Detroit Lakes Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Protecting Your Rights After a Motorcycle Accident

Motorcyclists are highly exposed to injury in a crash. They lack the protection of an enclosed vehicle, making them more vulnerable to harm when involved in a collision. Motorcycle accidents are often severe, resulting in life-altering injuries and fatalities.

At Maring Williams Law Office, we understand injured motorcyclists' challenges. Our team of motorcycle accident attorneys in Detroit Lakes can help you seek compensation for your damages. We can also help you work towards a full recovery.

Were you injured in a motorcycle accident in Detroit Lakes? Are you struggling to recover from your injuries? Our experienced team is ready to help you navigate the legal process. Call (218) 228-6332 or contact us online to schedule your consultation today.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents can result from a combination of factors, and they often tend to be more severe than accidents involving other types of vehicles due to the lack of protective barriers for riders.

Here are some common causes of motorcycle accidents:

• Distracted driving: Distracted driving is a significant problem for all motorists, including motorcyclists. When drivers are distracted by their phones, passengers, navigation systems, or other factors, they may fail to notice motorcycles on the road, leading to collisions.
• Unsafe lane changes: Motorcycles are smaller and more challenging to spot in blind spots. When drivers change lanes without checking their mirrors and blind spots, they might inadvertently collide with a motorcycle.
• Left-turn accidents: One common scenario involves a motorcycle colliding with a car making a left turn. The driver may not see the oncoming motorcycle or misjudge its speed, leading to a collision.
• Intoxication: Alcohol or drug impairment significantly impair a driver's judgment, reaction time, and coordination, making them more likely to cause accidents. This applies to both car drivers and bikers.
• Failure to yield right-of-way: Accidents can occur when drivers or riders fail to yield the right-of-way at intersections or while making turns.
• Road hazards: Hazards like potholes, gravel, oil spills, or uneven road surfaces can be more dangerous for motorcycles due to their smaller contact area and reduced stability.
• Dooring accidents: These occur when a car driver or passenger opens their door into the path of an oncoming motorcycle, causing a collision.
• Lane splitting: Lane splitting is when a motorcyclist rides between two lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic. While legal in some places, it can still be hazardous, especially if drivers are not expecting it.
• Weather conditions: Adverse weather, such as rain, snow, or strong winds, can reduce visibility and road traction, increasing the risk of accidents for motorcyclists.
• Mechanical failures: Accidents can happen if a motorcycle experiences a mechanical failure, such as brake failure or tire blowouts.
• Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver's ability to react to unexpected situations and increases the severity of any resulting accidents. Motorcyclists who are speeding also have less time to respond to hazards on the road.

Who is Liable in a Motorcycle Accident?

Comparative negligence is a legal principle that applies to personal injury cases in Minnesota, including motorcycle accidents. If both parties are found to share some degree of fault for the accident, their recovery of damages will be reduced in proportion to their assigned percentage of fault.

For example, if a motorcyclist is found 30% at fault and the other driver 70% at fault, the motorcyclist's damages will be reduced by 30%.Comparative negligence determines the degree of fault or responsibility each party bears for the accident and subsequent injuries or damages.

In Minnesota, a party can only recover damages if they are found to be 50% or less at fault for the accident. If a court or jury determines that the injured party is 51% or more responsible for the accident, they will be barred from recovering any compensation.

Recoverable Damages in a Motorcycle Accident Claim

If you've been in a motorcycle accident, you may be eligible for compensation based on your situation. These may include:

• Medical Costs: Covers expenses for emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, and any ongoing medical needs related to the accident.
• Lost Income: Compensates for wages lost if your injuries prevent you from working and future earnings if your work capacity is permanently impacted.
• Pain and Suffering: Provides compensation for physical pain, emotional suffering, and mental distress stemming from the accident.
• Property Damage: If your motorcycle or personal belongings were damaged in the accident, You may be entitled to compensation for the repair costs or replacement of your damaged property.
• Loss of Consortium: If the accident has affected your relationship with a spouse or family member, you may be entitled to damages for the loss of companionship and emotional support.
• Punitive Damages: In severe negligence or intentional misconduct cases, punitive damages could be granted to punish the responsible party and discourage similar future actions.   

Our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys can evaluate your case and help ensure all potential damages are accounted for when seeking compensation.

Contact Our Detroit Lakes Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

We can help you with your motorcycle accident claim at Maring Williams Law Office. Our team of motorcycle accident attorneys in Detroit Lakes can handle your case from start to finish, or we can work with you to develop a proper strategy for your needs. We can also assist loved ones impacted by a fatal crash.

Contact us today to have our Detroit Lakes motorcycle accident lawyers protect your rights and fight for your best interests today!