BICYCLE ACCIDENTS AND LAWS IN MINNESOTA

Every state has their own special laws covering bicycle traffic and in addition, numerous cities or municipalities have additional separate laws controlling bicycle traffic on public highways. Basically, a bicyclist in Minnesota has the same rights as a driver of a motor vehicle except that generally, bicyclists must ride as close to the right-hand side of the road as is practical. As for the Minnesota State bicycle laws, you can review all the special laws applying to bicyclists on public streets and highways and in some instances, on sidewalks if you are within the city, by looking to the internet at Minnesota Statutes 169.011, available online. You should familiarize yourself with all of those laws before you or your children use the public highways and streets in Minnesota, and then check with the ordinances of the city to determine any additional or supplemental laws governing bicycling. If you or your loved one are ever unfortunate enough to be injured on a public highway or street, there are a number of things you should do to protect yourself or others as follows:

1. Call 911 for law enforcement to come to the scene.
2. Remove yourself from any danger such as surrounding traffic.
3. Obtain medical care immediately if the injuries require medical intervention.
4. Take numerous photos of the bicycle, the area of the impact, and the other vehicle(s).
5. Obtain information of the other driver(s) such as name, address, insurance information, etc.
6. Cooperate fully with the investigating officers.
7. Call an experienced trial attorney to get further instructions. EXPERIENCE MATTERS! 

Some things you should not do:

1. Do not admit that the crash was your fault (ex: saying “sorry”) or otherwise give a statement either in writing or recorded to anyone except your attorney.
2. Do not remove your bicycle or any debris from where the accident happened unless directed to do so by a peace officer or investigating officer.
3. Do not call your insurance company and give them a statement until you first call your attorney.
4. Do not give a written or recorded statement to anyone until you first call your attorney.

An experienced trial lawyer can help you navigate through the complicated legal issues to help protect you in making an appropriate claim, which might be not only against the party(s) that struck you but also against your own insurance company under the no-fault laws of Minnesota and the underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage laws in Minnesota. Our firm has helped many Minnesota bicyclists with their accidents. Call McCullough & Associates at 651-772-3446 with any questions regarding bike accidents.