Not a free pass to ignore every question from every person, and not an admission of guilt either. The right to remain silent is the constitutional protection that lets a person refuse to answer law enforcement questions when those answers could be used against them in a criminal case. It comes mainly from the Fifth Amendment and is closely tied to Miranda rights, which police must explain before a custodial interrogation. To use it effectively, a person usually has to say so clearly, such as stating that they want to remain silent and want a lawyer.

That matters because people under stress often talk too much, guess at facts, or try to explain away something before they know the full picture. A tired driver after a crash, for example, may say something inaccurate that later shows up in a police report or criminal charge. Once a statement is on the record, it can be hard to undo.

In Minnesota, this can overlap with injury cases after a vehicle collision. Minnesota is a no-fault auto insurance state, and basic PIP benefits are usually available regardless of fault, with a minimum of $40,000 in coverage per person. But if a crash also leads to a DUI or other investigation, staying silent with police can protect the criminal case while still allowing someone to report the crash and pursue insurance benefits through proper channels.