If you were hurt, or a loved one was killed, in a motorcycle crash, negotiating compensation without legal representation may be the wrong move. Insurance companies and others will work hard to convince you to accept far less than what your claim may be worth.
We recommend you speak with a compassionate Willmar motorcycle accident lawyer before you talk to the other driver’s insurance company. Our experienced personal injury attorneys can help you maximize your financial recovery. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.
Bikers can suffer severe and even fatal injuries if they collide with a passenger vehicle, bus, or truck. Several factors can affect the injuries a biker is likely to sustain, including:
A collision can force the rider into contact with the bike’s exhaust, causing severe burns and broken bones, or traumatic amputations can also happen. Other injuries a motorcyclist may sustain in a crash include:
Motorcycle accident injuries typically require medical intervention and time off work. If the other driver was at fault for the crash, you could pursue compensation for your injuries and all the physical, emotional, and financial losses caused by the wreck.
Minnesota uses a no-fault system for car accident claims. Everyone who registers a passenger vehicle must have basic economic loss coverage, f also known as no-fault or personal injury protection (PIP), and liability coverage. However, motorcycle insurance does not include basic economic loss coverage unless the insured specifically requests it.
Someone who suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident must typically file a claim against the at-fault driver to receive compensation. A Willmar attorney can review the circumstances of your motorcycle collision case and insurance coverage to determine the best strategy to obtain appropriate compensation.
The compensation an injured biker receives depends on whether they can prove another motorist was at fault. If so, the other driver’s liability coverage would cover the biker’s damages up to the policy limits. If the motorist’s coverage is insufficient to cover the damages, a lawyer may be able to identify other potential sources of insurance coverage or seek a personal contribution from the at-fault motorist.
Collisions between vehicles and motorcycles are often caused by multiple factors. A motorcycle accident attorney in Willmar can review a case to identify all parties whose conduct may have contributed to the incident. If multiple parties are at the negotiating table, the injured person has a better chance of collecting reasonable compensation.
Insurance companies often allocate fault between the parties involved in a motorcycle wreck based on the police report, damage assessments, and other evidence. Even if you are partially responsible for a crash, Minnesota Statute § 604.01 allows you to collect compensation from other parties if they were more at fault for the crash.
However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, a claimant who was 20 percent responsible could collect only 80 percent of their damages.
If you were in a motorcycle collision, you may have suffered severe injuries. You need time to recover and adjust. Partner with a Willmar motorcycle accident lawyer today to help achieve the best possible result in your case.
