Wisconsin Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Motorcycle accidents are the reason behind the road’s deadliest types of crashes. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation reports that more than 2,500 motorcycle accidents happen each year in the state, nearly all leading to severe injuries.
Whether you have suffered serious injuries or lost a loved one in a Wisconsin motorcycle crash, a skilled motorcycle accident lawyer will help you navigate the complexities of filing an accident injury claim and maximum compensation.
At the Injury Lawyer Team, our Wisconsin motorcycle accident lawyers have successfully brought favorable outcomes for motorcycle accident victims in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Contact our law firm today to schedule a free consultation and explore your legal options.
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Wisconsin Motorcycle Accident Statistics and Facts to Know
Motorbike accidents are common in Milwaukee and across the State of Wisconsin. Riders often suffer traumatic brain injuries, amputation, spinal cord injuries, burns, road rash, internal organ damage, and other damages in a motorcycle crash.
The following statistics reflect the contributors behind such accidents and the importance of hiring an experienced motorcycle accident attorney.
- According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, in 2022, nearly 1,921 motorcycle crashes happened in Wisconsin in which 1,606 individuals were injured, 602 suffered serious injuries, and 80 of them were killed.
- The study conducted by an Ohio-based personal injury law firm, using data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, ranks Wisconsin as the 6th most dangerous state for motorcyclists.
- Forbes Advisor reports that more than one-third or 35 percent of motorcycle accident deaths take place at intersections.
- In 2022, nearly 18,171 motorcycle crashes involved speeding vehicles, causing 157 deaths.
- Over 23.5 percent of Wisconsin adults binge drink, the highest rate nationwide, exceeding the national average of 17 percent.
- Between 3 pm to 6 pm on weekdays and 6 pm to 9 pm on weekends the most number of motorcycle accident deaths happened in 2021.
- Passenger cars, light trucks, and motorcycles are the types of vehicles most involved in fatal crashes.
- Research conducted by the University of Southern California and sponsored by NHTSA shows that three-fourths of motorcycle accidents involved multiple vehicles, and two-thirds of these were caused by vehicle drivers who failed to yield to motorcyclists.
What are the Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin law enables victims injured in a motorcycle crash to recover compensation with the guidance of an experienced Wisconsin motorcycle accident lawyer, who will safeguard your rights and obtain a favorable outcome.
Wisconsin motorcycle accidents are often the result of motorists failing to follow traffic rules and practicing negligence. Below are the most common types of motorcycle accidents the state’s roads witness:
- T-Bone Accidents: Also known as a side impact collision, a “T-bone” collision happens when the front of one vehicle crashes into the side of another vehicle, forming a “T” shape. T-bone accidents usually occur at an intersection or when one vehicle fails to yield the right of way, causing traumatic brain injury injuries or fatalities for the motorcyclist. According to the NHTSA, nearly 8,000 people are killed every year nationwide in T-bone collisions.
- Head-On Collisions: This is when the front end of a motorcycle collides directly with the front of another vehicle. Head-on collisions usually happen when both vehicles are speeding and one driver is traveling in the wrong lane and direction. Forbes Advisor reports that more than two-thirds or 76 percent of motorcycle accidents were head-on collisions in 2022.
- Rear-End Collisions: A rear-end Wisconsin motorcycle accident happens when a vehicle crashes into the back of a motorcycle from behind, often throwing the motorist off the bike and causing serious injuries or fatalities.
- Left-Turn Crashes: A left-turn collision happens when a vehicle making a left turn strikes a motorcycle, usually at an intersection. When the other vehicle fails to yield the right of way to the motorcycle, it leads to fatal left-turn motorbike accidents. In 2017, the NHTSA reported 2,598 fatal motorcycle accidents, in which, 1,098 motorcyclists (42%) were killed in left-turn accidents.
- Lane Splitting: Under Wisconsin law, lane splitting is illegal. Essentially, lane splitting is when a motorcycle drives between two lanes of slow and congested traffic. The proximity of the motorbike to other vehicles makes it difficult to navigate safely between the vehicles, resulting in an accident.
- Motorcycle Manufacturing or Design Flaw: Sometimes, accidents happen because of issues with the motorcycle’s design or parts, rather than the rider’s fault. For example, faulty tires, defective brakes, leaky gas tank, or weak kickstand. In these cases, the motorcycle’s manufacturer or a repair shop could be held liable for the accident injuries.
Understanding Wisconsin Modified Comparative Fault Rule
The state of Wisconsin follows the modified comparative fault law, in all personal injury cases, including motorcycle accidents. Meaning, that if the injured party is 51% or more at fault for the accident, then they are not eligible for recovering any damages. If they have 50% or less of the liability (or fault) for the accident, they can recover damages, reduced by their percentage of fault.
For example, if your Wisconsin motorcycle accident damages are worth $60,000 and you are determined to be 20% liable for the accident injuries, then the damages will be reduced by 20%. Instead of receiving $12,000, the court or the insurance company would award you $36,000.
