*The results are conditioned to the unique circumstances of each case. These results do not guarantee your case will result in the same compensation.
A motorcycle ride through Minnetonka should end with fresh air in your lungs and a clear road ahead, not flashing lights, pain, and paperwork. Yet too often, riders find themselves caught in the fallout of someone else’s reckless driving. Between medical bills, legal confusion, and frustrating insurance delays, the aftermath can be overwhelming. At Schmidt & Salita Law Team, we guide riders and their families through the legal steps ahead, clarifying their options, answering tough questions, and standing by them from start to finish. When you connect with a Minneapolis motorcycle accident lawyer from our team, you’re getting clear, straightforward legal support. Contact Our Minnesota Injury Lawyers at 952.900.2891 for a free case evaluation.
Riding a motorcycle in Minnesota comes with unique responsibilities and legal requirements. Minnesota law mandates several equipment and safety standards for motorcyclists, according to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.
These laws are in place not only for the safety of motorcyclists but also to ensure all vehicles on Minnesota roads follow predictable traffic behavior. Violating these requirements can impact a rider’s ability to recover damages after an accident.
Minnesota No-Fault insurance is mandatory for motor vehicles, but not for motorcycles. For that reason, many victims of motorcycle accidents do not have no-fault insurance, which would provide medical and wage loss benefits. As a result, the victims of motorcycle collision injuries are limited to what they can collect by making an “at-fault driver claim”. Accordingly, it is especially important to contact an attorney following a motorcycle injury.
Minnesota motorcycle injury victims should not delay contacting one of the Schmidt & Salita Law Team’s Minnesota motorcycle accident lawyers. We will put you in touch with a lawyer in the Minneapolis / St. Paul metro area in Minnesota for a free case evaluation.
Motorcycle riders are at greater risk of serious injury than occupants of cars or trucks because they have far less protection than passengers of a car, truck, or other motor vehicle.
There are certain factors unique to motorcycles that increase the likelihood of a motorcycle collision injury. Motorcycles are sometimes not seen by the drivers of motor vehicles because they are not as large or visible. Road hazards, weather, and motorcycle defects can also play a greater part in a motorcycle accident than in other vehicles.
I understand how overwhelming this can be. Let me handle the legal complexities while you focus on your recovery and getting back to normal.
Motorcycle accidents in Minnetonka and surrounding areas happen for many reasons, but most are due to driver negligence or hazardous road conditions. Here are the most frequent causes:
A Minneapolis motorcycle accident lawyer will examine the circumstances surrounding your crash to determine who was at fault and how liability can be proven.
*The results are conditioned to the unique circumstances of each case. These results do not guarantee your case will result in the same compensation.
Unlike drivers in enclosed vehicles, motorcyclists have very little to shield them from the force of an impact. As a result, the injuries riders face tend to be more severe:
Even when a helmet is worn properly, it can lead to lasting cognitive impairments or memory loss.
This may result in partial or total paralysis, often requiring extensive rehabilitation and long-term care.
Especially to the legs, arms, and ribs, can lead to mobility limitations or chronic pain that affects daily activities.
A painful abrasion caused by sliding across pavement can involve multiple layers of skin and require skin grafts.
Such as organ damage and internal bleeding, can be difficult to detect right away, but carry serious risks.
Conditions like PTSD or anxiety may develop after a violent crash and interfere with sleep, focus, or returning to riding.
Other injuries are more situational but still common:
Even with a full-face helmet, riders can suffer broken noses, jaw fractures, or dental trauma.
Fuel leaks or friction during a slide can result in first- or second-degree burns, often leading to serious skin damage that may require medical treatment.
Joint dislocations, particularly shoulders or knees, often happen during impact or while trying to brace during a fall.
Debris and wind, especially when helmets lack visors, can lead to temporary or permanent eye damage.
Each of these injuries can require long-term medical care, physical therapy, and ongoing mental health support. It’s not just about healing—it’s about rebuilding your life.
Motorcycle crash victims may be entitled to several forms of compensation, both economic and non-economic. Depending on the severity of your injuries and the facts of your case, you may be able to recover:
In some rare cases, punitive damages may apply. As noted by the Minnesota Statutes, punitive damages are only awarded when there is clear and convincing evidence that the defendant acted with deliberate disregard for the rights or safety of others.
If you have a motorcycle accident claim, call the Schmidt & Salita Law Team at 1-800-656-8450 or visit our contact page and send a message for a free first visit and a free case evaluation with a Minnesota accident lawyer.
We have successfully handled many motorcycle accident cases. We handle motorcycle accident cases on a contingent fee, which means that you don’t have to pay the lawyer unless and until you get a settlement.
After a motorcycle accident, the physical, emotional, and financial toll can be devastating. At Schmidt & Salita Law Team, we understand what injured riders and their families go through — from medical expenses and lost wages to long-term recovery challenges. With decades of experience, our Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near You in Minneapolis provides compassionate guidance and strong legal representation to help you recover the full compensation you deserve.
Visit us at 1600 Hopkins Crossroad, Minnetonka, MN 55305, or call 952-473-4530 for a free consultation today.
Dean Salita is a seasoned Personal Injury lawyer with over 30 years of experience, specializing in workplace injuries and occupational diseases like asbestos-related illnesses. He’s the chair of the Minnesota Association for Justice Workers’ Compensation section and has been recognized as a Super Lawyer with an AV rating by Martindale-Hubbell. Dean is dedicated to providing personal, compassionate legal support to his clients, guiding them through trials and the legal process.
