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Minot Bicycle Accident Attorneys
Legal assistance when you’re injured in a bicycle accident in North Dakota
Bicycle accidents in Minot can happen in the blink of an eye, leaving riders with serious injuries and big questions about what to do next. Whether it's a car not seeing you, poor road conditions, or a distracted driver, being hit while riding your bike can turn your life upside down. At Larson Law Injury & Accident Lawyers, our personal injury attorneys understand the challenges cyclists face and are here to help you navigate the legal process after an accident.
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, you shouldn’t have to deal with medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses on your own. We’re here to fight for fair compensation and make sure that whoever caused your accident is held accountable. Let us take care of the legal side so you can focus on healing.
How often do bicycle accidents happen in North Dakota?
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that since 2010, traffic-related cyclist deaths have been increasing each year. In 2010, the number of cyclist fatalities was 623. In 2021, that number had climbed to a high of 966. On average, there are about 800 of these tragic deaths each year.
Here in North Dakota, a bicyclist is involved in a traffic crash every four days. In 2023, the state reported 90 crashes and 89 injuries to bicyclists on our roads.
What types of injuries happen in Minot bicycle accidents?
Bicycle accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, depending on the impact and the circumstances. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Head injuries. Even with a helmet, riders can suffer concussions or more serious traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) if their head hits the ground or a vehicle. Head injuries can have lasting effects, so it’s important to get checked out by a doctor right away.
- Broken bones. Cyclists often experience broken arms, legs, wrists, or collarbones in a crash. These injuries can take time to heal and may require surgery or physical therapy.
- Road rash. When a cyclist hits the pavement, the skin can get scraped, cut, or bruised. These painful injuries, known as road rash, can sometimes lead to infections if not treated properly.
- Spinal injuries. Serious accidents can cause damage to the back or neck, including herniated discs or even spinal cord injuries, which can lead to long-term pain or disability.
- Soft tissue injuries. Muscles, tendons, and ligaments can get stretched or torn in a bicycle accident. These injuries, like sprains or strains, can cause pain and limit movement.
Injuries from a bike accident can be serious, so it's important to get medical help and understand your legal options to protect your rights. At Larson Law Injury & Accident Lawyers, we can provide informed guidance.
Free Case Evaluation
Call 701-484-4878 now or fill out the form above to receive a free confidential consultation.
Bicycle accidents can happen for a number of reasons, but there are a few common causes we see most often:
- Distracted driving. Drivers not paying attention, whether they’re texting or focused on something else, can easily miss seeing a cyclist, leading to a collision.
- Failure to yield. Many accidents happen when drivers don’t yield the right of way to bicyclists at intersections or when turning, causing them to cut off or hit the cyclist.
- Dooring. This happens when someone in a parked car opens their door without checking for approaching bikes, causing the cyclist to crash into the door.
- Speeding. When drivers go over the speed limit, they have less time to react to a bicyclist, and the impact in a crash can be much more severe.
- Poor road conditions. Potholes, debris, or uneven pavement can cause cyclists to lose control, especially if drivers don’t give them enough room to maneuver safely.
Staying alert and following the rules of the road can help reduce the risk of accidents, but drivers and cyclists both need to be cautious to avoid these common causes.
Determining fault in a bicycle accident involves looking at several key factors to figure out who is responsible:
- Traffic laws. One of the first things we check is whether the driver was breaking any traffic laws. For example, if the driver ran a red light, this would be a strong indication that they were negligent and likely at fault.
- Right of way. We look at whether the cyclist had the right of way, especially at intersections or crosswalks. If a driver failed to yield to a cyclist with the right of way, that can point to the driver being at fault.
- Police report. If the police were called to the scene, their report would often include details about what happened, along with any witness statements. This can provide important insight into who was at fault.
- Eyewitness accounts. People who saw the accident happen can help clarify what went wrong. Their statements can be valuable in confirming who caused the crash.
- Surveillance footage. Sometimes, security cameras or dashcams capture the accident, showing exactly how the events unfolded. This kind of footage can be solid evidence when determining fault.
- Behavior of the driver. We also look at whether either the driver was distracted, speeding, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These factors can play a big role in determining who is responsible.
By gathering all of this information, we can get a clearer picture of what caused the accident and help build a case against a negligent driver.
Do you have a Minot bicycle accident attorney near me?
Larson Law Injury & Accident Lawyers represents the victims of bicycle accidents throughout North Dakota. You can schedule a consultation at our Minot Office, 1020 North Broadway, Minot, ND 58703. Reach us by phone at 701-353-2169. If your injuries prevent you from coming to our offices, we can make alternative arrangements.
Experienced Minot bicycle accident attorneys on your side
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, don’t wait to get the help you need. The experienced personal injury attorneys at Larson Law Injury & Accident Lawyers are ready to fight for your rights and make sure you get the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Call our Minot office or complete our contact form to schedule a consultation. We also provide legal representation to the residents of Ward, Williams, McKenzie, Pierce and Mountrail Counties.