*The results are conditioned to the unique circumstances of each case. These results do not guarantee your case will result in the same compensation.
Every bicyclist knows the story of someone who has been hit by a car, whether the person was ok or became one of the 500,000 bicyclists to check into the hospital every year. While there are some things that riders can do to protect themselves, including wearing a helmet, using bike lights, obeying traffic laws, and always riding defensively, the Minneapolis bicycle accident lawyers at Schmidt & Salita Law Team understand there is no way cyclists can protect themselves 100%.
Common injuries that occur when bicycles collide with vehicles include broken bones, spinal cord injuries, nerve damage, head trauma, road rash, bone fractures, and even death. Around 700 cyclists per year die from crashes with cars. Whether you are the victim or a loved one of the victims, you should immediately contact skilled Minneapolis car accident attorneys after a car crash with a bicycle. The sooner you hire representation, the stronger your case will be when it goes to trial.
Bicycle accidents in Minnesota are a serious concern, with hundreds of injuries and fatalities reported annually. Over 1,000 bicyclists lose their lives in crashes nationwide each year, and many more suffer severe harm, according to data from the National Safety Council. In the state, urban areas like Minneapolis account for a significant share of these incidents due to higher traffic density and an increasing number of cyclists.
Key trends in Minnesota’s bicycle accidents:
These statistics underscore the importance of understanding Minnesota’s local bicycle laws and taking safety precautions to avoid accidents.
*The results are conditioned to the unique circumstances of each case. These results do not guarantee your case will result in the same compensation.
Minnesota bicycle laws are designed to protect cyclists and promote road safety. Under Minnesota law, bicycles are classified as vehicles, which means cyclists must follow the same traffic rules as motor vehicle drivers. Understanding these laws is crucial for both preventing incidents and building a strong case if a misfortune event occurs.
The League of American Bicyclists emphasizes that adherence to bicycle laws significantly reduces the risk of accidents and improves safety for everyone on the road.
Additionally, cyclists must adhere to general traffic rules, such as stopping at stop signs and yielding to pedestrians at crosswalks. Minneapolis-specific ordinances also encourage motorists to exercise caution around cyclists in heavily trafficked areas like the Midtown Greenway or Hennepin Avenue, which are frequently used by commuters.
Bicycle accidents often result in serious and life-changing injuries due to the lack of physical protection for cyclists. Frequent injuries sustained by bike crash victims in Minnesota include:
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) highlights that head lesions are a leading cause of death in bicycle crashes, highlighting the importance of helmets and other safety measures. Victims who suffer these types of injuries generally face long-term medical treatment, rehabilitation, and lost wages. A Minnesota bicycle accident lawyer can help recover compensation to cover these expenses.
I understand how overwhelming this can be. Let me handle the legal complexities while you focus on your recovery and getting back to normal.
Bicycle incident victims in the state may be entitled to various types of compensation, depending on the circumstances of the crash and the severity of the injuries. Damages can include both economic and non-economic losses.
These are tangible losses that can be quantified, such as:
These are intangible losses that address the emotional and psychological toll of the incident, including:
The National Safety Council notes that serious bicycle crashes usually result in significant financial and emotional burdens. Determining the value of your claim requires expert evaluation, and an experienced Minnesota bicycle accident lawyer can help ensure you receive full compensation for both economic and non-economic losses.
If you or a loved one was injured or killed in a bike crash, contact The Schmidt & Salita Law Team and speak with an expert Minneapolis bicycle accident lawyer. We provide the utmost sympathy to your family while offering the aggressive case you deserve.
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.
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:
Yes, in almost all cases, having an attorney is crucial to protect your rights and secure the settlement you deserve. The Schmidt & Salita Law Team is here to guide you through the entire process, from collecting evidence to handling medical bills and lost wages. We’ll help you gather medical records and reports to support your claim, determine the value of your case, and negotiate a fair settlement. If needed, we’re prepared to file suit and take your case to court to ensure the best possible outcome.
It’s very important to start collecting evidence right away to support your case. The Schmidt & Salita Law Team will help obtain accident reports, interview witnesses, and work with treating doctors to ensure you get the proper medical care. We’ll also handle communication with insurance adjusters. Delaying the decision to hire an attorney can lead to lost time and missed opportunities. We’re here to guide you through the process from the start, ensuring you have the best chance for a successful outcome.
Many people worry about the cost of legal fees, but with Schmidt & Salita Law Team, your first consultation is free. We handle most Personal Injury and Workers’ Compensation cases on a contingent fee basis, meaning you won’t pay attorney fees unless there’s a settlement. If we win, you’ll only pay a percentage of the settlement for fees and costs, ensuring you never end up “in the hole.” This system is often called “No fees until you recover” and works like a real estate agent’s commission—paid only when you win.
It’s crucial to hire an attorney with experience in Personal Injury, Workers’ Compensation, and Wrongful Death claims. The Schmidt & Salita Law Team brings over 160 years of combined experience, handling thousands of cases, including auto accidents, construction injuries, medical malpractice, and more. Our team is dedicated to providing personal service and treating you like more than just a case number. We believe in a team approach to ensure the best possible outcome and your satisfaction every step of the way.
Most Personal Injury and Workers’ Compensation cases typically take at least a year or more to settle, and some can take even longer. This is mainly due to medical reasons, as it takes time to determine the permanent nature of an injury. Doctors or Chiropractors are often better equipped to assess the permanency of your injury. Once we have medical evidence, we compile all necessary documents and submit a settlement demand to the insurance company. The negotiation process can take several months, and if an agreement isn’t reached, we may need to file a lawsuit.
The value of a Personal Injury or Workers’ Compensation 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. Schmidt & Salita Law Team, with over 160 years of combined experience, is here to help you evaluate the worth of your case and guide you through the process.
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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Minnetonka, MN 55305
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