Bicycle riding is a great way for adults and children to exercise and enjoy outdoor fun. Unfortunately, cycling accidents can result in serious injuries.

As claims for such collisions can be complex, the benefits of a bicycle accident attorney in Mankato are numerous. At Maschka Personal Injury, our bicycle crash lawyers have served injured people in the local and surrounding areas for decades and take pride in providing you with compassionate but zealous advocacy.

Why Are Bike Accident Claims Challenging?

There is a false perception that roads are for motor vehicles and that pedestrians and bicycle riders must use roadways at their own risk. The law is clear that pedestrians and cyclists have the right to use roads, but this attitude prevails. Insurance companies may try to exploit this stance for their financial benefit.

If you or your child were hurt while riding a bike, they should have a professional advocating for their interests. The other party’s insurance company may attempt to blame you or the child for the incident. Even if your child was careless and contributed to the crash, drivers and other adults have a responsibility to watch out for children.

Minnesota Statutes § 604.01 reduces the financial liability of an at-fault party if they can prove that the injured person shares the blame. Insurance companies may make unacceptably low offers while trying to convince you that you accepted the risk of an accident when you decided to ride on a public road with vehicle traffic. When you work with a Mankato lawyer on a bicycle wreck claim, they can assist you by challenging unfair attempts to shift responsibility and by providing sound legal arguments.

Knowledge and Investigatory Competence

In a bike wreck with a motor vehicle, the cyclist almost always suffers more serious injuries than the driver. The driver may also have the advantage in a collision claim unless the cyclist has capable legal assistance.

Mankato area cyclists benefit from working with an attorney on a bike crash claim because it equalizes the power imbalance. A rider can focus on recovering from their injuries while a legal professional manages negotiations with the insurance companies.

An attorney’s investigation might reveal that multiple parties contributed to the accident. Besides the involved driver, the responsible parties could include:

  • Other drivers
  • The manufacturers of the vehicle and bicycle
  • The municipality where the accident occurred

Filing claims against multiple parties can help ensure you receive adequate compensation for your injuries.

Accurate Damages Evaluations

When you are hurt in a bike collision involving a car, you can bring a legal claim if you have more than $4,000 in medical expenses, incurred a disability for at least 60 days, or suffered a permanent injury or disfigurement. Filing such a claim allows you to seek damages for your pain and suffering, also called non-economic damages.

These claims compensate you for your diminished quality of life. Additionally, you can claim damages for changes in your appearance, mental health, and the ability to participate in activities you once enjoyed.

A Mankato attorney can help you document and prove your non-economic damages after a biking collision. We can use your medical records to demonstrate your physical suffering. You can prove your emotional suffering in a variety of ways, including through a personal journal, your testimony, and the testimony of your loved ones and associates. Similarly, video evidence can present your life before and after the accident.

Hire a Mankato Lawyer To Help With Your Bike Wreck Claim

If you or your child was hurt in a bike crash, contact Maschka Personal Injury to schedule a free consultation. We can explain the many benefits of a bicycle accident attorney in Mankato and help you pursue fair compensation.