Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as cars, trucks, and motorcycles. As a result, bicyclists are subject to the same traffic laws and rules of the road as cars, trucks, and motorcycles. For example:
- Bicyclists must ride with traffic — not against traffic.
- Bicyclists must obey traffic control devices and yield the right of way to other cars, trucks, motorcycles, and pedestrians.
- Bicyclists should never ride through an intersection directly from a sidewalk–even if they are in a crosswalk
Because they are more exposed, bicyclists involved in car accidents or truck accidents are more likely to suffer serious injury or death. Bicyclist accidents often involve significant injuries to arms and legs. Bicyclists may suffer traumatic brain injury or even death—if they are not wearing a helmet. For further discussion of bicycle safety, See, Minnesota Department of Public Safety Crosswalk Safety Tips
Despite these concerns, most bicycle accidents occur when riding with traffic or when legally crossing a roadway. This means the bicyclist is following the rules of the road. Bicycle accidents are common in large cities in warm weather and particularly during the afternoon rush hour. These factors indicate that bicycle accidents often occur because motorists do not see the bicyclist.
Recoverable Losses
If you or a loved one are injured in a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to the following Recoverable Losses:
- Past pain, suffering, disability, disfigurement, scarring or emotional distress
- Reasonable medical expenses
- Loss of earnings
- Future pain, suffering, disability, disfigurement, scarring or emotional distress
- Future medical expenses
- Future loss of earning capacity
See our generic Jury Special Verdict Form.
If the bicycle accident involves a car or truck, the Minnesota No-Fault Law should apply.
See: Minnesota No-Fault: How No-Fault Works.
If the bicycle accident does not involve a car or truck, Medical Pay Insurance may apply.
Insurance Coverage
There may be several layers of insurance coverage and several insurers involved in your case including:
- No-Fault Insurance (car or truck) or Medical Pay Insurance (property/premises)
- Liability Insurance or Uninsured Motorist Insurance (UM)
- Underinsured Motorist Insurance (UIM)
If you or a loved one have been injured in a bicycle accident, you need to concentrate on one thing — getting on with your life. Let our experienced team handle the insurance paperwork including claim forms, reports, authorizations, requests for recorded statements and Defense Medical Examinations (DMEs).
Free Consultation
We offer a free consultation, so you have nothing to lose by contacting us first.
For a free consultation:
Email us at contactus@kauffmanlawfirm.com or
Call us at 507-285-5350 or 877-285-5350