Bicycle Crash Attorney in Minneapolis, Twin Cities, Rochester, Duluth

Can I File a Lawsuit and Should I Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer?

Yes, you can file a lawsuit if you were injured while riding a bicycle and there is evidence that the driver of another vehicle was at fault. For example, one of our bike accident attorneys represented a man who was hit by a driver who was reading a map at the time of the collision. Our client suffered a pelvic fracture, which is an extremely painful injury that can be fatal. It almost always causes some degree of permanent injury. Pritzker Hageman helped our client win a significant settlement.

Attorney Inspecting Under Truck — Pritzker Hageman attorneys inspecting a truck that was involved in a bike crash. You can contact our bike accident lawyers at 612-338-0202.

Hiring a bicycle accident lawyer, one with experience and a record of success, is helpful because we will:

know how much your case is worth;
know insurance company attorneys and how to best reach a good settlement;
have handled a case just like yours;
have the resources to do the best job possible;
have access to the top accident reconstruction specialists in the country;
have the confidence to aggressively pursue compensation for you and your family.

Our law firm’s record of multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts speaks for itself:

$10 million for a man with severe injuries;
$5 million for a man whose limb was crushed in a crash with a company truck;
$6 million for a family with a wrongful death claim.

If you were injured by someone while riding your bike, call us today at 612-338-0202 or fill out the form below – We want to help.

The consultation is 100% free and you never pay anything unless we win for you.

Verdict For Client in Wrongful Death Case

Attorney Eric Hageman and his team represented the family of a 53-year-old bicyclist who was killed when she was run over by the trailer wheels of a right-turning semi-truck at a busy intersection. The police report indicated that the bicyclist was at fault and the truck driver was not. Pritzker and Hageman took the case, did their own investigation, and discovered evidence that would help them win the case.

In the course of their investigation, they obtained the truck driver’s logbooks and were able to determine that there were numerous falsifications, which should have caused the driver to be out of service at the time of the crash. During the deposition, it was also revealed that the truck driver had failed to monitor his right outside mirrors during his turn. This failure was compounded by the truck driver’s admission that he believed he was pulling a 48-foot trailer, as opposed to a 53-foot trailer. At trial, the defense asserted that the bicyclist was primarily at fault because she had fallen off her bike prior to getting run over, but the jury disagreed. For their work on the trial, Pritzker and Hageman were named “Attorneys of the Year.”

The video below was used for this case.

Unfortunately, many bicycle crashes involve inattentive drivers. In most cases, the driver’s fault consists of failing to yield to the cyclist, backing out of a driveway, opening a car door as a cyclist rides by, running a stop sign, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or simple inattentiveness. If you have been injured by a distracted driver, you can hold them responsible for their actions by filing a lawsuit.

Pritzker Hageman Commitment to Bicycle Safety and Community Welfare

Pritzker Hageman, a Minnesota personal injury law firm, donated money to Keystone Community Services, a St. Paul, MN charity that funds Express Bike Shop, which hires disadvantaged youth to learn how to repair and sell bikes and to gain business experience. These are paid internships. The money donated by our law firm will be used to provide free helmets and to fund an intern scholarship. Disadvantaged youth receive paid internships at the bike shop and learn how to repair and sell bikes and gain business experience. The bikes they fix up are sold inexpensively to local families who receive a well-maintained bike at a low cost.

Frequently Asked Bike Accident Legal Questions

How Much is My Case Worth?

Truck Crash Inspection — Pritzker Hageman Law Firm attorneys inspect a truck that was involved in a crash.

For your attorneys to determine what your case is worth, they have to look at many factors. Our lawyers consult with our clients to understand the effect of the crash on their life, and with medical professionals to determine many costs associated with specific injuries.

Can I Sue a Truck Driver?

Yes, you can sue a company truck driver for personal injury or wrongful death. You may also have a lawsuit against the trucking company and owner of the freight being transported. Our law firm has handled several cases where a left-turning truck injured or killed someone. One of these cases was discussed above, another involved a dump truck turning in Dinkytown (U of M Minneapolis area). The cyclist, a U of M student, was in the bike lane and had the right-of-way. It was a tragic, senseless loss of life.

