Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Minneapolis, MN

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Minneapolis, Minnesota?

  311 is the non-emergency hotline of Minneapolis. For deaf or hard-of-hearing people, they can contact 612-263-6850 for the city's auxiliary aids and services.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Minneapolis, Minnesota?

  Traffic-related accident reports are available at the Minneapolis Public Service Building, located at City of Minneapolis Service Center (2nd floor/skyway level), 505 S. Fourth Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55415. Involved parties can also obtain a digital copy by filing out the accident report request form here: https://www.minneapolismn.gov/media/-www-content-assets/documents/Accident-report-request-form-5-2021.pdf

• Do motorcycle accident victims in Minneapolis have the right to seek financial compensation?

  Yes, as long as they can prove that carelessness caused the accident, Minneapolis motorcycle accident victims have the right to seek monetary damages for their injuries and vehicle damage. In order to do this, their attorneys must demonstrate that four components of liability were present in the Minneapolis motorbike accident. These factors include causation, breach of duty of care, damages, and duty of care.

• What are the most common injuries a motorcycle wreck victim sustained in Minneapolis?

  Many of the more than 8,700 motorcycle accident victims in Minneapolis had broken or shattered bones, concussions, and traumatic brain injuries, as well as paralysis, head and neck trauma, and limb loss. On the other hand, motorcycle accidents claim the lives of more than 40 individuals in Minneapolis each year.

• What happens if the negligent motorist leaves Minnesota before a motorcycle accident victim in Minneapolis files a claim?

  According to Minnesota law, those hurt in motorcycle accidents have two years from the date of the occurrence to make a claim, however, if the at-fault party departs the state, the statute of limitations for Minneapolis motorcycle accident cases is suspended. For instance, if the liable party leaves three months after the motorcycle accident, the victim has 21 months to submit their claim whenever the responsible party returns.

• What are the common causes of motorcycle crashes in Minneapolis?

  Some of the typical causes of motorcycle accidents in Minneapolis include failing to check a vehicle's blind area for a biker, speeding, or abruptly stopping in front of a rider. Motorcycle riders may be at risk from dangerous road conditions such as slick pavement, debris, and potholes. Motorbike accidents in Minneapolis are also frequently caused by auto flaws and faulty motorcycle helmets.

• Will Minneapolis motorcycle accident victims' lost income be covered by no-fault insurance coverage?

  Yes, motorcycle accident victims in Minneapolis are entitled to at least $20,000 in compensation for their lost wages. However, under Minnesota statutes 65B. 44, the no-fault insurance coverage will only pay 85% of the victims' gross income up to a limit of $500 per week. For example, if they earn $200 per week, they will only receive $170 or 85% of $200. On the other hand, If they make $1,000 per week, the most they may get is $500 per week.

• What does a motorcycle accident attorney do?

  Motorcycle accident attorneys provide legal advice, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent accident victims in and out of court. They investigate the cause of collisions, establish fault, value claims, prepare legal documents, and fight to recover adequate compensation for their clients. Most lawyers in this practice area also handle car and truck accidents and other personal injury claims.

• What is my motorcycle accident injury claim worth?

  Injured motorcyclists may be eligible for several types of compensation depending on their losses, state of residence, and level of fault. Whether or not they were wearing a helmet may also come into play. A lawyer can help to evaluate claims based on medical expenses, property damage, past and future lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.

• How long after a motorcycle accident can you claim an injury?

  The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically two years from the date of the accident. However, each state has its own rules. In Tennessee and Louisiana, for example, victims of motorcycle accidents have just one year to file a lawsuit. In Maine, Minnesota, and North Dakota, individuals have up to six years to initiate a claim.

• What is the average settlement for a motorcycle accident injury?

  Based on eight years of national data, the average verdict in motorcycle accident cases ranges from $74,000 to $560,000. Also note that the majority of claims are settled out of court. Riders may receive compensatory damages for medical bills, property damage, and lost wages, as well as general damages for emotional trauma, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium. Additionally, in states that follow a comparative negligence model, the plaintiff’s claim may be reduced according to his or her level of fault.

• What is the first thing I should do after a motorcycle accident?

  The steps that you take immediately after a collision can be instrumental in proving an accident or injury claim. In general, you should follow these guidelines:

  • Gather insurance and contact information from the other driver and any witnesses.
  • Contact law enforcement to report the collision and complete an accident report.
  • Document injuries, property damage, and road conditions.
  • Visit a doctor or hospital within 24 hours.
  • Avoid discussing the accident with the other driver or their insurance company.

  
  

• How does the motorcycle injury claim process work?

  Motorcycle accident cases typically start with an insurance claim. After documenting their client’s losses and establishing fault, attorneys generally prepare a demand letter requesting compensation from the other driver’s insurance company. It can take anywhere from one to six months for insurance adjusters to make a settlement offer. If the company denies the claim or the parties can’t reach an agreement, the lawyer can prepare a notice of intent to sue and file a formal lawsuit with the appropriate court.

• How do many motorcycle crashes happen?

  The most common causes for motorcycle collisions are drunk driving, exceeding the speed limit, and left turns. In 42% of all motorcycle collision fatalities, another vehicle turned left in front of an oncoming motorcycle. Motorcycle accidents are also caused by dangerous road conditions, such as crumbling pavement, debris in the road, and potholes. Other factors that contribute to motorcycle accidents include unsafe lane changes, sudden stops, lane splitting, inexperienced drivers, motorcycle defects, and car doors opened in the path of a motorcycle.

• How many motorcyclists get into accidents?

  In 2017, of the over 8 million motorcycle riders that year, approximately 89,000 were injured in motorcycle accidents and over 5,000 motorcycle collisions resulted in fatalities. The fatality rate for 100 million miles driven is 25.67, which is largely attributed to the lack of helmet use. Most fatal crashes involving motorcycles happened during the heaviest traffic times between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

• Are motorcycles more dangerous than cars?

  Motorcycles are more dangerous than cars because they lack any protection for the rider in the event of an accident. Motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die in a crash and more than five times more likely to be injured than those riding in enclosed vehicles. Because of their small size, motorcycles’ lack of visibility is a major contributing factor in collisions with other vehicles. Motorcycles are also more vulnerable to weather conditions and road hazards than other automobiles.

• How do you check a motorcycle after a crash?

  For a minor crash with no injuries, the immediate danger is being struck again by oncoming traffic, so moving your bike off of the road as soon as possible is imperative. Check your mirrors, brake lights, headlight, and controls. You should also check to make sure there is no leaking fluid, such as fuel or oil.