Minneapolis Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Dedicated Bicycle Accident Lawyers Serving Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis is consistently ranked as one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the United States. With an extensive network of dedicated bike lanes, the Midtown Greenway, and scenic paths around the Chain of Lakes, thousands of residents rely on bicycles for commuting and recreation. However, even in a city committed to cyclist safety, accidents happen. When a passenger vehicle collides with a bicycle, the results are often life-changing. If you have been injured while riding, a Minneapolis bicycle accident lawyer at 612-Injured can help you navigate the complex legal and insurance hurdles that follow. Our firm is dedicated to protecting the rights of cyclists and ensuring they receive the full compensation necessary for their recovery.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Minneapolis
Most bicycle crashes in urban areas occur because of motorist negligence. Despite having the same rights to the road as motor vehicle drivers, cyclists are frequently overlooked or ignored by those in larger vehicles. Common factors that lead to these collisions include:
- Distracted Driving: Drivers looking at phones or navigation systems often fail to notice a cyclist in their path or alongside them.
- Failure to Yield: Motorists often fail to yield the right of way to cyclists at intersections or when turning across bike lanes.
- Unsafe Passing: Minnesota law requires drivers to maintain at least three feet of clearance when passing a bicycle. Failure to provide this space can lead to devastating “sideswipe” accidents.
- Dooring: This occurs when a driver or passenger opens a car door into the path of an oncoming cyclist without checking for traffic.
- Impaired Driving: Alcohol and drugs significantly reduce a driver’s reaction time and awareness, making them a grave threat to everyone on the road.
Why Choose 612-Injured For Bicycle Accident Representation
- Expertise in “No-Fault” Priority for Cyclists: Minnesota’s No-Fault insurance laws are notoriously confusing for cyclists. 612-Injured specializes in navigating the “order of priority” for medical bills. We ensure that even if you were on a bike, your own auto insurance (PIP) pays your medical bills first. If you don’t own a car, we know how to correctly target the at-fault driver’s insurance or a household relative’s policy to ensure your treatment is covered immediately.
- Specific Knowledge of “Dooring” and Blind Spot Liability: Bicycle accidents often involve unique scenarios like “dooring” (when a driver opens a car door into a cyclist) or “right-hook” collisions at intersections. We have experience proving driver negligence in these specific cases, where motorists often claim they “didn’t see” the cyclist. We focus on gathering evidence like traffic camera footage and black-box data to counter common driver excuses.
- Combatting “Anti-Cyclist” Bias: Insurance adjusters often try to shift blame onto cyclists by citing a lack of a helmet (which is not required for adults in MN) or claiming the cyclist wasn’t in a designated bike lane. Our attorneys at 612-Injured are prepared to fight these “comparative fault” arguments, protecting your right to compensation even if the insurance company tries to claim you were partially responsible for your own injuries.
- Specialization in Catastrophic “Road Rash” and Orthopedic Injuries: Bicycle accidents frequently result in severe “road rash” and complex fractures (collarbone, wrist, and hip) that require specialized medical testimony to value correctly. We work with medical experts to document the long-term impact of scarring, nerve damage, and loss of range of motion, ensuring your settlement covers future physical therapy and potential plastic surgery.
- Seamless Workers’ Comp Integration for Commuters: Many Minneapolis cyclists are injured while commuting to or from work. 612-Injured is unique because we are also a top-tier Workers’ Compensation firm. If your accident happened during a work-related trip or commute, we can manage both your personal injury lawsuit against the driver and your workers’ comp claim simultaneously. This “all-in-one” representation prevents the two insurance companies from pointing fingers at each other while your bills go unpaid.
Understanding Minnesota’s No-Fault Laws for Cyclists
One of the most confusing aspects of a bicycle accident is determining which insurance company is responsible for the bills. In Minnesota, cyclists are treated similarly to pedestrians under the state’s no-fault insurance system. This means that if you are involved in a collision with a motor vehicle, your own auto insurance policy’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is typically the first source of coverage for medical expenses and wage loss.
If you do not own a vehicle or have auto insurance, you may be covered under the policy of a household relative. If no such policy exists, the insurance for the vehicle involved in the crash may be required to provide these basic benefits. While no-fault coverage helps with immediate costs, it is often insufficient for serious injuries.
When Can You Sue the At-Fault Driver?
Because Minnesota is a no-fault state, you can only pursue a liability claim against the negligent driver if your injuries meet specific “tort thresholds.” Generally, you can step outside the no-fault system if your accident resulted in:
- More than $4,000 in reasonable medical expenses.
- Disability lasting 60 days or more.
- Permanent injury or disfigurement.
