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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 a cyclist 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.
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.
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 noneconomic 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.