Minnesota Motorcycle Accident Injury Lawyers

Because motorcycle riders lack the protections of a traditional vehicle, these accidents are often disastrous. Even when following safety precautions, motorcyclists can suffer severe, life-altering injuries. Below are some of the most common injuries associated with motorcycle accidents in Minnesota.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

Head injuries are one of the most serious risks motorcyclists face. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) range from concussions to more severe conditions like brain hemorrhages and long-term cognitive impairments. For this reason, helmets are the first and foremost safety equipment a motorcyclist can wear. Motorcyclists who don’t wear helmets are three times more likely to suffer TBIs.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries can leave a motorcyclist wholly or partially paralyzed, drastically altering a victim's life. These injuries often occur when a motorcyclist is thrown from the bike or when the spinal column is impacted directly. Such injuries require extensive medical care and rehabilitation, with long-term implications for the victim’s quality of life.

Lower-Body Injuries

Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable to leg, hip, and pelvic injuries in crashes. Fractures, dislocations, and severe bruising are common when a rider’s lower body strikes the ground or another vehicle. These injuries can be debilitating and may require surgery, physical therapy, and extended time away from work.

Road Rash

Road rash occurs when a motorcyclist slides across the pavement, leading to painful abrasions and skin damage. In severe cases, road rash can result in:

• Deep wounds
• Infections
• Permanent scarring.

Wearing protective gear reduces the risk of road rash, but it remains a common injury in motorcycle accidents​.

Broken Bones and Fractures

The impact of a collision or a rider’s attempt to break their fall often results in broken bones and is most common in:

• Wrists
• Arms
• Shoulders
• Legs

These injuries can range from simple fractures to complex breaks that require surgical intervention and extended recovery periods​.

Facial Injuries and Disfigurement

Without a full-face helmet, motorcyclists are at significant risk for facial injuries. These can include fractures, lacerations, and dental damage, often leading to disfigurement and the need for reconstructive surgery. Facial injuries also carry a high emotional toll, affecting self-esteem and mental health​ – a legitimate form of pain and suffering.

Internal Injuries

Motorcycle accidents often lead to internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding. These injuries can be life-threatening – all the more so because the symptoms may not be noticeable right away. After a motorcycle accident, you should always seek medical attention as soon as possible to be thoroughly checked for hidden internal injuries.

Understanding and adhering to Minnesota’s motorcycle laws can significantly reduce the risk of accidents. Here’s a breakdown of legal requirements and best practices for staying safe on Minnesota roads.

Minnesota Motorcycle Helmet Requirements

In Minnesota, helmets are required for motorcyclists under 18 and those operating with a learner’s permit. While helmets are optional for adult riders, they are strongly recommended as they drastically reduce the risk of head injuries and fatality. Studies have consistently shown that wearing a helmet is the single most important factor in surviving a motorcycle crash.

Motorcycle Endorsement

All motorcycle riders in Minnesota must have a valid motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s license. This endorsement requires passing both a written knowledge test and a skills test. Riders with a permit can only ride during daylight hours and cannot carry passengers​.

Lane Splitting

Lane splitting (riding between lanes of slow or stopped traffic) was illegal in Minnesota but will be allowed starting in July of next year. Under the new law, motorcyclists may share lanes with vehicles if they stay under 25 miles per hour and don’t exceed 15 miles per hour faster than cars next to them. Advocates believe lane splitting will prevent rear-end crashes with motorcyclists during traffic backups.

Passenger Laws

Minnesota law requires that motorcycles carrying passengers have footrests, and passengers must use them when the bike is in motion. No passengers are allowed unless the motorcycle is designed to carry more than one person.

Minnesota has motorcycle laws to help keep you safe, but you’ll still need to take the proper precautions. Here are some tips to protect yourself on the road.

Always Wear Protective Gear

Wearing the proper protective gear can make all the difference if you’re involved in a motorcycle crash. That means wearing:

• Helmet
• Gloves
• Durable jackets
• Proper footwear

This precaution will significantly reduce the severity of injuries in an accident. Remember: Full-face helmets always provide the best protection for your head and face​.

Stay Visible

Many motorcycle accidents occur because drivers fail to see the motorcyclist. Wearing bright, reflective clothing and keeping your headlights on, even during the day, can help improve visibility​ and keep you safe on the road.

Follow Safe Riding Practices

Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, avoid riding in blind spots, and practice defensive driving. Be especially cautious at intersections, where many motorcycle accidents occur due to other drivers’ failure to yield​.

Be Mindful of Road Conditions

Minnesota’s varied weather and road conditions can pose unique challenges for motorcyclists. Be cautious of wet roads, loose gravel, potholes, and other hazards that can cause you to lose control of your bike.

Take a Motorcycle Safety Course

Even experienced riders can benefit from refresher driving courses. The Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center offers classes that help riders improve their skills, learn new techniques, and stay up-to-date with current laws.

If you are injured in a Minnesota motorcycle accident, state law grants you the right to pursue fair compensation. That includes compensation for various damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and more.

• Medical expenses: These damages include the cost of emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, physical therapy, and any ongoing or future medical needs related to your injuries​.
• Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can recover lost income, both for the time you were unable to work and for any future reduction in earning capacity due to long-term injuries.
• Property damage: You may be paid for repairing or replacing your motorcycle and any other personal property damaged in the accident​.
• Rehabilitation costs: Many motorcycle injuries require extended rehabilitation or specialized care. These costs can add up fast, and compensation will go a long way to easing recovery after your accident.
• Pain and suffering: These payments are for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injuries and the impact on your quality of life​.
• Loss of enjoyment: If your injuries prevent you from engaging in activities or hobbies you once enjoyed, you may be entitled to compensation for this loss​.
• Disfigurement and scarring: Severe accidents can result in permanent scars or disfigurement, leading to money awarded for the long-term impact on your appearance​.

Because motorcycle accidents often cause serious injuries, the value of your personal injury claim can be significant. With SiebenCarey in your corner, you can take on stubborn insurance companies with an entire team of legal professionals supporting you from day one until your case is resolved.

When you contact SiebenCarey, you will get a free, no-obligation consultation. We will listen to your perspective, explain your rights, and advise you on what steps to take. Then, if we’re a good fit for your case, we will:

• Investigate your accident
• Communicate with others on your behalf
• Negotiate with stubborn insurance companies
• Help you win the total amount of compensation available under Minnesota law

If an insurance company won’t provide a fair settlement, our seasoned trial attorneys are ready to take your case to court. Our attorneys understand the unique risks that motorcyclists face, and we are fully prepared to fight for your rights until justice is achieved.

No matter the details of your case, you will feel relieved and in control with the SiebenCarey team at your side.