For many people, motorcycles are more than just a method of transportation. Minnesota is home to many riders who spend their free time enjoying the beautiful roads and highways from their motorcycle seats. Riding may provide a thrill, but it also comes with serious risks. A compassionate personal injury attorney can help if a negligent driver caused your injuries.

If you suffered injury from a motorcycle accident, now is the right time to consider your legal options. A Shakopee motorcycle accident lawyer can investigate the crash, identify who was at fault, and seek compensation on your behalf.

Factors That Can Lead to a Crash

Motorcycle accidents can happen under a variety of circumstances. Some incidents occur due to the same hazards all motorists face. For instance, human error is often to blame, whether it is a drunk driver or a motorist who runs a stop sign.

Other accidents are the result of threats that are special to motorcyclists. For example, visibility issues are frequently a factor during a motorcycle accident. Bikes are much smaller than cars and trucks, and drivers do not always keep a careful watch for motorcycles when merging lanes. The result of this type of negligence is often a collision.

Some factors are outside of a rider’s control. Severe weather and poor road conditions can increase the risk of a collision, especially when sharing the road with a negligent motorist. Accidents can also occur when a vehicle defect causes a rider to lose control.

In any case, a Shakopee motorcycle collision attorney can help hold negligent parties accountable.

Motorcycle Accident Injuries Can Be Severe

Motorcycles have a reputation for being unsafe because they do not provide riders with any protection from the impact of a collision with a car, truck, or other object. They do not have airbags, crumple zones, or seat belts to reduce injuries in a crash.

Moreover, motorcyclists often face two distinct impacts. The first occurs when a moving vehicle strikes the rider, and the second happens when they fall off the bike and hit the ground. Common injuries that occur in motorcycle accidents include the following:

  • Sprains and strains
  • Road rash
  • Broken bones
  • Severe burns
  • Internal bleeding
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Paralysis

A motorcycle accident lawyer can pursue a case for compensation in a Shakopee crash based on any of these outcomes.

Time Limits on Legal Action

A person has a limited time to file a civil suit after a motorcycle accident, and courts strictly enforce these deadlines. If you file your case late, the courts may dismiss it with prejudice, meaning that the lawsuit can never be refiled, permanently ending the opportunity to seek damages.

In Minnesota, most people have six years from the date of the accident to file a claim—one of the longest time limits in the country. That said, there may be some exceptions that can shorten the amount of time to file. It is vital that an attorney reviews your Shakopee motorcycle accident case to determine the exact deadline.

If You Had a Motorcycle Accident in Shakopee, Talk to an Attorney Today

If you were hurt in a motorcycle crash, it can take months or years to put the pieces of your life back together. A civil claim can provide you with the financial compensation needed to pay your medical bills and help you deal with your physical pain. Our team is based in Mankato but serves all of Minnesota. Contact a Shakopee motorcycle accident lawyer today.