AFTER A CRASH
What to Do After a Car Accident in Minnesota
The decisions you make in the first few days after a collision shape your recovery and your records. This guide walks through them in sequence, from the roadside to the first month of care.
Written by Dr. Heather Flatgard O’Sullivan, DC, MS, CCSP® · General information, not legal or insurance advice
AT THE SCENE
Start Here
Safety first. Once everyone is out of harm’s way, the details you gather in the next few minutes will be difficult to recover later.
01 · Check for Injuries
Call 911 if anyone is hurt, if a vehicle cannot be moved, or if you are unsure. Law enforcement will document the scene, and a crash involving injury or significant property damage must be reported in Minnesota.
02 · Move to Safety
Turn on your hazard lights. If the vehicles are drivable, move them out of the travel lane and stay clear of traffic.
03 · Exchange Information
Record each driver’s name, phone number, insurance carrier, policy number and license plate. A photo of the other driver’s license and insurance card is the simplest way to do this.
04 · Document the Scene
Photograph every vehicle from several angles, along with the roadway, skid marks, weather conditions, any visible injuries and the interior of your car.
05 · Identify Witnesses
Ask any witnesses for a name and phone number before they leave. Independent accounts become valuable if the facts are later disputed.
06 · Keep to the Facts
Describe what happened to the other driver and to police without speculating about fault. Adrenaline makes it easy to say more than you know.
THE FIRST 72 HOURS
The First Seventy-Two Hours
Adrenaline suppresses pain. Whiplash, low back strain and concussion symptoms commonly emerge 24 to 72 hours after a collision, which is why the days immediately following a crash deserve more attention than they usually receive.
- Notify your own auto insurer. Minnesota is a no-fault state: your own policy’s personal injury protection (PIP) coverage pays your injury-related medical expenses first, regardless of who caused the crash. Ask for your claim number and your adjuster’s name and phone number.
- Be examined within 72 hours, even if you feel fine. An early examination documents your condition close to the event, establishes an objective baseline, and identifies injuries before they are masked or compounded.
- Write down what you remember. Approximate speed, direction of impact, where you were seated, whether you braced, and what you felt and when. Memory of these details fades quickly.
- Keep receipts and note missed work. Minnesota no-fault benefits include wage loss and replacement services in addition to medical care. Records make those benefits easier to access.
MINNESOTA NO-FAULT, EXPLAINED
How Coverage Works in Minnesota
Minnesota’s no-fault system is unfamiliar to most people until they need it. These are the essentials.
Your Own Policy Pays First
Every Minnesota auto policy includes personal injury protection: at least $20,000 for medical expenses and $20,000 for wage loss and replacement services, payable regardless of fault.
A Claim Is Not a Lawsuit
Opening a PIP claim means using coverage you already pay for. It is not a legal action against anyone.
Passengers, Cyclists and Pedestrians
No-fault benefits also apply if you were a passenger, a cyclist or a pedestrian. Which policy pays first depends on your circumstances; your insurer or an attorney can explain the order of coverage.
Choice of Provider
Minnesota no-fault does not restrict you to a particular clinic. Bring your claim number to your first visit and we bill your auto insurer directly.
Independent Medical Examinations
Under Minnesota law, an insurer may require an independent medical examination (IME). Thorough, consistent records from your treating provider are the most useful response.
Vehicle Damage Is Separate
No-fault coverage applies to injuries, not to your vehicle. Property damage is handled through the at-fault driver’s liability coverage or your own collision coverage.
What to bring and what to expect at your first visit: Auto Accident & Work Injury Care →
THE FIRST 30 DAYS
The First Month
Recovery is measured, and so is the record of it. These habits support both.
- Keep your appointments. Consistent care produces consistent records, and gaps in treatment are difficult to explain afterward.
- Expect re-examinations. Progress is measured at set intervals, and the plan changes when you do.
- Report every symptom, including changes in sleep, concentration and mood. These matter for concussion screening and are easy to overlook.
- Keep a brief symptom log. What hurts, what aggravates it, and what you cannot yet do.
- Check with your attorney before you sign. Be sure to consult your attorney on any questions regarding releases, settlement offers or recorded statements.
Go to the emergency room first if you struck your head or lost consciousness, or if you experience a severe or worsening headache, vomiting, confusion, numbness or weakness, chest pain, or loss of bladder or bowel control. We will be here afterward.
WORKING WITH AN ATTORNEY
When People Seek Legal Advice
Many people navigate a minor collision without an attorney. Others seek a consultation when injuries are significant, when fault is disputed, when the other driver was uninsured or underinsured, when benefits are delayed or denied, or when they have missed substantial work. Only an attorney can tell you whether your situation warrants representation.
Whether or not you retain counsel, our role is the same: a careful examination, appropriate care and accurate, timely records. If you have an attorney, we coordinate directly with their office.
You do not need an attorney to be examined. You do need to be examined.
CAR ACCIDENT FAQ
Common Questions After a Collision
Answers to the questions we hear most often. For anything else, call (952) 920-9247.
I feel fine. Do I still need to be examined?
Yes. Symptoms commonly appear 24 to 72 hours after a crash, and an early examination establishes a baseline whether or not an injury is found. Documenting your condition close to the event is also important for your records.
The other driver was at fault. Why is my own insurance paying?
Because Minnesota is a no-fault state. Your own personal injury protection coverage pays your medical and wage-loss benefits first, regardless of fault. The at-fault driver’s liability coverage applies to vehicle damage and, in some circumstances, to injury costs beyond no-fault limits.
Will a claim raise my premium?
That depends on your insurer’s surcharge plan, which Minnesota law requires insurers to disclose to policyholders. Your agent or insurer can tell you how a specific claim would be treated.
What if the accident was weeks ago?
An examination is still worthwhile. Symptoms that persist or recur after a collision are common, and a careful evaluation now can help prevent them from becoming long-term.
Can I choose my own provider?
Yes. Minnesota no-fault does not require you to use a specific clinic. Bring your claim number and we handle the billing with your insurer.
What should I bring to my first visit?
Your claim number, your adjuster’s name and phone number, your auto insurance card, and any emergency room or urgent care paperwork. If you have an attorney, bring their contact information as well.
RECOVER · PERFORM · KEEP GOING
Get Examined. Get Clarity.
Schedule a visit at Excelsior & Grand Chiropractic in St. Louis Park, MN, serving Minneapolis, Edina, Golden Valley and Hopkins. Bring your claim number, and we will handle the billing from there.
Questions first? Call (952) 920-9247. This page is general information and is not legal, insurance or medical advice for your specific situation.