs.  

Lost Wages and Earning Capacity

Whether you are unable to work because of your injuries or because you must take care of a loved one who was injured, you may be eligible to recover compensation for those lost wages. If you have sustained debilitating injuries, you may be eligible to claim compensation for your loss of earning potential to cover some of those future losses. 

Pain and Suffering

The medical costs and actual wages lost are easy to quantify and claim, but we would be remiss if we fail to advocate for our clients’ emotional health and experiential distress. You may be eligible to claim pain and suffering to compensate for the overall stress and hassle of your injuries. 

Wrongful Death

In the event that you have lost a loved one in an accident because of someone else’s negligence, you may choose to pursue a wrongful death claim. This type of claim can provide compensation for funeral expenses, as well as a financial cushion that can assist with grieving and changes to your household following the loss of a loved one. 

Contact Our Experienced Auto Accident Attorney Minneapolis MN Law Firm

After a car accident, you may feel vulnerable and without recourse. An attorney can help you identify the damages you are legally eligible to claim and level the playing field with the insurance company. We’re here to get results. Furthermore, we offer our services on a contingency basis, allowing you to get strong representation without any upfront attorney fees or legal costs.

Bye, Goff & Rhode is committed to supporting you during this vulnerable time. You can contact our River Falls, WI office today for a free case evaluation. You do not have to face this alone. We are here to help, so call us today.