Eagan Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
The compact design of a motorcycle is no match for cars and trucks hurtling along Minnesota roadways. Accidents can have severe and tragic consequences, resulting in serious injuries and, in some cases, death. If you or a loved one has been injured, our Minnesota motorcycle accident lawyers at Sieben Polk P.A. can help you determine your legal options.
A collision between slender motorcycles and an enormous car or truck careening through Minnesota cities rarely ends well. Riders have little protection from other vehicles and the road. These accidents often have catastrophic consequences, leaving victims with life-changing injuries. If your accident occurred due to someone else’s negligence, you might be entitled to compensation.
Our experienced Minnesota motorcycle lawyers at Sieben Polk P.A. can help you navigate the intricacies of your case to determine your legal options.
Experienced Minnesota-Based Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Enlisting help from a skilled Minnesota-based motorcycle accident attorney is crucial to navigating the aftermath of your accident. Insurance companies often try to settle quickly for unfair amounts, potentially leaving you with lofty medical bills, lost wages, and debilitating pain. This is where an experienced Minnesota lawyer comes in.
A top-rated motorcycle accident lawyer can help you navigate the specifics of your case and fight to secure a fair settlement. If the at-fault party’s insurance company doesn’t offer a fair settlement amount, they can represent you in court to fight for the compensation you deserve.
At Sieben Polk P.A., we’re dedicated to upholding motorcyclists’ rights across Minnesota. Michael Strom, John Sieben, and Chad Alexander comprise our team of knowledgeable personal injury lawyers who fight aggressively for our clients to secure compensation equitable to their injuries.
Our law firm has fought for the rights of upper Midwest residents for 50 years, and our team shares over 200 years of combined experience successfully representing numerous clients in various motorcycle accidents. We recognize the difficulties surrounding motorcycle accident cases and strive to provide compassionate, personalized care for every client.
While you focus on healing, we will:
- Investigate your accident to uncover pertinent details and gather key evidence, including witness statements, dash cam footage, expert testimony, medical records, and police reports
- Offer legal guidance and explain your rights to help you make informed decisions
- Answer questions and concerns that arise throughout the legal process
- Navigate settlement offers and help you decide if you want to settle
- Represent you in court, aggressively fighting to secure compensation for your accident
Common Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents in Minnesota
In 2021, Minnesota motorcycle accidents claimed 69 lives and injured nearly 1,000 others, with injuries ranging from mild to severe. Common injuries motorcycle riders sustained in these accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Head and neck injuries
- Amputations
- Thoracic injuries
- Abdominal injuries
- Road rash
- Spinal injuries
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Minnesota
Minnesota motorcycle crashes can stem from various incidents, including the following:
- Distracted driving
- Driving while intoxicated or under the influence
- Failure to follow traffic laws
- Lane splitting
- Poor road conditions
- Part or product defects
How Much is Your Minnesota Motorcycle Accident Case Worth?
The amount of compensation you can secure in a Minnesota motorcycle accident case hinges on factors specific to your accident, including who was at fault, the severity of your injuries, and the long-term effects of your injuries.
A top-rated Minnesota motorcycle accident lawyer can help you determine a fair settlement amount based on the information they uncover in an in-depth investigation.
What Compensation is Available?
Victims involved in motorcycle accident cases can be eligible for various types of compensation depending on the circumstances of the accident, including the following:
- Past and future medical expenses associated with the accident
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Personal property replacement
- Funeral, burial, or cremation services
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
- Loss of companionship or consortium
- Inconvenience, including hiring someone to complete tasks you would usually do, such as grocery shopping or house cleaning
How Long Do I Have to File My Motorcycle Accident in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is six years. This means you have six years from your accident date to file an injury lawsuit against the at-fault party. Certain situations can have exceptions, although this varies based on the circumstances of your case.
While the timeframe may seem lengthy, seeking assistance from an experienced motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible is essential. Your lawyer can help you pursue compensation to combat steep medical bills, lost wages, and other financial burdens.
How is Fault Determined in Minnesota?
Minnesota personal injury law provides for a modified comparative fault system. Under this rule, a party can only pursue compensation if they are less at fault than the others involved. This means you cannot pursue compensation if you are more than 50 percent at fault for the incident. Your awarded damages will be adjusted in proportion to your share of the blame if you are 50 percent or less at fault.
For example, suppose you were on your phone or otherwise distracted while approaching a green light. Another driver sped through the red light, colliding with your motorcycle or vehicle. In this case, courts may find you are partially at fault. The courts or an insurance adjuster may find you to be 20 percent at fault, so you’ll only receive 80 percent of your total damages in a settlement or verdict amount.
Suppose you negotiate a settlement based on a total damages amount of $10,000. Since you carry 20 percent fault, you would receive $8,000.
Minnesota Motorcycle Accident FAQ
How Long Do Motorcycle Accident Cases Take to be Resolved?
The timeframe surrounding a motorcycle accident case varies based on factors specific to your situation. For example, if your case goes to court due to unfair settlement offers, the case could take six months to a year or more.
Can I Talk to an Attorney if I’m Still in the Hospital Due to My Injuries?
Seeking medical attention is paramount after a motorcycle accident. However, once you’re in stable condition, you can contact an experienced attorney, even if you’re still in the hospital due to your injuries. Your lawyer can offer personalized legal guidance to help you determine the next steps.
Can I Settle my Minnesota Motorcycle Accident Case Without a Lawyer?
Settling your Minnesota motorcycle accident case without a lawyer is feasible. Unfortunately, the settlement offer you receive will likely be unfairly low, as insurance companies want to spend as little as possible during claim payouts.
The insurance company will have seasoned adjusters and lawyers working for them. Level the playing field. With a personal injury attorney, you don’t have to settle for an unfairly low amount. A skilled Minnesota motorcycle accident attorney can help you fight to secure the compensation you deserve.
What are Punitive Damages for my Case, and How do I Collect Them?
Punitive damages are additional compensation awarded in select circumstances. They are designed to punish the defendant for egregious conduct and deter future similar acts. Not all motorcycle accident victims are awarded punitive damages. Minnesota courts only award punitive damages when the plaintiff can provide unmistakable proof of the defendant’s intentional disregard for others’ rights and safety.
For example, accidents involving DUIs and DWIs might be eligible for punitive damages. Your lawyer can tell you whether you may receive punitive damages.
Contact a Minnesota Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for Your Free Consultation
Wearing a helmet and following Minnesota’s motorcycle regulations may help minimize injuries and avoid accidents, but accidents still happen. Motorcycles are no match for the sheer size of other motor vehicles, so motorcycle accident injuries associated with these incidents are often severe.
Sieben Polk Law Firm is here to help if you’ve been injured by a motorcycle accident near Eagan, Minnesota. Call our Eagan motorcycle accident lawyers today at 651-437-3148 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We work on a contingent fee basis, so you don’t pay us unless and until we recover compensation for you.
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