How Long Until I Get My
Car Accident Check in Minnesota?
After a Minnesota car accident, clients ask when they’ll get a settlement check. Timelines vary by claim type and complexity, but general guidance helps set expectations for victims.
Understanding Minnesota’s No-Fault System
Minnesota is a no-fault state, meaning your auto insurance covers damages regardless of fault, up to policy limits. Compensation comes through personal injury protection (PIP). Minimum PIP coverage includes $20,000 for medical expenses (including travel to appointments) and $20,000 for wage loss and replacement services, covering up to 85% of weekly wages capped at $500. Benefits usually begin within days or weeks after filing. You must file within six months, and insurers must prove harm to deny late claims.
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When You Can Pursue Additional Compensation
If your injuries are severe, you may have to step outside the no-fault system and pursue additional compensation from the at-fault driver. In Minnesota, you can do this if you meet one of the specific tort thresholds:
At least $4,000 in medical expenses
60 days of disability
Permanent injury or disfigurement
Death
This additional compensation can include pain and suffering, as well as property damage, which aren’t covered by your No-Fault PIP benefits.
How Long Do Car Accident Settlements Take?
Simple Cases: Six to Nine Months:- Car accident cases with clear fault and moderate injuries settle in 6–9 months after treatment, with cooperative insurers and disputes.
Complex Cases: A Year or More:-
Complex cases take longer due to disputed fault, severe injuries needing ongoing treatment, or insurers delaying, negotiating, or denying compensation.
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The Settlement Process:
Step by Step
Phase 1: Demand Package Preparation (Days to Weeks): Attorney collects records, bills, expert reports, employment proof, and pain evidence to calculate your value.
Phase 2: Insurance Company Response (15–90 Days): After sending the demand package, insurers usually respond within 15 to 90 days. Their first offer is often low, hoping you accept quickly.
Phase 3: Negotiation (Weeks to Months): Your attorney negotiates with the insurance company through multiple offers and counteroffers to secure fair compensation.
Phase 4: Settlement Agreement (Days): Once both sides agree, legal paperwork is prepared and finalized quickly.
Signing the Release (One to Two Weeks)
Insurance Company Processing (Three to Six Weeks)
Attorney Processing (One to Two Weeks)
Can Delay Your Settlement Check?
Ongoing Medical Treatment: You shouldn’t settle until you understand the full extent of your injuries. If you’re still receiving treatment or your condition is changing, it’s wise to wait until you reach maximum medical improvement.
Disputed Fault: Investigation and negotiation take time when liability is unclear. If there are questions about who caused the accident or if multiple parties share responsibility, expect a longer process.
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Multiple Insurance Companies: When several vehicles or insurance companies are involved, coordination becomes more complex and time-consuming.
Inadequate Initial Offers: Your attorney may need considerable time to negotiate fair compensation, especially if the insurance company’s initial offer is unreasonably low.
Administrative Delays: Medical Records: Hospitals and doctors can be slow to provide complete records.
Some medical facilities have lengthy processing times that can delay your case.
Insurance Company Processing: Some insurers have slower internal procedures than others. Larger companies may have more bureaucratic processes.
Medical Liens: Resolving liens from healthcare providers, Medicare, Medicaid, or other government agencies can significantly extend the process by weeks.
Document Accuracy: Errors in paperwork or missing signatures can cause delays that require additional time to correct. Knowing this makes it especially important to have an experienced attorney who will ensure all paperwork is filed accurately and on time.
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Managing Your Finances While You Wait
While waiting for your settlement, consider these strategies to cover your expenses.
Immediate Needs
Use your PIP benefits for medical bills and lost wages
Consider applying for short-term disability if available through your employer
Look into payment plans with medical providers
Contact utility companies about hardship programs if needed
Ongoing Expenses
Create a budget to manage your existing funds carefully
Avoid taking on unnecessary debt during this period
Keep detailed records of all accident-related expenses
Consider temporary work if your injuries allow
Remember, a fair settlement is more important than a fast settlement.
How SiebenCarey Can Help
At SiebenCarey, we understand the importance of securing the compensation you deserve. Our approach includes:
We stay on top of deadlines and requirements to prevent unnecessary delays.
With over 70 years of experience, we understand how various insurers operate.
We gather all necessary documentation quickly and present compelling cases that get results.
We reject unfair offers, valuing your claim and fighting for full compensation.
You don’t pay us unless we win, so we’re motivated to resolve your case as efficiently as possible.
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