Filing Claims for Some of the Most Common Minnesota Motorcycle Crashes

Posted on behalf of Steve Terry
on June 20, 2024 in Auto Accidents
Updated on August 9, 2024

Many motorcycle riders, who were injured in a crash, were injured in one of the types of collisions discussed in this week’s blog. The sad part is many of these collisions were caused by negligent drivers who did not look for motorcyclists.

Below, our Minneapolis motorcycle accident lawyers detail these kinds of crashes, why they can be especially dangerous and how riders can seek compensation for the cost of ongoing medical care and other damages.

TSR Injury Law may be able to help you take legal action after a motorcycle crash injury. Call us to learn whether you have a case and what your next steps may be.

We have recovered more than $1 billion dollars in settlements for our clients. Call us at (612) TSR-TIME.

What Are Some of the Most Common Motorcycle Collisions?

These are some of the most common motorcycle collisions caused by the negligence of other drivers:

Left and right-turn collisions: Drivers often turn left or right without checking for motorcyclists. This is incredibly dangerous as riders have little to no time to avoid a head-on collision, even though the riders have the right of way. Even though motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles and may be a little harder to see, drivers must keep an eye out for them.
Lane-change/sideswipe collisions: Other vehicles’ blind spots can be particularly hazardous for motorcyclists. When a driver in a larger vehicle changes lanes without checking for a motorcyclist, they risk cutting off, clipping or running over the rider.
Rear-end collisions: Riders should always be careful when they are stopped at an intersection or stop sign. Negligent drivers could rear-end their bike, throwing them off and potentially causing a serious injury. When you approach an intersection, glance behind you to see if anyone is coming. It is also a good idea to move to the side of the lane rather than waiting in the center of the lane.

While many motorcycle crashes are the result of other drivers’ actions, sometimes motorcyclists engage in dangerous behavior that causes a crash. For example, lane splitting is an illegal practice of riding between lanes of traffic, such as when cars are stopped or stuck in slow moving traffic. Other drivers may not anticipate riders in between the lanes and could easily side swipe them, causing serious harm. It is important to note that lane splitting will be legal in Minnesota starting July 1, 2025.

Riders also need to be careful turning corners. If they take a corner too fast, they risk losing control, especially if they hit a patch of sand or gravel. Taking a turn too fast at an intersection is especially dangerous, as riders could get hit by oncoming cars.

The general rule for turns is to slow down into the turn and speed up coming out of it. Keep a close eye out for debris, especially in the areas of the road where vehicle tires do not often touch as there is usually a buildup of dust and dirt.

Why Are These Collisions So Dangerous?

The main reason why many motorcycle collisions are more dangerous than collisions between other types of motor vehicles is that riders have far less protection.

Unlike cars equipped with solid steel frames, airbags and seatbelts, motorcycles provide minimal protection to riders in the event of a crash. Riders are exposed to direct impact with other vehicles, roadside obstacles, and asphalt or gravel roads.

In addition, motorcyclists are not required under Minnesota law to wear a helmet if they are 18 or older. Not wearing a helmet puts you at a much higher risk of head trauma in the event of a crash.

Riders are also at risk of getting thrown off their bikes. When this occurs at high speed, they hit the pavement with extreme force, commonly resulting in serious injuries.

Seeking Compensation for Injuries From a Motorcycle Collision

Unlike car drivers, motorcycle riders in Minnesota do not have personal injury protection coverage that covers the first $20,000.00 in medical bills and wage loss. Instead, if you get hurt in a motorcycle crash, you can seek injury compensation from the bad driver’s liability insurance, assuming he or she is at fault for the collision. The up-front medical bills would be paid by your health insurance and then collected from the other driver’s insurance. In addition, if you purchased extra coverage on the motorcycle, you could seek injury compensation from first-party insurance in your own policy.

Riders are often so severely injured in motorcycle crashes they are not going to be able to collect evidence at the scene. Consulting an experienced lawyer right away is a vital step. He or she can gather evidence from the scene, including pictures, witness statements, available video footage of the collision, and more.

We can help you seek compensation for all your medical expenses related to the crash, such as:

Emergency room care
Diagnostic tests
Hospitalization
Surgery
Physical therapy
Prescribed medications
Medical equipment
In-home health care service
And more

You can also seek compensation for pain and suffering you experience after the crash. This refers to the physical and emotional toll you may have as a result of the crash. Some victims suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder and the pain from your injuries can dramatically interfere with many aspects of your life.

Not Sure You Have a Case After a Motorcycle Crash? Speak With a Lawyer at TSR Injury Law

If you have sustained injuries in a motorcycle crash, do not hesitate to seek legal guidance from our experienced team of lawyers. We understand how dangerous these crashes can be and the life-changing injuries that often result.

At a time like this, you need experienced legal guidance from a firm that knows how to obtain favorable results for riders. Our law firm has secured hundreds of millions on behalf of our clients, many of whom were injured in motor vehicle collisions.

