Are Motorcycle Helmets Required in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin enforces Universal Helmet laws, which means that motorcycle helmets are a legal requirement for motorcyclists under age 18 and users on instructional permits. A helmet with a chin strap that is properly fastened is mandatory.
Despite not being legally mandatory for all motorcycle users, wearing a helmet prevents many avoidable injuries and deaths. Helmets reduce the risk of death by 37% and help to reduce the risk of head injury.
In states without Universal Helmet laws, 57% of those who died in motorcycle accidents in 2019 were not wearing helmets, compared to just 9% who were not wearing helmets in states enforcing these laws.
Many insurance companies try to blame motorcyclists for accidents, even if they’re practicing safe driving habits. Motorcycle accidents can cause severe injuries such as paralysis, traumatic brain injury, and sometimes even a fatality.
The legal team at Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers can determine whether you are entitled to financial compensation for your motorcycle injuries.
Motorcyclists are More Vulnerable
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcyclists are 29 times more likely to die and 4 times more likely to be injured in road accidents than those in passenger vehicles.
Motorcycles are more difficult to see on the road due to their smaller size and passenger vehicle blind spots. Some car operators also fail to treat motorcyclists with the same caution and respect that they give to other road users.
Even with the proper gear, riders trade agility for safety and are vulnerable without the structural protection offered by a car or truck. Additionally, passenger vehicle users have the added security of seatbelts and airbags, protecting them from severe injury.
Potholes, grate bridges, and road debris also elevate the risk of injury to motorcyclists.
Unfair Blame on Motorcyclists
At Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers, we know that insurance companies often place unfair blame on motorcyclists regardless of whether the rider is following the law. The most cautious drivers can still be involved in accidents due to factors outside their control. Poorly maintained roads, inefficient signage, and distracted drivers are all examples of hazards that motorcyclists cannot be held accountable for.
Having an experienced law firm on your side protects you from biased insurance companies and avoids any unfair blame you may encounter as a motorcycle user.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents are common in Wisconsin, with 2,104 accidents involving motorcycles reported in Wisconsin in 2020. This includes over 1,700 injuries and 112 deaths. Motorcycle accidents accounted for over 20% of the fatalities on Wisconsin roads in the same year.
Motorcycle accidents can be life-altering, both financially and emotionally. Personal injuries may require surgery, rehabilitation, and physical and occupational therapy. You may be unable to work as you recover from your injuries, leading to further financial pressure.
The tort system is used in Wisconsin when determining liability in a crash. The party at fault is responsible for covering any financial costs resulting from the accident, such as property damage, medical expenses, and lost income. As you focus on recovering from the accident, our motorcycle accident legal team can handle the following for you:
- Collect evidence such as witness statements, photo and video surveillance, police and traffic reports, and medical records to help build a case
- Calculate your accident-related expenses
- Negotiate with the insurance company to get you fair compensation
- Advise you on whether to take a settlement or progress to court
Motorcyclists May Need Significant Compensation
Motorcyclists face additional risks, like falling off their bikes or colliding with open car doors. This increases the chance of accidents and injuries on the road. The vulnerability of motorcyclists also increases the risk of more serious injuries, such as spinal paralysis and brain trauma.
The severity of the injuries, loss of earnings, and amount of rehabilitation required can result in increased compensation for motorcycle-related injuries. Our Fox Cities motorcycle accident attorneys can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Making an Accident-Related Claim
If you have been injured in a Wisconsin motorcycle accident, our dedicated legal team can accurately calculate the compensation you deserve. We negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to ensure all current and future accident-related expenses are covered.
Contact Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers today for a free case review with one of our lawyers to discuss your legal options following an accident.