St. Paul Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Let Our Experienced St. Paul Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Help You Get Compensation

St. Paul and the Twin Cities region are home to thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts. Many people take to the road on their motorcycles, particularly during warmer weather, to enjoy the fresh air, sunshine, and sense of freedom riding a motorcycle brings.

However, motorcyclists tend to fare poorly in accidents because motorcycles lack other vehicles' enclosures and safety devices. This often leads to catastrophic injuries to motorcyclists and their passengers, even in relatively low-speed collisions.

If another vehicle driver causes a motorcycle accident that injures you or kills a close family member, you may obtain compensation from those responsible. You will need an attorney to cut through the complex, confusing, and challenging process of obtaining compensation.

Contact the experienced St. Paul motorcycle accident attorneys at Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers for help. 

We will review your claim for free, advise you of your options, and help you get all the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to speak with one of our motorcycle accident attorneys at no cost.

How Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers Can Help with Your St. Paul Motorcycle Accident Injury Claim

Our law firm has served injured clients throughout Minnesota and the surrounding areas since 2007. Since then, we have become one of our region’s most prominent personal injury law firms, and we have recovered more than $55 million in verdicts and settlements for our clients, including substantial awards for motorcycle accident victims.

Our tenacious and fierce legal advocates can fight hard to increase your chances of getting the most favorable outcome possible. We have received hundreds of five-star reviews from our satisfied clients, and our attorneys have earned consistent top rankings and honors from our peers. As such, you can receive the highest level of representation directly from a local attorney with your best interests at heart.

During our free consultation, we will sit with you and review your case to determine your options for obtaining compensation. We can then file your claim and gather the evidence you need to show the other driver’s liability for your injuries. Since we work on a contingency fee basis, you won’t pay us anything upfront to represent you, and we will only accept a fee if we recover compensation for you through a settlement or court award.

Contact the experienced motorcycle accident lawyers at Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers today to get started.

Minnesota Motorcycle Accident Statistics

In one recent year, Minnesota reported 1,108 motorcycle accidents across the state. Of those, 891 resulted in injuries, and 68 resulted in fatalities. St. Paul and the greater Twin Cities Metro report dozens of motorcycle crashes each year.

What Causes Motorcycle Accidents in St. Paul?

Motorcycle accidents in St. Paul can occur because of:

• Distracted driving. Distracted driving is a significant cause of motorcycle accidents. When vehicle drivers text, talk on the phone, eat, or use in-car technologies, their attention drifts from the road, increasing the risk of colliding with motorcycles.
• Failure to yield. Motorists who fail to yield the right of way to motorcycles at intersections or while changing lanes can cause serious accidents. Failure to properly observe and yield to motorcycles commonly causes collisions.
• Lane changing and merging. Motorcycle accidents often occur when other vehicles change lanes or merge without properly checking for the presence of motorcycles. When drivers fail to check their blind spots before changing lanes or turning, they may collide with motorcycles.
• Left-turn accidents. Left-turn accidents are a significant concern for motorcyclists. They occur when a vehicle turns left at an intersection or driveway, failing to yield to an oncoming motorcycle. The limited visibility of motorcycles can make it difficult for drivers to accurately judge their speed and distance.
• Speeding and reckless driving. Excessive speed and reckless driving contribute to many motorcycle accidents. When drivers exceed the speed limit, engage in aggressive maneuvers, or drive recklessly, they increase the risk of losing control and causing accidents.
• Intoxication. Alcohol or drug impairment is a severe hazard for all road users, including motorcyclists. Impaired drivers suffer reduced reaction times and impaired judgment, increasing the likelihood of causing accidents involving motorcycles.
• Road conditions. Poor road conditions, such as potholes, debris, or uneven surfaces, can harm motorcyclists. Motorcycles are more vulnerable to losing control on slippery or uneven surfaces, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Door collisions. Door collisions occur when a driver or passenger opens a car door without checking for motorcycles. The motorcyclist cannot always avoid hitting the car door, which can result in serious injuries.
• Faulty parts or components. In some cases, a motorcycle’s parts or components may fail due to defects in their design and manufacturing. If the brakes stop working or a tire blows out, for instance, it can cause the biker to lose control and crash. Defects in a motorcycle's forks, suspension, chain, or frame can also lead to catastrophic accidents.

What Injuries Can Motorcycle Accidents Cause?

Motorcycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, varying in severity depending on the circumstances of the accident. Since motorcycles don’t have enclosures, seatbelts, or airbags, motorcyclists can sustain severe injuries in accidents, even in low-speed collisions that do not harm the other vehicle’s occupants.

Some common motorcycle injuries we see at Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers include:

• Head injuries. Head injuries are a significant concern for motorcyclists. Even with helmets, accidents can lead to traumatic brain injuries (TBI), skull fractures, and other head trauma. These injuries can affect motor skills, cognitive abilities, and quality of life.
• Broken bones. A motorcycle accident can break bones in the arms, legs, hips, ribs, and collarbones. These injuries can range from simple fractures to more complex compound fractures that may require surgery, immobilization, and rehabilitation.
• Spinal cord injuries. Motorcycle accidents can cause severe spinal cord injuries, leading to partial or complete paralysis. Spinal cord injuries can permanently eliminate sensation and function below the injury site.
• Road rash. Road rash injuries occur when a motorcyclist’s skin slides across the road, creating abrasions and lacerations. Road rash can range from minor scrapes and bruises to deep wounds that may require extensive medical treatment and can result in scarring, disfigurement, or infection.
• Soft tissue injuries. Motorcycle accidents can severely damage soft tissue like muscles, tendons, and cartilage. Motorcyclists can suffer from contusions, sprains, strains, and deep bruising, which can cause pain, swelling, and restricted movement. Soft tissue injuries often require medical treatment and physical therapy.
• Internal injuries. A collision can damage internal organs, cause internal bleeding, or puncture the lungs. Internal injuries may not immediately appear and can require immediate, life-saving medical attention.
• Crush and amputation injuries. Motorcycle accidents can severely injure the arms, legs, hands, and feet. A motorcyclist’s bike or the other vehicle can crush or sever their limbs. Also, some severe injuries require amputation of the body part.
• Facial and dental injuries. Motorcyclists involved in accidents can sustain facial fractures, lacerations, and dental injuries. These injuries can result in disfigurement, scarring, and the need for reconstructive surgeries or dental procedures.
• Emotional and psychological trauma. In addition to physical injuries, motorcycle accidents can also cause considerable emotional and psychological trauma. Survivors may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues as they deal with their ordeal. These conditions can decrease a person's well-being and may require professional support and treatment.

