Motorcycle accidents in Minnesota can result in severe injuries or even fatalities, leaving victims and their families grappling with significant challenges.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident caused by another's negligence, you may be experiencing a range of emotions, from pain and grief to uncertainty about the future. Understanding your legal rights and options is essential during this time. Securing knowledgeable legal representation can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Consulting with a motorcycle accident attorney near you can provide clarity on your situation and guide you through the legal process.
Recent Motorcycle Crash Statistics for Minnesota
In a recent year, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety reported 1,108 motorcycle crashes, leading to 998 injuries and 69 deaths.
These incidents highlight the heightened risks motorcyclists face due to their exposure, and their often limited visibility to other drivers.
Understanding Minnesota Motorcycle Laws
Minnesota has specific laws and regulations governing motorcycle operation. Familiarizing yourself with these can help ensure compliance and protect your rights.
Motorcyclists in Minnesota must adhere to the same traffic laws as other motorists, with additional requirements:
- Licensing: Operators must have a valid driver's license with a motorcycle endorsement or instruction permit.
- Lane Use: Motorcyclists are entitled to full use of a lane and must not ride more than two abreast in a single lane.
- Passengers: Carrying passengers is only permitted if the motorcycle is designed for two people.
Helmet Laws in Minnesota
Minnesota law mandates helmet use for:
- Riders and Passengers Under 18: All operators and passengers under 18 must wear a helmet.
- Operators with Instruction Permits: Regardless of age, those holding a motorcycle instruction permit are required to wear a helmet.
While not legally required for all riders, wearing a helmet is strongly recommended to reduce the risk of severe head injuries.
No-Fault Insurance System and How It Applies to Motorcycles
Minnesota operates under a no-fault insurance system for automobiles, requiring drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. However, motorcycles are generally excluded from this requirement.
Motorcycle operators are not mandated to carry PIP coverage but may purchase it separately. This means that in the event of an accident, motorcyclists might not have the same immediate coverage for medical expenses and lost wages as automobile drivers.
Statute of Limitations for Filing Claims
In Minnesota, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those arising from motorcycle accidents, is typically six years from the date of the accident. However, certain circumstances can extend this timeframe—but claims against government entities (such as when inadequate road maintenance caused the crash) typically have far shorter deadlines and additional legal complexities.
You must consult an attorney promptly to ensure your claim is filed within the appropriate period. Contacting an attorney early also helps preserve valuable evidence to strengthen your claim.
Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents often result in significant injuries due to the lack of protective barriers. Common injuries include:
- Head Injuries: Even with helmet use, riders can suffer concussions or traumatic brain injuries.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can lead to partial or complete paralysis.
- Fractures: Broken bones, particularly in the limbs, are common due to the impact of collisions.
- Road Rash: Skin abrasions resulting from sliding across pavement can lead to serious infections if not treated properly.
Other catastrophic injuries can occur as well, including amputations and severe scarring and disfigurement. Sadly, far too many bikers die because of the severe injuries they sustain when a negligent driver collides with them. A personal injury attorney can help eligible surviving family members to file a wrongful death claim.
Long-Term Consequences of Serious Injuries
Severe injuries can have lasting effects, including chronic pain, reduced mobility, and psychological trauma. These long-term consequences may necessitate ongoing medical treatment and adjustments to daily living.
Medical Costs and Rehabilitation Expenses
The financial burden of medical care following a motorcycle accident can be substantial. Expenses may include emergency treatment, surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and assistive devices. Additionally, lost income during recovery can further strain finances.
When to Consider Hiring an Attorney
Engaging an attorney can be beneficial in various situations following a motorcycle accident.
Immediately After the Accident
Consulting an attorney soon after the accident ensures that evidence is preserved and your rights are protected from the outset.
When Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies may attempt to minimize payouts or deny claims. An attorney can handle communications and negotiations to pursue fair compensation on your behalf.
In Cases of Severe Injuries or Fatalities
For accidents resulting in serious injuries or death, legal representation is crucial to address the complexities of the case and to seek appropriate compensation.
When Fault Is Disputed
If there is disagreement over who is responsible for the accident, an attorney can gather evidence and advocate for your position.
Benefits of Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney
An attorney offers several advantages in the aftermath of a motorcycle accident.
Knowledge of State-Specific Laws
An attorney well-versed in Minnesota laws can navigate the legal system effectively and ensure compliance with all procedural requirements.
Experience Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Attorneys understand the tactics used by insurance companies and can negotiate to seek fair settlements.
Resources to Investigate and Document the Accident
Legal professionals have access to investigative resources to collect evidence, interview witnesses, and reconstruct the accident scene.
Ability to Accurately Calculate Current and Future Damages
An attorney can assess the full extent of your losses, including future medical expenses and lost earning potential, to build a strong claim for full compensation. Without this professional insight, it’s easy to overlook costs that could arise months or even years later.
The Personal Injury Claim Process
The legal process after a motorcycle accident doesn’t have to feel like a maze. Here’s what typically happens once you contact an attorney to represent you.
Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation
Your first step is a free consultation with an attorney. During this meeting, you’ll share details about the accident, your injuries, medical treatment, and how the incident has affected your life. The attorney will explain your rights and options and determine whether you have a valid claim.
Investigation and Evidence Gathering
Once you hire the attorney, they begin a thorough investigation. This usually includes:
- Gathering police reports
- Interviewing witnesses
- Reviewing photos or videos of the crash scene
- Examining medical records
- Working with accident reconstruction experts, if needed
This step is especially important if the other driver disputes fault, or if the insurance company questions the severity of your injuries.
Filing the Claim
With strong evidence in hand, your attorney files a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. This includes a demand letter that outlines your injuries, damages, and the compensation being requested.
Negotiation and Settlement Discussions
Insurance companies often start with low offers. Attorneys are prepared for this and push back with documented proof of your damages. They negotiate until a reasonable settlement is reached—or until it’s clear the insurance company refuses to act in good faith.
Taking the Case to Trial If Necessary
If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your attorney can take the case to court. This is usually a last resort, but sometimes necessary to hold the at-fault party accountable.
What to Look for in a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Not all personal injury attorneys handle motorcycle crash cases. You need someone who understands the unique risks and injuries that come with two-wheel accidents. Here’s what to look for when choosing your legal representative.
Experience With Motorcycle Accidents Specifically
Motorcycle crashes differ from car accidents in several ways. A good attorney knows how to approach these cases, including issues like bias against bikers and lack of no-fault coverage.
Track Record of Successful Settlements and Verdicts
Ask about past results. A solid track record means the attorney has fought—and won—for clients who were in situations like yours.
Client Testimonials and Reputation
Look for reviews and client feedback. Do people say the attorney kept them informed? Were they satisfied with the outcome? Did they feel supported throughout the process?
Communication Style and Availability
You want someone who returns your calls, keeps you in the loop, and answers your questions in a clear and respectful way. Good communication builds trust and ensures you’re never left guessing about your case.
Potential Compensation in Motorcycle Accident Claims
Motorcycle accidents can result in losses that extend far beyond the initial injury. Here’s a breakdown of what your attorney may seek in compensation.
Medical Expenses (Current and Future)
This includes ER visits, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, follow-up appointments, and physical therapy. If your injuries require long-term care, your attorney can account for those projected costs as well.
Lost Wages and Diminished Earning Capacity
If your injuries keep you from working, you can recover the income you’ve lost. If you can’t return to your previous job or have reduced earning power, your claim may include future income losses too.
Pain and Suffering
These damages compensate you for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. Minnesota law allows recovery for both physical and mental suffering when supported by medical documentation.
Property Damage
This includes the cost to repair or replace your motorcycle, protective gear, and any other personal property damaged in the crash.
Rehabilitation Costs
In more serious injury cases, long-term rehab may be needed to regain strength or mobility. These services come with steep costs that should be fully compensated by the at-fault party’s insurance.
Common Areas in Minnesota Where Motorcycle Accidents Happen
Motorcycle accidents can happen anywhere, but some parts of Minnesota see more frequent crashes.
- Minneapolis and St. Paul (Twin Cities Metro): Heavy traffic, frequent construction, and inattentive drivers create risky conditions for motorcyclists.
- Rochester: With fast-growing suburbs and commuter traffic, intersections here can be dangerous for bikers.
- Duluth and along the North Shore: Scenic routes attract riders, but curvy roads and wildlife crossings raise accident risks.
- St. Cloud and Mankato: Busy college towns with high traffic volumes and younger drivers.
- Highways like I-94, I-35, and Highway 169: These routes carry high-speed traffic and have been the site of many serious motorcycle collisions.
Whether the crash occurred in one of these areas or somewhere else, you need a lawyer to fight for your rights and future if you suffered devastating injuries or losses because of someone else’s negligence.
Contact an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
Motorcycle accident injuries can turn your life upside down in an instant. You may be dealing with pain, expensive medical bills, missed work, and unanswered questions about how to move forward.
You don’t have to deal with this situation alone. Fields Injury Law has represented injured Minnesotans for over 20 years, including those hurt in motorcycle crashes. Our personal injury attorneys understand the risks riders face and work hard to make sure clients receive the support and financial recovery they need.
If you’re asking yourself, “Should I get an attorney after a motorcycle accident in Minnesota?”—the answer is most likely yes. However, a lot depends on your injuries, the circumstances of your crash, and how the insurance company is treating your claim. But you don’t have to guess.
Call Fields Injury Law today at 612-206-3495 for a free consultation—or fill out our online contact form. We’ll listen to your story, answer your questions, and explain what steps to take next. You won’t pay anything unless we recover compensation for you.
Steve Fields
Founder | CEO | Principal | Attorney
Steve Fields founded Fields Law in 2001 and quickly established a reputation with his Personal Injury clients for being a lawyer who truly cares. After more than 20 years, those clients continue to refer their friends and family whenever they have been injured or become disabled.
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