When these thresholds are met, you can seek compensation for pain and suffering and other non-economic damages that no-fault insurance does not cover.
Actual Client Testimonials
“A rare blend of expertise and compassion…”
I had the pleasure of working with Ben Heimerl and Marci Wendt on a case for my father, and I can’t say enough about the incredible experience I had. Their professionalism, dedication, and strong work ethic stood out from day one. They were not only thorough and knowledgeable but also exceptionally kind and understanding throughout the entire process. I truly felt supported and heard every step of the way. It’s rare to find a team that combines legal expertise with such genuine compassion. I’m deeply grateful for their help and would highly recommend them to anyone in need of legal services.
Shirley Lagunas
“A fantastic job on my case…”
I have had a case going for over a year and Ben and his assistant Marci did a fantastic job getting my case settled and for the maximum amount that they could. Thank you Ben and Marci.
Shane Eckes
“A great legal team…”
A great legal team. They were very responsive to any questions and worked hard for my family.
Bradley Etzell
“Amazing people, so quick and helpful…”
I work with them and they are amazing people. So quick and helpful for me. I recommend to anyone. Thanks a lot for all.
Sika Adze
How 612-Injured Can Help with Your Recovery
Navigating a legal claim while trying to heal from physical trauma is overwhelming. Our legal team takes the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on your health. We provide comprehensive support throughout the lifecycle of your case:
Investigation and Evidence Collection
Our Minneapolis bicycle accident lawyers move quickly to secure evidence from the crash site. This includes obtaining police reports, interviewing witnesses, and securing footage from nearby traffic or security cameras. We also examine the damage to your bicycle and the vehicle involved to reconstruct how the collision occurred.
Managing Insurance Communication
Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. They may try to get you to admit fault or accept a low settlement before the full extent of your injuries is known. We handle all communication with the insurance companies to ensure your rights are protected and that you are not pressured into a settlement that undervalues your claim.
Calculating the Full Value of Your Claim
A serious injury affects more than just your current medical bills. We look at the long-term impact on your life, including future medical treatments, physical therapy, and your ability to earn a living. We advocate for a recovery that reflects the true cost of your injuries.
Litigation and Trial Preparation
While many cases are settled through negotiation, our firm prepares every case as if it is going to trial. This meticulous approach shows the insurance companies that we are serious about securing justice for our clients. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are ready to present your case in court.
The Importance of Acting Quickly
Under Minnesota law, there are strict deadlines for filing a personal injury lawsuit. While the general statute of limitations for personal injury is six years, certain factors can significantly shorten this window. For example, if the accident involved a government vehicle or a roadway defect, notice requirements may be as short as 180 days. Additionally, evidence can disappear and witness memories can fade over time. Consulting with a legal professional early ensures that your claim is filed correctly and that vital evidence is preserved.
Bicycle Accident FAQ’s
Does my auto insurance cover me even if I was on a bicycle?
Yes. In Minnesota, your own auto insurance is actually the primary source of coverage if you are hit by a motor vehicle while cycling. Under Minnesota’s No-Fault (Personal Injury Protection or PIP) laws, your policy provides at least $20,000 for medical expenses and $20,000 for wage loss, regardless of who caused the crash. If you don't own a car, you may be covered by the policy of a relative you live with or the insurance of the driver who hit you.
Can I still file a claim if I wasn't wearing a helmet?
Yes. Minnesota does not have a law requiring adult cyclists to wear helmets. In a legal claim, the defense may try to argue "comparative fault" (claiming your injuries would have been less severe with a helmet), but the lack of a helmet does not prevent you from pursuing compensation or proving the driver was at fault for the accident itself.
What if I was partially at fault for the bike accident?
You can still recover compensation as long as you were not more than 50% at fault. Minnesota follows a "Modified Comparative Fault" rule. This means if you are found to be 20% at fault (for example, for failing to use a hand signal), your total compensation will simply be reduced by 20%. If you are found to be 51% or more responsible, you are barred from recovering damages from the other party.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit for a bicycle accident in Minneapolis?
For most bicycle accidents involving negligence in Minnesota, the statute of limitations is six years from the date of the injury. However, this timeline can be much shorter (sometimes only two years) if the accident resulted in a fatality or if the claim is against a government entity (like a city-owned vehicle). It is critical to consult a lawyer early to ensure evidence like traffic camera footage isn't deleted.
Contact a Minneapolis Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today
At 612-Injured, we understand the unique vulnerability of cyclists. We have spent years representing individuals in Minneapolis and across Minnesota who have been harmed by the carelessness of others. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not pay any legal fees unless we win your case.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a cycling accident, do not face the insurance companies alone. Reach out to our team today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your legal options and begin the path toward financial and physical recovery.