Nothing transforms Minneapolis roads quite like winter. While locals pride themselves on their cold-weather driving skills, even the most experienced drivers can find themselves sliding into trouble when snow and ice coat familiar streets. From unexpected black ice on Highway 100 (Lilac Way/Bottineau Boulevard) to whiteout conditions on I-94, winter weather creates dangerous hazards that can transform a routine commute into a life-changing car crash in seconds.

At TSR Injury Law, our experienced Minneapolis car crash attorneys have spent decades helping injured victims navigate the complex aftermath of winter weather crashes. We have a proven history of success and are dedicated to building a compelling case on your behalf. When a winter collision leaves you injured, you need an attorney who knows both Minneapolis winters and Minnesota law inside and out.

Request a FREE, no-risk case review today. Call: (612) TSR-TIME

How Do Winter Car Crashes Happen in Minneapolis?

Despite the aforementioned winter driving skills of long-time residents, Minneapolis, which averages 54 inches of snow each winter, creates significant challenges for even the most seasoned drivers. Winter car crashes often result from a combination of severe weather conditions and driver responses. Reduced visibility during snowfall limits reaction time and creates dangerous driving conditions. When temperatures fluctuate, roadways can quickly transform from wet to icy, catching drivers off guard.

Snow compaction from heavy traffic creates additional treacherous driving surfaces. Sudden whiteouts force drivers to brake unexpectedly, often leading to rear-end crashes. Bridge surfaces freeze before regular roadways, surprising many drivers, especially newer drivers or those who have not driven much in winter.

What Makes Winter Driving So Dangerous in Minnesota?

Minnesota’s unique winter weather patterns create distinct driving hazards that can test the nerves and driving skills of our most seasoned locals.

The unique dangers of driving in a Minnesota winter include:

• Temperatures that swing dramatically within hours, turning wet roads into sheets of ice.
• The Minneapolis area lake-effect, which can dump several inches of snow within minutes.
• Minneapolis’s grid system, with its frequent intersections and one-way streets, compounds winter driving challenges.
• Narrow side streets with packed snowbanks limit visibility at intersections.
• Multi-lane roads become particularly dangerous when snow covers lane markers.
• Deep freeze-thaw cycles create unexpected road damage, forcing drivers to swerve or brake suddenly.

As you can see, venturing out onto the snow-covered roads of Minneapolis requires drivers to stay alert at all times and to take certain precautions.

What Roads Are More Prone to Winter Crashes in Minneapolis?

Several Minneapolis roadways pose increased risks during winter conditions. Each area presents distinct challenges during snow and ice conditions.

35W/I-94 Commons (Downtown East)

This major interchange near U.S. Bank Stadium (exits 16A-17C) sees frequent winter crashes due to multiple merging lanes and reduced visibility. The elevated roadway freezes quickly, catching drivers off guard during temperature drops.

I-35W S-Curve (Downtown)

The sharp curve near the Minneapolis Convention Center (exits 16A-17A) challenges drivers year-round, but winter conditions make it particularly treacherous. Snow buildup along barriers reduces lane width, while ice formation on this banked curve increases spin-out risks.

Hennepin Avenue Downtown

The stretch between the Walker Art Center and the Mississippi River creates additional winter driving hazards due to the combination of pedestrian traffic and frequent stops. Hennepin’s winding path through downtown creates some additional driving challenges in winter. Snowbanks narrow the already-tight lanes, while ice forms quickly on shaded sections near tall buildings.

Cedar-Riverside Area

This complex network near the University of Minnesota becomes a navigation challenge in winter. Multiple levels of roadway near the Cedar Cultural Center create varying freeze patterns, while tight turns demand extra caution.

Highway 62 (Crosstown)

Open areas along the Crosstown, particularly near Lake Nokomis (exits 6-7), create sudden white-out conditions during storms. Wind-swept snow reduces visibility with little warning, especially near the Portland Avenue bridge.

Highway 100

The stretch between Minnetonka Boulevard and Golden Valley Road experiences dangerous white-out conditions. The long curves near Theodore Wirth Regional Park become especially slick during freeze-thaw cycles.

Broadway Avenue Corridor

This major east-west route near the North Minneapolis riverfront faces intense winter winds. The exposed roadway between Industrial Boulevard and the Mississippi River develops ice patches quickly, particularly on bridges and elevated sections.

University Avenue Hill

The steep grade between Prospect Park and the State Capitol becomes a major hazard zone during winter storms. Drivers struggle with traction heading both uphill and downhill near the KSTP tower, especially during rush hour traffic.

Who Can Be Liable for Damages Caused by Minneapolis Winter Crashes?

Many drivers may be surprised to find out that winter weather in Minneapolis does not qualify as an ‘act of God’ in legal terms. Courts consistently hold that drivers remain liable for crashes even in severe winter conditions. Why? Because winter weather is both predictable and manageable in Minnesota.

