Minnesota liability laws have established the basic duty of all drivers is the duty of ordinary or reasonable care. The essential question asked is “What would a reasonable driver do under similar circumstances?” The driver’s negligence must be the cause of the injuries sustained.

The other essential element an injured party must show is that they have reached the tort threshold. The Minnesota Motor Vehicle Liability Law has established that in order to bring a claim, one of the five tort thresholds must be reached by the plaintiff:

• a permanent disability has resulted from the car accident, truck accident, or motorcycle accident
• a permanent disfigurement has resulted from the motor vehicle accident
• wrongful death has occurred from the crash
• the motor vehicle accident has resulted in more than sixty (60) days of lost work
• cost of the medical and chiropractic treatment is in excess of $4,000.00 (not including diagnostic x-rays or MRI’s)

In addition to working with the no-fault insurance company, most cases will have a different insurance company on the bodily injury side. In order for an injured party to bring a claim against the bodily injury insurer, the injured party must prove three elements:

• that another person was more negligent than the victim in causing the accident (more than 51%)
• that the tort threshold has been reached
• the claim must be brought within the statute of limitations

The amount of a settlement in a personal injury case depends on many factors, including:

• the type of injury
• the severity of the injury
• the amount of economic damages (lost wages, medical bills, etc.)
• the duration of the injury

People who have suffered bodily injury in an accident, due to negligence, may be entitled to recover monetary damages for all losses and expenses associated with the accident. Those damages may include recovery for:

• past and future medical bills
• past and future lost wages
• pain and suffering
• physical disability
• mental disability
• disfigurement and permanent scars
• emotional trauma / distress
• loss of enjoyment of life
• loss of love and affection
• humiliation
• property damage
• out of pocket expenses (transportation costs, needed medical equipment, etc.)

This information is provided as a service by TSR Injury Law. If you think you meet the requirements for a bodily injury claim, call a Minnesota Bodily Injury Claim Lawyer, at 612-362-0000, to discuss your case or submit our free consultation form.

Vic and Tracy were injured in a significant motorcycle accident. Each of them broke several bones that required multiple surgeries. When we were initially hired there was concern that there would not be sufficient insurance coverage available. We undertook an investigation of the case and determined that there were three policies that we could access. The claim was resolved when the insurance carriers agreed to double their policy limits and they eventually paid out over 2.8 million dollars to compensate Vic and Tracy. ~Chuck Slane, partner of TSR Injury Law

This is just one example from our extensive case files. It demonstrates our diligence, skill, and aggressive handling of motorcycle accident cases. Call 612-362-0000 or submit our free consultation form.

Reasons You Need a Motorcycle Accident Attorney

• We can help determine the value of your motorcycle accident case. Factors that have to be taken into account:
  1. Do you own any percentage of fault?
  2. How extensive are your injuries?
  3. Does your injury factor into your ability to work?
  4. Medical bills
  5. Lost wages
  6. Disfigurement
  7. Disability
• We have substantial experience with insurance companies. We can deal with the adjusters, administrators, and their team of attorneys.
• We have the time and the resources needed to put together a strong case on your behalf.

Contact Us

You DO need a Motorcycle Accident Attorney to pursue your best interests. Call 612-362-0000 or submit our contact form. Our attorneys are experienced in motorcycle accident cases. In fact, partner Steve Terry is a Harley rider and understands the joys and dangers of biking as well as unique aspects of motorcycle accidents.

This information is provided by TSR Injury Law. Our attorneys have been named Super Lawyers many times by their peers and Chuck Slane has been voted one of the 2008 Minnesota Top 40 Personal Injury Lawyers. Our attorneys have years of experience with personal injury cases, have a stellar reputation, and have secured millions in compensation for our clients. Call us at 612-362-0000.

Types of Motorcycle Cases We Handle

• Single Vehicle Motorcycle Accident
• Multiple Vehicle Motorcycle Accident
• Motorcycle Drunk Driving Accident
• Motorcycle Malfunction
• Motorcycle Wrongful Death Accident

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Motorcycles are less crashworthy than enclosed vehicles, less visible to others, and less stable. Operating a motorcycle requires a unique combination of physical and mental skills. Motorcyclists are also more negatively impacted by weather and road conditions.

• According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcyclists who wore helmets were 16% less likely to sustain a serious head injury than those who did not wear helmets.
• Nearly half of all fatal motorcycle accidents involved alcohol.
• 35% of fatal motorcycle accidents the cyclist was speeding.
• 50% of motorcycle accidents were collisions with another vehicle.
• 25% of the motorcyclists involved in fatal accidents had an invalid license.
• In 67% of motorcycle accidents involving another vehicle, the driver of the other vehicle violated the motorcycle rider’s right of way and caused the accident.
• Motorcyclists are about 26 times more likely to die in a crash than someone riding in a car, and are 5 times as likely to be injured.

Motorcycle Safety

Here are some safety measures to help you enjoy the open road and live to brag about it.

• Wear a helmet. They are 37% effective in preventing fatal injuries, 67% effective in preventing traumatic brain injuries.
• Wear a jacket (preferably leather – more durable) and long pants. These will protect your arms and legs if you lay the bike down and greatly reduce your injuries in a minor accident.
• Wear leather boots to protect your feet, ankles, and calves. Injuries to any of these body parts can interfere with your mobility and quality of life.
• Buy a motorcycle with anti-lock brakes. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) released two studies in late 2008 that show that anti-lock brakes help reduce crashes.
• Air bags may soon be a viable option for motorcyclists. Honda Motorcycle Company, in 2006, started offering the option of an airbag on one of their most expensive models. Wearable airbags, worn either inside a jacket or strapped on the outside, have recently been developed and marketed. There are no statistics as to the effectiveness of these items, yet.

Types of Motorcycle Cases We Handle

• Single Vehicle Motorcycle Accident
• Multiple Vehicle Motorcycle Accident
• Motorcycle Drunk Driving Accident
• Motorcycle Malfunction
• Motorcycle Wrongful Death Accident

Contact Us

If you have been in a Minnesota Motorcycle Accident, contact us – we care and want to help you receive compensation for your injuries. Call 612-362-0000 or submit our consultation form.

This information is provided by TSR Injury Law. Our attorneys are consistently named Super Lawyers by their peers and Chuck Slane has been voted in the 2008 Minnesota Top 40 Personal Injury Lawyers. Our attorneys have years of experience with personal injury cases, have a stellar reputation, and have secured millions in compensation for our clients.