Saint Paul Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Being involved in a motorcycle accident can be a life-altering experience. Dealing with injuries, handling medical bills, and navigating the legal process can be especially overwhelming. You may want to consider hiring a lawyer to advise you and represent your best interests.

If the negligence of another motorist caused you to suffer a motorcycle accident injury, you may be eligible to pursue compensation for the losses you have endured. Our lawyers at TSR Injury Law have obtained over $1 billion in compensation for our clients. This includes a recovery of $2.8 million by partner Chuck Slane for two clients who required multiple surgeries after breaking several bones in a motorcycle crash. Chuck currently sits on the Board of Governors for the Minnesota Association for Justice (MNAJ).

To see how a Saint Paul motorcycle accident lawyer may be able to help, react out for a free consultation. There is no risk or obligation on your part to take legal action and no upfront fees if you retain our services. Unless you obtain a recovery through a settlement or verdict, our firm does not get paid.

Call us anytime, 24 hours a day, at (612) TSR-TIME.

Do I Have a Viable Case?

Our legal team needs to review the particulars of your situation to help determine if you may have a viable case. This includes establishing whether the motorcycle accident was due to negligence, which means the failure to take reasonable care to avoid causing harm to another person.

There are four elements of negligence that need to be proven in order to seek compensation. These include:

  • Duty of care – The other party must have owed you a duty of care to act in a sensible manner to prevent you and others sharing the roadway from being injured and suffering other losses. For instance, motorists must follow all traffic laws and check for blind spots when changing lanes.
  • Breach of duty of care – The other party must have failed to uphold this legal obligation by acting carelessly and not how a reasonable person would have in a similar situation. For instance, a motorist failed to stop at a red light and crashed into a motorcyclist passing through the intersection.
  • Causation – The other party’s negligence must have directly caused your injuries. Had the motorist not been tailgating, he or she would have avoided hitting the motorcycle rider from behind and causing harm. We have experience gathering medical records and accident reports to help prove this element.
  • Damages – You must show that your injuries caused you to suffer damages, such as medical bills or lost income. It is simply not enough to show that the other party’s actions caused your injury.

Let our St. Paul motorcycle accident lawyers discuss the legal options that may be available to you in a free consultation. We are prepared to pursue maximum compensation if all four elements can be established.

Have questions about the legal process? Dial (612) TSR-TIME.

Damages Available in Motorcycle Accident Cases

The value of your damages after a motorcycle accident cannot be accurately calculated without looking at a number of factors unique to your situation. The extent of your injuries, your ability to return to work, the medical treatment you have incurred and will continue to incur in the future will all need to be evaluated.

Generally, the types of damages motorcycle accident victims may be able to recover could include:

Medical Expenses

Medical care following a motorcycle crash can be costly. Certain injuries to the head, neck and back may require extensive care or become permanent. These damages could help cover hospital stays, emergency services, follow up doctor’s visits, medications, surgery, physical therapy, rehabilitation and assistive devices.

Property Damage

Your motorcycle may have been damaged in the accident. These damages could help cover the reasonable cost to repair the vehicle, the cost to rent a vehicle, or the fair market value of your vehicle if it is a total loss.

Loss of Wages

Many serious crashes often leave motorcycle riders unable to return to work for some time or work in the same capacity as before. These damages could help cover the wages you lost while seeking medical care and recovering from your injuries. You may even be able to obtain loss of future earnings if you are unable to work at all, or in the same capacity as before.

Pain and Suffering

Motorcycle accidents can be a traumatic event for many victims. These damages could help cover the pain and suffering, both physical and mental, that you have experienced since the crash. Loss of enjoyment of life in doing the activities you once loved and loss of companionship from a loved one could also be recovered.

These are just some of the damages available in a motorcycle accident claim. Our legal team is prepared to discuss the value of your claim free of charge.

Deadline to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim

If you are thinking about filing a motorcycle accident claim, it is important that you act as soon as possible. There are certain deadlines that must be met to have a chance at obtaining compensation for your injury.

In Minnesota, most personal injury cases have a two-year deadline. This means you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file. This deadline is also known as the statute of limitations. Failure to file before the deadline passes will likely result in you losing the right to file. However, there may be exceptions.

