Breakdown of 2023 Minnesota Motor Vehicle Accident Statistics
Minnesota Motor Vehicle Accident Statistics
Motor vehicle crashes are all too familiar in Minnesota. In 2023 alone, there were 64,711 motor vehicle crashes reported statewide. Of these, 17,226 resulted in injuries, while 379 resulted in fatalities. In total, 23,731 individuals suffered injuries, and 418 people lost their lives. This translates to 177 crashes, 65 injuries, and at least one death each day throughout the state.
At Sieben Polk P.A., we understand that each statistic represents a real person with a real story. That’s why we’re committed to seeking justice for accident victims and their loved ones. Call (651) 437-3148 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation with our trusted car accident lawyers.
The remainder of this page further explores Minnesota car accident statistics in 2023 and what they might mean for you. Read on to learn more.
Accidents Involving Pedestrians
Pedestrians are perhaps the most vulnerable road users, and they often pay the highest price for driver negligence. In 2023, there were 663 pedestrian-involved collisions in Minnesota, resulting in 44 deaths and 608 injuries.
Nearly 30 percent of Minnesota pedestrian accidents led to serious injury or death, and 86 percent resulted in any type of injury. Even minor pedestrian accident injuries can result in significant medical expenses and lost time at work, so it’s essential to seek legal representation after any pedestrian-involved collision.
Accidents Involving Cyclists
Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers on Minnesota’s roads but are more susceptible to severe injuries in accidents. In 2023, there were 564 collisions involving bicycles in Minnesota, which resulted in seven deaths and 502 injuries. Roughly 16 percent of Minnesota bicycle accidents led to severe injury or death.
Only 69 injured bicyclists wore a Department of Transportation (DOT) approved helmet at the time of their accident. Though not wearing a helmet can make it more difficult to recover compensation, Minnesota’s modified comparative fault law may still allow an injured cyclist to seek damages even if their injuries were partially their fault.
Trucking Accidents
Commercial trucks pose a significant risk to other road users due to their size and weight. In Minnesota, there were 5,467 reported collisions involving commercial vehicles in 2023, resulting in 1,517 injuries and 70 deaths.
The majority of commercial vehicle accidents in Minnesota involved trucks over 10,000 pounds. 1.3 percent of these accidents resulted in fatalities compared to less than one percent for trucks under 10,000 pounds. Severely injured Minnesota truck accident victims and deceased victims’ loved ones may hold trucking companies and other parties accountable for the damages resulting from their negligence.
Accidents Involving Motorcyclists
There were 1,018 collisions involving motorcycles in Minnesota in 2023. These accidents resulted in 962 injuries and 67 fatalities.
Motorcyclists lack the protection of an enclosed vehicle and are significantly more vulnerable in accidents. Nearly 90 percent of Minnesota motorcycle accidents resulted in injury or wrongful death, compared to only 26 percent of passenger car accidents.
Accidents Involving Trains
Accidents between trains and motor vehicles are rare in Minnesota, but they can have catastrophic consequences. In 2023, there were 44 motor vehicle collisions involving trains, resulting in 13 injuries and two deaths. Train accident victims with substantial damages may be eligible to recover compensation from the train company, conductor, or other parties responsible for the accident.
Accidents Involving Teen Drivers
Minnesota law allows teen drivers as young as 15 to get behind the wheel. Teen drivers lack the experience and maturity of adult drivers, making them more prone to accidents. There were 11,054 collisions involving drivers under age 20 in Minnesota in 2023. Forty-six people lost their lives, while 4,425 people suffered injuries in these accidents.
Accidents Involving Senior Citizens
Some of the most severe Minnesota car accident injuries occur among senior drivers and passengers. Older adults are more vulnerable to injury and have more trouble recovering. They are also more likely to have preexisting conditions that insurance companies may try to use against them.
In 2023, 13,478 car crashes in Minnesota involved drivers or passengers aged 65 and older. These resulted in 6,788 injuries and 154 deaths. There were 515 injuries or fatalities per 1000 Minnesota car crashes involving senior citizens. In contrast, there were 446 injuries or fatalities per 1000 crashes involving drivers and passengers under the age of 65.
Common Causes of Vehicle Accidents in Minnesota
Many factors can contribute to a Minnesota motor vehicle accident, but some were more prevalent than others in 2023.
Distracted Driving
Driving requires full attention, and any activity that takes a driver’s mind off the road puts them at greater risk of an accident. Distracted driving was a contributing factor in 3,852 collisions in Minnesota in 2023. These collisions resulted in 1,745 injuries and 17 fatalities. Electronic devices and passengers were the most common distractions responsible for these accidents.
DUIs
Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s judgment, coordination, and reaction time. These impairments impede their ability to safely operate a vehicle. In 2023, there were 4,439 impairment-related collisions on Minnesota’s roads, resulting in 2,588 injuries and 110 fatalities. In total, 3,826 impairment-related collisions specifically involved drunk driving.
Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving can take many forms, including speeding, tailgating, road rage, and weaving in and out of traffic. These behaviors threaten the safety of everyone on the road. Data from 2023 notes “operating a vehicle in a reckless or aggressive manner” as a contributing factor in 707 traffic accidents in Minnesota, along with 489 injuries and 18 deaths.
Driving While Fatigued
Experts argue that drowsy or fatigued driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving. While Minnesota car accident statistics are unavailable for fatigue-related accidents, the state had 4,836 crashes between midnight and 5:59 AM in 2023. These accidents could have numerous causes, but it’s safe to assume that many resulted from fatigued driving.
Contact Sieben Polk P.A. Today For Your Free Consultation
Motor vehicle accidents affect the lives of thousands of Minnesotans each year, leaving victims and their families to grapple with physical, emotional, and financial turmoil. If you or a loved one has suffered harm in a car accident in Minnesota, Sieben Polk P.A. can help you explore your options for pursuing compensation. Call (651) 437-3148 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation with our trusted personal injury lawyers.
Sources
“Answers to Common Teen Driving Questions.” Minnesota Department of Public Safety, https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ots/teen-driving/Pages/faq.aspx. Accessed 29 Feb. 2024.
“Minnesota Bike Law FAQ.” Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota, https://www.bikemn.org/mn-bicycling-handbook/minnesota-bike-law-faq/. Accessed 29 Feb. 2024.
“Minnesota Crash Statistics.” MNCrash, https://mncrash.state.mn.us/. Accessed 29 Feb. 2024.
“Older Drivers.” Minnesota Department of Public Safety, https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ots/older-drivers/Pages/default.aspx. Accessed 29 Feb. 2024.
Pacheco, Danielle, and Dr. Anis Rehman. “Drowsy Driving vs. Drunk Driving: How Similar Are They?” Sleep Foundation, 3 Nov. 2023, https://www.sleepfoundation.org/drowsy-driving/drowsy-driving-vs-drunk-driving.
“Sec. 604.01 MN Statutes.” Minnesota Legislature, https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/604.01. Accessed 29 Feb. 2024.
