A ride on the back of a motorcycle can be an exciting experience, but motorcycles are inherently more dangerous than a standard vehicle due to their size and limited safety features. Moreover, if you’re involved in a motorcycle accident, there’s a pretty decent chance that your injuries will be more severe, which can complicate matters even further. Countless motorcycle drivers and their passengers suffer injuries while riding each year in Minnesota, and we oftentimes help these clients get the compensation they deserve.
Today, we want to focus on motorcycle passengers and their right to compensation if they are injured as a result of a crash. Their path to compensation can be a little different than passengers in other vehicles, which is why we want to explain the process in greater detail. Below, we explore what you need to know about collecting compensation if you have been injured as a passenger on a motorcycle in Minnesota.
Motorcycle Passenger Injury Compensation
No matter what type of vehicle you’re riding in as a passenger, you are entitled to compensation in the event of a crash. Minnesota is a No Fault state, which typically means that you will file an injury claim with your automobile insurance provider, regardless of who was at fault for your accident. However, Minnesota law limits no fault coverage for motorcyclists due to how the state defines a motor vehicle, so pursuing a no fault claim may not fully address all of your compensation needs.
In these instances, you’ll need to work with a lawyer to prove that someone else was at fault for your injuries. Since you were a passenger, it’s very likely you will be able to hone in on the responsible party, whether that’s the motorcycle driver, another vehicle driver or a third party.
The Motorcycle Driver – It’s not uncommon for a motorcycle driver to want to show off a bit when they have a passenger on the back of their ride. If their reckless actions led to your accident, your lawyer may be able to build a case that sees you collect compensation from the motorcycle driver.
Another Driver – If the driver of a vehicle was speeding, driving drunk or distracted and these actions contributed to your injuries, you may be able to file a personal injury suit against the other driver’s insurance company.
Third Party – If faulty equipment or damaged signage contributed to your accident, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against a manufacturer or a local municipality.
If you’re injured as a motorcycle passenger, you need to bring a lawyer aboard to help with your case. Not only will you be recovering from your injuries, but odds are you lack the legal experience needed to maximize your claim. Moreover, if you will be pursuing a lawsuit against the motorcycle driver, the situation can get awkward if you’ll be suing a friend or family member, so outsource the process to a skilled attorney.
Depending on the accident and its fallout, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses, current and future
- Lost wages
- Decreased earnings capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages if the other driver was drunk or driving with reckless abandon
Because these cases may be handled a bit differently than a standard no fault claim when passengers are injured in a standard vehicle, it’s more important than ever that you have a trusted ally in your corner that can get you the compensation you deserve. Let us work on building a case and demanding a strong compensation package from the insurance company while you focus on your family and your health. For more information on how we can help you with a passenger-related injury claim in Minnesota, reach out to the team at Hey Workers today at (844) 439-9675.
