If you are a motorcyclist, you know you must have liability insurance to register your bike. If you get into an accident and have to make a claim for your injuries and damages, the process can be much different than car accident claims.
Therefore, it is a good idea to contact our lawyers about motorcycle insurance claims in Mankato. At Maschka Personal Injury, based in Mankato but serving surrounding areas, our motorcycle wreck attorneys have the experience to guide you through this process and help you pursue a claim in court if necessary.
The state manages car accident claims through a no-fault system. Everyone involved in the accident submits their initial claims for medical treatment and other expenses to their personal injury protection (PIP) carrier. However, no-fault coverage is optional for motorcycles, and not all riders carry the coverage.
Motorcyclists can elect to buy no-fault coverage. They may also elect a similar type of coverage known as medical payments coverage. If you have medical payments coverage and you get into an accident, it will pay for your medical treatment up to your coverage limits. Unlike PIP, medical payments coverage does not reimburse your lost wages or other expenses.
After a Mankato motorcycle wreck, you may need to bring a legal claim to get compensation for medical expenses in excess of your coverage, diminished income, future damages, and pain and suffering. Our attorneys can review the circumstances of your motorcycle accident and determine whether there is adequate evidence to pursue a legal claim.
When you bring a legal claim for compensation, you generally must prove that someone else’s negligence caused your damages. Negligence means failing to use appropriate care to prevent injury to others.
In car versus motorcycle collisions, the driver of the enclosed vehicle is often at fault for the accident. This may be because a driver’s focus is often on other cars and trucks, so they may not notice a motorcycle even when it is in their line of vision. Even if you are partially to blame for the accident, Minnesota Statutes § 604.01 allows you to collect reduced damages from other negligent parties, so long as you are not primarily at-fault for the crash.
We can find evidence demonstrating the driver’s negligence by reviewing the police report, requesting video footage of the accident, reviewing the driver’s cell phone records, and securing other information that may be relevant. Our Mankato attorneys can answer any questions you have about motorcycle insurance or bringing a legal claim at an initial consultation.
The Mankato motorcycle accident claims process often begins with a letter to the at-fault driver or their insurance company. Once an insurance adjuster is assigned, we will work up your claim and send a demand letter outlining why the other driver is responsible for the crash, explaining your damages, and telling the insurance company why they should settle your case. Your damages could include:
Our attorneys will help you document your motorcycle accident damages to support your claim.
The demand letter typically triggers negotiations. Depending on the strength of your case and the amount of your claim, we may resolve the matter within a few weeks, or it could take months. Nearly all claims eventually result in a settlement, but we are always prepared to take a case to court if necessary.
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, you need time and space to focus on your recovery. You should prioritize your health and allow professionals to handle the claims process.
Our experienced accident attorneys at Maschka Personal Injury are adept at managing motorcycle insurance claims in Mankato. Contact us for guidance after your motorcycle crash.
