$3M wrongful death settlement in Minnesota bicycle crash

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In Brief

• A judge approved a $3 million wrongful death settlement involving a fatal bicycle crash in North Oaks.
• Vincent Grundman, 72, died after being struck and run over by a vehicle while riding his bicycle in November 2024.
• The lawsuit alleged driver negligence, while the defense argued Grundman’s own conduct contributed to the crash.
• Farmers Insurance funded the settlement, with the remaining proceeds distributed among Grundman’s surviving siblings.

Mankato firm Knutson + Casey Law PLLP has announced a $3 million settlement in a wrongful death suit. The suit was brought by the family of the man who was struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle.

Vincent Grundman, 72, was riding his bicycle in North Oaks on Nov. 7, 2024. William Struder was in a vehicle when he collided with Grundman and his bicycle. Grundman was critically injured by the accident and later died due to his injuries.

Michael Grundman, decedent’s brother and trustee, filed a wrongful death suit in February 2026 against Studer. Michael Grundman alleged that Studer was negligent, and that his negligence resulted in pecuniary loss and wrongful death damages. He also asserted that Grundman suffered critical injuries, had pain and emotional distress, and had knowledge of his impending death, all of which should be compensated.

While plaintiff argued that Vincent Grundman was lawfully riding his bicycle, defendant claimed that plaintiff was not lawful when riding his bicycle. In his answer to the complaint, defendant maintained that the plaintiff’s injuries were due to negligence, carelessness, fault or unlawful conduct of Grundman.

Struder was indemnified by Farmers Insurance Co. Ultimately, the parties settled.

A total settlement of $3 million has been approved by Judge Stephen Smith, Second Judicial District. Farmers Insurance paid $3 million to settle the wrongful death suit. From that, Michael was authorized and ordered to pay $1 million in attorney’s fees. Knutson + Casey Law waived firm costs of nearly $30,000. Grundman’s siblings will each get 25% of the remainder.

“This was a tragic and senseless loss for the Grundman family,” said attorney Randall Knutson in a press release. “Vincent was simply riding his bicycle, and doing nothing wrong, when his life was cut short by a negligent driver. Our firm is honored to have represented the family and to have secured a result that provides them meaningful financial security.”