Eagan Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Motorcycle accident victims often face a long road to recovery. From medical bills and lost wages to physical and emotional trauma, the losses can quickly turn your life upside down. You don’t need to face this battle alone. Let Sieben Polk P.A. fight for you during this challenging time. Our Eagan motorcycle accident lawyers have the knowledge and experience to seek maximum compensation on your behalf.
Navigating the aftermath of a motorcycle accident can feel like an uphill battle. When the adrenaline subsides and the reality of your situation sets in, you may face all sorts of physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Minnesota motorcycle accident victims often face catastrophic injuries, long-term disability, mounting medical bills, lost income, and property damage.
- Why Hire Sieben Polk P.A. to Handle Your Minnesota Motorcycle Accident?
- How Much Is My Minnesota Motorcycle Accident Case Worth?
- Common Causes of Minnesota Motorcycle Accidents
- Severe Injuries From Motorcycle Accidents in Minnesota
- Minnesota Motorcycle Laws and Safety Tips
- Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Eagan Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
- Minnesota Motorcycle Accident FAQs
Why Hire Sieben Polk P.A. to Handle Your Minnesota Motorcycle Accident?
The immediate aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be chaotic. Whether getting through the emotional turmoil, seeking medical treatment, or handling insurance claims, having a professional legal advocate on your side can mean the difference between a fair resolution of your case and a long-term financial burden.
The Minnesota statute of limitations allows up to six years to file a claim for personal injury following a motorcycle accident. Though six years is a long time, delaying can seriously jeopardize your case. Time is not on your side when it comes to preserving evidence, talking to witnesses, and building a strong claim. Do not wait to take legal action.
Our Eagan motorcycle accident lawyers can investigate the circumstances of your accident to identify all potential at-fault parties. We are ready to build a strong case on your behalf, negotiate with their insurers, and take your case to trial if necessary.
Remember, insurance companies will pressure you to settle sooner rather than later by making low-ball offers that will likely cover only part of your present and future losses. Our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys can determine the full value of your claim and calculate the compensation you need to fully cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain, suffering, and more.
How Much Is My Minnesota Motorcycle Accident Case Worth?
No two motorcycle accidents are the same, and the potential value can vary significantly. While some cases may only involve minor injuries and property damage, others can result in catastrophic injuries that require ongoing medical care and result in a significant loss of income. The extent of your financial losses and the accident’s impact on your quality of life will play a central role in determining your case’s value.
What if I Was Partly Responsible for the Motorcycle Accident?
The circumstances leading up to the accident and each party’s degree of fault will affect how much compensation you’re entitled to. Minnesota law follows a comparative negligence system, which means your percentage of fault will reduce the amount of damages you can recover for personal injury. For example, if you’re 30 percent at fault for a motorcycle accident, you can only recover 70 percent of the total damages awarded.
Importantly, if your degree of fault was “greater than the fault of the person against whom recovery is sought,” you will be barred altogether from seeking compensation. Our motorcycle accident attorneys are ready to push back when the at-fault party tries to pin the blame on you.
Common Causes of Minnesota Motorcycle Accidents
On average, over 1,000 motorcycle crashes take place in Minnesota each year. Common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Drug and alcohol use – In 2022, approximately 52 percent of motorcyclists killed in Minnesota were driving under the influence at the time of their fatal accident.
- Distracted driving – Activities like texting, talking on the phone, and eating can divert a driver’s attention away from the road, making it nearly impossible to react in time to avoid a collision.
- Speeding – Exceeding posted speed limits, whether due to recklessness, road rage, or simple negligence, is a leading cause of auto accidents nationwide.
- Improper training – In 2022, 29 percent of Minnesota motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes did not have a valid license to operate a motorcycle.
- Poor visibility – Motorcycles are less visible than larger vehicles, which can make it tough for other drivers to see them on the road. This is especially true when driving in blindspots, at night, or during inclement weather conditions.
Severe Injuries From Motorcycle Accidents in Minnesota
Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable road users. Without the protection of an enclosed vehicle, airbags, and seatbelts, they are at significantly higher risk of suffering severe injuries or death when accidents occur. More than 80 percent of motorcycle crashes result in personal injury or wrongful death, compared to just 20 percent of car crashes. Examples of severe injuries from motorcycle accidents in Minnesota include:
- Traumatic brain injuries – Also known as TBIs, traumatic brain injuries can range from minor concussions to severe brain damage resulting in long-lasting cognitive impairment.
