1. Schwebel, Goetz & Sieben, P.A.

Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car vs. motorcycle collisions, truck vs. motorcycle collisions, hit-and-run motorcycle accidents, left-turn accidents involving motorcycles, intersection motorcycle accidents, highway motorcycle accidents, wrongful death from motorcycle accidents, catastrophic injuries from motorcycle collisions, traumatic brain injuries from motorcycle crashes, spinal cord injuries from motorcycle accidents, amputation injuries from motorcycle accidents, burn injuries from motorcycle crashes.

Case Types Handled: Left-turn accidents, lane change accidents, rear-end collisions with motorcycles, head-on motorcycle collisions, single-vehicle motorcycle accidents, multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents, drunk driver vs. motorcycle accidents, distracted driver vs. motorcycle accidents, road hazard accidents, debris-related motorcycle accidents, rollover accidents, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, bus accidents.

Legal Services: Negligence investigation, motorcycle accident reconstruction, witness interviews, police report analysis, insurance claim negotiation, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims, product liability claims.

Background: Minnesota’s largest personal injury law firm with nearly 50 years of experience. More than half of the firm’s attorneys are board-certified civil trial specialists, a distinction held by less than 3% of Minnesota attorneys. The firm has helped over 50,000 clients and recovered over $750 million in total damages. Attorneys James R. Schwebel and Paul Godlewski are noted motorcycle enthusiasts. James R. Schwebel was named to the “100 Most Influential Attorneys in Minnesota History” and is a Fellow of the International Society of Barristers. Licensed in Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

Location: 5901 Cedar Lake Road, Minneapolis, MN 55416

Contact: (612) 377-7777 | Toll-free: (800) 752-4265 | https://www.schwebel.com

Consultation: Free initial consultation available, contingency fee arrangement (no fees unless recovery obtained).

2. SiebenCarey

Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car vs. motorcycle collisions, truck vs. motorcycle accidents, hit-and-run motorcycle accidents, drunk driving motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, wrongful death from motorcycle accidents, catastrophic injuries from motorcycle collisions, traumatic brain injuries from motorcycle crashes, spinal cord injuries, amputation injuries from motorcycle accidents.

Case Types Handled: Left-turn accidents, lane change accidents, rear-end collisions with motorcycles, head-on motorcycle collisions, multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents, drunk driver vs. motorcycle accidents, distracted driver vs. motorcycle accidents, uninsured motorist motorcycle accidents, underinsured motorist motorcycle accidents, motorcycle passenger injury claims.

Legal Services: Negligence investigation, accident reconstruction, witness interviews, police report analysis, insurance claim negotiation, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, personal injury protection claims, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical lien resolution, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims.

Background: Founded in 1952 as Minnesota’s first personal injury law firm. Has represented more than 70,000 clients. Features 7 Certified Civil Trial Law Specialists certified by the Minnesota State Bar Association and 3 Board Certified Trial Advocates through the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Jeffrey S. Sieben is certified as a Civil Trial Law Specialist and is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates. James P. Carey is President and Managing Partner, appointed to the American College of Trial Lawyers, and was recognized as “Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyers of America in 2022 for Personal Injury Litigation. Licensed in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Location: 901 Marquette Avenue, Suite 500, Minneapolis, MN 55402

Contact: (612) 333-4500 | Toll-free: (800) 474-4487 | https://www.knowyourrights.com

Consultation: Free initial consultation available 24/7, contingency fee arrangement (no fees unless recovery obtained), will meet clients in hospitals or homes.

3. Meshbesher & Spence

Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, hit-and-run motorcycle accidents, drunk driving accidents, catastrophic injuries from motorcycle collisions, traumatic brain injuries from motorcycle crashes, wrongful death from motorcycle accidents, medical malpractice, workers’ compensation, PERA disability claims.

Case Types Handled: Left-turn accidents, lane change accidents, rear-end collisions with motorcycles, head-on motorcycle collisions, multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents, drunk driver vs. motorcycle accidents, distracted driver vs. motorcycle accidents, road hazard accidents, uninsured motorist claims, underinsured motorist claims, motorcycle passenger injury claims, mass tort litigation.

Legal Services: Negligence investigation, accident reconstruction, witness interviews, police report analysis, insurance claim negotiation, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims, punitive damage claims.

