Motorcycle Accident Claims in Minnesota
The Minnesota helmet law, whether lane splitting is legal, how fault is shared after a motorcycle crash, and the deadline to sue.
Short answer: Only motorcycle operators and passengers under 18 must wear a helmet meeting state standards; every operator must wear eye protection. Parade participants with a permit and riders in an enclosed-cab autocycle are exempt. Minn. Stat. §169.974, subd. 4
| Motorcycle helmet law | Only motorcycle operators and passengers under 18 must wear a helmet meeting state standards; every operator must wear eye protection. Parade participants with a permit and riders in an enclosed-cab autocycle are exempt. The statute does not say that not wearing a helmet reduces damages in a lawsuit. Source: Minn. Stat. §169.974, subd. 4 |
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| Lane splitting | Minnesota bans riding between lanes of moving or stationary vehicles headed the same way, riding abreast of other vehicles in the same lane, and passing within the same lane, except as allowed by the lane-filtering rule. Under that rule, a motorcyclist may overtake and pass another vehicle in the same direction within the same traffic lane only when riding no faster than 25 mph and no more than 15 mph faster than traffic. Filtering is not allowed in roundabouts, school zones, single-lane work zones, or freeway on-ramps with queued traffic. The section history lists amendments in 2024 and 2025 (1Sp2025 c 8 art 2 s 36). |
| Fault rule (comparative negligence) | Modified comparative fault (51% bar). The injured person's own fault does not bar recovery if it was not greater than the fault of the person being sued, but damages are reduced in proportion to the injured person's share of fault. The doctrine of last clear chance is abolished. |
| Minimum car insurance | Minnesota is a no-fault state. Required residual liability coverage is at least $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury and $10,000 for property damage. Basic economic loss (PIP) benefits must be at least $40,000 per person: $20,000 for medical expenses and $20,000 for income loss, replacement services, funeral and survivor's loss. A person may recover noneconomic damages in an auto case only if medical expenses exceed $4,000 or the injury results in permanent disfigurement, permanent injury, death, or disability for 60 days or more. PIP: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/65B.44 ; tort threshold: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/65B.51 |
| Deadline to sue for an injury | Generally six years for injury to the person not arising on contract (which covers negligence claims). Two years for libel, slander, assault, battery, false imprisonment or "other tort resulting in personal injury." Four years for strict product liability claims. Two-year rule: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/541.07 . Which personal injury claims fall under the two-year clause ("other tort resulting in personal injury") versus the six-year clause has been decided by Minnesota courts; check the deadline for a specific claim. |
More Minnesota personal injury & wrongful death
- Deadlines to File an Injury Lawsuit in Minnesota
- Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Minnesota
- Medical Malpractice Rules in Minnesota
- Car Accident Claims in Minnesota
- Dog Bite Liability in Minnesota
- Sidewalk and Public Property Falls in Minnesota
- Pedestrian Accident Claims in Minnesota
- Bicycle Accident Claims in Minnesota
- Uber and Lyft Accident Claims in Minnesota
- Truck Accident Claims in Minnesota
- Construction Site Injuries in Minnesota
- All Minnesota personal injury & wrongful death rules
FAQ
Do you have to wear a motorcycle helmet in Minnesota?
Only motorcycle operators and passengers under 18 must wear a helmet meeting state standards; every operator must wear eye protection. Parade participants with a permit and riders in an enclosed-cab autocycle are exempt. The statute does not say that not wearing a helmet reduces damages in a lawsuit.
Is lane splitting legal in Minnesota?
Minnesota bans riding between lanes of moving or stationary vehicles headed the same way, riding abreast of other vehicles in the same lane, and passing within the same lane, except as allowed by the lane-filtering rule. Under that rule, a motorcyclist may overtake and pass another vehicle in the same direction within the same traffic lane only when riding no faster than 25 mph and no more than 15 mph faster than traffic. Filtering is not allowed in roundabouts, school zones, single-lane work zones, or freeway on-ramps with queued traffic.
Can you recover damages if you were partly at fault in Minnesota?
Modified comparative fault (51% bar). The injured person's own fault does not bar recovery if it was not greater than the fault of the person being sued, but damages are reduced in proportion to the injured person's share of fault. The doctrine of last clear chance is abolished.
What is the minimum car insurance required in Minnesota?
Minnesota is a no-fault state. Required residual liability coverage is at least $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury and $10,000 for property damage. Basic economic loss (PIP) benefits must be at least $40,000 per person: $20,000 for medical expenses and $20,000 for income loss, replacement services, funeral and survivor's loss. A person may recover noneconomic damages in an auto case only if medical expenses exceed $4,000 or the injury results in permanent disfigurement, permanent injury, death, or disability for 60 days or more.
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury in Minnesota?
Generally six years for injury to the person not arising on contract (which covers negligence claims). Two years for libel, slander, assault, battery, false imprisonment or "other tort resulting in personal injury." Four years for strict product liability claims.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.