Minneapolis consistently ranks as one of the best biking cities in the U.S. thanks to extensive bike infrastructure, safety initiatives and a strong cycling culture. And for the most part, cycling is a is a safe, healthy and low-cost way to get around, but with more cyclists taking to the streets the risk of accidents also increases.
When with think of bike accidents, we often think of reckless drivers, poorly designed intersections and narrow roadways, but there are other dangers that cyclists face. Potholes, poorly maintained bike lanes, broken glass, loose gravel and construction materials can be hazardous to bikers. If you have suffered injuries in a bike accident caused by road debris, there is a good chance you could recover compensation for your injuries and should contact a bike accident lawyer to discuss your case.
Hazardous Road Debris for Cyclists
While local authorities are generally responsible for maintaining roads and removing hazards like debris, cyclists should be aware of potential hazards and take steps to avoid them. Maintain a safe speed and scan the road ahead for hazards such as:
- Potholes, broken and uneven pavement that could throw you off balance
- Broken glass and other sharp objects that could puncture your tires
- Metal grates and manhole covers that can create slippery riding conditions
- Loose gravel and stones that could cause your bike to skid or lose traction
- Narrow shoulders, parked cars and unexpected obstacles that could force you into a dangerous situation
- Branches, littler and other objects in the road that could force you to swerve
If you see or come across any hazardous road conditions, you should report them to the relevant authorities to ensure timely removal and prevent future accidents.
Who’s Liable for a Bicycle Accident Caused by Dangerous Road Conditions?
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident that was caused by a road hazard, you may be wondering if you have legal recourse. There are a number of factors that come into play, but in Minnesota, the liability could fall on the person or entity responsible for maintaining the road where the accident took place. That could be:
- The city or county government if the accident took place on a public street or bike lane.
- Minnesota Department for Transportation (MnDot) if the accident occurred on a state road or highway.
- The property owner if the accident took place on private property such as a parking lot or private road
- A contractor, construction or utility company if the hazard was the result of work they were performing
This type of claim is known as premises liability and while it is possible to take legal action it can be challenging. You would need to be able to demonstrate negligence. And, in order to hold a government agency or contractor liable for your injuries or losses, you will also need to show that the entity knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to fix it within a reasonable amount of time. Having an experienced bike accident attorney on your side to help can gather evidence to support your claim, negotiate with the government agency or their insurance company on your behalf and, if necessary, represent you in court can help to get you the compensation you deserve.
Our Minneapolis Attorneys Can Represent Your Bicycle Accident Injury Case
The talented personal injury attorneys at Brazil Sweeney Law Group understand the unique issues faced by cyclists and are here to advocate for you and your rights. If you’ve been involved in a bike crash caused by a road hazard, debris or pothole, we can help. Contact us today to speak with one of our experienced bicycle accident lawyers for a free, no-obligation case review. There’s no fee unless we win.