Winning Compensation In Minneapolis Motorcycle Wreck Claims
As gasoline prices inch back up and the calendar moves closer to spring, there will be more motorcycle riders on Minnesota roads. Although one would think that motorists would keep a sharper lookout for motorcyclists in these conditions, that’s simply not the case.
Many of the motorcycle crashes in Minneapolis are left-turn wrecks. The tortfeasor (negligent driver) turns directly into the rider’s path. The proportion may be even higher in some areas, given driver preference for large SUVs and other vehicles that limit driver visibility even further.
All motorcycle crash attorneys face significant obstacles when it comes to obtaining compensation for victims, so it’s extremely important to work with the best.
What Causes Minnesota Motorcycle Wrecks?
Overall lack of visibility is a serious problem that’s even more acute when combined with some common driver behaviors in Minneapolis.
Speed increases both the risk of a collision and the force in that collision. It’s important to note that a tortfeasor (negligent driver) could be operating under the posted speed limit and still be driving too fast for the conditions.
Excessive velocity multiplies stopping distance. At 30mph, an average car travels about six car lengths in the brief moment it takes for drivers to see hazards, move their foot from the accelerator to the brake, and safely stop the car. At 60mph, stopping distance triples to eighteen car lengths. In motorcycle crash scenarios, if the driver is travelling just a little too fast and only sees the rider at the last instant, it’s impossible to stop.
Furthermore, according to Newton’s Second Law, speed multiplies the force in collisions. A “fender bender” at a low speed is a serious injury collision at a higher speed. Motorcycle riders face an even larger risk, because they have no restraint system or steel cocoon to protect them in these crashes.
Alcohol is a significant factor in many Minnesota motorcycle-vehicle crashes as well. Along with many other legal and illegal drugs, alcohol impairs judgement ability and slows reflexes. Drowsiness affects the brain in about the same way. In fact, driving after only eighteen straight hours of no sleep is like driving with a .08 BAC, which is above the legal limit in Minnesota.
Other common crash causes include distracted driving and shoddy vehicle maintenance habits.
The Helmet Defense in Minnesota
Some riders believe that if they are not wearing motorcycle helmets that they cannot file injury claims. That’s not the case.
Minnesota’s mandatory helmet law does not apply to fully-licensed riders over 18. Furthermore, Minneapolis courts often do not allow insurance companies to bring up seat-belt non-use in car crash cases. By analogy, lack of a motorcycle helmet is not admissible either.
From a technical standpoint, seatbelt or helmet use has nothing to do with the crash itself. Moreover, victims have no legal duty to mitigate their damages before the crash occurs. So, there is simply no legal doctrine that allows insurance companies to introduce the issue.
Reach Out to an Aggressive Attorney
Motorcycle crash victims are often entitled to significant compensation. For a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Minnesota, contact the Gunther Law Office. Our main office is conveniently located in downtown Minneapolis.
