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White Bear Lake Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Man riding Motorcycle - white bear lake motorcycle accident attorneys - sand law llc

In the event of a collision, motorcycle riders don’t have same safety protections that car drivers do if they are involved in a car accident. Minnesota motorcycle riders are incredibly exposed and don’t have the luxury of a steel surrounding frame, airbags, and many other automobile safety features. To make matters worse, bikers have a stereotype for being reckless, which can lead to insurance companies denying their injuries. Even bikers with years of experience can be involved in a motorcycle accident at a moment’s notice. If you or a loved one suffered an injury as a result of a White Bear Lake motorcycle accident, you should make sure your legal representation is free from those preconceived notions and will approach your case with due diligence.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Minnesota

Conditions on the road can change abruptly in Minnesota, leading to a serious accident and serious injuries. The most common cause is inattentiveness by motorists, making it vital that every biker stays alert to their surroundings and keeps an eye out for danger.

Knowing what to look for as your ride is the essential first step to mitigate dangerous conditions, such as:

  • Hazardous road conditions, like work debris, slick roads from rain, or icy roads from snow
  • Drunk drivers on the road, which can be spotted from their driving mannerisms, such as erratic driving or swerving
  • Failure by motorists to check blind spots
  • Door accidents, which is when a driver opens their car door without checking for oncoming traffic, which can impede a biker’s path
  • Lane splitting, which is illegal in the state of Minnesota

Riding Safely in Minnesota

  • Always wear a helmet, especially one approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation or other safety organiztions. Helmets rated by the DOT are extensively tested in a variety of conditions to ensure that they will protect you appropriately.
  • Watch for motorists and avoid their blind spots. Many drivers are more concerned with cars around them and are not conditioned to look out for motorcycles. Accordingly, you the rider must keep an eye out for them.
  • Wear as much reflective safety gear as possible.

Common Collision Injuries

Oftentimes, White Bear Lake motorcycle accident victims will suffer more than one type of injury in the crash. For the reasons mentioned above, often, they can prove devastating or even fatal.

Below is a list of several kinds of injuries common in motorcycle crashes, in order of increasing severity.

  • Road rash – pavement, dirt, gravel, or other rough surfaces can act like sandpaper on your body when it hits the ground at vehicle speeds. This can cause bruises, cuts, and other abrasions.
  • Broken bones – colliding with other objects, vehicles, and the road itself turns your momentum against you and can lead to numerous fractures
  • Amputation – sometimes, an extremity can be so compromised by a crash that there is often a need to remove the limb
  • Spinal cord injury – everything from whiplash to breakage, can result in paralysis
  • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) – failure to wear a helmet can result in severe head trauma from impacts
  • Death – many of the injuries above can become fatal if they’re severe enough

Common Damages from a White Bear Lake Motorcycle Accident

These injuries can lead to many long-term effects, including:

  • Loss of income due to having to take time away from work
  • Medical bills, both in the immediate aftermath and for continuing care
  • Diminished quality of life
  • Chronic pain
  • Financial cost of motorcycle repairs or replacement
  • Loss of consortium

Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident

After a motorcycle accident, there are a few important steps you should take if you’re able to stick around at the scene of the accident.

  1. First and foremost, you should ensure that everyone is safe and okay and contact 911 if necessary. If no one is critically injured, you can instead contact the non-emergency police department line for White Bear Lake to start the process of filing a police report.
  2. Speak with the other involved parties, but only to exchange insurance information. Do not talk about the accident or admit fault in any way. Don’t apologize.
  3. While you wait for the police to arrive, you should start gathering evidence. Take pictures of the scene, including your motorcycle, any involved vehicles, and the surrounding area.
  4. You should also speak to any witnesses and get their contact information. Encourage them to stick around and speak with the investigating police officer.
  5. After you speak to the officer and give your statement, you’ll likely be dismissed from the scene. At this point, you should go to the emergency room for a medical evaluation. Even if you don’t believe that you’re injured, this step is critical. Some injuries may be hidden by adrenaline. Even severe injuries like internal bleeding may not manifest right away.
  6. Before you contact your insurance company, speak with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney. Insurance companies will try to get you to settle as fast as possible for as little money as possible, and they may offer you quick cash in exchange for your signature. Don’t damage your case in the early stages. Speak to an attorney first.

Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in White Bear Lake, Minnesota

If you have been injured in a White Bear Lake motorcycle accident as the result of a negligent driver, don’t hesitate to contact our experienced lawyers at Sand Law. We can be reached online, or by calling  651-291-7263. Our experienced motorcycle accident team will help you take your case to court and get you the compensation to which you are entitled.