Minnesota Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Minnesota Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

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“For more than 40 years, our attorneys have been fighting for the rights of our clients. We have taken on the large insurance companies and have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for accident victims.”

Minnesota Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

For some, riding a motorcycle is just an economical means of transportation.  For others, it’s simply a recreational activity.  But for many, it’s a passion and a way of life.  Regardless of the reason people ride, because of the exposure to the rider, and the lack of safety mechanisms (seat belts, air bags, etc.), injury is much more likely on a motorcycle compared to an automobile.

According to a recent Insurance Information Institute study, motorcyclists were 27 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a crash per vehicle mile traveled, and almost five times more likely to be injured.  Statistics from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety reported by CBS News reveal that there were 78 fatal motorcycle crashes in 2022 as of October, up from 60 in 2021.  Due to the higher risk associated with motorcycling, adequately protecting yourself and your passengers in case of an accident is extremely important.

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 only insurance that is required to be carried on a motorcycle in Minnesota is liability insurance.  Liability insurance only covers injury or property damage caused by the fault of the motorcycle driver to other persons or property. Coverage that actually protects the motorcycle driver (i.e., no-fault insurance, underinsured motorist insurance, and uninsured motorist coverage) are either not required or not available.  Consequently, if a motorcyclist only carries the required liability insurance coverage, and they are in an accident caused by a driver that is uninsured, or who does not have adequate liability insurance coverage, they will have no other source of recovery for their injuries.

All motorcyclists should be sure to talk to their insurance agent to make sure they have the proper coverage to protect themselves in the event of an accident.

Related Article: Tips to Help Prevent Motorcycle Accidents

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle riders must always be observant on the road, even more so than drivers of passenger vehicles. An accident can occur out of nowhere and at any time, causing serious injuries to the rider. This is because motorcycles are harder to see than vehicles on the road, and motorcycle riders are less protected than occupants of a passenger vehicle.

Knowing when and where most motorcycle accidents occur can help the rider be more careful and avoid accidents. Here are several common causes of motorcycle accidents you should be aware of.

Driving or Riding Under the Influence

Drunk driving is a serious problem on Minnesota roads. Alcohol-related crashes cause thousands of crashes yearly, resulting in needless loss of lives. According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, 3,357 alcohol-related crashes resulted in 131 deaths in 2020 alone. As a driver of a motorcycle, you should avoid taking alcohol or drugs that may impair your riding. You must also be on high alert for other drivers operating their vehicles under the influence.

Dangerous Road Conditions

Some motorcycle accidents do not always involve vehicles. Dangerous roads with deep potholes, ruts, debris, slippery spills, and uneven surfaces can also cause crashes that result in severe injuries.

Riders must also be wary of bad road designs with obstacles, unmarked bumps, loose gravel, ice, and road signs concealed by roadside overgrowths.

Related Article: Motorcycle Accident Personal Injury Claim Services

Lane Splitting and Stripe Riding

Lane splitting is illegal in Minnesota, but it is a bad habit that many motorcycle riders do not realize is dangerous. Only on-duty police officers can ride between traffic lanes or within the same lane with another vehicle. Riding on the road stripes is also illegal and dangerous, especially because it makes it harder for car drivers to see you.

Speeding

Speeding and risk-taking are other major causes of motorcycle accidents. Speeding also increases the risk of losing control or stopping in time in an emergency.

What Injuries Do Most Motorcycle Accident Victims Sustain?

Motorcycle accidents can cause catastrophic injuries to the riders. These injuries are often more severe than passenger vehicle drivers because motorcycles have no seatbelts, airbags, or other critical safety protections, unlike cars. The most common injuries riders suffer are:

  • Head trauma and brain damage;
  • Back and neck injuries;
  • Spinal cord damage and paralysis;
  • Ligament and tendon injuries;
  • Broken bones and fractures;
  • Internal injuries and organ damage;
  • Road rash and abrasions; and
  • Death.

When Do You Need a Motorcycle Accident Attorney?

The risks of accidents and cases of personal injury for motorcycle riders in Minnesota are too high to ignore. While most accidents involve passenger vehicles, the risks are higher for those who ride motorcycles. As a motorcycle rider, how do you know when you deserve compensation after an accident? What steps should you take to find the right representation from a motorcycle accident attorney?

Here are a few important points to consider if you have been involved in an accident.

Related Article: Steps to Take If You’re Involved in a Motorcycle Accident

Know the Statute of Limitations

In Minnesota, most motorcycle accidents based on negligence of another driver have a statute of limitation of 6 years from the date of the accident.  What this means is that you must settle your motorcycle accident claim or start a lawsuit within six years of the date of the motorcycle accident.  If you do not, your claim may be forever barred.  That is why it is important to consult with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible after the crash so that your rights may be protected.

