Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Minnesota

Experience That Delivers Results

Understanding Motorcycle Accident Compensation

In Minnesota, the statute of limitations for most motorcycle injury claims is six years from the date of the accident. It is essential to file within this window to protect your right to compensation.

The value of a motorcycle case depends on the severity of injuries, long-term recovery, lost income, and lasting impact. Compensation may include:

Economic Losses

• Past, current, and future medical bills
• Surgeries, rehab, therapy, assistive equipment
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Transportation to medical appointments
• Property damage or motorcycle replacement

Non-Economic Losses

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and trauma
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life – including the inability to ride
• Loss of companionship (in fatal cases)

Our firm works with medical and economic experts to determine the true value of your case – not the lowball figure insurers offer.

Proving Negligence

To win compensation, we must show:

1. Duty of Care: All drivers must operate their vehicles responsibly and follow Minnesota road laws.
2. Breach of Duty: Examples include failing to check blind spots, cutting off a rider, following too closely, or driving under the influence.
3. Causation: The negligent behavior directly caused your injury.
4. Damages: You suffered a physical, emotional, and/or financial harm as a result.

Our attorneys analyze crash scenes, examine evidence, bike damage, medical records, and witness testimony to build a strong case.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Many motorcycle crashes occur because another driver simply wasn’t paying attention:

• Failing to check blind spots
• Cutting off a motorcycle
• Swerving or drifting into a lane
• Failing to yield
• Speeding or tailgating
• Driving under the influence
• "I didn’t see you" driver inattention

When someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, you shouldn’t be the one left paying the price.

Severe Injuries We Commonly See

Motorcyclists have little protection against the force of a crash. Injuries often include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries or paralysis
• Amputations or loss of limbs
• Severe fractures and shattered bones
• Road rash and burns
• Internal injuries
• Permanent disfigurement
• Fatal injuries

Even seemingly minor injuries may worsen over time – getting evaluated immediately protects your health and your claim.

Minnesota Motorcycle Insurance Rules

Unlike auto insurance, motorcycle policies are not covered under Minnesota’s no-fault/PIP system.

This means:

• Riders generally cannot use PIP benefits
• The at-fault driver is usually responsible for damages
• Their liability coverage must pay – at least:
  • $30,000 per person
  • $60,000 per accident
  • $10,000 property damage

Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may apply depending on your policy.

The UIM Loophole Riders Need to Know About

Minnesota’s No-Fault Act requires insurers to offer UM/UIM coverage, but the statute does not define motorcycles as "motor vehicles."

This loophole allows insurers to include harmful clauses in motorcycle policies.

Johnson v. Farmers – What Happened

• Rider had $134,000+ in damages
• The at-fault driver had only $30,000 in liability coverage
• Rider sought the remaining $100,000+ from his UIM policy
• Policy contained a "limits less offset" clause
• Insurance deducted the $34,000 settlement from the UIM limit
• Rider was forced to absorb $14,000 in damages

As Steve Terry said in Minnesota Lawyer:

"Insurance arguably should favor the consumer – but the court sided with the insurer. This decision affects every rider in Minnesota. TSR attorneys know how to navigate – and fight – these loopholes."

Helmet Use & Your Case

Minnesota does not require helmets for riders 18 and older.

Even if you weren’t wearing a helmet, you may still have a valid case.

Insurers often try to use helmet arguments to reduce payouts – TSR pushes back with medical evidence and expert testimony to protect your compensation.

If the At-Fault Driver Was Uninsured

You may still recover compensation through your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage.

These claims are complex – TSR handles every detail.

Passenger Injuries

Motorcycle passengers have the same rights as riders. Depending on the crash:

• You may file against the operator of another vehicle
• Or against the motorcycle operator if their negligence caused the crash

We review all coverage options and pursue the claim with the best chance of recovery.

No-Contact Motorcycle Crashes

A motorcycle crash doesn’t require a collision. You may still have a case if you crashed because of:

• A sudden swerve by another driver
• Roadway hazards
• Poor road maintenance
• Mechanical issues

These cases require detailed investigation and often expert analysis – TSR has extensive experience proving liability in these situations.

Injured in a Motorcycle Crash? It’s TSR Time!

You shouldn’t go up against the insurance company alone. TSR Injury Law fights to secure full and fair compensation for every rider we represent. We know how insurers treat riders – and we know how to fight back.

Free consultation. No pressure. No fees unless we win.

CALL 612-TSR-TIME (612) 877-8463