A motorcycle accident can happen suddenly and without warning – one minute, you are driving your motorcycle down a Minneapolis road, and the next minute, out of nowhere, you are struck by a car. Someone was distracted behind the wheel or failed to “look twice,” changing your life instantly.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you should first seek immediate medical attention. Once safe, contact the experienced Minneapolis Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at Nelson Personal Injury, LLC, to learn about your legal rights and options.
Our Minneapolis motorcycle accident attorneys can help ensure you receive fair compensation after an accident. We have a long history of success in personal injury law and have dedicated our entire careers to helping our clients recover the full compensation they deserve.
Causes Of and Common Injuries Seen in Minneapolis Motorcycle Accidents
There are many factors that cause or contribute to motorcycle accidents in Minneapolis. The most common of which is the lack of visibility of motorcycles to other drivers, leading to collisions, especially at intersections.
Speeding and reckless driving by either motorcyclists or other vehicle drivers also contribute significantly to motorcycle accidents. Another common cause of motorcycle accidents in Minneapolis are road hazards like potholes, slippery surfaces, and uneven lanes. Additionally, driver impairment due to alcohol or drugs is a common cause of serious accidents involving motorcycles.
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Types of Injuries Sustained
Motorcycle accidents can result in a range of injuries, from minor to life-threatening. Some of the most common injuries that occur in motorcycle accidents include:
- Head and Brain Injuries: Even with helmet use, motorcyclists can suffer from concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which can have long-term and permanent consequences.
- Road Rash: When motorcyclists slide across the pavement, they can experience severe skin abrasions or road rash, leading to infections and, sometimes, requiring skin grafts. Road rash can leave permanent scars.
- Bone Fractures and Joint Injuries: The impact of a motorcycle accident often results in broken bones, particularly in the legs, arms, and ribs. Joint dislocations and ligament injuries are also common.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: These injuries can be particularly severe, leading to paralysis or other permanent disabilities. Disc injuries in the spine are also common and can lead to the need for surgical intervention.
- Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma can cause internal bleeding and damage to organs, requiring immediate medical attention.
Understanding the common causes and potential injuries in motorcycle accidents will help prevent accidents. Due to the severity of these injuries, seeking immediate medical attention after a motorcycle accident is important for your health.
Proving Liability in a Motorcycle Accident
Establishing liability (fault) in a motorcycle accident is important in securing compensation for your damages and injuries. This process involves demonstrating that another party’s negligence or wrongdoing caused the accident.
Some key aspects involved in proving liability on another driver include:
Gathering Evidence
Collecting evidence is essential in proving liability. This includes police reports, which provide an official account of the accident; witness statements, which offer unbiased perspectives; and photographs or videos from the accident scene, showing road conditions, vehicle positions, and damage. In some situations, it is necessary to engage an accident reconstructionist to review the crash scene and recreate how the accident occurred. Additionally, medical records are crucial in linking injuries directly to the accident.
Understanding Negligence
Negligence is a core concept in personal injury law. Proving negligence involves establishing that the other party had a duty to act responsibly on the road, breached that duty, and caused the accident and resultant injuries.
In motorcycle accidents, negligence can manifest in various forms, such as distracted driving, speeding, driving under the influence, or failing to yield.
Modified Comparative Negligence Considerations
In some situations, both parties involved in an accident are partially at fault. In Minnesota, you can only recover compensation if your fault is equal to or less than the other driver’s fault. If your fault is greater than the other party’s, you will be barred from seeking compensation for your injuries.
If you were partially at fault for the incident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault for a motorcycle accident and were awarded $100,000 in compensation, it would be reduced by 20%, meaning you would receive $80,000.
Expert Witnesses
In complex cases, expert witnesses like accident reconstruction specialists can provide valuable insights into how and why the accident occurred. Their expertise can help clarify the causes of the accident, contributing to a stronger argument for liability. It also may be necessary to engage medical experts, vocational rehabilitation experts, and life care planners. These experts can help bolster your argument as to what damages you have sustained as a result of the accident.
Types of Compensation Possible in Motorcycle Accident Cases
If another driver is at fault for causing the collision, and you have sustained damages, you will be entitled to compensation. Some of the types of compensation you may be awarded include the following:
Medical Expenses
Victims of motorcycle accidents often face significant medical costs, from emergency treatment to long-term rehabilitation. Compensation can cover hospital bills, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and any future medical care related to the injury.
Lost Wages and Earning Capacity
Many motorcycle accident victims require time off work for recovery, resulting in lost wages. Compensation can include these lost earnings. In more severe cases, where injuries impact the victim’s ability to work in the future, compensation can also cover loss of earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering
This non-economic damage compensates for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. It acknowledges the suffering that goes beyond direct financial losses, providing relief for the trauma and ongoing discomfort experienced by the victim.
Property Damage
Motorcycle accidents often result in significant damage to the bike and other personal property. Compensation can cover repair or replacement costs, ensuring the victim is not financially burdened by these losses.
Punitive Damages
In cases where the at-fault party’s actions were particularly reckless or malicious, punitive damages may be awarded. These are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
Compensation in motorcycle accident cases addresses a range of damages, from tangible financial losses to intangible emotional suffering, ensuring that victims receive a fair and comprehensive recovery package.
Why Choose a Local Minneapolis Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
Hiring a Minneapolis motorcycle accident lawyer familiar with the local area and Minnesota law offers several advantages. These include:
In-Depth Knowledge of Local Laws
Our local Minneapolis motorcycle accident lawyers understand Minnesota’s specific traffic and motorcycle laws. This expertise helps navigate the legal factors that can significantly impact your case.
We are well-versed in state-specific regulations, such as helmet laws, lane splitting rules, and insurance requirements, ensuring a thorough and informed legal approach.
Familiarity with Local Roads and Conditions
Local attorneys are familiar with Minneapolis’s unique road conditions and traffic patterns. This knowledge can be invaluable in building a strong case as we better understand the circumstances of your accident. Our familiarity with local roads can provide insights into potential contributing factors to the accident.
Personalized Attention and Accessibility
Choosing our local Minneapolis motorcycle accident attorney means you have easier access to your attorney. Face-to-face meetings offer a more personal touch and ensure that your lawyer can readily address your concerns. This proximity fosters a stronger attorney-client relationship, providing you with the comfort and confidence of having a dedicated advocate nearby.
Call us today at 320-216-7651 or contact us online using our free and secure submission form. We are available 24/7 to assist you and offer FREE initial consultations.
The Expertise of Nelson Personal Injury, LLC
At Nelson Personal Injury, LLC, our team of dedicated Minneapolis motorcycle accident attorneys has years of experience handling motorcycle accident cases in Minneapolis. We understand the challenges and complexities involved in these cases. Our approach is tailored to each client’s needs, ensuring personalized and effective legal assistance.
Contact Nelson Personal Injury, LLC Today
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident in Minneapolis, don’t wait to seek legal assistance. Contact Nelson Personal Injury, LLC today for a consultation with a skilled Minneapolis motorcycle accident lawyer. We are here to help you navigate the legal system and fight for the compensation you deserve.
