Bicycle Accident Injury: Do I Have a Case?

Minnesota's No-Fault Insurance System

Minnesota is a no-fault state. If you have auto insurance, your policy will cover your medical bills and certain other expenses, even if you were riding a bicycle, as long as a motor vehicle was involved.

This coverage includes a minimum of $20,000 for medical expenses and $20,000 for wage loss, and other benefits. If you don't have auto insurance, you may still be covered if someone in your household has an auto insurance policy.

If the damages exceed the PIP coverage limits of your auto policy, OR you don’t have insurance, you can file a claim against the at-fault driver's liability insurance. This option allows you to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, damage to your bike, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

Establishing Fault After a Bicycle Accident

For a viable bicycle injury case, you must prove that someone else's negligence caused your accident. In Minnesota, this means demonstrating that:

1. Someone owed you a “duty of care”
2. They breached that duty
3. Their breach caused your injury
   

For example, motor vehicle drivers have a duty to exercise reasonable care to avoid harming cyclists on the road. If a driver breaches this duty by driving recklessly or ignoring traffic laws, you likely have a claim for any injuries they cause.

For example, if a driver cuts you off by running a red light or swerves into a bike lane because they were texting and driving, they could be held responsible for the accident. Other common forms of negligence include:

• Speeding
• Failing to yield to cyclists
• Opening car doors without checking for cyclists (known as "dooring")
• Making unsafe turns in front of cyclists
• Driving under the influence

Proving Negligence in a Minnesota Bicycle Accident Claim

To prove that another party was responsible for your injuries, your attorney will work with you to gather key evidence, such as:

• Photos of the accident scene
• Dashcam or surveillance footage
• Police reports
• Medical records
• Eyewitness statements
• Expert witness testimony
  

Your attorney will then use this evidence to support negotiations with the at-fault party’s insurance company. It can also be used to prove your case in court if necessary.

What Compensation Can You Receive?

If you have a valid bicycle accident injury claim, you can seek compensation for a variety of damages, including:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Property damage to your bicycle and equipment

The amount of compensation varies depending on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your daily life, and other factors specific to your case. Your attorney will help calculate the value of your claim.

Statute of Limitations for Bicycle Accident Claims

Minnesota limits the time you have to file a personal injury lawsuit. The statute of limitations for most bicycle accident cases is six years after the accident occurred. However, the sooner your attorney starts building your case, the better. Evidence fades quickly, and waiting too long could make it harder to support your claims and receive the maximum compensation available.

Choosing the Right Attorney for Your Claim

Choosing the right attorney for your bicycle accident case is key to winning fair compensation. When considering an attorney, look for these qualities:

• Specialization in personal injury law
• Experience with bicycle accident cases
• A track record of successful settlements and verdicts
• Willingness to take your case to trial if necessary (though most cases settle out of court)
• Clear communication at every stage of the process
• Representation on a contingency fee basis (no recovery, no fee)
• Access to ample resources to investigate and build your case

A suitable bicycle accident attorney will offer a free initial consultation. Use that opportunity to discuss your case and determine if they're the right fit for your needs. Ask questions about their experience, approach, and how they would handle your case.

Do You Have Grounds for a Bicycle Accident Injury Claim?

To determine if you have a viable case, ask yourself these questions:

• Were you injured in a bicycle accident?
• Did someone else's negligence cause the accident?
• Can you gather evidence to support your claim?
• Are you within the statute of limitations?
  

If you answered "yes" to all these questions, you likely have grounds for a personal injury claim. Even if you're unsure, consult an attorney who can evaluate your claim and determine if you have a realistic path to compensation.

Get Reliable Help from SiebenCarey – Minnesota’s Trusted Bicycle Accident Attorneys

Navigating the aftermath of a bicycle accident can be overwhelming, especially when you're dealing with injuries. At SiebenCarey, we can handle the legal complexities so you can focus on healing.

SiebenCarey has a 70-year legacy of trust helping accident victims get the compensation they need. When you choose SiebenCarey to represent your case, you'll get the full benefit of:

• Decades of proven success
• Extensive legal resources
• An experienced team of lawyers, paralegals, and accident scene investigators
• The "Know Your Rights" guarantee of genuine care and clear communication

And, of course, we always work on a contingency fee basis. That means you won't owe us anything unless we win your case.

Claim your free case evaluation today, and we’ll happily answer all your questions.