How Long Do I Have To File A Personal Injury Lawsuit in MN?

After a motorcycle accident in Minneapolis, time isn’t just money—it is your case. Every state has what is known as a “statute of limitations,” which is the legal deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit. In Minnesota, that deadline can sneak up faster than you think, especially when you are dealing with injuries, insurance claims, and trying to get your life back on track.

So, without further ado, here’s what to know if you’re wondering, “How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit?”

The Minnesota Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury

In most motorcycle accident cases, you have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit in Minnesota. This timeline applies whether you were a rider, passenger, or pedestrian injured in a motorcycle-related collision.

Two years might sound like a decent stretch of time, but it goes quickly when you are juggling medical appointments, physical therapy, and the insurance claim process. Waiting too long can cost you your right to compensation—once the two-year window closes, the court will likely dismiss your case, no matter how strong your claim is.

Wrongful Death After a Motorcycle Accident

If you are filing on behalf of a loved one who passed away due to a motorcycle crash, the timeline shifts slightly. Minnesota law gives surviving family members three years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. That said, no wrongful death lawsuit can be filed more than six years after the date of the actual accident, even if the person passed away later due to their injuries.

So again—there’s a window, and it closes faster than most families expect.

What If I Miss the Deadline?

Let’s say you attempt to file a lawsuit after the relevant deadline for your claim has passed. The defendant in your case can file a motion to dismiss your claim as untimely filed. The court hearing the case will review the motion and likely agree to do so. A dismissal would end your case and cause you to lose your right to compensation. Don’t risk this possibility. Instead, pursue your claims right away.

Why Deadlines Matter More for Motorcycle Riders

Motorcycle riders do not always receive fair treatment in the legal system or by insurance companies. There’s still a lot of bias out there, and adjusters often try to blame riders, even when the facts say otherwise.

Filing early not only preserves your rights—it gives your legal team more time to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and document the full extent of your injuries. Memories fade. Surveillance footage gets deleted. Skid marks disappear. The sooner your case is in motion, the better your chances of recovering everything you deserve.

What If You Are Dealing With Insurance First?

After a motorcycle accident, it is common to start with an insurance claim instead of going straight to court. But do not confuse that with extending your deadline. The statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit stays the same, regardless of how long the insurance process drags on.

That means if you are trying to negotiate a fair settlement with the other driver’s insurance and the two-year mark creeps up, you could lose your right to sue—leaving you stuck with whatever they decide to offer (if anything).

Are There Any Exceptions?

There are limited situations where the clock might pause—like if the injured person is a minor or legally incapacitated. But those are rare and do not apply to most motorcycle accident cases. If you are unsure about your timeline, it is always better to get clarity early on.

Law Tigers Always Have Your Back

At Law Tigers, we’re riders just like you. This allows us to provide the best legal representation and resources with a biker-friendly perspective. With our team on your side, you can go on adventures anywhere in the country and know that we’ll be there in case something unfortunate does happen.

Sign up for our free rider benefit kit today so you can be part of The Law Tigers Team. That way, you’ll never ride alone.