Minneapolis Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
A motorcycle accident can change your life instantly and leave you with serious injuries, expensive medical bills, and financial debt that affects your whole family. If you or a loved one were injured while riding a motorcycle, a Minneapolis motorcycle accident lawyer with Milavetz Injury Law, P.A., can help you claim compensation for your losses and pursue justice with legal action. Schedule your free consultation with our team today.
- Your Trusted Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Minneapolis
- Injuries in Minneapolis Motorcycle Accidents
- How Is Liability Determined In a Motorcycle Accident?
- Damages Available to Motorcycle Accident Victims in Minneapolis
- Minnesota Motorcycle Accident Statistics
- Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Minneapolis
- Holding Insurance Companies Responsible
- How Long Do You Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Minnesota?
- Costs To Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at Milavetz Injury Law
- Schedule Your Free Case Evaluation Today
- Frequently Asked Questions
No matter how careful you are when riding your motorcycle in Minneapolis, a distracted or reckless driver can have long-term consequences. You may be riding your motorcycle down a familiar Minneapolis road when a driver carelessly merges into your lane and causes an accident. The wreck could lead to painful injuries, significant medical expenses, lost time at work, and financial stress for the whole family.
While healing is the priority, mounting medical bills and reluctant insurance companies can make that recovery challenging. A Minneapolis motorcycle accident lawyer with Milavetz Injury Law, P.A., can support you through this process and help you take legal action to demand fair compensation for your losses. Schedule your free case evaluation today to learn more.
Your Trusted Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Minneapolis
If you have suffered an injury in a motorcycle crash, our dedicated Minneapolis motorcycle accident attorneys are ready to help. We understand that legal issues can be overwhelming, and dismissive insurance adjusters can make you feel unimportant. However, at Milavetz Injury Law, P.A., we believe your voice and rights matter.
Since 1963, our Minneapolis injury attorneys have stood up for accident victims when it seemed no one else would. We have built a strong reputation as a firm that upholds the rights of individuals with an unwavering commitment to our clients that is still at the heart of what we do every day. We have recovered over $500 million for Minnesota accident victims, including $1.25 million for a motorcyclist struck by a pickup truck towing a boat.
We have the experience to help you get through this difficult time with comprehensive legal representation that includes the following:
- Counsel and advocacy throughout the legal process
- An in-depth investigation of the accident and what led to the motorcycle crash
- Gathering evidence, including eyewitness statements and medical records
- Identifying your damages and calculating the value of your claim
- Negotiations with insurance companies to reach a favorable settlement offer
- Litigating your case and taking it to trial if necessary
Even when the insurance companies want you to believe there’s nothing else you can do to get fair payment, you have options. Contact our team to see how we can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
Injuries in Minneapolis Motorcycle Accidents
Unlike drivers of passenger vehicles, motorcyclists do not have the vehicles surrounding them to shield them from impact. Because motorcycle riders are so exposed to the dangers of the road, they often suffer serious injuries from accidents. Common injuries that can occur during a motorcycle accident include:
- Road rash and burns
- Whiplash
- Broken ribs
- Other bone fractures
- Neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Cuts, bruises, and lacerations
- Internal organ damage
- Disfigurement
- Amputation of limbs
How Is Liability Determined In a Motorcycle Accident?
To determine who is liable in a motorcycle accident, you must prove all the elements of negligence. The negligent party could be held responsible for the crash if you can show:
- They owed you a duty of care.
- They breached that duty.
- The breach of duty caused your injury.
- Your injuries led to damages.
For example, all drivers have a duty to follow the rules of the road and operate their vehicles safely. A truck driver breaches that duty by texting while driving. Texting could be enough distraction for a truck driver to drift into a motorcyclist’s lane and cause an accident that results in injuries and damages. In this example, a skilled motorcycle accident attorney could prove negligence and establish that the truck driver is liable for the victim’s damages.
Damages Available to Motorcycle Accident Victims in Minneapolis
Victims of motorcycle accidents in Minneapolis may qualify to recover economic and non-economic damages after a crash, including:
- Medical bills
- Cost of future medical care
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earnings capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In some cases, motorcyclists may also receive punitive damages, which are awarded to punish the at-fault party for egregious misconduct and deter similar behavior. Working with a Minneapolis motorcycle accident attorney can help you claim the maximum amount for your damages.
