In Minnesota, bicycle accidents can happen in many different scenarios. One common situation that cyclists face is a collision with a car. If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident where a bicycle hits a car, understanding who is at fault can be complex. Determining liability can be challenging because several factors can come into play. These factors could include traffic laws, the actions of the cyclist and driver, and the specifics of the crash.
Who Is Typically at Fault in a Bicycle-Car Accident?
Determining liability in a bicycle-car collision depends on the circumstances of the crash. Minnesota law recognizes that both cyclists and drivers have a responsibility to operate their vehicles safely. If a bicycle hits a car, the fault could lie with either the driver, the cyclist, or both. It all depends on the situation. Here are some of the most common scenarios where fault may be assessed:
Driver’s Fault
In many cases, the driver may be at fault for the collision. Drivers owe a duty of care to other road users, including cyclists.
Some common driver behaviors that can lead to accidents with cyclists include:
- Failing to yield
- Reckless driving
- Failure to look for cyclists
- Driving Under the Influence
Drivers should be observant of their surroundings for cyclists, especially given the potentially devastating harm that can happen when a car hits a bicyclist.
Cyclist’s Fault
While drivers are often at fault, cyclists can also contribute to accidents. Cyclists are required to follow traffic laws and take reasonable precautions to ensure their safety.
Some scenarios where a cyclist might be at fault include:
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Riding in an unsafe manner
- Riding on the wrong side of the road
- Failure to maintain control of the bicycle
Bicyclists have an obligation to be aware of any possible dangers that could lead to a collision with a car.
Shared Fault (Comparative Fault)
In some cases, both the driver and the cyclist may share fault for the accident. Minnesota follows a modified comparative fault rule. This means that both parties may be found partially responsible for the accident. Under this system, each party’s percentage of fault is determined, and the amount of compensation a victim can receive is reduced based on their level of responsibility.
For example, if a driver is found to be 70% at fault and the cyclist is 30% at fault, the cyclist’s compensation would be reduced by 30%. If the cyclist is more than 51% responsible for the accident, they would not be eligible for compensation under Minnesota law.
How to Prove Fault in a Bicycle-Car Accident
Proving fault in a bicycle-car accident requires gathering evidence that supports your version of events.
Here’s how your personal injury attorney can help you build a strong case:
- Eyewitness testimony. Witnesses who saw the accident can provide crucial information about what happened. Whether it’s a pedestrian, another driver, or another cyclist, eyewitnesses can help clarify who was at fault in the collision.
- Surveillance footage. In some cases, nearby businesses, street cameras, or traffic cameras may have captured the accident on video. Surveillance footage can be incredibly valuable in proving who was at fault.
- Police reports. After a bicycle-car accident, law enforcement officers typically file a police report. The report will often include important details such as the location of the accident, statements of the parties, and an assessment of fault.
- Photographs of the accident scene. If you can, taking photos of the accident scene can help show the conditions that contributed to the accident. Your photos can show road hazards, weather conditions, or skid marks that may indicate how the accident happened.
- Medical records. Medical records documenting the injuries sustained in the crash can also be important. They help establish the severity of the injury and provide a timeline of the events following the accident.
- Expert testimony. In more complex cases, expert witnesses like accident reconstructionists may be called to provide testimony. These experts can analyze the evidence and provide an opinion about who was at fault based on the available data.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you should contact an experienced Minneapolis personal injury lawyer for help.
Contact the Minnesota Car Accident Law Firm of Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys For Help Today
For more information, please contact an experienced car accident lawyer at Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have three convenient locations in Minnesota, including Minneapolis, St. Cloud, and Edina.
We proudly serve Hennepin County, Stearns County, and its surrounding areas:
Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys – Minneapolis
825 Nicollet Mall, Suite 615
Minneapolis, MN 55402
(800) 292-1979
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 44.97514068188609, -93.27349979814521
