Minnesota Bicycle Accidents Can Be Devastating – Fight Back
Minnesota is consistently ranked as one of the best states to cycle in, and it is home to countless bicycle-friendly communities. That being said, Duluth is a bit of a mixed back when it comes to bicycle safety and friendliness.
Those who ride for pleasure have lauded the many nature biking trails and the ability to explore the great outdoors. However, people using bicycles to get to work or otherwise travel around the city have complained of more difficulties.
Moreover, accidents happen for both types of riders, and the injuries that result can change the trajectory of a person’s life forever. This is why it is vital to seek compensation for damages sustained in bicycle accidents where you believe another was negligent.
The skilled and experienced attorneys at Olson, Poole & Envall are here to help you in the wake of a bicycling injury. Our attorneys will work to help you obtain every benefit accessible to you and pursue all legal avenues available. Your job is to recover from your injury – ours is to fight for you.
Injury Lawyers Who Know That Bicycle Accidents Are a Growing Problem in Minnesota
Many local newspapers across the state report that bicycle accidents and injuries are increasing in number each year. What causes these accidents? Many things.
While many who ride bikes recognize that riding defensively is necessary, taking extra caution to traverse the streets, even the most careful bicyclist cannot make up for drivers who are not paying enough attention on the roadways they share.
The most common causes of bike accidents include:
- Vehicle drivers simply not paying attention
- Vehicle drivers turning directly in front of someone on a bike
- Vehicle drivers who do not yield to cyclists at intersections
- Vehicle drivers who are operating a car under the influence
Quite simply, those on bicycles often run into trouble due to the actions of others – no matter how safety-conscious the cyclists are.
The Most Common Bicycle Injuries in Minnesota
Many love bicycles because of the sense of freedom and connection they give you to the outdoors. Unfortunately, as our attorneys know all too well, this very freedom and connection is also what leaves cyclists so susceptible to severe physical injuries – especially when they are involved in an accident with a car.
The most common injuries related to bicycle accidents include:
- Fractures
- Concussion
- Hip injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Head injuries
- Damage to internal organs
- Damage to the extremities such as the legs or arms
- Disfigurement
- Permanent disability
No matter what injury you sustained from a bicycle accident, the experienced attorneys at Olsen, Poole & Envall can help you get the compensation you need and deserve.
Olson, Poole & Envall Understand Minnesota Bicycle Laws
Bicycles are subject to the same rules of the road that motorized vehicles are. They are required to stay in their lane, use hand signals when turning or changing lanes, and obey the traffic laws of the state. Additionally, while it is not required for bicycles in the state to wear a helmet, it is always encouraged for safety.
No matter where you were on the roadway, sidewalk, or bike path, it is the responsibility of others on the road to be on the lookout for cyclists and pass them only if they can do so safely.
The attorneys at Olson, Poole & Envall can analyze the conduct of the other driver as well as the bicyclist to determine if a case has what it needs to be successful.
The Process of Filing a Claim After a Minnesota Bicycle Accident
The injuries associated with bicycle accidents can be quite significant. Perhaps even worse, the treatment for those injuries can cause expensive medical bills to pile up, wages to be lost, and other expenses out of the victim’s pocket. That is why it is so critical to have an experienced attorney who can help you through the claims process and knows what needs to be done.
The attorneys at Olson, Poole & Envall can help you handle the insurance claims process associated with your bicycle accident. After they have worked to identify the party at fault, they can demand the insurance company of the driver cover damages such as any lost wages, medical bills, property damage, and other expenses. If your case allows, they can also push for compensation for pain and suffering, reduced capacity for future earnings, loss of consortium, mental anguish, disability, and even disfigurement.
Our attorneys can also work to prove negligence in your claim by establishing that the driver of the other vehicle owed you a duty of care that was then breached, leading directly to your damages.
We have a lot of experience and skill in this area, and know what it takes to give our clients the best possible chance at receiving fair and just compensation for the damages that they have had to endure.
What if the driver who was at fault for your accident has no insurance or does not have a policy that can adequately cover the damages you sustained?
Sadly, this is not uncommon, since the cost of severe injuries often outpaces the limit on the insurance policy. When this occurs, our attorneys will work with you to explore other options, including other parties who you may be able to hold responsible for your injuries.
Contact Our Minnesota Bicycle Accidents Lawyers Today
When you are injured in a bicycle accident in Minnesota, it can have a devastating impact on your life going forward. That is why, if it happens to you, you need help from those who are experienced in dealing with similar cases – like the expert attorneys at Olson, Poole & Envall.
We work hard to represent bicycle accident victims across Minnesota and offer a free, no-risk consultation regarding your case to help educate you about your options and help you move forward with your life.
Contact us for your free consultation today.