- Spinal cord injuries – Damage to the spinal cord along the neck and back can cause partial or complete paralysis below the injury site.
- Road rash – The force of a collision can throw a motorcyclist from their bike, causing them to slide across the pavement. This may result in severe skin abrasions, debilitating pain, scarring, and disfiguration.
- Bone fractures – Motorcycle collisions often result in fractured and broken bones throughout the body, including the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. Severe fractures may even require amputation.
- Burn injuries – Motorcycle accidents often lead to gasoline fires or contact with hot engine parts, resulting in severe burn injuries.
- Psychological trauma – Motorcycle accident victims may experience psychological trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.
Minnesota Motorcycle Laws and Safety Tips
Under Minnesota law, all motorcycle riders must have a motorcycle instruction permit or endorsement and carry proof of liability insurance. Motorcyclists in Minnesota must also follow these safety guidelines:
- Use headlights at all times when riding.
- Refrain from carrying anything that interferes with holding onto the handlebars.
- Keep headphones or earphones in one ear only.
- Avoid splitting traffic.
- Always face forward with one leg on each side of the motorcycle.
However, though all motorcyclists in Minnesota must wear eye protection, they do not have to wear a helmet unless they are:
- Motorcycle operators or passengers under 18
- Motorcycle permit operators (i.e., they lack a full-fledged motorcycle license)
Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Eagan Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact Sieben Polk P.A. today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our skilled Eagan motorcycle accident attorneys. Reach out by calling us at (651) 437-3148 or filling out our online contact form. We’ll review the details of your case and provide honest, straightforward guidance on what to expect and how we can help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Minnesota Motorcycle Accident FAQs
You likely have many questions about the legal process and what to do after a motorcycle accident. Here are some common questions we receive from our clients, along with answers to help you understand your legal rights and options.
What Should I Do Immediately After a Motorcycle Accident?
In the event of a motorcycle accident, it’s crucial to prioritize your safety, as well as to take appropriate steps to protect your right to compensation. Here is a simple list of what to do after a motorcycle accident:
- Assess yourself for injuries.
- Check others involved for injuries.
- Call emergency services.
- Document the scene with photos and videos.
- Exchange contact and insurance information with the at-fault driver.
- Obtain witness contact information if available.
- Never admit fault.
- Seek medical attention.
- Consult with our experienced Eagan motorcycle accident lawyers as soon as possible.
Should I Seek Medical Attention, Even if My Injuries Are Minor?
Absolutely. It is crucial to get a medical evaluation after any accident. Some injuries may not show immediate symptoms, but delaying medical treatment can make it more challenging to prove a causal link between your injuries and the accident. Prompt medical treatment will give your doctor an opportunity to create thorough medical records, which will become crucial evidence in your case.
How Do I Talk to an Attorney if I Am Still in the Hospital Due to My Motorcycle Accident Injuries?
We understand that you may be unable to come to our office. We are always ready to work with you and make accommodations as needed. If you cannot come to us, our personal injury lawyers will arrange a consultation virtually or in person at your location.
Can I Settle My Minnesota Motorcycle Accident Case Myself?
While settling your claim without legal representation is possible, having a skilled personal injury attorney in your corner significantly increases the likelihood of a fair outcome. Remember, there is normally no turning back after accepting a settlement offer.
Ultimately, insurance companies are more interested in protecting their bottom line than compensating you fairly. They will likely pressure you to settle early for less than your case is worth.
Sadly, even your own insurer does not have your best interests at heart. We do. Consult with our motorcycle accident attorneys in a free, no-obligation consultation before accepting a settlement offer.
What Are Punitive Damages, and How Do I Collect Them?
Courts award punitive damages to injured parties to punish defendants for egregious wrongdoing. These damages are only awarded in cases with “clear and convincing evidence that the acts of the defendant show deliberate disregard for the rights or safety of others.”
Though rare, when available, punitive damages can significantly raise the value of your claim. Our motorcycle accident lawyers will pursue these damages vigorously where possible.
I’m Not Working Because of My Injuries—How Do I Afford a Minnesota Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
At Sieben Polk P.A., we work on a contingency fee basis. This means we only collect a fee if we secure compensation for you. Our fees are calculated as a pre-negotiated percentage of the compensation we secure for you through a settlement or verdict. In other words, you pay nothing unless we win, so you can focus on your recovery without worrying about legal costs.
