Motorcycle accidents often result in devastating consequences. Victims might face severe injuries, time off work, mounting medical bills, and significant mental health struggles. When someone else’s negligence caused that accident, they should be held accountable, and you should receive fair compensation for your losses.
At Bird, Stevens & Borgen, P.C., we are dedicated to protecting the rights of accident victims like you. We’ll be your fiercest advocates as you pursue justice for your injuries. Contact us today to learn more during a free consultation with our southern Minnesota motorcycle accident attorneys.
Motorcycle accidents can happen for several reasons, many of which constitute negligence. Some of the most common causes our attorneys see include:
When another person or entity’s careless or reckless actions cause you harm, you may have a valid claim to compensation. Our attorneys will investigate the accident to determine who may have caused it and then build a compelling case to hold them responsible.
Unlike cars or trucks, motorcycles have no protective barrier to protect their operators. As a result, injuries from motorcycle crashes are often severe and life-changing. Some of the most common injuries include:
On top of the severe physical harm motorcycle accidents frequently cause, psychological trauma and mental health struggles are also common consequences. That can mean PTSD symptoms or acute stress reactions from the accident itself, or depression from the emotional and financial struggles that result from the accident.
Protecting your health and your legal rights after a motorcycle accident requires quick, decisive action. Take as many of the following steps as possible.
If you haven’t already, seeing a healthcare professional as soon as possible is critical, even if you feel okay. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some injuries (e.g., whiplash or internal damage) can take hours, days, or weeks to show symptoms. Prompt medical care can catch these issues early while providing crucial documentation should you pursue a personal injury claim.
Call 911 and report the accident as soon as you can. The responding officer will create a police report containing key details about the accident, including date, time, location, statements from involved parties and witnesses, an accident diagram, and an initial fault assessment. Obtain a copy of the report for evidence.
Eyewitness accounts can provide an unbiased perspective on how the accident happened and who may have caused it. If there were any witnesses, and if you’re physically able to do so, collect their names and contact information.
To recover compensation after a motorcycle accident, you must not only prove that the at-fault party caused you harm, but also show the extent of that harm. This can be done with the help of medical records, receipts, bills, invoices, and pay stubs. Keep an organized file with these and any other relevant documents.
Insurers may contact you after the accident, requesting recorded statements or offering quick, lowball settlements. These are efforts to weaken your claim and minimize your payout. Your safest option is to refer all insurance adjusters to your attorney. If you must speak to them, never admit fault, never accept quick settlements, and don’t offer any recorded statements.
An experienced motorcycle accident attorney lead you through the process of pursuing your claim and protect your rights when insurance companies use their tactics to try to minimize or deny your claim. Contact one as soon as you’re able.
Motorcycle accident cases are different from typical motor vehicle accident cases in many ways. Some of the most notable of those differences include:
The at-fault party in a motorcycle accident may be liable for the physical, emotional, and financial damage they caused. Your compensation may cover:
If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, you may have a valid wrongful death claim. Compensation for a wrongful death can include funeral and burial expenses, medical expenses incurred before the deceased’s passing, loss of guidance and companionship, and loss of financial support.
Under Minnesota law, you typically have six years from the date of the accident to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit. If you fail to file before that time has passed, you will most likely lose your right to pursue compensation.
If you want to avoid missing the deadline and severely limiting your legal options, you should pursue your claim as soon as possible. Evidence can be lost or destroyed, and witness memories can fade, which means the sooner you start building a case, the stronger your case is likely to be. Contact an attorney as soon as you’re able.
Working with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Our attorneys can help by:
If you’ve suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you need a skilled personal injury attorney to protect your rights. The team at Bird, Stevens & Borgen, P.C., offers compassion, understanding, and tenacious representation as you seek the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for your free consultation with a motorcycle accident lawyer in southern Minnesota.
To schedule a free initial consultation with a lawyer from our firm, contact us online now. You may also call our offices in Southern Minnesota or the Twin Cities. To reach our location in Rochester, call 507-282-1503. To reach us in Bloomington, call 612-421-0526. We are always happy to answer questions about important legal matters.
