Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Minneapolis MN
If you’ve been injured in an accident while riding a motorcycle, you may want to consult with a top motorcycle accident lawyer Minneapolis MN victims rely on. Due to a variety of factors, motorcycle accident injuries are often more catastrophic than injuries from other types of vehicle accidents. Motorcycles lack the structural protection that cars and trucks offer their drivers and as an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer serving Minneapolis, MN residents can explain, this lack of protection can be deadly.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
According to the NHTSA, the majority of motorcycle accidents are a result of human and vehicle error, as well as environmental factors. Motorcycles lack the protection a car affords drivers. Moreover, the riders of motorcycles require a unique set of skills that are not needed in a car. Road debris, gravel, potholes, rain, or snow can make it very difficult for a motorcyclist to keep control over the bike, while fog and darkness can decrease visibility. All of these things tend to be factors in an accident such as:
T-Bone Collision – Most of these accidents occur at an intersection. They may be caused by a driver running a red light, speeding, or when cutting off a motorcyclist during a left turn.
Head- On Collision – If the motorcyclist is unfamiliar with the area, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they may swerve into the oncoming lane.
Rear-End Collision – These often occur when a car is following too closely and hits a motorcyclist from behind. They might also occur when the driver in front slams on their brakes, causing the driver or motorcyclist behind them to rear-end the vehicle.
Side Swipe Collision – A side swipe collision is most common when 2 motorcyclists are riding side by side, or when passing a driver.
Single- Vehicle Collisions – These accidents can happen in a number of ways, but often are a result of being cut off by another driver; thus, causing the motorcyclist to wipe out or collide with an object.
Regardless of what happened, in 80 percent of cases, the motorcyclist is the one to suffer the worst injuries. Usually, these injuries are serious, life threatening, or fatal. Furthermore, negligence is often a factor. A motorcycle accident lawyer in Minneapolis, MN should be sought.
What You Should Do After a Motorcycle Accident
It is impossible to fully prepare ahead of time for an accident; however, you can become aware of some general steps to take in the aftermath of a collision. By taking these steps you can protect your rights and interests. The following are basic steps that should be taken after a motorcycle accident. Keep in mind that some people won’t be able to take these steps due to their injuries. This is okay. A family member can proceed with these steps, or the victim can pursue them once able to do so.
- Call the police and 911. Make sure a police report is filed.
- Write down as many details of what happened as possible.
- Get any contact details from other drivers or witnesses.
- Seek medical care right away. Follow all of your doctor’s orders.
- As soon as possible report what happened to the insurance company.
Before you make any statements to the insurance claims representatives or accept any offer, you should contact a Minneapolis, MN motorcycle accident lawyer. Please note that your behavior and actions in the aftermath of an accident can impact your ability to recover compensation. We would advise you to not discuss what happened with anyone, including on social media. You should also not admit any fault. What you say can be used against you.
Advocating for Motorcycle Accident Victims
Each Minneapolis MN motorcycle accident lawyer at Johnston | Martineau, P.L.L.P. strongly advocates for motorcycle accident victims we represent and we understand how overwhelming the process of pursuing damages can be for victims. Injured victims often face a long and painful rehabilitation and recovery from their injuries, and there may also be difficult financial struggles to contend with due to medical expenses and lost time from work. In many cases, the injuries may cause a permanent, lifelong disability the victim may have to adjust to.
A skilled motorcycle accident lawyer Minneapolis MN offers should be dedicated to getting victims the compensation they deserve for their injuries, and the attorneys at Johnston | Martineau, P.L.L.P have successfully represented many motorcycle accident victims, taking care of the legal and insurance issues so our clients can focus on their recovery.
As a seasoned motorcycle accident lawyer in Minneapolis MN would agree, there are many legal challenges in motorcycle accident cases, particularly cases which end up being litigated in front of a jury. Many people who have no experience with motorcycles may assume that motorcyclists are more apt to disobey traffic laws. There can also be a perception on a jury’s part that, because driving a motorcycle puts people at greater risk than other types of vehicles, the injured motorcyclist may have also engaged in risky driving behaviors, and therefore is responsible for their injuries.
Fighting for Your Rights
A motorcycle accident lawyer Minneapolis MN trusts knows that insurance companies and their attorneys often attempt to blame the accident victim for their injuries. For example, under Minnesota law, a motorcyclist who is 18 years of age or older has the right to not wear a helmet when riding. However, the opposing attorney could use that against a motorcycle accident victim, telling the jury that the victim’s injuries would not have been as severe if they were wearing a helmet or other protective measures.
This is why you need a motorcycle accident lawyer Minneapolis MN you can depend on to prepare a solid case by collaborating with motor vehicle accident investigators to reconstruct the scene, as well as medical personnel and financial experts to assist in calculating the physical and financial losses you may be facing.
How big a settlement can I get for my motorcycle accident injury?
Following a motorcycle accident which results in one or more serious injuries to the rider, it’s important to consider seeking compensation from those responsible. With the help of a skilled motorcycle accident lawyer Minneapolis, MN trusts from Johnston | Martineau, P.L.L.P., if you were injured while riding your bike because of another driver, you might be eligible to receive a substantial settlement. Every motorcycle accident is different, and the injuries sustained by the victims will also vary. The amount of the settlement will in large part depend on the severity of your injuries. Our motorcycle accident lawyer for Minneapolis, MN can review your case and provide additional information specific to your circumstances. We provide motorcycle accident victims a free initial consultation which can help them understand more fully how our legal services may be of benefit. Call us today to make an appointment. Below is additional information that may be helpful in the interim.
What is a settlement?
In the context of a motorcycle accident in which the rider was injured because of actions taken by another driver, a settlement is a monetary award usually provided by the at-fault driver’s insurance company to the motorcyclist. The settlement is intended to make the victim “whole again” in the language of the legal system. What this means is that the financial award must be sufficient to make up for the victim’s injuries that they have suffered through no fault of their own.
How is a settlement obtained by the victim?
Though the victim can negotiate their own settlement with the at-fault party’s insurance company, this is unusual. Insurance carriers are reluctant to pay fair settlements and in a timely manner, particularly when the damages are substantial. If you suffered a particularly serious injury in the accident, you may be best served by hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer in Minneapolis, MN from Johnston | Martineau, P.L.L.P. There are several reasons for this:
- A motorcycle accident lawyer serving Minneapolis, MN from Johnston | Martineau, P.L.L.P. is a tough negotiator who has the necessary experience to successfully deal with insurance companies and their teams of attorneys.
- Many injury related damages can be included in a claim that you may not be aware of, and our motorcycle accident lawyer will make every effort to obtain the maximum possible settlement for you.
- A successful personal injury claim is largely dependent on providing the necessary documentation of all damages and proof of liability. A motorcycle accident lawyer from our firm will prepare your claim so that it has the greatest likelihood of being accepted the first time.
- Our motorcycle accident lawyers Minneapolis, MN trusts understands what is necessary to reach a positive conclusion for an injury claim. In addition, by avoiding common mistakes that can delay a claim, we can often obtain faster results than accident victims who are not familiar with the process.
Learn More by Contacting Us at Johnston | Martineau, P.L.L.P.
If you would like to gain a greater understanding of the value of your personal injury claim, call us to request an appointment for a free consultation. A motorcycle accident lawyer serving Minneapolis, MN will be pleased to discuss the details of your case and provide you with the information you need in order to move forward. Our firm will use all of our available resources to get you the compensation you deserve.
If you have suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident, contact a skilled motorcycle accident lawyer Minneapolis MN residents can trust. The attorneys at Johnston | Martineau, P.L.L.P. are ready to help.
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