Minnesota · Deadline to sue · Updated Oct 2026

Deadline to sue after a car accident in Minnesota

Time limits, government claims and a calculator.

Short answer

In Minnesota, you generally have 6 years from the crash to sue, for car damage and for an injury. To sue a Minnesota city, county or other municipality, give written notice of the claim to its governing body within 180 days after the loss or injury is discovered (Minn. Stat. § 466.05).

Property damage (your car)
6 years
Injury
6 years
Law
Minn. Stat. § 541.05, subd. 1(4), (5) (6 years for injury to personal property and for other non-contract injury, including negligence)
Small claims limit
$20,000

Claims against a government in Minnesota

  • To sue a Minnesota city, county or other municipality, give written notice of the claim to its governing body within 180 days after the loss or injury is discovered (Minn. Stat. § 466.05).
  • For a claim against the State, present notice to the attorney general within 180 days (Minn. Stat. § 3.736, subd. 5).

Other notes on the Minnesota deadlines

  • Intentional torts like assault have 2 years.

Deadline to sue in Minnesota

Minnesota: 6 years for property damageEnter the date of the crash to see the last day to file a lawsuit.

Protecting your deadline in Minnesota

  1. Deadline for both kinds of claim in Minnesota: 6 years.
  2. If a government was involved, act fast. To sue a Minnesota city, county or other municipality, give written notice of the claim to its governing body within 180 days after the loss or injury is discovered (Minn. Stat. § 466.05).
  3. Small claims, for car damage up to $20,000: Minnesota small claims guide on Small Claims Map
  4. Don't wait for the insurer: talks with an adjuster don't stop the clock.

Free help in Minnesota

Questions about deadlines to sue in Minnesota

How long do you have to sue after a car accident in Minnesota?

6 years from the crash, for car damage and for an injury (Minn. Stat. § 541.05, subd. 1(4), (5) (6 years for injury to personal property and for other non-contract injury, including negligence)).

How do claims against a government work in Minnesota?

To sue a Minnesota city, county or other municipality, give written notice of the claim to its governing body within 180 days after the loss or injury is discovered (Minn. Stat. § 466.05). For a claim against the State, present notice to the attorney general within 180 days (Minn. Stat. § 3.736, subd. 5).

What is the small claims limit in Minnesota?

$20,000 in Conciliation Court since July 1, 2024.

More for Minnesota drivers

Nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.