How Long Until I Get My Car Accident Check in Minnesota?

Understanding Minnesota’s No-Fault System

Minnesota is a no-fault state. Under Minnesota law, your auto insurance will cover your damages regardless of who was at fault, up to policy limits. Compensation is made through the personal injury protection (PIP) coverage on your policy. The minimum coverage requirements for PIP are:

• $20,000 for medical expenses (including mileage to medical appointments)
• $20,000 for wage loss and replacement services (up to 85% of your weekly wages, capped at $500 per week)

These benefits typically become available within days to weeks after filing your claim, making them your fastest source of compensation. You must file your PIP claim within six months of the accident, but this deadline is relatively lenient. To deny coverage, the insurance company would have to demonstrate that it was harmed by your delay.

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?

The timeline for receiving a settlement check varies significantly based on the specific circumstances of your case. Here’s generally what we see in many of the cases we handle:

Simple Cases: Six to Nine Months

Car accident cases with clear liability and moderate injuries often settle within six to nine months after medical treatment is complete. These cases typically involve:

• Clear fault
• Straightforward injuries
• Minimal disputes over damages
• Cooperative insurance companies
  

Complex Cases: A Year or More

More complicated cases can take significantly longer to resolve. Factors that extend the timeline include:

• Disputed liability (fault is unclear or multiple parties may be responsible)
• Severe injuries that require extensive medical care or ongoing treatment
• Stubborn insurance companies are delaying negotiations or denying compensation

The Settlement Process: Step by Step

Phase 1: Demand Package Preparation (Days to Weeks)

When calculating your claim, your attorney will gather:

• Medical records and bills
• Reports from medical experts
• Employment records and evidence of wage loss
• Evidence of pain and suffering
  

Phase 2: Insurance Company Response (15-90 Days)

After your attorney sends the demand package, insurance companies typically respond within 15 to 90 days. Unfortunately, the initial offer is usually lower than you are actually owed. They hope that you will accept a lowball offer before you have a chance to assess the actual value of your claim.

Phase 3: Negotiation (Weeks to Months)

Every case involves back-and-forth negotiations between your attorney and the insurance company. The process can take several rounds of offers and counteroffers. Your attorney may encourage you to deny some settlement offers and demand a fair valuation of your claim.

Phase 4: Settlement Agreement (Days)

Once both sides agree on an amount, the legal paperwork is prepared relatively quickly.

Signing the Release (One to Two Weeks)

After reaching an agreement, you’ll need to sign a release form that waives your right to pursue further legal action. Your attorney should carefully review this document before you sign it.

Insurance Company Processing (Three to Six Weeks)

After you sign the release, you should receive your settlement check within three to six weeks. The insurance company needs time to issue the check and mail it to your attorney.

Attorney Processing (One to Two Weeks)

When your attorney receives the check, they will:

• Deposit the check into a trust account
• Pay any outstanding medical liens
• Deduct attorney fees as a percentage of the total settlement amount
• Pay case expenses (medical records, expert witnesses, filing fees)
• Issue you a check for the remaining balance

What Can Delay Your Settlement Check?

Several factors can extend the timeline beyond the typical expectations.

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.

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.

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. Rushing to accept an inadequate offer can leave you financially vulnerable for years to come.

How SiebenCarey Can Help

Having an experienced attorney can significantly impact both your settlement timeline and the amount you receive. Insurance companies often settle faster and for higher amounts when they know you have strong legal representation.

At SiebenCarey, we understand the importance of securing the compensation you deserve. Our approach includes:

• Efficient case management: We stay on top of deadlines and requirements to prevent unnecessary delays.
• Strong insurance relationships: With over 70 years of experience, we understand how various insurers operate.
• Thorough preparation: We gather all necessary documentation quickly and present compelling cases that get results.
• Aggressive negotiation: We don’t accept unfair offers. We will take the time to value your claim accurately and fight to ensure you receive every dollar you’re owed.
• Contingency fee payment: You don’t pay us unless we win, so we’re motivated to resolve your case as efficiently as possible.

Contact SiebenCarey Today

If you are injured in a Minnesota car accident, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can start working on your case.

Call 1-800-4-RIGHTS (1-800-474-4487) for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and provide a realistic timeline. If you’re recovering from injuries, we’ll come to you, or you can visit one of our convenient office locations throughout Minnesota.

Don’t let insurance companies pressure you into accepting less than your claim is worth. With proper legal representation, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the complex legal and insurance issues.