If you have any questions about the statute of limitations or are unsure if your time to file has passed, we recommend that you reach out a licensed Saint Paul motorcycle accident attorney from our firm for advice.

Will Not Wearing a Helmet Affect My Case?

Although state law requires motorcycle riders under the age of 18 to wear a helmet, you may still have a case and be able to recover compensation even if you were not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

However, the insurance company may try to deny your claim. They may say that you were only injured because you failed to wear a helmet to try to reduce the amount of compensation being payed out. Their goal is to save themselves money.

That is why you should consult with our lawyers to learn more about your legal options and pursuing a claim if you were not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

Insurance Requirements for Minnesota Motorists

In Minnesota, all motorists must carry liability insurance coverage, which helps pay for the other party’s damages and injury costs if they are at fault for the crash.

The minimum amounts of liability coverage as required by law are:

  • $30,000 of bodily injury coverage per person
  • $60,000 of bodily injury coverage for two or more people per accident
  • $10,000 of property damage coverage

It is important to note that drivers often purchase more than the minimum amount of coverage.

While motorcycle riders may be able to obtain insurance compensation from their own policy in an accident caused by another driver, motorcycle crash victims often file claims against the at-fault driver. Motorcycle crashes are not governed by a no-fault system like car accidents and there is no requirement for motorcycle riders to buy personal injury protection coverage to pay for their damages after a crash.

Insurance claims can be highly complex, which is why you should strongly consider seeking legal representation.

What if The Other Party Does Not Have Enough Coverage?

While the at-fault party may have more than the minimum amount of coverage, it still may not be enough to cover the full value of your damages.

When this happens, our St. Paul motorcycle accident attorneys may be able to pursue compensation through your underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage. This coverage helps pay for medical-related expenses if the other party does not have the right amount of coverage or does not have insurance at all.

The minimum amount of coverage required by law is $25,000 per person injured in an accident and $50,000 for two or more people injured in an accident. Uninsured/underinsured coverage is supposed to pay for medical bills and basic economic losses.

Potential Loophole in Uninsured/ Underinsured Motorist Insurance

However, Minnesota’s No-Fault Automobile Insurance Act does not label motorcycles as motor vehicles. This loophole was recently applied in the case: Johnson v. Farmers.

The plaintiff’s insurance policy had a clause allowing it to reduce payouts to policyholders who settled with another insurance company. The plaintiff was left with $34,000 in expenses after the $34,000 settlement was subtracted from the maximum coverage limit of $100,000 in the victim’s insurance policy.

TSR Injury Law founding partner Steve Terry was quoted in an issue of Minnesota Lawyer about this decision. “If a case could go either way, if there is ambiguity, it’s being resolved in favor of the for-profit insurance company…”

Free Consultation. No upfront fees. Ph: (612) TSR-TIME.

Injury Claims for Motorcycle Passengers

Motorcycle passengers often sustain injuries just as serious or worse than motorcycle riders in an accident. They may be unsure about what to do on in order to pursue compensation for any damages suffered.

In these instances, you may be able to file a claim against the at-fault party. If the operator of the motorcycle was the one being negligent or shared some fault in the crash, you may also be able to file a claim against his or her insurance policy.

We understand how complex motorcycle accidents can be, especially when a friend or loved one is involved. Having a knowledgeable lawyer to help you form your claim can be beneficial. Our lawyers are experienced in gathering evidence, calculating damages, and negotiating settlements after a motorcycle accident.

What Is a No-Contact Motorcycle Crash?

Sometimes a motorcycle rider can lose control and crash. This can often happen because of a mechanical issue, such as a tire blowout, or problems with the roadway, such as potholes, spillage, or obstructions.

These types of cases can quickly become complicated, as you may need to pursue legal action against a product manufacturer or government entity.

This would require an in-depth investigation into the accident and possibly expert witness testimony to help link the defective product or unsafe road conditions to the motorcycle accident and your injuries.

Our Saint Paul motorcycle accident lawyers are here to review your situation and determine if you may have legal options. Call (612) TSR-TIME today.