What are the Insurance Requirements for Motorcyclists in Wisconsin?
A motorcycle rider must have the minimum insurance coverage. Typically, requirements for minimum insurance coverage vary from state to state. Wisconsin state law requires bike riders to carry a minimum insurance of 25/50/10 on their motorcycle. Let’s understand what 25/50/10:
- $10,000 in property damage (PD) coverage for a single accident
- $25,000 in bodily injury (BI) liability per person in a single accident
- $50,000 in bodily injury coverage for injury or death of multiple persons in a single accident
Wisconsin requires motorcyclists to carry uninsured motorist coverage for accidents where the motorcyclist is injured by a driver without any insurance. A motorbike should also consider additional insurance if the incurred damages exceed liability coverage in a serious accident.
How Much is the Worth of My Motorcycle Accident Claim?
In reality, there’s no formula for calculating the settlement value of a Wisconsin motorcycle accident case since every case is unique. However, drawing from our law industry experience, our personal injury lawyers have listed some factors that may affect how much worth your motorcycle accident claim will be:
- Is there clear evidence proving another party’s fault in the collision? For instance, if a truck driver crashed into your motorcycle’s front side because of exceeding the acceptable speed limit.
- Was the other driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the Wisconsin motorcycle accident?
- What specific injuries did you sustain as a result of the motorcycle crash?
- What medical treatment did you undergo for your injuries sustained in the motorcycle wreck?
- What is the total amount of your medical expenses related to the motorcycle wreck?
- Did the accident result in any loss of work time for you?
- What is the extent of insurance coverage carried by the at-fault driver?
- Do you possess uninsured motorist coverage if the other driver lacked insurance?
How to Avoid a Motorcycle Crash: 7 Safety Best Practices
Most motorcycle accidents happen because one or both vehicle drivers are violating traffic laws, speeding, or passing an intersection without looking out for others’ safety. Poor infrastructure or weather conditions can also result in motorbike crashes.
Catastrophic motorcycle accidents lead to serious injuries like multiple fractures, organ damage, burns, brain injuries, and property damage. Hence, bike riders themselves must drive responsibly and follow Wisconsin motorcycle laws.
Our Wisconsin motorcycle accident lawyers recommend safety best practices as mentioned:
- Complete a motorcycle driving course to learn the rules of the road and gain practical experience in handling tricky situations.
- Obtain a Class M operator license as mandated by Wisconsin state law.
- Get yourself motorcycle insurance that will help protect you if you ever get involved in an accident.
- Wear protective gear including a safety helmet, eye gear, leather clothing, and non-slip gloves that reduce the risk of a serious injury.
- Maintain the health of your motorcycle. Inspect turn signals, headlights, taillights, brakes, handlebars, and tire pressure. Clean the mirrors, replace the air filter, and regularly check the fuel.
- Be aware of Wisconsin motorcycle traffic laws and follow the rules of the road sincerely.
- Avoid driving when under alcohol influence, fatigued, or engaging in lane splitting.
Hire a Wisconsin Motorcycle Accident Lawyer to Fight for Your Rights
A motorcycle accident lawyer is well-versed in personal injury law or tort law, from representing clients in court to negotiating settlements with insurance companies. They specialize in helping motorcycle accident victims seek maximum compensation for their injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages resulting from the accident. In this way, you can rest assured that your motorcycle wreck case will bring favorable outcomes.
The primary benefits of engaging the services of an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Wisconsin are:
- A motorcycle accident attorney will gather the necessary pieces of evidence, for example, medical records, police reports, photos or videos of the motorcycle crash scene, and witness testimonies to establish the other party’s liability.
- Wisconsin motorcycle accident lawyers will calculate your motorcycle accident claim’s value, adding both economic and non-economic damages.
- Using their knowledge of personal injury law and industry experience, Wisconsin motorcycle accident attorneys tactfully negotiate with the insurance company to maximize recompense for the victims.
- If the accident case reaches trial, the lawyer will represent the client in court, presenting evidence, examining witnesses, and arguing the case before a judge or jury. They will build a strong legal argument and strive to secure a favorable verdict.
- Wisconsin motorcycle accident lawyers are experts in managing legal paperwork, allowing their clients to focus on recovery with peace of mind.
- Most importantly, Wisconsin motorcycle accident attorneys at our law firm work on a contingency fee basis, meaning no charges unless the injury lawyer recovers compensation for the victim’s accident severe injuries.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with Our Wisconsin Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Were you or your loved one harmed in a motorcycle collision? Do you want to file a motorcycle accident claim or lawsuit against negligent parties and seek maximum compensation for your damages?
Our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys at the Injury Lawyer Team sponsored by Rosenfeld Law offices, have years of experience filing motorbike accident lawsuits and representing injured victims in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Contact us today at (888) 424-5757 for a free initial case evaluation. We accept all motorcycle accident cases on a contingency fee agreement. This arrangement ensures you pay nothing until your motorcycle accident attorney resolves your claim through a negotiated settlement or jury award.