Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Saint Paul

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency contact number for Saint Paul police station is 651-291-1111.

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

  Police reports can be requested in person or online. You may go to 367 Grove Street Saint Paul, 1st-floor customer service window from Mondays to Fridays (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.). For online requests, visit https://www.stpaul.gov/datarequest and attach a copy of your state driver’s license/ID or passport.

• Is there a deadline for filing motorcycle accident claims in Saint Paul?

  Yes, most personal injury cases in Minnesota have a two-year deadline. This means that motorcycle accident victims in Saint Paul should file lawsuits against at-fault parties two years from the date of the accident. If you failed to file a personal injury claim before the time limit, you will not be able to recover compensation.

• How many defendants can you sue for a motorcycle accident in Saint Paul?

  Plaintiffs can sue multiple defendants in a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Saint Paul. If an individual was hit by a delivery truck, potential defendants can include his insurance provider and trucking company or manufacturer if there is manufacturing defect evidence. On the other hand, if the accident was caused by a defect in your motorcycle, you can also sue your motorcycle's manufacturer. Additionally, government agencies can be the at-fault parties if the accident was caused by poor road conditions.

• Who can be held accountable for a motorcycle racing accident in Saint Paul?

  Riders who participate in legal motorcycle races are required to sign liability waivers, which limits their ability to file legal action associated with the race. If a motorcyclist has been injured in a race, he or she may still file a personal injury lawsuit. The plaintiff can sue another motorcycle racer if they acted recklessly or negligently during the race.

• Why is it important for Saint Paul motorcycle riders to have proper operator training?

  Failure to undergo proper operator training for motorcycles can lead to serious accidents. The state has reported in 2019 that there were 44 fatalities (drivers and passengers) that occurred, and 840 individuals were injured in Minnesota. The data also shows that 21% of motorcycle operators who were involved in fatal accidents did not have valid training on how to drive a motorcycle.

• Does not wearing a helmet affect your motorcycle accident claims in Saint Paul?

  Yes, although it is not required for riders over the age of 18 to wear a helmet, most insurance companies may try to deny your claim. Insurance providers might say that you have sustained injuries for not wearing protective gear. They will try to reduce the amount of your compensation.

• 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.