Why Motorcycle Accidents Happen

Motorcycle accidents often happen because of another motorist’s negligent actions. This could include:

  • Driving while distracted on the phone, eating or using a GPS device
  • Speeding or recklessly driving
  • Failing to yield the right-of-way
  • Following a motorcycle rider too closely
  • Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Failing to check blind spots before changing lanes
  • Disobeying traffic signals and stop signs
  • Weaving in and out of traffic

Motorcycles are smaller and lighter that passenger vehicles, and riders lack the protection of a vehicle, such as seat belts and airbags. As a result, riders are more likely to be fatally injured in a crash. It is important for motorists to pay close attention for motorcycles.

Call Our Saint Paul Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by negligence, it is in your best interest to seek legal representation as soon as possible. Our Saint Paul attorneys have helped many injury victims and their loved ones recover millions in compensation for the injuries and other damages they have suffered.

Reach out to schedule a free consultation to learn more about your possible legal options. Your consultation with us is confidential and comes with no risk or obligation to pursue legal action. If you have a case and we represent you, we do not charge upfront fees. You only pay us if we help you obtain compensation.

Call (612) TSR-TIME or fill out our Free Case Evaluation form today.

Minneapolis Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle accidents can cause life-threatening injuries that may lead to financial instability and a lifetime of pain and suffering. Unfortunately, many collisions are the result of driver negligence and could have been avoided.

At TSR Injury Law, we understand the challenges that riders and their families may face after being involved in a serious crash. Our attorneys have obtained $300 million in compensation for injury victims, including a $2.8 million insurance settlement for victims of a motorcycle crash that broke several bones and required multiple surgeries. This settlement was recovered by partner Chuck Slane on behalf of the victims. Chuck is certified by the Minnesota State Bar Association and is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates.

Contact our firm to speak to an experienced attorney during a free consultation so he or she can determine if you may have a case. We provide our services on a contingency fee basis, which means there are no upfront costs. We only get paid if we successfully obtain compensation for you.

Give us a call at (612) TSR-TIME or fill out a Free Case Evaluation form to get started. Our firm can be contacted any time, day or night.

Can I Pursue Financial Compensation for My Motorcycle Accident?

You may be able to pursue compensation for the damages your injuries have caused you if you can establish that your accident was caused by negligence. To do this, your lawyer will need to show the four elements of negligence were present in your accident. These elements include:

Duty of Care

Every driver has a legal obligation to act reasonably in order to prevent harm to others. For example, a driver must follow the rules of the road and carefully check his or her blind spots before switching lanes.

Breach of Duty of Care

You will need to show that the at-fault party breached his or her duty of care by acting negligently or carelessly. For example, if a driver neglects to use his or her turn signal and switches lanes before checking, he or she could crash into a motorcyclist who was not given adequate warning.

Causation

You will also need to show that the at-fault party’s breach of duty of care has caused you to suffer injuries – had the at-fault party took proper care, you would not been injured.

Damages

It is not enough to show that the at-fault party’s actions caused you to suffer an injury. You must show that your injuries or property damage caused you financial or emotional damages. This could mean out-of-pocket expenses like medical bills or the costs of repairing your motorcycle.

If your Minneapolis motorcycle accident lawyer can establish that these elements exist, you may be able to pursue compensation. It is difficult to determine if the elements of negligence may exist until we review your claim in a free consultation.

Have Some Questions? Phone: (612) TSR-TIME

Valuing a Motorcycle Accident Claim

Motorcycle crash victims may be able to pursue compensation for monetary damages and psychological damages, like emotional trauma. These damages could include the following:

Medical Expenses

The injuries motorcycle accident victims face often require extensive, long-term medical treatment. This can include expenses for:

  • Past, current and future medical bills
  • Cost of surgeries
  • Treating broken bones
  • Physical therapy
  • Assistive medical equipment
  • Doctor’s appointments
  • Transportation to and from appointments
  • Prescription medication

Property Damage

It is likely that your accident caused damage to your bike. The cost for repairs or replacement of the bike can be significant.

Lost Wages and Earning Capacity

You may be able to pursue compensation for the wages lost when you missed work along with loss of earning capacity if your injuries hurt your ability to continue working in the same job as you did before the accident.

Pain and Suffering

Your injuries may have caused you to suffer immense pain. The value of an accident victim’s pain and suffering depends on many factors, including the extent of pain and the length of your recovery.

Loss of Enjoyment of Life

Your injuries may have caused a permanent disability that prevents you from participating in activities you once enjoyed, or it may negatively impact your relationships with people you love. This may even include the loss of the ability to ride a motorcycle, which often happens after back or spinal cord injuries.