If you were injured in a crash and hire our firm, we will be committed to fighting for your rights every step of the way. We pride ourselves on exceptional, award-winning representation, as we know you are counting on us during this difficult time.

Contact our office today to discuss your legal options: (612) TSR-TIME. No upfront fees.

Car Crashes on Rural Roads in Minnesota: How They Happen and Legal Options for Victims

Posted on behalf of Steve Terry
on June 13, 2024 in Auto Accidents
Updated on July 5, 2024

You might think rural roads are safer because there are fewer vehicles, which means a much lower risk of a collision. This sounds reasonable, but car crashes on rural roads are still dangerous. In some rural road situations, there may be a greater risk of severe injuries from a collision.

Below, our Minneapolis car accident lawyers explore the dangers of rural roads, common types of collisions and steps to take following a crash.

If you were injured in a crash on a rural road, or in a more populated area, our team at TSR Injury Law may be able to help you seek compensation for your damages. There is no obligation to hire us to represent you, and we do not charge any fees unless we win your case.

More than $1 billion recovered. Call us today: (612) TSR-TIME.

How Rural Roads Differ from Roads in Urban Areas

Rural roads present unique hazards compared to urban, more densely populated roads. Some of these differences include:

Higher Speed Limits

Fewer stop lights, stop signs and pedestrian crosswalks can mean higher speed limits, ranging from 55 to 65 miles per hour. Unlike rural roads, urban roads typically have speed limits ranging from 25 to 45 miles per hour.

Rural roads often have higher speed limits due to lower population density and fewer intersections. This makes these areas less congested and seemingly safer for driving at higher speeds. However, this can lead to increased risk as drivers often underestimate hazards they could encounter and overestimate their ability to react quickly while speeding.

Design and Conditions

Narrow lanes, sharp bends, limited lighting, and poor road conditions like potholes, minimal road markings, lack of guardrails, and bad weather can reduce traction and visibility. These are all factors that create more challenges while driving and increase your risk of damaging your vehicle or getting into a crash.

Secluded Area

Secluded areas could mean less police presence patrolling the roads, making it a common territory for impaired and reckless driving that may lead to crashes. Drunk and aggressive drivers may commit to negligent action because they believe they are less likely to get caught. Therefore, they are likely to take more risks that endanger themselves and others on the road.

Wildlife

Driving through rural areas could mean there is an increased risk of collisions with animals, especially at night. Their sudden appearance on the roadway can catch drivers off guard – drivers may swerve to avoid hitting an animal, which risks a collision with another vehicle or off-road barriers.

Deer vs. vehicle collisions are common in rural areas and can be incredibly dangerous, not only for vehicles but also the people inside the vehicles.

Types of Collisions Likely to Happen on Rural Roads

The severity of collisions with other drivers on rural roads can easily vary depending on how the vehicles collide with one another. These are the most common collisions on rural roads:

Head-on collisions: During a head-on collision, the front ends of two vehicles collide. This can lead to devastating injuries, especially if both vehicles were driving at high speed. In rural areas, head-on collisions often occur when a driver makes an unsafe passing attempt on a two-lane road.
Rear-end collisions: Rear-end collision happens when one vehicle crashes into the back of another vehicle, usually due to following too closely or sudden braking. Rear-end collisions often cause injuries such as whiplash.
Side-impact collisions: A side-impact collision, also known as a T-bone, occurs when the side of one vehicle is struck by the front of another vehicle. This often happens at intersections or during lane changes, causing severe injuries to car crash victims. T-bone collisions typically occur when a driver disregards a stop sign or signal, due to speeding or distracted driving.
Sideswipe collisions: In a sideswipe collision, the side of one vehicle slams into the side of another. Sideswipe collisions are common during merging or lane changes.

What To Do After a Rural Road Collision

After a rural road collision, it is essential that you take the following steps for your health, safety and to seek compensation:

Seek immediate medical care: Seek medical help quickly, even for minor injuries. Adrenaline and shock can hide symptoms initially, and delayed injuries like whiplash or internal trauma may appear later. A thorough medical evaluation helps detect and treat these issues early, preventing complications and long-term health problems.
Move your vehicle: At the crash scene, use your hazard lights and move your vehicle out of the way of flowing traffic, if possible. This will help minimize traffic backup, reduce the risk of secondary collisions and create a safer entryway for emergency responders to get to the scene.
Take photos: Take pictures of the car crash and damage from a safe distance to gather as much evidence as you can.
Report to authorities: Call emergency services and give necessary details to the police officer for an accurate A police report documents crash details like road conditions, weather and witness statements. This information is crucial for determining liability and aiding the insurance claims process.
Consult a lawyer: Consulting an experienced lawyer helps you navigate legal complexities. An attorney can advise you, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies. Seeking legal counsel early ensures your rights are protected and supports you in pursuing fair compensation for your injuries and damages.

Involved in a Car Crash on a Minnesota Rural Road? Call TSR Injury Law

If you were involved in a car crash on a rural road in Minnesota, TSR Injury Law is here to help. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to advocating for crash victims and securing the compensation they deserve.

