Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Duluth, MN

What Injuries Can a Bicycle Accident Cause?

Cycling accidents can lead to serious injuries. Here are some common injuries cyclists may suffer:

• Head injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are common in bicycle accidents. Cyclists may experience concussions, skull fractures, or more severe brain injuries. This makes wearing a helmet essential for cyclist safety.
• Spinal cord injuries: A serious accident can damage the spinal cord, potentially leading to paralysis or long-term disabilities.
• Fractures and broken bones: Falls or collisions with vehicles often result in fractures, particularly to the arms, legs, or collarbones, often requiring surgery.
• Dislocations: High-impact accidents can dislocate joints, especially in the shoulders, hips, and knees.
• Road rash: This occurs when skin scrapes against the pavement, with severe cases potentially leading to infections or scarring.
• Internal injuries: The force of impact during a collision can cause internal bleeding or damage to organs. These injuries are especially dangerous because they may have delayed symptoms – meaning you could be seriously injured without realizing it.
• Psychological trauma: Beyond physical injuries, many injured cyclists suffer emotional and psychological distress, such as PTSD, anxiety, or depression. Minnesota law recognizes this as a legitimate form of pain and suffering and allows victims to demand fair compensation.

Seeking Compensation for a Duluth Bicycle Accident Injury

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in Duluth, you may be entitled to compensation for the damages it caused. This compensation can cover:

• Medical expenses: Including hospital bills, surgeries, medication, and physical therapy.
• Lost wages: Compensation for wages lost due to time off work, as well as future lost earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Property damage: If your bicycle or other personal property was damaged, you could be compensated for repair or replacement costs​.
• Punitive damages: If the responsible party was grossly negligent – such as an impaired driver – you may be entitled to punitive damages. These damages are designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
• Wrongful death compensation: In tragic cases where a cyclist was fatally injured, family members can seek compensation through a wrongful death claim.

Your Duluth bicycle accident lawyer will help you calculate the full amount of compensation you are owed under Minnesota law.

Bike Laws in Duluth

For several years, Minnesota has been working hard to improve safety for cyclists. Knowing Duluth’s bicycle laws will help riders protect themselves – and their rights – on the road.

Right-of-Way

Bicyclists in Duluth share the same right-of-way privileges as vehicles. Drivers must yield to cyclists at intersections and when making turns, just as they would for another car. This is especially important in downtown areas and around popular paths like the Lakewalk and the Duluth Traverse, where cyclists and vehicles often share space.

Riding Position

Cyclists in Duluth are required to ride as close to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway as they feel safe. However, they may ride farther out when:

• Overtaking another vehicle
• Preparing for a left turn
• Avoiding road hazards such as debris or potholes
• Riding in designated bike lanes or on the shoulder of the road

Bike Lane Usage

While Duluth has dedicated bike lanes, cyclists are not required to use them. You are legally allowed to ride in traffic lanes, particularly if bike lanes are obstructed or unsafe. Duluth has been expanding its network of bike lanes, including separated paths along major thoroughfares like Superior Street, to enhance rider safety.

Lane Splitting

Lane splitting (riding between lanes or vehicles) is not legal in Minnesota or Duluth. Cyclists must stay within a single lane unless they are overtaking another vehicle or avoiding an obstacle.

Night Riding Requirements

Duluth follows Minnesota's state law for night riding. Bicycles must be equipped with:

• A front white light visible from at least 500 feet
• A rear red reflector visible from 100 to 600 feet

During Duluth's long winter nights, these requirements are essential for ensuring that cyclists are visible to drivers.

Passing Law

In Duluth, as in all of Minnesota, motorists are required to maintain a minimum passing distance of three feet when overtaking a cyclist. This is designed to prevent side-swipe accidents, which are especially common in areas with heavy traffic, such as downtown Duluth or near the University of Minnesota Duluth campus​.

"Idaho Stop" Law

In 2023, Minnesota adopted the "Idaho Stop" law, which allows cyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs under certain conditions. Cyclists may proceed through an intersection without stopping if the way is clear, which helps improve traffic flow and reduces the likelihood of accidents at stop signs​.

Sidewalk Riding

Cyclists in Duluth are allowed to ride on sidewalks, except where prohibited by local ordinances. When riding on sidewalks, they must yield to pedestrians and provide an audible signal before passing. This is especially important in busy areas like downtown Duluth and near schools​.

Severe Injuries Caused By Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents often result in severe, life-altering injuries, many of which require extensive medical care and rehabilitation.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

When a pedestrian’s head strikes a vehicle or the ground, the impact can cause a range of brain injuries, from concussions to severe brain damage. TBIs can lead to long-term cognitive issues, memory loss, and difficulties with concentration and reasoning. Victims often require long-term medical treatment and rehabilitation. Even mild concussions can have lasting effects if not treated properly.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Pedestrians struck by vehicles often suffer spinal injuries, which can lead to partial or complete paralysis. Rehabilitation for spinal cord injuries is often long-term and may include physical therapy, assistive devices, and, in some cases, lifetime care.

Broken Bones and Fractures

Pedestrian accidents frequently result in broken bones, especially in the legs, arms, and ribs. These injuries can range from simple fractures to compound breaks that require surgical intervention. Recovery can be lengthy and often involves physical therapy. In some cases, victims suffer from reduced mobility or chronic pain, even after healing​.

Internal Injuries

High-impact collisions can cause damage to internal organs such as the liver, spleen, or kidneys. These injuries are particularly dangerous because symptoms may not be immediately apparent. Internal bleeding or organ damage often requires emergency surgery and can lead to long-term health complications if not treated quickly​.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Sprains, strains, and tears in muscles, ligaments, and tendons are common in pedestrian accidents. Though not always life-threatening, soft tissue injuries can cause chronic pain and mobility issues if not properly treated. Such injuries often require physical therapy to regain full function and can lead to long-term discomfort.

Psychological Distress

Beyond the physical injuries, many pedestrian accident victims suffer significant psychological trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Victims often require therapy, counseling, and sometimes medication to manage these mental health challenges. Minnesota recognizes this as a legitimate form of pain and suffering worthy of fair compensation.

Fatal Injuries

Unfortunately, some pedestrian accidents in Duluth result in fatalities, especially on roads with high-speed traffic or poor visibility. Families of victims can file wrongful death claims to recover compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the emotional toll of losing a loved one.

Take the Next Step Toward Fair Compensation in Duluth

Don’t let a bicycle accident disrupt your life any longer. Let the experienced bicycle accident attorneys at SiebenCarey handle the legal complexities – so you can focus on healing. Our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way, ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Start the process of rebuilding your life by scheduling a free consultation with one of our Duluth bicycle accident attorneys.