Loss of Companionship

In the unfortunate event that a motorcycle accident leads to the death of a loved one, the surviving family may be awarded compensation for the loss of financial assistance, services, nurturing, care and more.

If you or a loved one has been in a motorcycle accident, it is important that you call an experienced lawyer from TSR Injury Law right now to learn more about your potential legal options and how we assist accident victims.

We are here to help. Call today at (612) TSR-TIME.

Insurance Compensation for a Motorcycle Crash

Many motorcycle accident claims are resolved through a settlement with an insurance company. Unlike car insurance claims, motorcycle accident claims in Minnesota are generally not governed by a no-fault system. Motorcycle riders are not required to buy personal injury protection to cover their own damages in an accident caused by another motorist.

This means the at-fault party may be financially responsible for the victim’s damages in a motorcycle crash. This is why drivers of cars must purchase liability insurance. Although motorists often purchase more than the minimum amounts, these are the minimum requirements for drivers:

  • $30,000 per person for each accident
  • $60,000 for two or more people per accident
  • $10,000 for property damage

You may be able to pursue compensation from your own policy, depending on the coverages you have purchased. This is something you can review with our motorcycle accident attorneys in Minneapolis.

Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist Insurance Loophole

The Minnesota No-Fault Automobile Insurance Act requires all insurance companies to provide the following uninsured / underinsured coverage for motor vehicles:

  • basic economic losses
  • medical expenses
  • minimum levels of uninsured / underinsured coverage

There is a major loophole in the Minnesota No-Fault Automobile Insurance Act. They do not specify that motorcycles are a “motor vehicle”. That precludes them from the provisions of the act and it allows insurance companies to write policies that protect their own interests at the expense of the policyholder.

This loophole was recently exposed in the Johnson v. Farmers decision.

  • The plaintiff incurred at least $134,000 in damages.
  • The defendant was totally at fault and carried only $30,000 in liability coverage.
  • The plaintiff settled for $34,000 and then filed with his own insurance for the difference of $100,000 maximum allowed on his UIM policy.
  • Unknown to the plaintiff, his policy contained a “limits-less-paid” reducing clause allowing the insurer to deduct the amount of the settlement.
  • That translates into $66,000 from the plaintiff’s insurance company, leaving the plaintiff footing the bill for the additional $34,000.

Many attorneys say the decision goes against settled law stating that ambiguities should be resolved against insurers. Steve Terry, founding partner of TSR Injury Law and motorcycle enthusiast, was quoted in the June 1st, Minnesota Lawyer reflecting on the decision,

“If the statute is ambiguous and the contract with the underinsured carrier is ambiguous, it should be held against the insurance carrier. The court did just the opposite . . . they gave the insurance company the benefit of the doubt and [ruled against] the person who was hurt.” He then added, “In most contexts you hold doubts against the one who wrote the policy. [The Court of Appeals] seems to be getting more and more conservative and becoming more and more insurance-company friendly. If a case could go either way, if there is ambiguity, it’s being resolved in favor of the for-profit insurance company and against injured consumers.”

This is a disturbing situation because no one reads their insurance policy completely. It leaves the door open for abuse. Any motorcycle policy can now say anything as there is no regulation whatsoever.

Why Should I Hire a Lawyer?

Plaintiff”s that have a licensed attorney handling their case receive more financial compensation compared to those that have no legal representation.

Additionally, building a robust lawsuit can be very time consuming. Following an accident, many victims are unable to perform the research to obtain the information that is needed to build a strong case. At TSR Injury Law, our lawyers have a full support team including paralegals, case managers, investigators and more, to ensure that all the details of your case are explored.

After establishing that you have a case, and should you choose to pursue it, your lawyer can begin collecting evidence to support your claim. This may include:

  • Gathering photo evidence
  • Collecting police reports
  • Investigating the at-fault party’s driving history
  • Collecting medical documentation connecting your injury to the accident
  • Consulting with experts who may testify
  • Gathering witness statements

Our lawyers are ready to negotiate with insurance companies to obtain the maximum compensation possible. We have done this numerous times, and we know how to protect the value of a claim and deal with insurance companies that make lowball offers or attempt to blame the victim for his or her injuries.

