Minneapolis Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Helping Riders Across Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin

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.
• 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.

Who May Be Liable for Motorcyclist Injuries?

Determining liability in a motorcycle accident requires analyzing various factors, including the actions of each party involved, the road conditions, and the specific circumstances of the accident. Potentially liable parties may include:

• Negligent Drivers: In most motorcycle accident cases, another driver is at fault due to negligence, such as distracted driving, speeding, or failure to yield. When a driver’s actions directly lead to a motorcyclist’s injuries, they may be held liable for damages.
• Government Entities: In accidents caused by dangerous road conditions, such as potholes, inadequate signage, or poor maintenance, a government agency responsible for maintaining the roadway may bear responsibility. Proving liability against a government entity can be challenging, but our experienced attorneys know how to navigate these complex cases.
• Motorcycle Manufacturers: If a mechanical defect or malfunction contributes to the accident, the motorcycle manufacturer could be held liable. Defective parts, such as brakes, tires, or other critical components, can lead to sudden accidents, and manufacturers may be held accountable for injuries resulting from these issues.
• Third-Party Drivers: Sometimes, third-party drivers who were not directly involved in the accident may have contributed to the dangerous situation, such as by cutting off a motorcyclist or forcing another vehicle to swerve. Our lawyers analyze all potential factors to identify any third parties that may bear responsibility.

At Fay & Associates, we work diligently to determine liability by reviewing evidence, consulting experts, and examining every detail of the accident to pursue maximum compensation on behalf of our clients.

The Importance of Hiring a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Promptly

Time is of the essence following a motorcycle accident. Here’s why you should contact a motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible:

• Preserving Evidence: Critical evidence can be lost or degraded over time. An attorney can help ensure that evidence such as surveillance footage, accident debris, and skid marks are preserved.
• Timely Witness Statements: Witnesses’ memories can fade, and their contact information may change. An attorney can promptly gather and document witness statements to support your case.
• Meeting Deadlines: Legal claims are subject to statutes of limitations, which set strict deadlines for filing lawsuits. An attorney can help ensure you meet all necessary deadlines to preserve your right to compensation.

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 under 18 to wear helmets. Licensed riders and passengers over 18 are not required to wear a helmet. However, all riders must wear eye protection. Despite these laws, it is important to note that failure to wear a helmet may still 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.

Protecting Your Future: The Importance of Legal Representation

After a motorcycle accident, the road to recovery can be daunting. Not only are you dealing with physical injuries, but you may also face emotional and financial challenges. Having experienced legal representation is crucial in navigating these complexities. At Fay & Associates, we understand the unique challenges motorcyclists face and are committed to advocating for your rights.

Here’s why securing a skilled attorney can make a significant difference in your case:

• Expert Negotiation: Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators who will fight to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Thorough Investigation: We conduct comprehensive investigations into your accident, gathering evidence, witness statements, and expert testimonies to build a strong case on your behalf.
• Personalized Attention: We believe in treating our clients like family. You’ll receive personalized support and guidance throughout the legal process, ensuring you never feel alone during this challenging time.
• Contingency Fee Basis: Our services are offered on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if we win your case. This allows you to focus on recovery without the stress of upfront legal fees.

Don’t let the complexities of your motorcycle accident case overwhelm you.

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.