Motorcyclists have less protection than other drivers, making them more vulnerable to serious injuries during an accident. As a motorcycle rider, getting the compensation you deserve can be especially difficult because people tend to assume that motorcyclists are irresponsible and usually cause accidents they are involved in.

Working with an Austin motorcycle accident lawyer can help you overcome this bias and get the compensation you need. Contact a well-versed personal injury attorney at Maschka, Riedy, Ries & Frentz today for help with a claim.

How Do Motorcycle Accidents Differ From Car Accidents?

Laws and insurance requirements differ for motorcycles, which can affect how a personal injury case works. Minnesota’s car insurance must include personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, which typically covers the first $20,000 of the injured person’s medical expenses and $20,000 of the injured person’s economic losses. Motorcycle insurance does not have this requirement. However, motorcyclists do need to carry liability coverage. This coverage pays out if the policyholder is found responsible for someone else’s injuries.

When Can a Motorcyclist Receive Compensation?

If a motorcycle rider is seriously injured after an accident in Austin, they may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit. An injured person generally has six years from the date of their accident to file a claim based on negligence.

To receive compensation, the rider would need to show that another party was negligent and caused the accident. Minnesota uses a modified comparative fault system, which means that an injured person may receive compensation even if they have some percentage of fault for the motorcycle accident. However, an injured person may not make a recovery if their fault is greater than the other driver. If an injured party bears some fault for an accident, their compensation would be reduced by the portion of their fault. For example, if a motorcyclist was found to have $10,000 in damages and have 10% fault for the accident, their compensation would be reduced to $9,000.

Understanding Relevant Laws

Since breaking traffic laws can be evidence of negligence, some motorcycle-specific laws may come up in a motorcycle accident case. First, Minnesota does not require motorcyclists to wear helmets unless they are under 18. Also, lane splitting, when a motorcyclist drives between lanes of traffic, is illegal in Minnesota as of 2024. However, new legislation means lane splitting will be allowed starting in 2025. The change in laws may make cases involving lane-splitting more complicated. Working with an Austin lawyer who is well-versed in motorcycle accident laws will be especially important in these situations.

Discuss Your Austin Motorcycle Accident Case With a Practiced Lawyer Today

Motorcycle accidents can lead to huge medical bills and devastating injuries. An Austin motorcycle accident lawyer can fight for you to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

Discuss your case with the legal team at Maschka, Riedy, Ries & Frentz today. Contact the firm to schedule a free consultation.