Our attorneys have assisted many accident victims. We understand what you are going through and how important it is for you to receive compensation.

Is There a Time Limit to File an injury Claim?

If you are considering filing a claim against the negligent party, it is important that you act quickly because insurance companies often have deadlines for filing claims. If you miss the deadline, you may miss your chance to obtain compensation.

If our Minneapolis motorcycle accident lawyers are unable to secure a fair settlement offer from the insurance company, we can discuss filing a lawsuit. We prepare for this possibility because we are focused on getting maximum compensation.

There is a two-year time limit to file a claim in Minnesota, starting from the date of the accident. This may seem like plenty of time, but you must consider that investigating a claim is time-consuming. Failure to file a claim within this deadline may bar you from pursing compensation for the damages you incurred.

However, each case is different and there may be certain situations that are exempt from this time limit. Contact a licensed lawyer for assistance so we can determine how much time there is to take action. The sooner you contact us, the more time we will have to investigate and build a detailed case.

Fill out a Free Case Evaluation form.

I Was Not Wearing a Helmet, Do I Still Have a Case?

Minnesota law does not require adults 18 years and older to wear a helmet, so you may still have a case and be eligible to receive compensation for damages if you were not wearing a helmet in your accident.

The problem is, the insurance company may say your injury is only as bad as it is because you were not wearing a helmet. They may try to reduce the value of their compensation offer based on that theory.

This is why you should speak to one of our Minneapolis motorcycle accident lawyers in a free consultation. We can determine if you may have a case and defend your claim against insurance companies looking to pay out less compensation than your claim may be worth.

The Driver Was Uninsured. How do I Recover Compensation?

This happens sometimes – there are also situations where the at-fault driver has coverage, but it runs out before paying the full cost of your damages.

However, if you have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage in your policy, you may be able to file a claim with your own insurance company.

These kinds of claims are complicated. One reason why is that certain requirements must be met before you can use this coverage. We recommend that you contact us if the driver in your crash does not have insurance.

Filing a Claim as a Motorcycle Passenger

Motorcycle passengers can be injured just as severely or worse in a motorcycle crash. However, they often are unsure about how to pursue compensation after a crash.

You may be able to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver’s liability insurance. If you were injured because of the motorcycle operator’s negligence, you may be able to pursue a claim against him or her.

These situations are difficult to figure out until we do a comprehensive analysis of your accident and the insurance coverages that may be involved.

Reach us by phone today. (612) TSR-TIME

What if I was Injured in a No-Contact Crash?

These are accidents that happen without a collision. The rider loses control for some reason, such a mechanical issue like a tire blowout. In some situations, the accident may have been the result of road conditions.

After these accidents, the victim may be able to file a claim over the condition of the road surface – the claim may allege it was unreasonably dangerous and this caused the crash.

These are tough claims to prove, as you need detailed evidence and possibly expert testimony to connect the road condition to the crash.

Complete a Free Case Evaluation form.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

There are a variety of negligent behaviors by other drivers that may cause a motorcycle accident to occur. Some examples include:

  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Cutting off a motorcyclist
  • Failing to check blind spots before switching lanes
  • Swerving in front of a motorcyclist
  • Failing to yield when approaching a motorcyclist
  • Failure to see a motorcyclist approaching
  • Speeding
  • Tailgating

Types of Injuries

Since motorcyclists have little protection from other vehicles, collisions can lead to debilitating injuries like:

  • Loss of limbs
  • Bone fractures
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • Paralysis
  • Disfigurement
  • Burns
  • Broken bones
  • Death

It is extremely important that you get the medical attention you need after a motorcycle accident. Even if you feel that your injuries are minor, you may have internal injuries and not even realize it until days or weeks later.

Visiting the doctor ensures that you will be checked for any injuries. Your doctor will also provide you with proper documentation that connects your injuries to the accident, which will serve as a vital piece of evidence to help support your claim.

Contact a Minneapolis Motorcycle Accident Attorney

At TSR Injury Law, we believe that negligent drivers must be held accountable for their actions. Our goal is to make the litigation process as seamless as possible, so that our clients can focus on recovering from their injuries.

We welcome you to contact us at any time so that we can review your claim. Your consultation is free and there are no upfront fees. We only get paid when we successfully obtain compensation for your case.

