If you suffer severe injuries while riding your bike, pursuing a legal claim may not be your first priority. You need time to recover, but you can impair your rights if you wait too long.

At Maschka Personal Injury, we can inform you of the Mankato bicycle accident statute of limitations and whether you have grounds to pursue a negligence case. Based in Mankato but serving the surrounding areas, our bicycle wreck attorneys have years of experience representing injured cyclists. We are here to help.

Can You File a Legal Claim?

If a collision with a motor vehicle caused the bike accident, the severity of your injuries determines whether you have a legal claim. You may pursue compensation, including pain and suffering damages, if one or more of the following applies to you:

  • You have permanent injuries
  • You are permanently disfigured due to your injuries
  • Your accident-related medical expenses exceed $4,000
  • Injuries from the bike accident left you disabled for at least 60 days

Any of these factors qualifies you to bring a legal claim against the at-fault driver.

Whether your claim is against a driver or another party, such as a bike manufacturer or a property owner, you must prove their negligence led to the crash that caused your injuries. Our Mankato attorneys can review the evidence in your bike collision case to determine whether there is sufficient proof to pursue a legal claim before the legal deadline passes.

Be Aware of Legal Time Limits

Minnesota Statutes § 541.05 sets the general statute of limitations for personal injury actions at six years. In a bicycle accident case, the general six-year time period begins on the date of the accident.

Some situations may require quicker action. For example, if a defective product had a role in the crash and you make a claim against the manufacturer, you may have only four years to bring your claim. If a local government’s negligence contributed to the accident, you must send official notice of your claim within six months.

An experienced Mankato lawyer from our team can evaluate which statute of limitations is relevant in your bicycle accident case. It is important to consult with legal counsel soon after the crash to preserve your rights. If the applicable legal deadline passes before you file your legal claim, a court will refuse to consider it, and you will lose your right to make the claim.

Do Not Wait To Contact an Attorney

Injured people sometimes wait to talk to a lawyer about an accident. The relatively generous six-year statute of limitations sometimes diminishes any sense of urgency.

However, getting legal help soon after the accident can lead to a stronger case, as we can immediately begin securing evidence, taking witness statements, and identifying responsible parties. Our bicycle accident attorneys in Mankato can ensure that you do not miss any legal deadlines and will preserve your rights against all possible defendants.

Contact a Mankato Attorney To Avoid Missing Bike Accident Claim Deadlines

The Mankato bicycle accident statute of limitations is generous, but that does not mean you should delay filing a claim. Taking swift action is beneficial because it makes building your case easier, and you can reach a resolution sooner—getting you monetary compensation when you need it most.

Call our compassionate attorneys at Maschka Personal Injury as soon after your accident as possible for a free consultation.