Bicycle Accident
There are a number of causes of bicycle accidents. Bike accidents can be caused by defective bicycles and parts, pedestrians and failure to maintain both public roads and private property. Unfortunatly, 1/3 of bicycle accidents involve a collision with a motorized vehicle. In most cases, these collisions also inflict the most damage. There are several main cases in which a driver is at fault:
- Failure to yield to cyclists
- A collision in which a vehicle is backing out of a driveway
- A motorist opening a car door on a passing cyclist
- Failing to stop at a stop sign or stoplight
- Driving under the influence
- Inattentive driving
Accidents involving bicycles can result in minor injuries or significantly more serious injuries. It is important to see a doctor following a bicycle accident as many injuries can worsen as time passes. Injuries from a bike accident may include:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injury
- Injury to the head, neck and/or spine
- Fatalities
Bicycle accidents do not always occur as direct collision between a cyclist and another person. Accidents involving bicycles may occur as a result of:
- Negligent drivers
- Negligent retailers or manufacturers
- Unsafe roadways maintained by the city, county or state
- Negligent bicycle mechanics
- Dangerous conditions of private property
When involved in a bicycle accident it is necessary to collect as much information (names, telephone numbers, and addresses) of all those involved with the accident. Be sure to also collect information from witnesses of the accident. Only talk to Minnesota Law Enforcement. If you speak to insurance company representatives it may make things more difficult to settle a claim later on. An attorney will know you rights and can take the necessary legal precautions to recover your damages.
Minnesota Statute of Limitations
Under the Minnesota Statute ยง541.05, Subd. 1(5), you must file a claim before 6 years have passed. If the bicycle operator is a minor, they may have until their 19th birthday, which may exceed six years.
Minnesota “Super Lawyer” named by Minnesota Law & Politics Magazine and avid cyclist Fred Pritzker has over 30 years of personal injury experience represents victims of bicycling accidents throughout Minnesota including Minneapolis, St. Paul, Moorhead, Thief River Falls, Henning, Little Falls, Cambridge, Virginia and Litchfield