Client Reviews
Google Review Schmidt Law Firm is so much more than the usual out for their back pocket firm they are a group of truly caring people. I was hit by a car & have memory loss. I don’t know how many times they all had to go over and over the same thing with me. They even gave me reminder calls for my doctors appointments. When things were so overwhelming I would call and all I could do is cry and they listened and never once complained or cut me short. Doug and Vanessa were all very helpful so was the rest of the staff. God Bless them all. By the way they got me a lot more than I had hoped for. You really don’t want to be on the opposing side of the table of Doug, he will rip you before you know he did it and he does it in such a nice way.
a month ago 6 months ago a year ago Doug Schmidt is an ultimate professional and legal counselor who not only helped me in the intense and overwhelming legal matters of my personal injury case , but took a sincere personal interest in me and what I was going through medically to get the best possible outcomes for my healing. One of the many things he is quite knowledgeable about are concussions, even giving lectures to other chiropractors and health care professionals on this important misunderstood topic. Shortly after our first discussion, he wanted me to get further testing in regards to a possible concussion as part of the aftermath of my car accident. I know I would have overlooked this very important outcome had it not been for Doug and his kind and caring concern. I am still dealing with post concussion symptoms, but Doug is the one who steered me in the right direction for further help and healing. He goes above and beyond what most “typical” attorneys would do. Doug is anything but “typical”. I am so impressed with his integrity, knowledge, skillfulness, and kindness as a person and an attorney, that I couldn’t be happier than to highly recommend him for any personal injury case! He is amazing! I feel very fortunate to have him on “my side”. Thank you, Doug! Karen Ginn
2 years ago I was involved in a car accident that left me in debilitating pain. I can’t even begin to explain everything I’ve been through the past five years, or how it has changed my life. I will tell you that I wouldn’t have gotten through it without Dean and Caitlin. Dean walked me through the entire process from start to finish. I didn’t have to do anything except focus on getting better. Caitlin was always a quick email or phone call away. She worked tirelessly to go after the insurance company when they wouldn’t pay my medical bills. It was like having my own assistant. I literally didn’t have to talk to any of these people. She did everything for me. In the end, all my medical bills were paid and I ended up with a nice settlement that I feel was well deserved after everything I’ve been through. If you are looking for good representation. I highly recommend Schmidt & Salita Law Team. An experienced group that will fight to get you what you deserve.
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When you schedule your free consultation with a personal injury attorney in Minnesota, you should come prepared with specific questions for us to address. Some of the common questions clients ask us are:
It depends on your age and licensing status. In Minnesota, helmet use is often expected for riders under 18 and individuals operating a motorcycle with a learner’s permit. Riders over 18 with a valid motorcycle endorsement may not be held to the exact expectations. While helmet use may not be mandatory in all cases, it is typically encouraged as a safety precaution.
Depending on the circumstances, individuals involved in a motorcycle crash may have legal options. These could include the motorcycle operator, a passenger, or, in cases involving a fatality, the family of the deceased. Responsibility might lie with another driver, a vehicle manufacturer, or potentially a municipality if hazardous road conditions contributed to the crash. Consulting a Minneapolis motorcycle accident lawyer may help clarify who could be held accountable.
You generally have six years to file a personal injury lawsuit in Minnesota. This time limit may be shorter or longer depending on specific circumstances, such as the age of the victim or whether the claim is against a government entity.
The value of a motorcycle accident case depends on several factors. These include the degree of fault of the responsible party, the severity of your injuries, pain, and permanent disability, as well as medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. The financial ability of the at-fault party, often determined by insurance coverage, also plays a role.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured, please fill out the form below for your free consultation or call us at (952) 473-4530
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“I wanted to extend my personal thanks and appreciation, as well as that of my siblings. We are appreciative of the representation you extended to our father. He always battled for the “little guy,” and you did that for him thru this process. Please extend this thank you to Molly as well. Thank you.”
“Doug Schmidt and his team were a godsend – they were compassionate and professional in helping my sister and I navigate our mother’s Wrongful Death. They were easy to communicate with, and I always felt my concerns and opinions were being heard. I would recommend Schmidt Law Firm to anyone who asks.”
“I feel very lucky to have Mr. Schmidt working for me. He took my case when my first lawyer would not and could not fight his way out of a paper bag. My case was very involved but Mr. Schmidt made it look so easy.”
“Doug and his team are top notch. They are hard working and meticulous with getting the best results… I felt like I was in good hands through the entire process. I couldn’t be happier with the outcome.”
“I wanted to tell you thank you for everything you have done for me I really appreciate it…I truly appreciate everything you did just taking the time to answer my questions, makes me feel good about what was going on and understanding what was happening and everything and just being patient with me. Again I truly appreciate ha...
“Just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you and your staff for all your efforts to collect benefits on behalf of my husband. Your kindness and sympathy during our initial visit with you was very much appreciated.”
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Dean M. Salita, with more than 30 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
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1600 Hopkins Crossroad
Minnetonka, MN 55305
Phone (952) 473-4530
Toll Free 1-800-656-8450
Fax (952) 544-1308
call us: 952.473.4530