You do not have to deal with the aftermath of a collision alone. Reach out to us for a free initial case evaluation and let us guide you through the legal process. We charge no fees unless we win your case.

Schedule a free legal consultation to learn if you have a case. Call (612) TSR-TIME.

Nerve Damage From a Minneapolis Car Crash: What Collision Victims Should Know

Posted on behalf of Steve Terry
on June 6, 2024 in Auto Accidents
Updated on August 9, 2024

Compression or blunt force trauma during a collision could cause severe damage to nerves, which could cause chronic pain, loss of sensation and other life-altering injuries.

Our Minneapolis car crash lawyers explain the various ways a car crash can cause nerve damage, common signs of nerve damage and whether someone suffering nerve damage can seek compensation.

If you suffered nerve damage from an injury during a car crash in Minneapolis or the surrounding area, our TSR Injury Law legal team may be able to help you recover compensation. Our firm does not charge upfront fees to injured victims and overall we have obtained more than $1 billion for our clients.

Schedule your free consultation today: (612) TSR-TIME.

How a Crash Injury Could Cause Nerve Damage

Motor vehicle collisions are incredibly traumatic for those inside the vehicle. Intense and sudden impacts can cause many types of damage, including nerve injuries.

These are the two most common ways for a crash to cause nerve damage:

Compression

In a car crash where the vehicle gets crumpled by running into a concrete barrier, the driver or passenger could get stuck inside. The intense pressure from an airbag or jammed seat belt could cause nerve damage to your torso, waist or head.

Blunt Force Trauma

The forceful impact of a crash could cause herniated discs, broken bones or dislocations, all of which could press on your nerves. For instance, a fractured vertebra could cause a herniated disc, which can put pressure on nearby nerves.

The trauma of a collision could also cause inflammation of muscles and ligaments. Crashes could even damage the brachial plexus, a network of nerves that goes from the spine into the neck and arm.

In severe car crashes that occur at high speed, some victims may get ejected from the vehicle. This could be serious enough to damage nerves.

Side-impact collisions often occur at intersections and could easily cause your body to whip from one direction to another. This could put a severe strain on your back, causing nerve damage in your spinal cord.

Types of Nerve Injuries From a Collision

These types of nerve damage below could result from a collision:

Neurapraxia

An interruption of blood flow to your nerves or whiplash from a forceful impact could propel your head and neck uncontrollably from one direction to another, resulting in neurapraxia.

Axonotmesis

Blunt force trauma can crush your nerves, sometimes leading to permanent damage.

Neurotmesis

This is laceration of your nerves. Flying debris, such as glass or other sharp objects, blunt force trauma often causes neurotmesis. This condition can lead to a loss of feeling or a restricted range of motion in the affected area where the nerves were damaged.

What Are the Symptoms That May Indicate Nerve Damage?

The following are some symptoms of nerve damage:

Lack of sweat during exercise or hot weather: Damage to the nerves between your sweat glands and spinal cord can affect your ability to sweat, even when your body is overheated and needs to cool down.
Muscle spasms or weakness: Your motor nerves regulate muscles in your body, such as your arms and legs. Spasms or weakness can be a sign of damage to these nerves.
Continuous burning or sharp pain: Your nerves allow you to feel different sensations, including pain. If pain is constant, this could be a sign of nerve damage.
Loss of motion, numbness or tingling: Your peripheral nerves connect to the brain, spinal cord and the rest of your body. Damage to these nerves can lead to losing feeling or control of body parts.

Some of the other symptoms may include:

Low blood pressure
Persistent headaches
Shooting pains
Neck or head pain that does not go away

If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is critical that you see a doctor. Prompt treatment may help prevent nerve damage from becoming worse or even permanent.

Compensation for Nerve Injuries

A car crash victim suffering from nerve damage may be able to recover compensation to cover the costs of medical treatment and for their noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering. For instance, compensation could cover the cost of surgery to repair nerves that were crushed or compressed, such as in your spinal cord.

Continuous or long-term medical care may be necessary for treating nerve damage. This may include:

Physical therapy is often implemented to rebuild strength and flexibility in the affected area.
Pain management includes prescription drugs to relieve pain and inflammation.

The cost of treatment can quickly add up for car crash victims, especially if they are required to go to physical therapy for several months until they recover.

At our firm, we understand how devastating a car crash injury can be, especially when it causes a loss of strength or function. We have the legal knowledge needed to construct a robust case to pursue full compensation. This may include working with medical experts to explain how the crash damaged your nerves and how your injury affects your life.

Suffering Nerve Damage After a Crash? Contact TSR Injury Law for Legal Help

If another driver’s negligence caused your injuries, we may be able to help you seek compensation for your damages. For more than 20 years we have been committed to securing the justice and compensation injury victims need, and we have the results to prove it.

There are no upfront costs to have our firm represent you. The initial legal consultation is free and without any legal obligation.