Bicycle Accidents

Bicyclists share the road with cars, trucks, and buses every day—but when drivers fail to pay attention, the consequences can be catastrophic. Cyclists have little protection against impact, and even a low-speed crash can cause life-altering injuries.


At Goss Law, we represent cyclists who have been injured by negligent drivers, unsafe road conditions, or poorly maintained bike lanes. Our mission is to provide straightforward, results-driven legal representation for people who have suffered serious injuries and need help navigating the aftermath of a bicycle accident.

Protecting the Rights of Injured Cyclists Throughout Minneapolis and the Twin Cities

Understanding Bicycle Accidents in Minnesota

Minnesota’s cycling culture continues to grow, especially in major metro areas like Minneapolis. Unfortunately, driver negligence still poses a major threat to rider safety. Many bicycle accidents happen because drivers:

  • Fail to yield at intersections or crosswalks
  • Open car doors without checking for cyclists (“dooring”)
  • Make unsafe turns or lane changes
  • Drive distracted or under the influence
  • Ignore bike lanes or designated cyclist crossings

When a car strikes a cyclist, the impact can cause traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, fractures, and internal injuries. In some cases, victims face lifelong medical care, permanent disability, or emotional trauma that changes every aspect of daily life.

At Goss Law, we believe cyclists deserve respect and legal protection. We handle each case with care, focusing on accountability, clear communication, and securing compensation that reflects the full extent of your injuries.

We Handle Complex Bicycle Accident Claims with Precision

Bicycle accident cases often involve multiple parties and disputed evidence. Our legal team works with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and insurance specialists to build strong cases based on facts, not assumptions.

Cyclist injured on a crosswalk after a crash, with blood visible. A person in beige coat looks on.

Common Bicycle Accident Injuries

Because cyclists lack the protection of seatbelts, airbags, or steel frames, injuries in these accidents are often severe. We regularly represent clients who have suffered:

  • Head and brain injuries, including concussions and TBIs
  • Neck and back injuries, such as herniated discs and spinal fractures
  • Broken bones and dislocations
  • Road rash and soft tissue injuries
  • Internal organ damage
  • Emotional distress and PTSD following the crash

These injuries may require long-term rehabilitation, multiple surgeries, or ongoing physical therapy. Insurance companies often underestimate the true cost of these medical needs. Our firm fights to ensure victims receive compensation that accounts for both current and future expenses.



Who Is Liable in a Bicycle Accident?

Determining liability in a bicycle accident depends on how and where the crash occurred. The responsible party may include:

  • A negligent driver who failed to yield or maintain awareness of cyclists
  • A municipality or property owner responsible for unsafe road conditions
  • A vehicle manufacturer or bike component maker in cases involving defective parts
  • Other cyclists or pedestrians, in rare cases where shared paths lead to collisions

Our team at Goss Law identifies all potential sources of liability, ensuring every negligent party is held accountable. We also evaluate all available insurance coverage, including auto insurance, homeowner’s insurance, or uninsured/underinsured motorist policies, to make sure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.

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Cyclists Deserve Respect

Our team at Goss Law identifies all potential sources of liability, ensuring every negligent party is held accountable. We also evaluate all available insurance coverage, including auto insurance, homeowner’s insurance, or uninsured/underinsured motorist policies, to make sure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.

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Accidents Require Fast Action

Time is critical after a bicycle accident. Evidence—such as skid marks, damaged road surfaces, and surveillance footage—can disappear quickly. Insurance adjusters often contact victims soon after a crash, pushing for recorded statements or low settlements before the full medical picture is known.

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Built for Complex Cases

When you contact Goss Law, we act immediately to preserve evidence, manage communication with insurers, and document every aspect of your case. We handle the legal details so you can focus on what matters most: healing and recovery.

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FAQs

  • What should I do after being hit by a car while riding my bike in Minneapolis?

    After a bicycle accident, your first priority should always be safety and medical care. Call 911 immediately, even if injuries seem minor—head trauma and internal injuries often don’t show symptoms right away. Once you’re safe, try to document the scene by taking photos of your bike, the vehicle, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Collect the driver’s contact and insurance information, and get statements or names from any witnesses.


    Ask responding officers for a copy of the police report, which will be critical evidence later. Avoid admitting fault or making recorded statements to insurance adjusters before speaking with an attorney.


    At Goss Law, our Minneapolis bicycle accident lawyers handle every detail of your claim—investigating the collision, collecting evidence, and managing insurance communications. We ensure that the driver and their insurer are held accountable. Acting quickly is vital: early legal involvement helps preserve witness statements, video footage, and physical evidence.


    If you’ve been hit by a car while biking anywhere in Minnesota, contact Goss Law as soon as possible. We’ll guide you through medical claims, insurance coverage, and compensation recovery—so you can focus on getting back on your feet.

