Motorcycle accidents are already dangerous enough without the added risk of distracted drivers. In Minnesota, one of the leading causes of motorcycle crashes involves drivers using their cell phones — texting, scrolling, or making calls instead of keeping their eyes on the road. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident due to someone else’s distraction, a Minnesota motorcycle accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
How Cell Phones Distract Drivers
Cell phones are a constant source of distraction, and it only takes a split second of inattention to cause a crash. Distraction generally falls into three categories: visual distraction, where a driver looks at a phone screen instead of the road; manual distraction, which happens when they take their hands off the wheel to text or dial; and cognitive distraction, meaning their mind is focused on the conversation or message rather than driving.
When drivers engage in all three at once — like texting while driving — the risk of an accident skyrockets. For motorcyclists, this is especially dangerous since bikes are smaller and easier to overlook, even for attentive drivers.
Why Motorcycle Accidents Are More Severe
Unlike cars, motorcycles offer little protection during a crash. When a distracted driver veers into a motorcyclist’s lane or fails to notice a bike stopped at an intersection, the resulting injuries can be catastrophic. Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord damage, broken bones, and severe road rash.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving claimed over 3,000 lives in a single recent year — many of them motorcyclists. When a driver chooses to glance at their phone instead of the road, they put riders at extreme risk.
Proving Distracted Driving in a Motorcycle Crash Case
In a motorcycle accident case, proving that the other driver was distracted is crucial. But how do you gather that evidence? A Minnesota motorcycle accident lawyer will often use phone records to show if the driver was texting or calling at the time of the crash. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic lights may capture the driver using their phone. Witness statements can also be powerful, as bystanders may have seen the driver looking down at a screen. Additionally, police reports often note signs of distracted driving observed by officers at the scene.
Collecting this evidence quickly is vital since phone records can be deleted, and witnesses’ memories can fade.
Minnesota’s Distracted Driving Laws
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety takes distracted driving seriously. The state’s hands-free law prohibits drivers from holding a phone or other device while driving. Violating this law can result in hefty fines and, in some cases, criminal charges — especially if the distraction causes an accident.
For motorcyclists injured by a distracted driver, this law adds weight to a legal claim. It helps establish negligence, making it easier to prove that the at-fault driver’s unlawful behavior directly caused the crash.
The Role of a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
After a motorcycle crash, working with an experienced Minnesota motorcycle accident lawyer can make all the difference. They handle the complex legal aspects of your case while you focus on healing. This includes investigating the crash, gathering evidence of distracted driving, negotiating with insurance companies for fair compensation, and filing a lawsuit if necessary.
Insurance companies often try to blame motorcyclists for accidents, even when the driver was clearly distracted. A skilled attorney pushes back against these tactics, ensuring your side of the story is heard.
Seeking Justice After a Distracted Driving Crash
If you or a loved one has been hurt by a distracted driver, don’t wait to take action. The sooner you speak with a Minnesota motorcycle accident lawyer, the better your chances of building a strong case. Cell phone use behind the wheel is more than just reckless — it’s a preventable danger that puts motorcyclists’ lives at risk.
