Minneapolis Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Understanding Your Legal Options in Minnesota After a Motorcycle Accident

Few places match Minnesota during the summer. Warm weather brings out outdoor enthusiasts across the state, including many who ride motorcycles. However, the seasonal freedom and enjoyment can also bring increased risks. Injuries to motorcyclists are often much more severe than those suffered by car drivers. Motorcycles lack the protective frame, airbags, and seat belts found in other vehicles.

Motorcyclists who suffer injuries in collisions generally have the same rights as other motorists to pursue a claim against a party who caused a crash. However, Minnesota law doesn’t require basic economic loss benefits or no-fault coverage for motorcycles like it does for motor vehicles. Motorcyclists must also follow certain state-specific driving rules.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Minneapolis, let Meshbesher & Student, P.A. help you pursue accountability and seek the compensation you deserve. For more than a century, our firm has helped our clients recover settlements worth hundreds of thousands and millions of dollars.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that in 2019, just over half of all fatal motorcycle accidents involved another vehicle, often a passenger car or truck. In addition, about two-thirds of motorcycle accidents involving other vehicles happen because another driver fails to yield the motorcycle’s right of way.

Below are some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents:

Common Injuries & Damages in Motorcycle Accident Cases

Motorcycle crashes often cause catastrophic or fatal injuries since bikers don’t have the same protections as car occupants. Seeking immediate care for anyone who may be injured is vital after a crash.

Some of the most common injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Lower-extremity injuries (such as legs or pelvis)
• Upper-extremity injuries (such as head, neck, back, abdomen, arms)
• Broken or fractured bones
• Organ damage
• Internal bleeding
• Whiplash
• Lacerations
• Road rash

Severe injuries might require ongoing care and access to Minneapolis rehabilitation services. Carefully tracking all medical treatment and keeping records can support your claim and help your motorcycle accident lawyer in Minneapolis build a strong case.

Time Limits for Filing Motorcycle Accident Claims in Minnesota

If you sustain injuries in a motorcycle accident, Minnesota law gives you a limited window, called the statute of limitations, to file an injury lawsuit. Most personal injury cases have a six-year deadline from the accident date for filing. Waiting too long usually means giving up your right to compensation, no matter the injury’s severity. As such, starting promptly is best. Contacting a qualified motorcycle accident attorney in Minneapolis early can help secure evidence, preserve your claim, and meet all legal deadlines.

How to Reduce the Risk of a Motorcycle Crash

The NHTSA reports that 80% of reported motorcycle accidents lead to injury or death, which makes safety a top priority for all riders.

Here are five safety tips to reduce the risk of a motorcycle accident:

• Wear a full-face helmet – Bikers without helmets are twice as likely to suffer a traumatic brain injury in a crash, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Use a helmet that fits your head properly and look for the Department of Transportation (DOT) label to ensure it meets federal standards.
• Gear up – Wear long pants and jackets made with protective materials like leather. Gloves, boots covering your ankles, and shatter-resistant eye protection also add a layer of safety.
• Be easily seen by drivers – Bright-colored or reflective clothing and always-on headlights help other drivers spot you, even during the day.
• Be alert – Always practice defensive driving and stay prepared for sudden moves from others. Keep careful watch at intersections, especially for left-turning vehicles, and check for road hazards.
• Avoid riding in bad weather – Motorcyclists are more at risk in rain, wind, or icy conditions, as slick roads and gusts make motorcycles harder to control.

The Minnesota No-Fault Act & No-Fault Insurance for Motorcyclists

In most car accidents in Minnesota, no-fault benefits cover certain medical expenses, mileage to and from medical appointments, lost income, and replacement services. Typically, your own auto insurance pays these benefits.

No-fault coverage is mandatory for any car operated on Minnesota roads. However, motorcycles are an exception under the no-fault law. If you own and ride a motorcycle, you do not have to buy no-fault insurance to cover your medical costs, lost wages, or replacement services in the event of a crash.

You may purchase optional coverage, such as medical payment insurance, which often has lower limits than liability or UM/UIM coverage. Adding extra coverage helps fill financial gaps if you are hurt in an accident.

Proving Negligence After a Motorcycle Accident

All drivers must follow traffic laws and operate their vehicles safely. If someone drives carelessly or recklessly and causes a crash, that person can be made to pay compensation for your losses.

These are the four parts of a negligence claim:

• Duty – The driver had to exercise reasonable care while driving.
• Breach – The driver broke that duty by acting carelessly or recklessly.
• Causation – The driver’s carelessness led to your injuries and losses.
• Damages – You suffered injury or loss because of the accident.

Minnesota Statute Setting Forth Special Rules for Motorcycles

Minnesota Statute Section 169.974 covers motorcycle licensing requirements. Before getting a motorcycle license, you need a valid two-wheeled vehicle instruction permit. You must also take a written exam and road test, unless you hold a valid license from another state with similar licensing rules.

This law also sets unique rules for motorcyclists, such as those about carrying passengers, handling cargo that affects your grip, lane splitting, and riding side by side. Two riders can travel side-by-side in a single lane if both agree.

Motorcycle helmet laws in Minnesota depend on age and license status. Riders and passengers under 18 must wear helmets, while fully licensed adults do not. Many Minneapolis riders choose helmets anyway for safety, given the unpredictable city traffic. Following these legal requirements helps you ride legally and stay safer on Minnesota streets.

What to Do When You Are in a Motorcycle Accident

Any crash can feel overwhelming and traumatic. Taking the right steps afterward protects your health and your right to make a claim for recovery.

Take these steps right after a crash:

• Get to safety, but leave your motorcycle at the scene and remain nearby.
• Call the police and emergency medical services, especially if you suffered injuries.
• Keep your helmet and safety gear on until checked by professionals.
• Collect contact and insurance information from the other driver and any witnesses willing to speak about the crash.
• Document the scene with photos and make a note of any unusual behavior by other drivers.
• Call your insurer to start a claim and provide only basic information about what happened.
• Contact a motorcycle accident lawyer in Minneapolis for guidance and support during the claims process.

Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Minneapolis Motorcycle Accident Team

Riding motorcycles brings a sense of freedom and adventure. Regardless of your level of experience, many accidents happen because other drivers overlook motorcycles.

Our Minneapolis motorcycle accident attorney can review the accident, examine evidence, discuss insurance, and work to help you pursue a favorable recovery. We are prepared to stand by you during every step and focus on your well-being.