Motorcycle accidents can have tragic consequences and cause fatal and permanently disabling injuries. Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable in an accident since they do not have the protection of an enclosed vehicle. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recognizes this and recommends that cyclists wear the appropriate gear, such as helmets and visible clothing, to be as safe as possible. However, motorcyclists who do everything right can still end up in a horrific accident due to no fault of their own. Motorcycle accident injuries can leave a victim with catastrophic physical, emotional, and financial harm.

However, if someone else’s negligence is responsible for your motorcycle accident, they may be legally responsible for compensating you for any of your injuries and financial losses.

Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Injuries in serious motorcycle accidents can be catastrophic for the motorcycle rider, especially if they end up ejected from their seat or under the wheels of another vehicle. However, even in a minor accident, a motorcyclist without a helmet and protective gear could suffer significant head trauma or other life-threatening injuries. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), motorcyclists often suffer from lower extremity, abdominal, and chest injuries due to accidents. Injuries in motorcycle accidents can also include:

Road Rash

Motorcyclists can suffer from mild or serious road rash when their skin scrapes the road. While road rash can be harmless, serious cases involving the removal of several layers of the skin may require surgeries and skin grafting.

Head and Brain Injuries

Severe head trauma can cause fatalities in motorcycle accidents. Survivors may never be able to lead independent lives again. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI), for example, can cause debilitating complications such as long-lasting cognitive problems, seizures, and pain. Head and brain injuries from a motorcycle accident may need expensive medical treatments and rehabilitative therapies for months or even years.

Bone Fractures or Breaks

Complicated fractures and completely shattered bones can require multiple surgeries and prolonged physiotherapy. A motorcyclist might suffer from permanently reduced mobility and loss of function due to fractures. Shattered bones can also lead to infections that could result in a limb amputation. Even a simple fracture will require some recovery time and may cause a considerable loss of income.

Permanent Disfigurement

A motorcyclist can suffer permanent facial scarring and disfigurement since the head is perhaps the most vulnerable body part in an accident. Scarring could require several rounds of expensive plastic surgery. Additionally, a motorcycle accident victim might suffer from emotional distress related to disfigurement for the rest of their lives.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

Spinal cord injuries are typically serious and can cause severe disability such as paralysis. To date, no medical treatments or therapies can reverse serious damage or severance of the spinal cord. The physical, mental, and financial consequences of a serious spinal cord injury cannot be underestimated.

Emotional and Psychological Distress

A serious motorcycle accident can have a long-term detrimental influence on an accident victim’s mental health. Emotional effects can include post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, fearfulness, and an overall inability to return to daily life.

Motorcycle accident injuries can result in significant long-term costs. A mountain of medical bills and having to take time off work can cause financial hardship for motorcycle accident victims and their families. If you have injuries and other damages due to the fault of another driver, you may have the right to receive compensation for those injuries and losses.

Types of Compensation Available for Motorcycle Accident Victims

You may have excellent control of your motorcycle and be a careful and respectful rider; however, you cannot control the actions of other drivers. Other drivers may cause an accident due to negligence, such as driving while intoxicated, failing to yield, speeding, operating a vehicle while drowsy, driving while distracted, or driving generally recklessly. If another driver caused your motorcycle accident due to their negligence, you could recover compensation for economic and non-economic losses.

Economic Losses

Economic losses are relatively easy to determine as they relate directly to monetary losses experienced by the victim and can include:

• Motorcycle repair or replacement
• Loss of income as a result of being unable to return to work
• Medical treatments and therapy
• Over-the-counter and prescription medications
• Medical devices such as a wheelchair and crutches
• A home health aide
• Transport costs
• Car rental expenses
• Out-of-pocket costs.

Non-Economic Losses

Non-economic losses can be somewhat challenging to calculate as they are largely subjective and do not come with a dollar value or receipt. However, if you suffered significant motorcycle accident injuries, your non-economic losses could make up a large portion of your overall settlement. Therefore, you should consult with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer who can help you calculate your non-economic losses appropriately. Non-economic losses can include compensation such as:

Physical pain and suffering

• Emotional anguish
• Loss of limbs
• Permanent disfigurement
• Disability
• Loss of quality of life.

Factors Influencing Compensation

The potential compensation you can seek hinges on various factors:

• Extent of Injuries: The greater the severity and duration of your injuries, the higher the potential compensation.
• Lifestyle Impact: If your injuries have significantly altered your quality of life, this may raise the value of your claim.
• Liability: The extent of your responsibility, if any, can influence your capacity to receive damages.

