Your Minnesota Bicycle Accident Injury Lawyers

Many non-cyclists do not realize how serious bicycle accidents can be. Most of the injuries to cyclists arising from bike crashes are caused by cars and trucks. Therefore, while they may be as minor as scratches and bruises, they may also be as severe as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord injuries, and even death. Those involved in more serious bike crashes can feel the effects for a lifetime.

Minnesota No-Fault Insurance and Bicycle Accidents

Cyclists are considered pedestrians for insurance purposes in Minnesota. This means that your own auto insurance from your car’s no-fault insurance policy will cover your medical bills and wage loss if you are a cyclist struck by a vehicle. If the cyclist is a minor, their care is covered by the insurance of their parents or other resident relative. If you are one of the many Minnesota cyclists that don’t own a car, and therefore do not have auto insurance, you’ll be able to make a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance for benefits in addition to a claim against their liability insurance for negligence.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident

Aside from a helmet, a cyclist has little protection from a car. After a bicycle accident, it is important to put your health first. Follow these steps to help ensure the best outcome in such a situation:

1. If you can move out of the road, go to a safe place. Remaining on the road near other cars only puts you at further risk.
2. Take an assessment of your physical condition. Have you hit your head? Is there a chance something is broken? If you have any doubts, seek medical attention right away.
3. Exchange contact and insurance information with the driver. Make sure to also get contact information from any witnesses.
4. Take photos of the scene, the damage to your bike, the vehicle, location of the accident, street signs, and anything else you feel might be important.
5. Use your phone to take notes of every detail you can recall about what happened.
6. Report the accident to the police and your insurance company. In Minnesota, your no-fault automobile insurance covers medical expenses and wage loss.
7. Keep track of all medical expenses associated with your accident.
8. Speak to a Minnesota bicycle accident lawyer. Our consultations are free, and we can give you some peace of mind after you have been injured.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

• Distracted Drivers: This is one of the most common we see. Checking Facebook, texting, and addressing kids in the back seat can take a driver’s eyes off the road long enough to hit a cyclist.
• Right Hook: This is a situation where a driver turns right without checking for cyclists behind them, resulting in a collision.
• Left Cross: This happens when a driver turns left at an intersection and does not yield to an oncoming cyclist traveling straight.
• Dooring: When a driver opens the door of a parked car without looking and the cyclist strikes it.
• Unsafe Passing: This involves scenarios where a driver is too close to cyclists, such as crowding bike lanes or not giving enough room to cyclists with whom they are sharing the roadway.
• Failure to Yield: Some motorists fail to recognize that cyclists can have the right of way, like cars.
• Speeding: Driving at excessive speeds reduces the driver’s time to react and increases both the likelihood of an accident and the potential for more severe injuries.
• Improper Lane Changing: Failing to properly check blind spots or not signaling before changing lanes can lead to accidents with cyclists on the road.
• Drunk Driving: We are all aware that drunk drivers have a greater chance of getting into accidents than sober ones. Impaired drivers have a slower reaction time and blurred vision. Therefore, they are more likely to not see a cyclist on the roadway.
• Inadequate Infrastructure: Most roads do not have bike lanes, and even when they do, many are not conducive for safely sharing the road. This puts cyclists at more risk for accidents.

Common Bicycle Crash Injuries

A lot can happen to a cyclist in an accident, even with the added protection of pads and a helmet. The best case is you walk away with a few bruises, but there are scenarios where it can be much more complicated.

• Head Injuries: Because cyclists are in such an unprotected state, they have a greater risk of getting a traumatic brain injury (TBI) when struck by a vehicle. Even with a helmet, concussions and skull fractures can be a reality.
• Fractures: Common fractures associated with bicycle accidents include the arms, legs, wrists, and collarbones.
• Soft Tissue: These injuries include ligament sprains, muscle strains, and bruises.
• Spinal Injuries: A catastrophic accident may result in a spinal cord injury. This can cause long-term issues, such as partial or complete paralysis, depending on the extent of the damage.
• Internal Injuries: Internal bleeding and damaged organs can result from high-impacts collisions.
• Road Rash: Lacerations and abrasions, also known as road rash, are injuries sustained when the skin scrapes or is dragged against the surface of the road. These injuries are particularly prone to infection.
• Facial Injuries: Injuries to the face, such as fractures, lacerations, and dental trauma happen when the cyclist’s face strikes the road following a collision.

Statute of Limitations in Minnesota

In Minnesota, you have six years from the date of the injury to file a claim. If you miss this window, you may not bring a claim, so it is important to be aware of your timeline. The best course of action is to speak with a bicycle accident lawyer immediately to best understand your options.

Your Minnesota Bicycle Accident Attorneys

If you have been in a bicycle accident with a car or truck, we can help. Our bicycle accident lawyers understand the complexities that can go into such a case. They understand the tactics insurance companies will use to try to shift blame. A bicycle crash can cause catastrophic injuries, and the last thing you want is to also have to fight a system that is not working in your best interests. The lawyers at 612-INJURED will quickly investigate your case and make a plan to get you the compensation you deserve. Call or text us at (612) 465-8733 for a free consultation.

Bicycle Accident Attorney in Minnesota

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident in Minnesota through no fault of your own or a loved one has been injured, you may have a case. Text or call us or fill out the form on this website for your free no-obligation consultation. Bicycle accidents can be traumatic, but you have to recover despite the fact your life will never be the same. You shouldn’t have to worry about the financial consequences of your accident, which is where we can help.