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Minnesota Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Compassionate legal support for injured riders across Minnesota
Motorcycle crashes often cause serious injuries, leaving victims with medical bills, and possibly life-altering disabilities. Many times, the motorcyclist isn’t at fault for their injuries – drivers often overlook or neglect to respect the rights of motorcycles on the road. When this happens, Bradshaw & Bryant, PLLC are here to fight for compensation and accountability.
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How can we help you?
- Why choose Bradshaw & Bryant, PLLC for your motorcycle accident case?
- Understanding motorcycle accidents in Minnesota
- Minnesota motorcycle laws every rider should know
- What to do after a motorcycle accident in Minnesota
- How our motorcycle accident attorneys help you
- Compensation from motorcycle accident victims in Minnesota
- Severe injuries in Minnesota motorcycle accidents
- Motorcycle accident FAQs
- Do you have a motorcycle crash lawyer near me?
Why choose Bradshaw & Bryant, PLLC for your motorcycle accident case?
At Bradshaw & Bryant, PLLC, our attorneys have over 30 years of experience handling motorcycle claims and other personal injury cases in Minnesota. Our award-winning team has a proven track -record when it comes to motorcycle crash cases. We offer free consultations for prospective clients, and we work on a contingency basis. If your claim isn’t successful, we don’t recover our fees. Contact us today to discuss your case.
Understanding motorcycle accidents in Minnesota
Motorcycle crashes killed 6,218 motorcyclists in the US in 2022. Motorcycles offer little protection for riders, but many of the risks they face involve other motorists’ behaviors, not their lack of protection. For instance, inattentive drivers who engage in unsafe lane changes, fail to yield, or otherwise create dangers can lead to terrible consequences for those traveling on two wheels. A few common scenarios that cause motorcyclists injuries include:
- Left-turn collisions at intersections.
- Dooring accidents in urban areas.
- Rear-end crashes at stoplights.
Even poor road maintenance can lead to injuries. Gravel, potholes, and road construction are all more likely to cause injuries to a motorcyclist than to people in a car or larger vehicle.
Motorcycle passengers may have a claim if the operator of their motorcycle is negligent. Motorcycle operators may have a claim if other motorcycle operators (many riders ride in groups) are negligent. We hold motorcycle operators accountable when accidents happen due to bad weather, handling curves improperly, not understanding the proper way to ride in groups, a lack of proper motorcycle skills, and for many other reasons.
The manufacturers of motorcycles may be liable for defective brakes, clutches, throttles, engines, and other parts.
Minnesota motorcycle laws every rider should know
Minnesota has certain state laws that apply to motorcyclists. Some notable ones to know include:
Helmet laws:
In Minnesota, riders under 18 must wear motorcycle helmets. It’s best to wear one even when they are not required.
Eye protection:
All motorcycle riders must use eye protection, regardless of age.
Insurance requirements:
Minnesota requires minimum liability insurance for motorcyclists, but that does not necessarily include coverage for the motorcyclist, such as PIP or no-fault coverage. It’s important for riders to know what their policy covers.
Lane splitting:
Minnesota prohibits lane sharing among motorcyclists in Minnesota, but that law is changing July 1, 2025.
What to do after a motorcycle accident in Minnesota
Following a motorcycle accident, you might not be thinking clearly. However, what you do can impact not just your health, but also your ability to pursue compensation. Some of the steps to take include the following:
- Call 911 and seek medical care — even for minor symptoms. If you neglect to seek medical attention, it might appear that your injuries are minor.
- Document the scene, if possible. This may include taking photos, ensuring the completion of a police report, and collecting witness names.
- Be especially careful when it comes to speaking with an insurance provider and avoid giving recorded statements until after you’ve spoken to your lawyer.
- Contact a trusted Minnesota motorcycle accident attorney to discuss your claim and your legal options.
How our motorcycle accident attorneys help you
Hiring a dedicated motorcycle crash lawyer is one of the most important steps you can take after an accident. Your lawyer can offer you support and guidance, and perform important tasks such as:
- Launching a full investigation into the cause of your crash.
- Gathering medical evidence, crash reports, and expert opinions.
- Handling the insurance company negotiations.
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit.