Schedule your free consultation by phone or visit our office at 7760 France Ave South Suite 820 located a few miles from I-494 and I-35 W and only a 13-minute drive from the Mall of America.

Call now at (612) TSR-TIME or fill out a Free Case Evaluation form.

Bloomington Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Motorcycle accidents are often devasting experiences that may leave a victim with severe and life-threatening injuries. The aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be just as traumatic with costly medical expenses that may add to the stress of the recovery process.

At TSR Injury Law, our Bloomington motorcycle accident attorneys understand the difficulties that injured riders and their families may face after a crash and we welcome the opportunity to discuss your claim with us during a free, no obligation consultation. Our firm has recovered $300 million in compensation for our clients, including a $2.8 million recovery obtained by partner Chuck Slane, on behalf of two victims that underwent multiple surgeries to repair several broken bones after being involved in a motorcycle accident.

Contact us today for your free consultation, so that we can discuss your possible legal options. We are available 24/7 to take your call or chat online and there are no upfront fees if we handle your case.

Call us at (612) TSR-TIME or fill out a Free Case Evaluation form.

Am I Eligible to File a Case?

You may be eligible to file a case if it can be established that the at-fault party was negligent in his or her actions and those actions caused you to suffer an injury. In order to do so, the following four elements of negligence must be established:

  • Duty of care – You must show that the driver responsible for the accident had a legal obligation to act reasonably in a way that would protect themselves and others from harm.
  • Breach of duty of care – You must show that the at-fault party failed to uphold his or her legal obligation and caused you harm by not acting in a manner that a reasonable person would have done in a similar situation.
  • Causation – You must show that there is a direct link between the at-fault party’s negligent actions and your injuries. Had he or she not breached the duty of care, then you would not have been harmed. Medical records and police reports can be used to prove this element.
  • Damages – You must show that you suffered damages as a result of your injuries such as medical expenses, lost wages or property damage.

If you think that your situation meets this criteria, then you may have a case. The best way to know if you do is to reach out to a lawyer from our firm to understand the best course of action to take.

How Much is My Case Worth?

The value of your case will depend on the severity of your injuries and your expected recovery time. Many motorcycle accidents result in serious and debilitating injuries that may put a victim in a tough financial position with costly medical bills and loss of wages from missing time at work to recover.

If our legal team can determine that you have a case, we will work hard to pursue compensation for the losses you experienced as a result of the accident. This may include the following damages:

Economic Damages

Economic damages are the losses that have a monetary value and can be proven with supportive documentation. These may include:

  • Past, current and future medical bills
  • Lost wages or benefits
  • Loss of earning capacity
  • Surgical costs
  • Medical transportation services
  • Medical assistive equipment
  • Prescription medication costs
  • Bike repairment or replacement costs

Non-Economic Damages

These damages are for the emotional, non-monetary losses you have suffered. These may include:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Disfigurement
  • Disability
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of companionship
  • Loss of reputation
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

In Minnesota, there are no caps or limits on the amount of damages we may be able to help you recover. Our licensed Bloomington motorcycle accident attorneys are prepared use all of our resources to pursue the maximum amount of compensation that may be available for your case.

Call (612) TSR-TIME to schedule your 100 percent free consultation.

Is There a Deadline to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim?

If you are looking to obtain compensation for your damages, it is generally a wise decision to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident. Many personal injury cases, including motorcycle accidents, must generally be filed within just two years from the date of the crash. This deadline is determined by Minnesota’s personal injury statute of limitations.

However, there can be exceptions to this rule. The deadline may depend on the particulars of your situation and in some instances, you may be required to file before or even after the two-year deadline. Our firm is prepared to answer any questions you have about the statute of limitations. We are here to help.

Does Not Wearing a Helmet Change the Outcome of My Case?

Most motorcycle injuries can be much less severe with the right protection. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA), helmets are proven to be 37 percent effective in preventing fatalities to motorcyclists.

However, in Minnesota, motorcyclists over the age of 18 with a valid motorcycle license are not required to wear a helmet when operating a motorcycle. This means that even if you were not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, you are still eligible to receive financial compensation for the damages you have suffered.

To learn more about your legal options, we recommend that you reach out to our firm. We are available 24 hours a day to answer any questions you may have about the claims process.

Motorcycle Insurance Requirements in Minnesota

Unlike other states, Minnesota has strict laws in place regarding insurance coverage. All drivers must purchase motorcycle liability insurance, as well as underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage.

Liability insurance helps cover the costs of the other driver’s property and bodily injuries if you are found at fault in the accident. The minimum amount of coverage required is at least:

  • $30,000 for injuries to one person per accident
  • $60,000 for injuries to two or more people per accident
  • $10,000 for any property damage

Underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage helps cover the costs of medical expenses if the other driver is responsible for the accident but does not have the right amount of insurance coverage or has no insurance. The minimum requirements for this coverage is at least:

  • $25,000 for injuries to one person per accident
  • $50,000 for injuries to two or more people per accident

Our knowledgeable Bloomington motorcycle accident lawyers can review your policy and the other driver’s policy to determine potential options for pursuing compensation. We understand the insurance requirements involved in these cases and will work hard to get your claim approved.

Need legal help? Complete our Free Case Evaluation form.

What Are “No Contact” Motorcycle Accidents?

If a negligent driver caused you to crash without actually colliding with his or her vehicle, this is known as a “no contact” motorcycle accident.

For example, say that a motorcyclist and a motorist are traveling in two separate lanes. The driver  of the car is slightly ahead in another lane and decides to switch into the lane that is occupied by the motorcyclist without signaling or giving the proper amount of time to make that shift. This causes the motorcyclist to swiftly swerve and lose control of his or her bike, inevitably causing an accident.

Although there was no direct contact with the other vehicle in this situation, the motorist involved may still be found negligent for failing to signal.

Injury Claims For Crashes Caused by Road Conditions

While some collisions are caused by one or more negligent drivers, other causes of motorcycle accidents may actually be the fault of the state, city, or county. This may be the case when poor road conditions contribute to – or cause – an accident. Examples of road damage that may cause an accident include:

  • Potholes
  • Failure to snowplow
  • Failure to de-ice roadways
  • Missing guardrails

These types of accidents are complex as different government agencies may be responsible for maintaining road conditions. Once it is determined who is responsible for maintaining the road, you will need to show that the agency was negligent in their task to keep the road safe.

That is why is it important to hire the right legal team to walk you through this process. At TSR Injury Law, if we determine that you have a valid case, we will work diligently to hold the liable party responsible for your motorcycle accident.

Call us today to speak to an experienced lawyer at (612) TSR-TIME.

Why Motorcycle Accidents happen

The majority of motorcycle accidents our lawyers at TSR Injury Law has experience handling are the result of a driver’s negligent actions. Examples of this range from the following:

  • Cutting off a motorcyclist at an intersection
  • Swerving in front of motorcyclist
  • Speeding or driving recklessly
  • Driving while distracted
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Failing to check blind spots
  • Failing to signal
  • Following a motorcyclist too closely
  • Failing to follow traffic laws
  • Failing to stop at a red light or stop sign

Crashes involving motorcycles often lead to catastrophic injuries due to the fact the motorcyclists have little protection against larger, heavier vehicles. Some of the most common injuries include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Bone fractures
  • Disfigurement
  • Scarring
  • Burns
  • Paralysis
  • Loss of limbs
  • Cuts and lacerations
  • Road rash
  • Wrist injuries
  • Death

Our dedicated Bloomington motorcycle accident attorneys will work hard to try to pursue maximum compensation on your behalf if we determine that you have a case and you decide to move forward.

Feel free to contact us today to discuss your possible legal options.

Seek Help From a Bloomington Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

At TSR Injury Law, we understand how life-altering motorcycle accidents can be. That is why we are dedicated to making sure that our client’s rights are being protected every step of the way.

If you have a valid case and we represent you, our Bloomington motorcycle accident lawyers will offer you the resources we have to build a strong case to help recover the damages being sought in the lawsuit. We can also handle all of the communication between the insurance companies to obtain a fair settlement on your behalf.

We are available 24/7 over the phone or online and our firm works on a contingency fee basis, which means that there are no upfront fees involved. We only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for your case.

You can call us or stop by our office located at 7760 France Ave South, Suite 820, which is just 12 minutes from the Bloomington Motor Vehicle Office.

Contact our office today by calling (612) TSR-TIME.