Minnesota Motorcycle Accident Statistics
While motorcycle crashes were on a downward trend until 2020, there was a slight increase in motorcycle crashes in Minnesota in 2021. According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, there were 1,108 reported motorcycle accidents that year, with 998 motorcyclists injured and 69 motorcyclist deaths.
Of the fatal motorcycle accidents in Minnesota, only 33 percent of riders were wearing helmets at the time of the crash. In addition, 32 percent of those involved in deadly crashes did not have valid motorcycle operator endorsements on their driver’s licenses. These statistics show the importance of wearing a helmet and getting the proper training before operating a motorcycle in Minneapolis or anywhere in Minnesota.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Minneapolis
Many things may contribute to a motorcycle crash. However, many of these factors are preventable and related to negligence. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has shared these common causes of motorcycle accidents:
- Alcohol impairment
- Speeding
- Poor visibility or light conditions
- Bad weather
- Congestion in urban areas
- Distracted driving
- Unsafe lane changes
- Sudden stops
- Operator inexperience
Holding Insurance Companies Responsible
Because Minnesota is a no-fault state, accident victims typically must file a claim with their own insurance company after a crash. However, motorcycle accidents may be different if the motorcyclist does not have the optional personal injury protection coverage. In such cases, the motorcyclist could pursue a claim with the negligent party’s insurance company.
If you were hurt in a motorcycle crash and are getting the runaround from the insurance companies, an attorney can help. Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your losses and pressure you to accept an amount far below what you deserve. You may even be blamed for an accident that wasn’t your fault.
Before speaking with the insurance company, contact Milavetz Injury Law, P.A. We can communicate with adjusters on your behalf, ensure you receive fair treatment, and demand the full amount you are entitled to after a motorcycle accident.
How Long Do You Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Minnesota?
Minnesota’s statute of limitations for motorcycle accident claims is six years, meaning you have six years from the accident date to take legal action and claim compensation for your losses. After the statute of limitations expires, you lose your right to recover damages.
Costs To Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at Milavetz Injury Law
Because our Minneapolis motorcycle accident lawyers work on a contingency basis, there are no upfront fees or out-of-pocket expenses to hire our team to represent you. We only get paid if your case is successful. Contact our team to learn more about contingency fees and how we can work together on your case.
Schedule Your Free Case Evaluation Today
If you were the victim of a motorcycle accident or have lost a loved one to a motorcycle accident in Minneapolis, our skilled and experienced lawyers at Milavetz Injury Law, P.A., are here to help.
Call us today at 763-560-0000 or complete a form online to schedule a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet at the time of the accident?
You don’t necessarily have to wear a helmet if you’re riding a motorcycle in Minneapolis. Helmets are required for motorcyclists only if they are under the age of 18. If you are not wearing a helmet at the time of your accident, you may be susceptible to head injuries. But the fact that you were not wearing a helmet is unlikely to have any impact on your ability to receive compensation from the party responsible for your accident.
Should I speak with the insurance companies after a motorcycle accident?
Don’t be surprised if an insurance company tries to contact you shortly after a motorcycle accident. In this instance, the insurance company may pressure you to accept a settlement.
If an insurance company contacts you, try to stay calm, cool, and collected. Review the insurance company’s settlement request but do not agree to it. At this point, get in touch with a Minneapolis motorcycle accident attorney. Then, you can pursue the maximum compensation for your accident.
Can I receive compensation from my own insurance company?
Your insurance company may be able to provide you with compensation following a motorcycle accident if you have uninsured and underinsured policies. To find out how much money you can receive, get in touch with your insurance provider. The company can then share details about your insurance coverage. It can also respond to any concerns or questions you have regarding your insurance.
Can I sue the responsible party if my family member died in a motorcycle accident?
You can file a lawsuit for wrongful death due to a motorcycle accident. Minnesota has a six-year statute of limitations for wrongful death claims. This entitles you to submit a claim against an at-fault party for a wrongful death in a motorcycle accident within six years of the event.
What if the at-fault motorist leaves the state before I can file a lawsuit?
In Minnesota, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims pauses if an at-fault party leaves the state. The statute remains intact as long as the at-fault party remains in the state.
For example, a motorcycle accident may occur that causes an injury. If the at-fault party leaves the state three months after the accident, the statute of limitations pauses at this time. The statute resumes once the at-fault party returns to the state. At this time, the victim has 21 months to file their motorcycle accident lawsuit.
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