- Fighting for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Your attorney is your legal representative, and they are there to fight for what is best for you.
Compensation from motorcycle accident victims in Minnesota
Recoverable damages following a motorcycle crash include both economic and non-economic losses. In a successful claim, you might recover for your:
- Medical expenses (past and future).
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering.
- Emotional distress or PTSD.
- Loss of consortium.
- Property damage.
In the case of a fatal motorcycle crash, the family may be able to recover wrongful death damages.
Severe injuries in Minnesota motorcycle accidents
Many of the common injuries that could result from Minnesota motorcycle crashes include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Even with helmet use, it’s possible to suffer life-altering brain injuries in a crash
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis: These injuries can impact a rider’s independence, ability to work, and more.
- Broken bones and fractures: These injuries may heal, but can also leave lasting harm for victims.
- Road rash and skin infections: Road rash is a common injury for motorcyclists, and it can be similar to a burn. One serious issue with road rash is that it can lead to severe and dangerous infections.
- Amputation and crush injuries: The loss of a limb is a catastrophic injury that changes a person’s life.
- Emotional trauma and depression following a crash: Physical injuries and disabilities are difficult to cope with emotionally. Psychological harm is another type of loss that individuals may suffer as a result of serious harm.
- Death: Tragically, many motorcycle crashes are fatal.
Motorcycle accident FAQs
Following a motorcycle crash, those injured often have questions about their options and what they can do to protect themselves and hold those who injured them accountable. Here are a few common questions prospective clients often have for our Minnesota motorcycle crash lawyers.
Do I need a lawyer for a motorcycle accident case?
Insurers are not usually willing to make reasonable offers to those who suffer injuries. Instead, they tend to try to settle for lower amounts than a claim is worth. Having an attorney helps put you in a more powerful position to negotiate for a settlement that actually meets your needs. And if the insurer won’t be reasonable, your attorney can file a lawsuit to put more pressure on the insurance company to make a fair offer.
What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet — can I still recover damages?
Failing to wear a helmet might make your injuries worse, but you can still hold a negligent driver liable. Your damages might be impacted, however. Minnesota operates under a modified comparative negligence policy, which means that if you are 50% or less at fault for your injuries, you can still recover from the other party if they are more at fault. The court will just reduce your damages to reflect your share of liability. In a case where you suffered $100,000 in damages, but the court says 20% of the fault is yours, you could recover 80% of your damages – $80,000.
Can I file a claim if the at-fault driver left the scene?
If the at-fault driver committed a hit-and-run, you might feel especially helpless. There are sometimes options, however, for recovering damages. Law enforcement might find the driver and you could then hold them accountable. Otherwise, you may need to look at your own insurance policy to use your uninsured motorist coverage. This coverage is mandatory in Minnesota, and can often provide compensation for your injuries in the absence of the other driver. You may still need an attorney to represent you when negotiating with your insurance company.
What’s the statute of limitations for a motorcycle injury in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, you have six years to file a personal injury claim. The statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is just three years. However, you never want to wait to file your lawsuit. Evidence and witness memories start to fade as time passes, making it more challenging to pursue compensation. We also want to ensure that you are receiving the medical care you need. Please contact us as soon as possible.
Can I sue a city or government agency for bad road conditions?
It may be possible to hold municipalities or state authorities like the Minnesota Department of Transportation accountable when you suffer injuries because of poor road conditions. However, there are specific requirements and shorter time limits on these claims. It’s important to discuss your options with a lawyer as soon as possible.
Do you have a motorcycle crash lawyer near me?
Yes. We meet motorcycle accident injury victims, parents, and families in our offices, located at 1505 Division Street in Waite Park, Minnesota, and 701 Xenia Ave. S., Suite 565, in Golden Valley, Minnesota. We’re able to make other arrangements when necessary, including meeting over the phone, through online conferences, or traveling to your location.
Schedule a free consultation with a Minnesota motorcycle accident lawyer
At Bradshaw & Bryant, PLLC, our attorneys offer free consultations for injury victims. Meeting with an attorney is the best way to learn more about your rights and legal options – and our consultations are always free from any obligation. Call us or fill out our contact form today to speak with one of our compassionate and experienced motorcycle injury lawyers.