The injuries motorcyclists sustain in motorcycle accidents depend largely on the speed of the accident, the use of safety gear, the point of impact, and the initial health of the individual involved.

Regardless, always seek prompt medical attention to assess and treat your injuries following a motorcycle accident, and contact an attorney for advice on your options for getting compensation from those responsible.

What Compensation Can I Receive for My Motorcycle Accident Injuries?

You may pursue compensation if another motorist caused the motorcycle accident and your injuries. The compensation you could receive will depend on the nature of the accident, the severity of your injuries, insurance coverage limits, and other factors.

Some forms of compensation you could recover include:

• Medical expenses. You could obtain compensation for medical expenses related to your accident injuries, including hospital bills, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation, therapy, assistive devices, and future medical treatment.
• Lost income and earning capacity. If you had to miss work because of your injuries, you may receive compensation for the income and other financial benefits you got from your job. You may also obtain compensation for future income you may never earn due to your injuries.
• Property damage. If the accident damaged or destroyed your motorcycle, you may receive compensation to repair or replace it.
• Rehabilitation and therapy costs. You could get compensation for the costs associated with rehabilitation, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other medical and therapeutic treatment necessary for your recovery.
• Pain and suffering. You could pursue non-economic damages that resulted from your injuries. Compensation can include physical pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, and more. These subjective damages compensate for the intangible losses you suffered and the adverse impact on your life and well-being.
• Loss of consortium. In some cases, your spouse or partner may pursue loss of companionship or consortium if the accident significantly affected your relationship with them.
• Wrongful death damages. If the motorcycle accident killed a close family member, you may seek damages through a wrongful death claim. Only certain family members may recover compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and other damages resulting from the wrongful death. Your attorney can review your case and determine if you qualify.
• Punitive damages. If you take your case to court, you may receive punitive damages if the court finds the defendant acted with extreme negligence or intentional misconduct. Punitive damages punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior.

You may seek other forms of compensation depending on your case. An attorney can determine the compensation you can pursue and calculate the amount you need to cover your expenses and losses. 

How Do I Obtain Compensation for My St. Paul Motorcycle Accident Injuries?

To obtain compensation for your St. Paul motorcycle accident injuries, you must show you suffered injuries the other driver caused.

The personal injury claims process involves:

• Seeking medical treatment. Make your health and well-being your top priority, so seek immediate medical attention for your injuries. Even if you don't believe your injuries are severe, get a proper medical evaluation. You need medical documentation for your claim.
• Gathering evidence. Collect and preserve any evidence related to the accident at the crash scene if you can. This may include photographs of the accident scene and your injuries, damage to your motorcycle, and road conditions. Obtain copies of the police report, witness statements, and other relevant documentation.
• Documenting expenses and losses. Keep a record of all expenses related to your accident and injuries. This includes medical bills, rehabilitation costs, transportation expenses, lost income, and any other financial losses you have incurred. This documentation will determine the compensation you may seek.
• Contacting a motorcycle accident attorney. Consult a reputable personal injury attorney who handles motorcycle accidents as soon as you can. They will evaluate your case, determine liability, and guide you through the legal process. An attorney will protect your rights, gather additional evidence, and handle negotiations with insurance companies for you.
• Filing an insurance claim. Your lawyer can file a personal injury claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. You must notify your insurance company about the accident promptly, and your attorney can help with that as well. Avoid communicating with the insurer as much as possible and refer any questions to your attorney. Insurance companies are notorious for deflecting blame onto victims or flat-out denying claims. An attorney can assert your rights and make the insurer honor your claim so you can get the compensation you deserve.
• Negotiate with the insurance company. Insurance companies may minimize their liability and offer a low settlement. Your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company to seek fair compensation for your injuries and damages. They will use the evidence gathered and present a strong case to support your claim.
• Filing a lawsuit. If the insurance company doesn’t accept a fair settlement, your lawyer may file a lawsuit against it. Your attorney can guide you through the legal process, file the necessary paperwork, represent you in court, and advocate for your rights.

An experienced motorcycle accident attorney will significantly increase your chances of receiving fair compensation. They will navigate the complex legal system, handle the paperwork, and fight for your rights to maximize your recovery.

St. Paul Motorcycle Accident Attorney FAQs

Contact an Experienced St. Paul Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today

You never expected to deal with the injuries and losses a negligent driver caused when they collided with your motorcycle or killed a close family member in a motorcycle accident through their carelessness or wrongdoing. You should not have to bear the costs alone, and you may pursue compensation from the negligent parties.

The attorneys at Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers are here for you and your family to help you get the compensation and justice you deserve. Contact us today at (651) 237-4258 for a free consultation.