Minnesota operates under a no-fault insurance system. Following a car accident, you typically file a claim with your own insurer for the payment of your medical bills, irrespective of who was responsible for the collision. However, your role in the accident can impact the nature of additional claims you can make and the amount you can recoup.

Minnesota is a modified comparative negligence state, as specified in Minnesota Statutes section 604.01. This law implies that your compensation can be reduced by the percentage you are found to be responsible for the accident. This underscores the importance of establishing fault in a car accident.

Consider an instance where another vehicle disregards a red light and collides with you, but you were also speeding. It’s determined that while the other driver was 70% at fault, you were 30% at fault. If your damages total $100,000, due to your 30% responsibility for the accident, you could receive a maximum of $70,000. This highlights why proving you’re not at fault is crucial for obtaining full compensation for your accident-related expenses.

1. A Copy of the Police Report
If the police responded to the accident scene, they may have completed a report. This document includes details like the time, date, and location of the collision, which can be beneficial to your claim. In addition, the police report can include witness information and the officers’ observations of the car accident scene, including photographs and video.

2. Eyewitness Testimony
Testimonies from individuals who witnessed the accident can strengthen your case. These witnesses can be other passengers, bystanders, or law enforcement officials. Expert witnesses, like accident reconstruction specialists, can provide further insights.

3. Traffic Camera Footage
Footage from traffic cameras at intersections and major roads can show what actually happened during the accident.

4. Black Box Data
Many vehicles are equipped with “black boxes” that track speed, force of impact, and other collision data. This information can validate crucial aspects of your case.

5. Evidence From the Accident Scene
Photographs of the accident scene and of involved vehicles can be critical pieces of evidence. They can show the impact, type of collision, and other critical details.

6. Your Medical Records
Your medical records are crucial in demonstrating the cause and severity of your injuries, your diagnosis, and the necessary treatments. This evidence can help prove that you suffered harm due to another party’s negligent actions.

To prove fault, you must establish negligence under Minnesota law. The evidence collected must show:

1. The other party had a duty of care, meaning they were obligated to drive their vehicle with reasonable care.
2. The other party breached this duty of care by acting recklessly or carelessly, such as speeding, driving under the influence, or ignoring traffic signals.
3. This breach caused the accident, and you suffered harm as a result.
4. You have damages resulting from the accident, including medical bills, lost wages, and other related expenses.

If successful, you could be entitled to compensation for the full cost of both your past losses and future damages related to the car accident. Establishing fault in a car accident can be challenging and confusing. That’s where a Minnesota car accident attorney can help.

They can conduct an in-depth investigation into your collision, collect the necessary evidence, and work towards proving your right to recover damages. This expert guidance and support can be critical in navigating the complexities of the legal process and in securing the maximum compensation you’re entitled to under Minnesota law.