Background: Established in 1961 with over 60 years of service. Named “Best Law Firms” by U.S. News. Currently has 18 attorneys across offices in Minneapolis, Rochester, and St. Cloud. Notable motorcycle accident recoveries include a $6 million settlement for a catastrophic motorcycle crash in Washington County and a $3 million verdict for a motorcycle fatality case. The firm handles cases on behalf of motorcyclists throughout Minnesota.

Location: 1616 Park Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55404

Contact: (612) 339-9121 | https://www.meshbesher.com

Consultation: Free initial consultation available, contingency fee arrangement (no fees unless recovery obtained), available to meet clients in hospitals or homes.

4. TSR Injury Law

Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, motorcycle malfunction accidents, defective motorcycle claims, car accidents, truck accidents, bus accidents, bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, boating accidents, premises liability, product liability, dog bites.

Case Types Handled: Left-turn accidents, lane change accidents, rear-end collisions with motorcycles, head-on motorcycle collisions, single-vehicle motorcycle accidents, multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents, drunk driver vs. motorcycle accidents, distracted driver vs. motorcycle accidents, road hazard accidents, defective motorcycle claims, motorcycle product liability, uninsured motorist claims, underinsured motorist claims.

Legal Services: Negligence investigation, motorcycle accident reconstruction, witness interviews, police report analysis, insurance claim negotiation, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, no-fault arbitration, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, product liability claims.

Background: Over 20 years advocating for those injured in accidents. Attorneys have obtained over $300 million in compensation for injury victims. Partner Chuck Slane recovered a $2.8 million insurance settlement for motorcycle crash victims. Slane is certified by the Minnesota State Bar Association and is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates. Attorney Erik Willer has handled numerous motorcycle accident cases involving insurance disputes and serious injuries.

Location: 8300 Norman Center Drive, Suite 1275, Minneapolis, MN 55437

Contact: (612) 877-8463 (TSR-TIME) | https://www.tsrinjurylaw.com

Consultation: Free initial consultation available 24/7, contingency fee arrangement (no fees unless recovery obtained).

5. Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers

Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, rideshare accidents, snowmobile accidents, ATV accidents, slip and fall accidents, dog bites, wrongful death, product liability.

Case Types Handled: Left-turn accidents, lane change accidents, rear-end collisions with motorcycles, head-on motorcycle collisions, single-vehicle motorcycle accidents, multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents, drunk driver vs. motorcycle accidents, distracted driver vs. motorcycle accidents, road hazard accidents, uninsured motorist claims, underinsured motorist claims, premises liability, nursing home negligence.

Legal Services: Negligence investigation, accident reconstruction, witness interviews, police report analysis, insurance claim negotiation, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims, punitive damage claims.

Background: Founded in 2007 by Russell Nicolet. Over 100 years of combined legal experience among attorneys. Has secured over $51 million on behalf of clients through settlement negotiations and jury trial verdicts. Maintains offices in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and North Dakota. The firm designates a “Midwest’s Motorcycle Lawyer” partner position. Notable recoveries include a $1.2 million car accident recovery and an $815,000 drunk driving crash recovery. Proud Law Partner of the Minnesota Vikings.

Location: 43 SE Main Street, Suite 500, Minneapolis, MN 55414

Contact: (612) 446-3999 | Toll-free: 1-855-NICOLET | https://nicoletlaw.com

Consultation: Free initial consultation available, contingency fee arrangement (no fees unless recovery obtained), will meet at location convenient for client.

Motorcycle Accident Laws and Regulations in Minnesota

Statute of Limitations: Minnesota imposes a 6-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from motorcycle accidents pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Section 541.05. If the injured person is a minor at the time of the accident, the 6-year period generally does not begin running until the minor turns 18. Wrongful death claims must also be filed within the applicable limitations period.

Fault System: Minnesota operates as a no-fault insurance state for automobiles; however, motorcycles are specifically excluded from no-fault requirements under Minnesota Statutes Section 65B.43. Motorcyclists must pursue fault-based claims against at-fault parties to recover damages. This means injured motorcyclists file claims against the negligent driver’s liability insurance rather than their own insurance.

Comparative Negligence: Minnesota follows a modified comparative fault system under Minnesota Statutes Section 604.01. An injured motorcyclist can recover damages as long as they are not more than 50% at fault for the accident. If the motorcyclist is 51% or more at fault, they are barred from any recovery. Any compensation awarded is reduced by the motorcyclist’s percentage of fault.

