Bicycle Accidents
Minneapolis Bike Accident Lawyer
Many decades ago, after a long legal battle, cyclists won the right to bike on the road. Now, bicycles and cars must safely share the road. Minnesota laws, specifically those found in Minnesota Statute 169.222, list the requirements that cyclists and drivers must abide by. Unfortunately, not everyone is aware of these requirements, which often leads to unsafe conditions, bike crashes and personal injury accidents.
If you have been involved in a bicycle accident, make sure you hire an injury attorney who understands the unique issues you face. Your bike crash attorney must be familiar with local and state laws—and, preferably, should also be a cyclist like you. You’ll find that lawyer in Daniel J. Brazil.
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Hurt in a Bike Accident? Our Uptown Attorneys Can Help No Matter Where Your Bike Crash Happens.
After I was hit by an SUV while on my bike, my initial thoughts were “well this is obvious, everyone will be fair”. Not the driver’s insurance company who (despite solid witness statements) initially attempted to place blame on me! I contacted Brazil Law and Dan (and team) walked me down the path to a fair and reasonable settlement. In the end, Dan spoke with driver’s insurance adjustor who ended up agreeing with Dan and settlement was reached shortly thereafter. Dan is THE authority on bike law, and his team approach assures clients are kept informed and part of the decision-making process. Please contact Brazil Law for any personal injury legal needs… especially if bike crash-related!
Terry F.
I was stopped on my bicycle at a stop sign when the car hit me. Crushed bike, ambulance, ER, stitches, brain injury; months of physical therapy, brain doctors, and missed work. Insurance claims and medical bills are already a challenge to navigate. The brain injury made them almost impossible. Nick Sweeney and Brazil Sweeney Law Group were there for me 100% of the way. Nick was prompt, showed genuine concern, and took the reins so I could focus on my recovery. Medical bills paid, bike replaced, wages reimbursed, case settled. Would recommend them to anyone, especially other cyclists.
Colin M.
I can’t say enough about the great service I received from Dan and his team. I was hit by a car while riding my bike, and contacted Dan shortly thereafter. He took time out of his weekend to have a long and friendly chat with me. Once I decided to work with him, he and his team helped me every step of the way. Dealing with legal issues is extremely intimidating, but Dan and his team were always willing to talk me through whatever came up, answering my emails and phone calls in a prompt and friendly manner. In addition to Dan, people on his team such as Dana and Lesley were extremely helpful—professional, courteous, and reliable without exception. I can’t recommend them highly enough. Thanks for everything!
Cory S.
Why Choose Brazil Sweeney Law Group & Dan Brazil for Your Bicycle Crash Claim?
In addition to being an avid cyclist and a dedicated personal injury attorney with offices in Uptown, Dan has made it a mission of his to be a fierce advocate for pedestrian and cyclist rights.
- Dan is a member of the Bike Law Network and lead attorney of Bike Law Minnesota. Read more Bike Law Minnesota below.
- Dan is a sponsor of, blog contributor to, and overall advocate for the Minneapolis cycling community.
- Dan’s office participates in bike events like Wirth on Wednesdays (WoW) at Wirth Park every summer, has adopted a section of the Minneapolis Greenway corridor, and speaks on bike laws at local bike shops.
- Dan offices and lives in Uptown. He and his family regularly bike throughout Minneapolis, both on city streets and on the many bike paths throughout the Twin Cities.
- Dan creates great resources for cyclists, including this infographic.
In the end, it is why Dan does this that makes him such a great choice. When asked why he puts a great emphasis on pedestrian and bicyclist advocacy and education, Dan said this:
“I would rather spend my time educating people on their rights and responsibilities so they can avoid accidents, rather than step in after a bike crash. If this means working myself out of a job, I’m all for it.”
Injuries & Fault in Bicycle Accidents
Curious to know more? Check out our personal injury blog for posts on cycling and bike accidents. Here are a few highlights:
- What to Do When Getting Pulled Over on a Bike
- Top Biking Tips to Keep You Safe During the Winter
- Attorney Dan Brazil Speaks on Panel About Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety
- Bikers Beware: Drive Defensively in Minnesota
Read our blog post on pedestrian rights:
According to current statistics, cyclists and motor vehicle drivers share equal blame for the bicycle accidents and crashes that occur. For instance, drivers might:
- Pull out in front of a cyclist at the last minute
- Turn right across a marked bike lane
- Change lanes without signaling
- Door a cyclist (open a car door and knock a cyclist off the bike)
Often, drivers will claim they didn’t see the bike or cyclist before the accident occurred. Let’s make this clear now: Not seeing a cyclist who is there to be seen is not an excuse. The driver is still liable.
Cause and fault are not immediately clear. That is where it is helpful to have Brazil Sweeney Law Group and Minneapolis bike crash attorney Daniel J. Brazil by your side. Dan knows how to identify fault and liability, and he knows how to prepare a personal injury claim for court.
Minneapolis Bike Accident Lawyer
As cyclists ourselves, we take a different approach. We understand how important cycling is, and how devastating it can be to be hit by a car or a truck while riding a bike and suffer serious injuries. We also know what it is like to lose the ability or desire to ride. Our goal is to get you back up and riding again as soon as possible.
Once we get a case, we work with the police to get the facts right and to determine whether a motorist was at fault. We will guide you through medical treatment and medical bills, negotiate with insurance companies, and, when necessary, file a lawsuit and go to trial.
We also provide pro bono legal advice to cycling clubs and teams about insurance, organizational structure, advocacy efforts, bicycle safety and more. We regularly speak at bike club meetings and are happy to come to yours.
Bike Attorneys Are Advocates for All Cyclists
Lawyers in the Bike Law network like Dan are advocates for all cyclists. That means commuters, racers, beginners, and advanced riders. If you ride a bicycle for any reason, whether it be for pleasure, for transportation or for sport, we advocate for your bicycling rights and safety.
Bicycling lawyers are here to protect you on the road. By going after texting teenagers, speeding sports car drivers, drunk drivers, motorists who blow through stop signs or fail to yield right of way, or careless drivers who open their car door into a bike lane, you are sending a message to other drivers and insurance companies. You are saying, “We aren’t going to take it anymore!”
Dan has been dealing with this bicycle bias for years. It is the responsibility of both drivers and bike rides to be mindful, drive carefully, follow traffic laws and share the road. Know your rights and responsibilities to stay safer on the roads. Download our Minnesota bike law infographic!
With the growing number of cyclists on our roads and bike lanes in the Twin Cities, knowing you have an advocate like Dan on your side is critical to protecting your rights if you are injured.
