Motorcycle accidents can cause short-term injuries like scrapes, bruises, minor concussions and sprains. More severe injuries are common — severe brain trauma, facial disfigurement, spinal injuries and broken bones are typical of a motorcycle accident. And motorcycle accidents can be fatal in the worst incidents.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, you already know how difficult it can be to deal with insurance companies. The months after a motorcycle accident are a challenging time. You don’t feel well. Your body hurts, and you’re probably missing work and worried about paying your bills. The medical bills are stacking up. What about your bike? Is it totaled?
One day there is a knock at your door, and a representative from the insurance company is offering you a check. Should you accept it? You should probably call a motorcycle accident injury lawyer first.
Choose an Experienced Minnesota Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle accident, contact the experienced legal team at Patterson Dahlberg in Rochester, MN. Our motorcycle accident attorneys are well-versed in personal injury and motorcycle injury law. You’ll need an intelligent, thoughtful, fierce attorney to work on your case and get you the compensation you deserve!
MN Motorcycle Accident Statistics
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) publishes a report annually detailing the previous year’s traffic accident statistics. While the numbers for 2020 have yet to be tallied, the 2019 motor vehicle crash report is available. The document is over 100 pages, but most motorcycle accident facts are found starting on page 45.
We know that in 2019:
- 1,034 were involved in a motorcycle accident statewide
- Only 150 of them escaped without any injury
- 164 weren’t yet sure if they were injured or not
- 455 people experienced minor injuries
- 221 were seriously hurt
- And sadly, 44 people died due to a motorcycle accident
Of all the victims of motorcycle injuries in Minnesota, we know 85% of them are male. And in 2019, the fatality rate for bike wrecks was around 4.4%.
Minnesota Motorcycle Collision Facts
Collision with another moving motor vehicle was the number one leading cause of Minnesota’s motorcycle accidents in 2019. Collisions with a fixed object were common too. Far fewer instances involved hitting a deer, hitting a bicyclist or pedestrian, etc.
That means many of the motorcycle injuries happening on Minnesota roads involve another driver, who may have been at fault. Statistically, they almost always are. Many MN motorcycle accidents are considered “look but don’t see” accidents, where the other driver didn’t see a motorcycle coming, and “failure to yield” incidents.
What to Do if You’ve Been in a Motorcycle Accident
Immediately After the Motorcycle Accident
If you have been involved in a motorcycle wreck here in Olmsted County — or anywhere in Minnesota — report the accident immediately by calling 911. Seek medical attention right away if you need it. Suppose you’re able to take photos of the accident scene, the other vehicle and license plate, that will be helpful too. Write down the crash details if you can, and never admit fault (even if you think you might have been at fault).
Exchange Insurance Information & Contact Your Insurer if You Can
It should go without saying that if you’re seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, see to your health first. But reach out to your insurer as soon as you can.
Seeking Medical Care After a Motorcycle Accident
Traffic accidents are intense! Your adrenaline is high, and you might not feel how severe your injuries are for a few days. Healthcare providers and insurance companies understand this. So even if it’s been a few days since your motorcycle accident, you can still seek medical attention for injuries that happened in the crash.
Be sure to follow doctor orders carefully, and be meticulous about your paperwork!
Keep receipts for:
- Co-pays
- Prescription medications
- Medical devices (like canes or crutches)
- Over-the-counter items like bandages, anti-bacterial wound ointment and a bottle of Tylenol
Now, let’s imagine you’re at home, recuperating from your motorcycle accident. There’s a knock on the door, and it’s a representative from the other driver’s insurance company. They’re ready to give you a check. Should you accept it?
Should You Talk to an Insurance Representative After a Motorcycle Accident?
The insurance company is hoping you’ll “settle” and accept a check. Once that happens, the case will be closed. Over our years of experience as motorcycle injury attorneys, the staff at Peterson Dahlberg has seen insurers try to swindle accident victims with tiny checks.
We realize $5,000 or $10,000 seems like a lot of money when it’s presented to you in a check. Insurers are counting on the fact that you’re missing work and worried about paying your bills. So they’ll offer you a small amount, and hope that closes the case.
Additionally, the insurance company wants to get a look at YOU! Are you bandaged up? Do you have black eyes? Can you walk unaided? How long did it take you to answer the door?
If the insurance rep asks you casually, “How are you today?” take a moment and think about your response. Don’t answer them saying, “I’m fine, thank you.” Be honest and upfront about your pain level. Show them your injuries. Tell them about your non-stop headache and how many prescriptions you’re taking. Then contact a motorcycle accident injury lawyer for a free consultation.
“Should I Call a Motorcycle Accident Injury Lawyer?
It’s always a good idea to contact a motorcycle accident attorney after a wreck. The other driver’s insurance company isn’t working for you. They’re only hoping to spend as little as possible in the settlement. An experienced personal injury attorney can negotiate for fair compensation from the insurance company or help you file a lawsuit if the insurance company refuses to treat you fairly.
Contact an experienced Minnesota motorcycle personal injury attorney as soon as possible for a no-cost, no-pressure consultation about your motorcycle accident injuries. Remember, we don’t get paid unless you win or reach a settlement that suits YOU. The sooner you contact us, the better.