Motorcycle Accidents

Anoka Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Motorcycle Accidents in Minnesota

Motorcyclists ride for different reasons. For some, it goes beyond basic transportation; it is a passion. There is a sense of freedom, like flying—the sound of the motor, the vibration, the speed.

At Bolt Law Firm, we get it. More than half of our employees are motorcyclists who ride regularly. We are also aware of the dangers that motorcyclists face daily, and we know you are, too.

Unfortunately, even the safest and most experienced rider cannot always avoid a collision. If you were injured in an accident, or if someone you love tragically passed away due to a motorcycle crash, know that you deserve justice. We encourage you to reach out to our Anoka motorcycle accident attorneys today to learn how we can help you seek the full, fair recovery you are owed.

Call (763) 292-2102 or contact us online to get started with a free consultation.

Minnesota Motorcycle Laws

Studies show that motorcycle riders are better prepared to cope with emergencies and less likely to be involved in a crash if they have taken training courses. In Minnesota, you must be licensed before you can operate a motorcycle.

If you are 18 or older, you can earn a motorcycle license endorsement in one of the following two ways:

  • Possess a motorcycle instruction permit, complete the Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center Basic Rider Course, and pay the applicable fees
  • Pass the state knowledge test, pass the riding state skills test for the motorcycle endorsement, and pay the applicable fees

If you are under 18 years old, you must complete one of the above requirements and present a certificate of completion of a state-approved motorcycle rider training course.

Additionally, you need to do the following:

  • Register the motorcycle and have a valid license plate
  • Have minimum liability insurance
  • Carry proof of insurance when riding
  • Wear eye protection, such as a face shield, goggles, or glasses

Helmets are not mandatory in Minnesota for motorcyclists 18 or older. However, statistics show that wearing a helmet is one of the most effective ways to prevent severe injuries, as well as fatalities. in 2018, only 28 percent of motorcycle riders killed were known to be wearing a helmet, meaning most fatal motorcycle accidents involved motorcyclists who were not wearing helmets.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?

A motorcycle’s visual profile on the road is less than one-third that of an automobile. No matter how vigilant or how mindful of the rules of the road you are as a motorcyclist, someone else’s negligence can cause an injury accident.

Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

  • Distracted driving
  • Texting or using a cellphone while driving
  • Speeding
  • Drunk driving
  • Fatigued driving or falling asleep at the wheel
  • Unsafe or unlawful turns
  • Failure to see motorcycles
  • Failure to check vehicle blind spots
  • Failure to yield the right of way
  • Disobeying red lights, stop signs, and other traffic control devices
  • Unlawful passing
  • Tailgating, or following too closely
  • Poorly maintained roadways
  • Roadway hazards, such as potholes
  • Defective roadways

If someone else was at fault for the accident that caused your injuries or the death of your loved one, you may be entitled to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim. This allows you to seek financial compensation for certain damages, or losses, you have sustained as a result of the crash, including medical expenses, lost income, lost earning capacity, physical and mental pain and suffering, lost quality of life, and more.

Does No-Fault Insurance Cover Motorcyclists in Minnesota?

Under Minnesota no-fault car insurance laws, motorcycles are not considered “motor vehicles” and are, therefore, not entitled to the same protections. In other words, motorcyclists are not required to purchase no-fault, or “personal injury protection” (PIP), insurance in Minnesota. As a result, if you are injured as a motorcyclist, you may find yourself without the insurance coverage you thought you had.

In most cases, injured motorcyclists must bring claims against at-fault drivers or other liable parties after an accident, rather than going through their own insurance providers. This means you must prove that the other party was at least mostly at fault for the collision. If you are found to be more at fault than the other party, you cannot file a claim or receive compensation for your damages.

If, however, you are found to be partly at fault but less at fault than the other party, you can still recover damages, but the amount you can recover will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if the insurance adjuster and/or court finds you 30 percent to blame, and you are seeking $100,000 in damages, you would only be able to recover up to 70 percent of that amount, or $70,000.

Insurance adjusters often try to inflate the victim’s percentage of fault in an effort to reduce payouts. An unjust determination of fault could mean a difference in tens of thousands of dollars recovered. It is very important that you work with an experienced attorney, like those at Bolt Law Firm, who can help ensure your rights are protected. Our Anoka motorcycle accident attorneys are aggressive advocates for their clients and are prepared to seek the maximum compensation you are owed.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcyclists are susceptible to catastrophic injuries when they are involved in accidents caused by the negligence of another driver. Nearly a third of all non-fatal injuries in motorcycle accidents involve the legs and feet. The second most common type of injury suffered in a motorcycle accident is head and neck trauma.

Other common motorcycle accident injuries include:

These and other severe injuries nearly always require emergency medical attention, as well as continuous, ongoing care. Many result in permanent disabilities or impairments, significantly affecting the victim’s future and the lives of their loved ones.

At Bolt Law Firm, we understand just how devastating motorcycle accidents are for those involved and their families. We are committed to holding negligent parties accountable and fighting for the full and fair compensation you are owed, even if that means taking your case to trial.

Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today

Our team can review your insurance policy and determine what benefits you are owed. We can also evaluate your legal options when it comes to filing a personal injury claim or lawsuit against the liable party. We encourage you to reach out to us right away, as your time to file a lawsuit is limited. Under the state’s statute of limitations on personal injury lawsuits, you only have six years from the date of the accident to sue the liable party for damages. 

When you turn to Bolt Law Firm, you get a team that will fight tirelessly for you. There are no legal fees unless we recover a settlement or verdict on your behalf, and all legal fees are paid via a percentage of your total recovery. In other words, you do not pay anything out of pocket when you work with our firm.

Learn more; call (763) 292-2102 or contact us online to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with one of our attorneys.

 

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