  • Can I still recover compensation if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?

    Yes. In Minnesota, cyclists who weren’t wearing helmets at the time of a crash can still recover compensation for their injuries. There is no state law requiring adult cyclists to wear helmets, and not wearing one does not automatically make you at fault for an accident. However, the opposing insurance company may argue that your injuries were made worse by not wearing one—a tactic known as “comparative fault.”


    Even if the insurer succeeds in showing partial responsibility, you may still recover damages under Minnesota’s comparative negligence system, which allows compensation as long as you are not more than 50% at fault.


    At Goss Law, we push back against unfair blame tactics. Our attorneys work with medical and biomechanical experts to show that the cause of your injury was the driver’s negligence—not your lack of protective gear. Whether the collision involved distracted driving, speeding, or failure to yield, we ensure the evidence speaks for itself.


    Cyclists deserve respect and protection under the law. Our bicycle injury lawyers in Minneapolis fight to make sure a missing helmet doesn’t keep you from getting the recovery you deserve.

  • What kinds of compensation are available after a bicycle accident in Minnesota?

    If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation that covers both your financial and emotional losses. This includes economic damages (like medical costs and lost wages) and non-economic damages (such as pain and suffering or loss of enjoyment of life).


    Compensation in a bicycle injury claim may include:


    Medical expenses (ER care, surgeries, rehabilitation, ongoing treatment)


    Lost wages and loss of future earning potential


    Pain and emotional suffering


    Permanent disability or disfigurement


    Property damage to your bicycle and gear


    Loss of consortium or companionship (for family members in severe cases)


    At Goss Law, we conduct detailed financial and medical reviews to calculate the true value of your case. Insurance companies often offer quick settlements that don’t reflect the long-term impact of a serious injury. Our Minneapolis bicycle accident attorneys know how to identify every available source of recovery—whether from the driver’s insurance, your uninsured/underinsured motorist policy, or additional liable parties.


    We fight to make sure your settlement reflects not just what you’ve lost today, but the challenges you’ll face tomorrow.

  • What if my bicycle accident was caused by bad road conditions or lack of signage?

    Not all bicycle accidents involve a negligent driver. Sometimes, the true cause lies in poorly maintained roads, defective bike lanes, or missing signage. In these cases, the responsible party could be a city, county, or state agency, or even a private contractor responsible for road maintenance.


    Cracked pavement, deep potholes, unmarked construction zones, or malfunctioning traffic signals can all lead to devastating crashes. When this happens, the process of filing a claim becomes more complicated because government entities are protected by special notice and filing requirements under Minnesota law.


    At Goss Law, we understand how to pursue these cases effectively. Our attorneys investigate whether proper maintenance standards were followed, whether prior complaints existed, and whether the city or contractor failed to take action. We work with engineering and safety experts to build a compelling case for negligence.


    If you were injured in a crash caused by unsafe infrastructure in Minneapolis or the Twin Cities, don’t assume you’re without options. Goss Law helps injured cyclists navigate government claims processes and fight for fair compensation against even the toughest defendants.

  • Why should I hire a Minneapolis bicycle accident lawyer instead of handling it myself?

    Bicycle accident cases can seem straightforward—but in reality, they often involve complex evidence, medical documentation, and insurance disputes. Insurers frequently undervalue bike injury claims, arguing that cyclists were partially at fault or that their injuries aren’t as severe as reported. Without experienced legal help, it’s easy to settle for far less than you need or deserve.


    At Goss Law, we take a hands-on, transparent approach to every case. Our team:


    Investigates the cause of the crash using accident reconstruction experts.


    Gathers police reports, witness statements, and medical evidence.


    Negotiates aggressively with insurers for full compensation.


    Handles all communication so you can focus on recovery.


    Prepares for trial if the insurance company refuses to act fairly.


    We don’t make unrealistic promises—we deliver practical, honest advocacy. With over a decade serving Minnesota’s cycling community, we understand the laws, the tactics insurers use, and the value of persistence.


    Hiring a Minneapolis bicycle accident attorney ensures your case is handled professionally from start to finish, giving you the best chance at meaningful recovery and justice.

Contact a Minneapolis Bicycle Accident Attorney

We handle the hard cases with the strength and strategy they demand.

  • Focused on serious injuries: We represent victims with life-altering injuries who need strong advocacy and experienced guidance.
  • Local experience: Based in downtown Minneapolis, we know the unique risks cyclists face on Twin Cities streets.
  • Honest, practical approach: We don’t overpromise — we explain your options clearly and fight for realistic, meaningful results.
  • Comprehensive investigations: We work with top experts to prove liability and demonstrate the long-term impact of your injuries.
  • Client-first communication: You’ll always know where your case stands and what comes next.