An experienced motorcycle accident attorney will review the specific facts of your case and advise you on the appropriate statute of limitations period.

Dealing With Insurance Companies

Insurance companies are notorious for pretending to be your friend after you are involved in an accident, only to turn against you when it comes to settlement. The truth is that these companies are businesses and will do all they can to pay as little compensation as possible to you for your injuries. Many motorcycle accident victims do not realize this until it is too late.

A motorcycle accident lawyer can be your advocate when dealing with the insurance companies. Not only will the lawyer provide important legal advice, but they will also advise you as to the reasonableness of a settlement offer.  An experienced motorcycle accident attorney will build your case up in order to obtain maximum compensation for your injuries.

Determining What Compensations You Are Entitled To

The unfortunate reality is that  you will still have to fight with the insurance companies to be fairly compensated after being involved in an accident that is not your fault. Many victims of motorcycle accidents do not realize in good time what compensation they are entitled to. Some of the types of compensations you may be entitled to after a motorcycle accident include:

  • Medical expenses;
  • Lost wages;
  • Loss of future earning capacity;
  • Pain, suffering, and emotional distress;
  • Disfigurement;
  • Compensation for reduced quality of life.

When you are involved in a motorcycle accident, your most immediate concern is your health and the injuries you sustained. Consulting a motorcycle accident lawyer is an important step to ensure that you receive the appropriate compensation for all of your resulting damages.

Related Article: Why Motorcycle Accidents Are Increasing

Why Choose Nelson Personal Injury to Represent You?

When you choose to work with us, you can be confident that your case is being handled by a competent, experienced and compassionate professional.  Unlike some attorneys, we devote our entire practice to representing individuals who have been injured due to the negligence of another.  For more than 40 years, our attorneys have been fighting for the rights of our clients. We have taken on the large insurance companies and have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for motorcycle accident victims. Beyond that, we strive to provide motorcycle accident victims with the peace of mind that comes from knowing that they have an experienced motorcycle accident attorney on their side

Nelson Personal Injury motorcycle accident attorneys will help you in the following ways:

Identifying Liable Parties

Motorcycle accidents can be complex cases with multiple insurance companies involved, and severe injuries Our in-depth legal knowledge of Minnesota law and vast experience handling motorcycle cases will help us navigate even the most complex cases.  We will investigate each claim to identify each and every liable party and what possible insurance coverages apply.Identifying all possible insurance coverage is critical to securing the compensation you deserve for your suffering and damages.

Investigating Your Motorcycle Accident

If liability or fault is in dispute, a full and quick investigation of the accident is critical to your case.  Evidence can be removed or disappear quickly after an accident, it is therefore important that you speak with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible so that this evidence can be preserved as soon as possible.  This evidence will be used in the future when trying to settle your claim or in a lawsuit.  If evidence is not gathered and preserved, it will make it much more difficult to prove your case later on.

Dealing with the Insurance Companies and Other Third Parties

After being injured in a motorcycle accident, the last thing you want to do is have to worry about whether you should or should not be talking to the insurance company and other third parties.  When we represent you for your motorcycle accident, you can rest assured you have an experienced attorney handling your claim, so that you can focus on your recovery.

Related Article: Motorcycle Safety On Roadways

Calculating Your Damages

Based on the available facts and evidence, it takes time, effort, and skill to build up your case and calculate your damages. Our attorneys will analyze the severity of your injuries and their impact on your day-to-day life to ensure you receive the maximum compensation allowed by law.  This can include obtaining documentation from your doctors about your injuries and need for future medical care, and consulting with economic and other experts.

Representing You in Court

At Nelson Personal Injury, we always strive to ensure you get the maximum compensation for your motorcycle accident through settlement negotiations. However, if these steps do not result in a favorable settlement, our attorneys have the experience and expertise to represent you in lawsuit, and if necessary, a trial. Nelson Personal Injury has years of experience litigating motorcycle accident cases, and understands how to build up the case to get the best possible result. Over the years, we have represented hundreds of motorcycle accident clients against large insurance companies and recovered millions of dollars in compensation for them.

Get a Free Motorcycle Accident Consultation

Motorcycle accidents can lead to serious and life changing injuries. Don’t trust your case and your future to just any lawyer.  Make sure you are consulting an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer who will fight to obtain the maximum compensation you deserve

At Nelson Personal Injury, we understand how overwhelming it can be to have to deal with legal matters, especially when facing a long recovery after a motorcycle accident. Call us today at (320) 252-1200 or go to NelsonPersonalInjury.com to request a free consultation with one of  our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys.

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