We have also had cases where a trucker was distracted by a cell phone, map, and other distractions. In one of our cases, the driver stopped illegally in the middle of the road because he was having an argument with his girlfriend on his cell phone.

Can I Sue a Bus Driver?

Yes, you can sue a bus driver if there is sufficient evidence that they were at fault. You will also have a claim against the company. Our experience is that most cases where a bus driver runs over a bicyclist or pedestrian involve bus driver distraction. In one of our past cases, the bus driver looked back to respond to a bus passenger just as the driver made a left turn.

Can I Sue After a Recall?

Yes, you can sue if you were injured on a recalled bike if there is evidence that your bike had the design or manufacturing defect that was the subject of the recall. When a defective bicycle causes injury, it is called a product liability case. You can sue the manufacturer of the bicycle and possibly others for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages. Attorney Fred Pritzker won a case where a man lost his leg in a crash after a recall.

You may also have a case if there is evidence of a defect, even without a recall.

Can I sue if I Was Riding an Electric Bike (E-Bike)?

If you were riding an e-bike, often the same factors would apply as if riding a standard bicycle. In fact, because e-bikes have more components and potentially more hazard-prone components, the chances of an accident being caused by a defect might be greater with an e-bike than with a non-electric-powered bike. Contact our e-bike attorneys for a 100% free initial consultation about your case.

See How We Help Our Clients How Much is My Case Worth? Contact a Bike Accident Attorney

Additional Information

Attorney Eric Hageman

As an avid biker, attorney Eric Hageman has a strong understanding of the safety concerns and the possible risk of injury when riding on the road. This understanding has helped him successfully win large settlements and verdicts for clients involved in bicycle collisions.

Eric has recovered millions of dollars for crash victims. In recognition of his achievements, he has been named a Super Lawyer and was selected by other lawyers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America.

3 Steps You Should Take after a Bike Crash

As with any crash involving vehicles, there are a number of steps you need to take to ensure everything with your claim goes as smoothly as possible:

For your medical problems, see a doctor as soon as possible. An injury can be underestimated. You may feel fine now, but some injuries, particularly neck, back, and head injuries, can become quite painful and debilitating in the long term.
Get as much information as you can. Key items include the names, phone numbers, and addresses of all the people involved, including witnesses. You will also need to keep track of insurance information and the reporting process. Make copies.
Do not talk to anyone about the incident other than law enforcement personnel. Anything you say to insurance company representatives or investigators could make it harder for you to settle your claim. It is also a good idea not to sign anything, particularly some kind of release form, without talking to an attorney first. This is just a smart way for you to protect yourself.

Bicycle Accident Investigations and News

Bicyclist Dies in Maple Lake Township Car Crash

July 29, 2024 – A 21-year-old bicyclist, Jaxon Andrew Zuelke of Maple Lake, died in a crash with an SUV in Maple Lake Township Sunday night. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, both vehicles were going west on Highway 55 when they collided near Dempsey Avenue Northwest. Sadly, Zuelke did not survive the crash. The SUV driver, 39-year-old Jesse Wayne Snyder of Howard Lake, was not injured.

Girl Riding Her Bike Dies After Being Hit By Car in South Minneapolis

September 4, 2023 – 7-year-old Penelope “Penny” Thompson died in a tragic accident while riding her bike in the Kingfield neighborhood of South Minneapolis. According to the Minneapolis Police Department, Penny was riding her bike down the driveway at 701 Park Avenue when she was struck by an oncoming vehicle. Police say the driver pulled over to help Penny at the scene. Penny was transported to Hennepin Healthcare where sadly, she later died. A GoFundMe page was set up to help support Penny’s family.

Fargo Marathon Director Killed in Detroit Lakes Bike Accident

July 9, 2023 – 53-year-old Mark Knutson died in a tragic bike accident in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. Mark was cycling near the 1100 block of South Shore Drive when he was struck by a pick-up truck pulling a boat on a trailer. Mark was airlifted to Sanford Hospital in Fargo where sadly, he died. Mark was well-known in the community as the Executive Director of the Fargo Marathon and General Manager at Detroit Mountain. An investigation is ongoing. No criminal charges have been filed against the pick-up driver, 42-year-old Jacob Grabowski.