Insurance Compensation for a Motorcycle Crash

Many motorcycle accident claims are typically settled through negotiations with an insurance company. Unlike car insurance claims, in Minnesota, motorcycle accident cases are generally not governed by a no-fault system. Motorcyclists are not obliged to acquire personal injury protection to cover their losses in an accident caused by another driver.

Consequently, the party at fault may bear financial responsibility for the victim’s losses in a motorcycle accident. This is why car drivers are required to obtain liability insurance. While many drivers opt for coverage above the minimum requirements, the following are the basic thresholds:

• $30,000 per individual involved in an accident
• $60,000 for two or more individuals involved in an accident
• $10,000 for property damage.

Depending on the coverage you’ve chosen, you might have the option to seek compensation from your policy. You can discuss this matter with our motorcycle accident attorneys in Minnesota.

How Tyroler Leonard Injury Law Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You Get Compensation After a Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycle accidents can have devastating consequences, leaving victims with severe injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens. In such trying times, it is crucial to have the support of experienced legal professionals who can help you navigate the complex process of seeking compensation. Tyroler Leonard Injury Law is a reputable law firm with a dedicated team of personal injury lawyers focusing on representing motorcycle accident victims. Here is how we can help you after a motorcycle accident.

1. Thorough Investigation and Evidence Gathering

One of the crucial aspects of a successful personal injury claim is the ability to establish liability. We understand the importance of conducting a thorough investigation to gather relevant evidence. This includes obtaining accident reports, interviewing witnesses, and enlisting the services of accident reconstruction experts, if necessary. By meticulously examining the details of the accident, we build a strong foundation for your case.

2. Expertise in Personal Injury Law

Isaac Tyroler and Rachel Sperling Leonard have extensive knowledge and expertise in personal injury law, particularly motorcycle accident cases. We stay abreast of the latest legal developments and understand the nuances of these types of cases. This expertise equips us to build compelling arguments and advocate for your rights.

3. Determining Liability and Fault

In motorcycle accident cases, determining liability can be complex. It may involve multiple parties, including negligent drivers, road maintenance entities, or even product manufacturers in defective equipment cases. We have a proven track record of identifying responsible parties and holding them accountable for their actions. This ensures that all potential avenues of compensation are explored.

4. Maximizing Damages

We are committed to ensuring that you receive fair and just compensation for your injuries. This includes immediate medical expenses, property damage, and long-term costs such as rehabilitation, ongoing medical treatment, loss of earning capacity, and pain and suffering. Our experienced lawyers are adept at calculating damages accurately to secure the maximum recovery possible.

5. Negotiating With Insurance Companies

Dealing with insurance companies can be arduous, as they often seek to minimize payouts. We will skillfully negotiate with insurance companies. We have a comprehensive understanding of the tactics used by insurers and are adept at countering them to ensure that you receive a fair settlement.

6. Litigation Expertise

While many personal injury cases are settled out of court, some may require litigation. We are prepared to take your case to trial if necessary. Our experienced litigators are well-versed in courtroom procedures and are dedicated to zealously advocating for your rights before a judge and jury.

Is There a Time Limit to File an Injury Claim?

If you’re contemplating pursuing a claim against the negligent party, acting promptly is crucial. Insurance companies often impose deadlines for claim submissions, and missing this window may mean forfeiting your opportunity for compensation.

Should our Minneapolis motorcycle accident attorneys encounter difficulty securing a fair settlement offer from the insurance company, we can explore the option of filing a lawsuit. We anticipate this possibility as we are committed to achieving the highest possible compensation for our clients.

Minnesota imposes a six-year time limit for filing a claim, which commences from the date of the accident. While this might initially seem like a generous span, it’s important to remember that investigating a claim is a time-intensive process. Failing to submit a claim within this deadline could result in being unable to seek compensation for the damages you’ve suffered.

Nonetheless, it’s worth noting that certain exceptional circumstances may exempt a case from this time constraint. Seeking guidance from an attorney is advisable, as they can help ascertain the available time frame for taking action. The sooner you reach out to us, the more time we’ll have to conduct a thorough investigation and construct a comprehensive case.

Contact an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorney at Tyroler Leonard Injury Law Today

If you suffer from extensive injuries after a motorcycle accident that was not your fault, having an experienced and compassionate motorcycle accident lawyer by your side during this challenging time can reassure you that your legal rights remain protected at all times. Contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney at Tyroler Leonard Injury Law at (651) 259-1113 to learn more about your legal rights and options to receive the compensation you deserve.

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