Minnesota Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Summarizes Motorcycle Accident Lawsuits
According to statistics from the Minnesota Department of Transportation, in 2000, fatal and serious motorcycle accidents reached a 17-year peak. In 2008, there were 71 deaths in motorcycle fatalities, an increase from 61 the previous year. Minnesota has mirrored a national trend of increased motorcycle accident fatalities that has caused great concern to motorcycle enthusiasts and attorneys.
Motorcycle crashes are some of the most serious of traffic accidents. A motorcyclist has little protection preventing major injuries in an accident. While helmet use can help minimize the risk of traumatic brain injury, helmets can do nothing to prevent blunt force trauma, amputations, spinal cord injuries and other injuries that are often seen. These catastrophic injuries mean that a person may be left with long term injuries that require extensive physical rehabilitation, 24-hour nursing care and other expenses.
Motorcycle crash injuries can include fractures, whiplash, spinal cord injuries, head and brain injuries, blunt force trauma, amputations, and crushing injuries. Helmet use can prevent the incidence of traumatic brain injuries. In fact, studies have shown that helmet use decreases the chances of being killed or suffering a TBI in a motorcycle crash.
Unfortunately, as more numbers of people in Minnesota take to motorcycling, there are increased confrontations and hostility between motorists and motorcyclists. Often, motorcyclists are blamed for any accidents that occur. If there are no witnesses at the scene of a crash, it becomes harder to prove that it was motorist negligence that contributed to the crash.
There are several causes that have contributed to a rise in motorcycle accidents over the past few decades:
- An increase in the number of distracted motorists who have their concentration impacted by the use of cell phones;
- Speeding motorists;
- Drunk drivers;
- Motorists who fail to yield right of way;
- Defective roadways;
- Poorly maintained roads with potholes;
- Lack of adequate lighting on streets;
- Lack of adequate barriers;
- Motorcyclist negligence; and
- Defective motorcycle parts
Have you or a loved one been injured because of a motorcycle accident? Contact an MN motorcycle accident attorney with the Brown Law Office, P.A. We offer free consultations at your home, work, hospital or one of our six Twin Cities metro offices. Contact us by calling (612) 789-2100, or submit an inquiry through our online consultation form. We don’t charge a fee unless we obtain a settlement on your behalf.
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