Minneapolis Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

St. Paul Brain Injury Attorney

Many motorcycle accidents result in serious injuries and unfortunately, sometimes even death.

Motorcycle accidents usually occur because of driver negligence. Three-quarters of all motorcycle accidents involve a car and another type of motor vehicle.

Our experienced attorneys can advise you and ensure that you receive full compensation for your injuries and that your rights are protected. Most often, people involved in a motorcycle accident do not have “No-Fault” coverage that pays medical bills and wage loss immediately. Therefore, if you are injured in a motorcycle accident, you can be swamped by mounting medical bills and an inability to go to work to pay your monthly bills.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

A motorcycle accident refers to any incident involving a motorcycle, often resulting in injury or damage to the motorcycle or other vehicles involved. Common causes of motorcycle accidents involving motor vehicles include:

• Left-turn Collisions: When a motor vehicle turns left at an intersection, it may collide with an oncoming motorcycle, especially if the driver misjudges the speed of the motorcycle.
• Right-of-Way Violations: Motor vehicle drivers failing to yield the right-of-way to motorcycles, either at intersections, during lane changes, or when merging onto highways.
• Lane Splitting Accidents: In areas where lane splitting (riding between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic) is legal, accidents can occur if motor vehicle drivers are unaware of or unprepared for motorcycles passing by.
• Blind Spot Collisions: Motor vehicle drivers may fail to check their blind spots before changing lanes, leading to collisions with motorcycles already occupying adjacent lanes.
• Distracted Driving: Distractions such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or adjusting the radio can cause motor vehicle drivers to overlook motorcycles on the road.
• Speeding and Reckless Driving: Excessive speed and reckless maneuvers by motor vehicle drivers can decrease reaction times and increase the likelihood of accidents involving motorcycles.
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs judgment and coordination, increasing the risk of accidents involving motorcycles.
• Sudden Stops: Motor vehicle drivers making sudden stops without warning can catch motorcyclists off guard, leading to rear-end collisions or loss of control.
• Dooring Accidents: When a motor vehicle driver or passenger opens a car door without checking for approaching motorcycles, it can result in a collision.
• Unsafe Lane Changes: Motor vehicle drivers who change lanes without signaling or checking their mirrors properly may collide with motorcycles in adjacent lanes.

The Complexities of Minnesota Motorcycle Accident Claims

In Minnesota, as in many other states, motorcyclists face specific legal challenges when attempting to recover compensation after a motorcycle accident. Some of these challenges include:

• Comparative Fault: Minnesota follows a modified comparative fault rule, meaning if the injured motorcyclist is found partially at fault for the accident, their compensation may be reduced proportionally to their degree of fault. This can complicate matters if the other party argues that the motorcyclist contributed to the accident in any way.
• Helmet Laws: Minnesota requires all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear helmets. Failure to comply with this law can affect the injured motorcyclist's ability to recover compensation, as the defendant may argue that the injuries could have been less severe if a helmet had been worn.
• Bias Against Motorcyclists: There can be a bias against motorcyclists in accident cases, with some people assuming that motorcyclists are inherently reckless or at fault. Overcoming this bias may require strong evidence and legal advocacy to demonstrate that the motorcyclist was not at fault or that their actions did not contribute significantly to the accident.
• Lack of No-Fault Coverage: Minnesota operates under a no-fault insurance system for motor vehicle accidents, which provides coverage for medical expenses and lost wages regardless of fault. However, this system does not apply to motorcycles. Motorcyclists are not entitled to no-fault benefits, which means they must rely on the liability insurance of the at-fault party to recover compensation for their injuries.
• Limited Insurance Coverage: Some motor vehicle insurance policies may have limited coverage for motorcycle accidents, especially if the at-fault driver has minimal insurance or is uninsured. This can make it challenging for injured motorcyclists to recover full compensation for their damages.

At Fay & Associates, we understand the challenges that injured motorists face when seeking compensation after an accident. Our experienced team of attorneys is dedicated to advocating for the rights of our clients and ensuring they receive the full and fair compensation they deserve.

From investigating the accident to negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, litigating in court, we are committed to providing personalized and compassionate legal representation every step of the way. Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on your recovery.

If you’ve been injured in a Minnesota motorcycle accident, our lawyers know the differences between car accident cases and motorcycle accident cases. Give us a call today at (612) 888-8354.