Drivers

Regardless of the weather, drivers have a legal duty to adjust their behavior to match road conditions, weather and the traffic, regardless of how challenging any of those conditions become.

Commercial Vehicles and Trucking Companies

Commercial trucks face stricter liability standards during winter conditions. Trucking companies must ensure their drivers receive winter safety training and their vehicles have proper snow-rated equipment. Delivery drivers working under tight deadlines still bear responsibility for safe winter driving practices.

What Do Minnesota Laws Say About Winter Driving Requirements?

Minnesota enforces specific winter driving laws to protect public safety, which includes the following:

Driver Must Clear Vehicle of Snow and Ice

Minnesota Statute 169.71 requires drivers to maintain clear windshields and windows. Legal requirements under this law include clearing snow from the hood, roof, and trunk to prevent flying ice, snow or other debris that endangers other drivers. Drivers who fail to clear away snow, ice or frost accumulation from their vehicle, windshield and windows is in violation of this law as it creates flying hazards for other drivers and can lead to a crash.

Vehicle Maintenance Standards

Drivers have a legal duty to keep their vehicles properly maintained and safe to operate year-round. However, Minnesota state law also requires specific winter maintenance standards. Drivers must maintain:

• Working windshield wipers and washer fluid
• Winter tires with proper tire tread depth for snow, ice and other winter weather conditions
• Functioning headlights, taillights, and brake lights
• Checking antifreeze levels and topping up with the correct mixture as needed
• Making sure vehicle heading and defrosting systems are in good working order
• Having all vehicle fluids checked: Brake fluid, engine oil, transmission fluid, and windshield washer
• Service braking system to ensure it is working
• Checking vehicle suspension to ensure shocks and struts do not need to be replaced

Speed and Control Laws

Minnesota’s “Basic Speed Law” requires drivers to decrease speed during adverse weather conditions, even when a safe speed is significantly below the posted limits. Law enforcement can issue citations for driving too fast for conditions, even when operating below the posted speed limit. Minnesota courts consistently uphold that posted speed limits apply only to ideal conditions.

Following Distance Requirements

State law requires drivers to maintain a safe following distance that allows for sudden stops. Winter conditions demand greater distances between vehicles. Vehicles take time to slow down, especially on less than perfect road conditions. Slamming on the brake on an icy or snowy road is a sure way to risk losing control of your vehicle. What qualifies as “safe” changes based on current road and weather conditions. Drivers are expected to pay attention to these changes and adjust their driving accordingly.

Use Headlights During Any Type of Precipitation

State law requires drivers to turn on their headlights during any precipitation, including snow, regardless of time of day.

How Is Fault Determined for Winter Crashes in Minneapolis?

Insurance companies, law enforcement, and courts examine multiple factors when determining fault in Minneapolis winter crashes. The investigation goes beyond standard crash assessments to include detailed analysis of weather conditions, road maintenance records, and driver preparedness. Even in challenging winter conditions, drivers must prove they took reasonable precautions and followed Minnesota winter driving laws.

Key factors in determining fault include:

• Driver’s speed relative to current road and weather conditions
• Vehicle maintenance records, including tire condition and winter equipment
• Following distance maintained before the crash
• Weather and road condition data at the time of the crash from official sources
• Traffic camera footage showing driver behavior
• Witness statements about road conditions and driver actions
• Evidence of proper vehicle preparation (snow removal, defrosting)
• Driver’s response to existing weather advisories
• Documentation of any emergency avoidance actions taken
• Vehicle positioning and lane maintenance during winter conditions

Important Evidence in Winter Weather Crash Claims

After considering the above factors, investigators will look at other key evidence from the crash scene. Photos taken immediately after the crash hold significant value. They capture real-time visual proof of weather conditions, road surface conditions, vehicle damage and vehicle positions before the plows or salt trucks arrive

If there are no traffic cameras where the crash occurred, there may be dashcam or smartphone footage from a passing driver. Witness statements from credible individuals, such as other drivers or workers in nearby businesses add important context.

Injured in a Minneapolis Winter Crash? Call TSR Injury Law for Legal Help

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, another driver’s negligence may lead to a crash that causes you harm. If this happens, it is important to understand your legal rights and how to protect them. Winter weather conditions add layers of complexity to car crash cases, but whatever the other driver may try to tell you, they do not diminish your right to seek compensation for injuries and other losses.

At TSR Injury Law, we understand how local weather patterns and Minnesota liability laws impact Minneapolis winter crashes. If you were injured in a Minneapolis car crash, our trusted law firm wants to help you.

Contact our law offices to discuss your situation and learn if you may have legal options. When we represent you, we leave nothing to chance. We fight for the compensation you deserve. There are no upfront costs or fees to pay, so there is no risk to you.

TSR Injury Law. We get you the results you need. Call: (612) TSR-TIME