Girl Injured in Crash While Biking in Coon Rapids, MN

June 4, 2023 – 10-year-old Keira Rose was rushed to the hospital after she was injured in a crash while riding her bicycle in Coon Rapids, Minnesota. Keira was biking with friends to the pool when she was struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Foley Boulevard and East River Road. Sadly, the accident left Keira in critical condition on a ventilator at Hennepin County Medical Center. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help support Keira’s family.

Teenage Boy Injured by Bicycle Crash in West Bend, WI

May 25, 2023 – A 14-year-old boy was struck and injured by a vehicle while riding his bicycle in West Bend, Wisconsin. Police say the boy was riding through the crosswalk on Chestnut Street when a vehicle headed north on Main Street struck him. The vehicle was driven by a 19-year-old woman. The boy was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. An investigation is ongoing.

Wisconsin Bicyclist Injured in Kenosha County Semi Crash

April 20, 2023 – A 53-year-old woman was injured when a semi-truck hit her bicycle near Bristol, Wisconsin. According to the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department, the semi-crash happened near County Highway K and County Highway MB. The woman was transported to a local hospital.

Bicyclist Injured in Waconia Crash

October 8, 2022 – A 67-year-old woman from Bloomington, MN was hit by a car while biking on the southbound shoulder of County Road 10 in Waconia. The Waconia County Sheriff’s Office says the accident happened when the driver made a left turn onto County Road 10 from Waconia Parkway North. The driver, a 53-year-old man from Watertown, stayed at the scene and is cooperating with the investigation. The crash victim was taken to HCMC where she is in stable condition.

Wisconsin Bicyclist Dies in Harrison Car Crash

September 22, 2022 – A 60-year-old man from Menasha, WI died after his bicycle was struck by a vehicle in Harrison. The Calumet County Sheriff’s Office says the fatal crash happened on Old Highway Road near Lakeview Court when the vehicle rear-ended the bicycle. Investigators say the brightness of the sun was a contributing factor. The driver of the vehicle is a 16-year-old girl from Kaukauna.

Boy Dies Wausau Bicycle Crash

September 1, 2022 – A 12-year-old boy was struck and killed by a car while riding his bicycle in Wausau, WI. Police say the bicycle crash happened at the intersection of 10th Street and Forest Street. The boy was transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries where he later died. The car’s driver is cooperating with law enforcement.

Pick-up Driver Kills 8-Year-Old Girl Riding Her Bike on Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Reservation

August 22, 2023 – A pick-up driver struck and killed an 8-year-old girl riding her bike with her mom on the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Reservation. Police say the tragic accident happened in a residential neighborhood at the intersection of Dakota Trail and Orion Road near Mystic Lake Casino. Sadly, the girl was transported to St. Francis Hospital where she later died.

The pick-up driver, Joseph R. Jacobsen (47) of Shakopee, was arrested at the scene and booked into the Scott County Jail on suspicion of criminal vehicular homicide. His criminal record includes a drunken driving conviction in Cass County. The Prior Lake Police Chief told the Star Tribune that the mother and daughter were following the rules of the road and that the crash was caused by “some mistakes made by the driver.”

Teenage Girl Struck and Killed by Car While Riding Bicycle in Northfield

August 2, 2022 – A 14-year-old girl was struck by a car while riding her bicycle in Northfield, MN. The bicycle accident happened at the intersection of Jefferson Street and Afton Street. A police report says the girl was airlifted to HCMC where she is in critical condition. The driver of the car, an 18-year-old man from Northfield, was not injured.

Two Bicyclists Injured in Aftermath of Plymouth Car Crash

July 30, 2022 – A bicycle accident in Plymouth, MN left a man and woman with serious injuries. The bike crash happened when two vehicles collided at the intersection of Schmidt Lake Road and Fernbrook Lane. After the collision, one vehicle rolled over and struck the two bicyclists. Both cyclists were transported to North Memorial Hospital.

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