Motorcycle riders in Minnesota are exposed to hazards not faced by those driving cars or trucks. For example, those on motorcycles do not have a sufficient barrier between themselves and the road. They can also be difficult to see or anticipate on the road, which can lead to accidents.
The risks that motorcycle riders encounter on the road can be demonstrated by some sobering statistics. Motorcycle riders are 26 times more likely to perish in a vehicle crash and are five times more likely to be injured than an individual riding in a passenger car. The fatality rate for accidents involving motorcycles have more than doubled since 1999. Meanwhile, that of drivers and passengers of automobiles and light trucks have consistently fallen during the same time.
Motorcycle riders also face road issues that are unique to them. Hazards in the road, such as oil slicks, ruts, railroad tracks, debris, puddles, potholes and uneven pavement, which can be minor inconveniences for automobiles, can pose significant risks for motorcyclists.
Determining who or what is responsible for a motorcycle accident in regards to a lawsuit depends on the legal concept of negligence. In Minnesota, comparative negligence is applied. This means that financial damages may be determined by the amount of fault or negligence attributed to each party.
For individuals who are injured in motorcycle accidents, a personal injury attorney may examine the factors of the case to determine how much compensation each negligent party may be liable for. The attorney may help a victim obtain compensation for head injuries, broken bones, permanent disability and more.