Minimum Motorcycle Insurance Requirements: Minnesota requires motorcyclists to carry liability insurance with minimum coverage of $30,000 per person for bodily injury, $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 for property damage. Motorcyclists must also carry uninsured motorist coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, and underinsured motorist coverage with the same minimums. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is not required for motorcycles but can be purchased as optional coverage.

Helmet Laws: Minnesota has a partial helmet law. Riders under the age of 18 and all motorcycle permit operators are required to wear DOT-approved helmets regardless of age. Riders 18 years and older with a full motorcycle license endorsement are not legally required to wear helmets. Eye protection is mandatory for all riders regardless of age or license status. A windshield alone does not satisfy the eye protection requirement.

Lane Splitting/Lane Filtering: Lane splitting is illegal in Minnesota. Motorcyclists are prohibited from riding between lanes of traffic or passing vehicles within the same lane. Only on-duty police officers may engage in lane splitting. Two motorcycles may ride side-by-side within a single lane only when both riders agree.

Motorcycle Licensing Requirements: Minnesota requires a Class M endorsement on the driver’s license to legally operate a motorcycle. Applicants must pass both a written knowledge test and a skills test. Permit holders face restrictions including mandatory helmet use, no passengers, daytime-only riding, and no freeway riding.

Motorcycle Equipment Requirements: Minnesota law requires motorcycles to have at least one rearview mirror, a working horn, and headlights that must remain on at all times during operation. Motorcycles may have one to four headlights with high/low beam capability. Turn signals are not required on motorcycles manufactured before certain dates but are recommended.

Personal Injury Protection for Motorcyclists: While PIP is not required for motorcyclists in Minnesota, riders can voluntarily purchase PIP coverage as an add-on to their motorcycle insurance policy. Insurers are legally required to attach a notice to any motorcycle insurance application that does not opt for PIP coverage, informing the purchaser that the policy lacks this protection.

Damage Caps: Minnesota does not impose caps on economic or non-economic damages in personal injury cases. Punitive damages are available under Minnesota law but require proof by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant deliberately disregarded the rights and safety of others. Punitive damages can only be awarded after a court first determines liability for compensatory damages.

Wrongful Death Claims: Wrongful death claims in Minnesota may be brought by the surviving spouse, children, or other designated relatives of the deceased. The statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is 3 years from the date of death.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the statute of limitations for filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Minnesota?

Minnesota allows 6 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit under Minnesota Statutes Section 541.05. This is longer than many other states. However, if your claim involves wrongful death, the limitations period may differ. Minors have additional time as the clock does not begin running until they reach age 18. Acting promptly is still advisable because evidence can deteriorate and witnesses may become unavailable over time.

How does Minnesota’s modified comparative negligence rule affect my motorcycle accident claim?

Under Minnesota’s modified comparative fault system, you can still recover compensation even if you were partially responsible for the accident, provided your fault does not exceed 50%. Your total recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 but found 20% at fault, you would receive $80,000. If you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover any damages. Insurance companies frequently attempt to attribute fault to motorcyclists, so documenting the accident thoroughly and consulting an attorney promptly is important.

Does not wearing a helmet affect my ability to recover compensation in Minnesota?

Since Minnesota does not require helmets for riders 18 and older with a full license, failing to wear one cannot be used as evidence to establish the cause of the accident. However, the lack of a helmet may be considered when determining damages, particularly for head injuries. Insurance companies might argue that your injuries would have been less severe had you worn a helmet, potentially reducing compensation for head-related injuries. This is a nuanced area of law where an experienced attorney can help protect your interests.

Why are motorcycle accident insurance claims handled differently than car accidents in Minnesota?

Minnesota’s no-fault automobile insurance system specifically excludes motorcycles. The Minnesota No-Fault Automobile Insurance Act defines a motor vehicle as one with four or more wheels, excluding motorcycles. This means motorcyclists cannot access PIP benefits from their own insurance policy unless they purchased optional coverage. Instead, motorcyclists must file fault-based claims directly against the at-fault driver’s liability insurance. This process requires proving the other party’s negligence, which typically involves more negotiation and potential litigation than standard no-fault claims.

What damages can I recover after a motorcycle accident in Minnesota?

Minnesota allows motorcycle accident victims to recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, property damage, and rehabilitation costs. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent disability. If a court finds that the defendant showed deliberate disregard for the rights and safety of others, punitive damages may also be available. Minnesota does not cap economic or non-economic damages in personal injury cases.