Injured as a Motorcycle Passenger in Minnesota? Know Your Rights

You Have Rights as a Passenger

In Minnesota, motorcycle passengers have the same right to seek compensation as anyone else injured in a crash. You didn’t cause the crash, but you still bear the consequences, from doctor visits to sleepless nights.

As an injured passenger, you can pursue damages for medical bills, pain and suffering, disfigurement, lost wages, emotional trauma, and more. Whether the accident was caused by the motorcycle driver or another motorist, you can get the compensation you need.

Minnesota’s No-Fault Law with Motorcycles

One significant difference between car and motorcycle accidents in Minnesota is the no-fault system. That system was designed to streamline claims. If you’re hurt in a car crash, your auto insurance covers initial medical bills and lost wages through Personal Injury Protection (PIP), regardless of who’s at fault. It’s a safety net for everyone.

However, Minnesota state law limits no-fault coverage for motorcycles. A motorcycle is not a motor vehicle by statutory definition. It is possible for the owner of the motorcycle to purchase no-fault coverage.

This can feel like a raw deal, especially since motorcycle accidents often lead to more severe injuries than car crashes due to the lack of protection. But with the proper legal support, you can still pursue the full compensation you are owed.

Who Is Responsible for Your Injuries?

Determining who was at fault is the key to getting fair compensation after a motorcycle accident. As a passenger, it’s safe to assume you’re not responsible. You weren’t steering, braking, or making decisions on the road. Your job is to sit back and trust the driver, not to control the ride. That means the responsibility falls on someone else. But who?

What Compensation Is Available for a Motorcycle Accident?

When you’re hurt as a motorcycle passenger, the impact ripples through your life – physically, financially, and emotionally. Minnesota law lets you seek compensation for all of it. Here’s what you can claim.

• Medical bills: Motorcycle crashes can lead to serious injuries like broken bones or internal bleeding, leading to skyrocketing medical bills.
• Lost income: If you’re sidelined from work due to an injury, that lost pay hurts. We’ll tally up every paycheck you miss while recovering, ensuring you’re not left scrambling to cover bills.
• Future medical care: Some injuries don’t heal quickly, and others leave lifelong scars. If you need ongoing treatment, we’ll use life-care planning to project those costs and help you cover your future expenses.
• Lost earning capacity: What if you can’t return to your old job? We’ll calculate how that career loss affects your lifetime earnings and factor that into your claim.
• Pain and suffering: Under Minnesota law, you can be compensated for the physical and emotional suffering caused by an injury. Symptoms can include any intense anxiety, insomnia, and PTSD you may experience after the crash.
• Punitive damages: In rare circumstances, you might pursue punitive damages if the crash stemmed from outrageous behavior like drunk driving or reckless conduct. These damages punish the wrongdoer and deter others, adding extra funds to your recovery.

Every case is unique. At SiebenCarey, we’ll dig into the details to ensure no loss goes unaccounted for.

Steps to Protect Your Rights After the Crash

The aftermath of a motorcycle accident is a whirlwind. Acting fast and smart can protect your claim. Here’s your playbook: