Severe Motorcycle Injuries in MN: Get Justice Today

Why Motorcycle Cases Are Different

Motorcyclists face unique risks on Minnesota roads. Severe injuries are more common because riders lack the protection of a vehicle frame and airbags. Crashes often involve traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, complex fractures, nerve damage, road rash with infection risk, and post-traumatic stress. These injuries can require long-term rehabilitation and significant financial recovery to cover both current and future needs.

Common Causes of Severe Motorcycle Injuries

• Driver inattention and failure to yield (including left-turn violations)
• Unsafe lane changes and blind-spot collisions
• Speeding or impairment
• Hazardous road conditions (gravel, potholes, poorly marked construction)
• Defective parts or negligent maintenance

Identifying the cause is critical to finding all liable parties, which may include a negligent driver, an employer (if the driver was working), a vehicle or parts manufacturer, or a government entity responsible for road design or maintenance.

Proving Liability Under Minnesota Law

Minnesota follows a modified comparative fault rule: your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault, and you cannot recover if your fault is greater than the fault of the party (or parties) you pursue. See Minn. Stat. § 604.01. Strong cases are built with timely investigation, scene documentation, witness statements, crash reports, medical records, and expert analysis. Prompt legal counsel helps preserve evidence and address disputes over visibility, speed, and right-of-way.

Key Evidence to Gather After a Crash

• Photos or video of the scene, skid marks, vehicle positions, debris fields, and motorcycle damage
• Helmet, riding gear, and any damaged equipment preserved in post-crash condition
• Names and contact information for witnesses
• Police crash report and any citations issued
• Medical records from emergency care through ongoing treatment
• Data from dashcams or nearby security cameras
• Maintenance and recall history for involved vehicles

Insurance Considerations for Minnesota Motorcyclists

Minnesota’s no-fault basic economic loss benefits apply to the use or maintenance of a motor vehicle, which does not include motorcycles. As a result, motorcyclists generally are not covered by standard no-fault personal injury protection (PIP) benefits unless they have purchased optional coverages. See Minn. Stat. § 65B.43 (definitions), § 65B.44 (basic economic loss benefits), and § 65B.46 (eligible persons).

Motorcycle claims can involve multiple policy layers, including the at-fault driver’s liability insurance and, where purchased, your own uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) and medical payments coverages. Coverage terms and availability vary by policy; review your declarations and policy language and coordinate benefits carefully.

Compensation You May Seek

Depending on the facts, recoverable damages may include emergency and ongoing medical care, surgeries and rehabilitation, lost wages and diminished earning capacity, mobility and home-care expenses, home or vehicle modifications, pain and suffering, emotional distress, scarring and disfigurement, and, in tragic cases, wrongful death damages for surviving family members.

How Comparative Fault Could Affect Your Case

If an insurer argues you were partially at fault, your recovery may be reduced in proportion to any fault assigned and barred if your fault is greater than that of the party (or parties) you pursue. See Minn. Stat. § 604.01. A detailed reconstruction, rider training records, and properly documented gear use can help counter these arguments.

Wrongful Death After a Motorcycle Collision

When a rider is killed, Minnesota law allows a court-appointed trustee to bring a wrongful death action for the benefit of the next of kin. See Minn. Stat. § 573.02. Recoverable damages can include funeral expenses and compensation for the losses suffered by the next of kin. These cases require careful investigation and prompt action to preserve evidence.

Timing Considerations

Strict deadlines apply. Many negligence-based personal injury claims in Minnesota have a six-year limitations period, while wrongful death claims generally must be brought within three years of death and not more than six years after the act or omission, subject to exceptions. See Minn. Stat. § 541.05 and § 573.02. Because exceptions and special notice rules (including for government entities) may apply, speak with an attorney promptly.

FAQ

Do Minnesota no-fault benefits cover motorcyclists?

Generally no. Motorcycles are excluded from the definition of motor vehicle for basic no-fault benefits unless optional coverages were purchased. See Minn. Stat. § 65B.43 and § 65B.44.

What if the at-fault driver has minimal insurance?

You may seek recovery under your UM or UIM coverage if purchased, and from any other liable parties. Policy language controls availability and limits.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit?

Many negligence claims have a six-year statute of limitations; wrongful death generally has shorter deadlines. Confirm deadlines for your case immediately. See Minn. Stat. § 541.05 and § 573.02.

Will not wearing a helmet bar my claim?

It may affect fault allocation and damages evidence, but it does not automatically bar recovery. Minnesota uses comparative fault principles.

Free Consultation and Next Steps

If you or a loved one suffered severe injuries in a Minnesota motorcycle crash, contact us now for a free, no-obligation case review. Request your free consultation and learn your options.

Important Notice for Minnesota Readers

This information is specific to Minnesota law and is provided for general informational purposes only; it is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and deadlines change and vary by facts. Consult a Minnesota-licensed attorney about your situation. This is attorney advertising.