Motorcycling offers freedom and exhilaration that is unmatched on the open road. However, this sense of liberation comes with inherent risks in Milwaukee, WI. Motorcycle accidents can be life-altering events leading to serious injuries or even fatalities, accompanied by significant emotional and financial burdens.
As dedicated Milwaukee motorcycle accident attorneys, we genuinely understand the challenging aftermath you may face following an accident. If someone else’s negligence caused your accident in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, we’re here to help. Contact Trial Lawyers of Wisconsin at (414) 299 6378 to speak with a Milwaukee motorcycle accident lawyer.
How Trial Lawyers of Wisconsin Can Help if You’re in a Motorcycle Accident in Milwaukee
If you find yourself the victim of an accident in Milwaukee, WI, seeking legal counsel is essential for navigating the complexities that follow.
Here’s how working with a Milwaukee motorcycle accident attorney from our firm can help you:
- We will evaluate and investigate your case thoroughly, collecting evidence that will help prove your case.
- Dealing with insurance companies is not always easy. We will handle all communication with them to ensure they don’t take advantage of you and provide you with less compensation than you’re entitled to.
- If we can’t obtain a fair settlement offer, we will take your case to trial and fight for you in the courtroom.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, we are committed to providing strong advocacy and support throughout each step of this challenging process. Contact Trial Lawyers of Wisconsin to schedule a free consultation with a Milwaukee personal injury lawyer.
How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents in Milwaukee, Wisconsin?
Motorcycle accidents are unfortunately not uncommon occurrences in Wisconsin and on Milwaukee’s roads, as reflected in recent statistics:
- In 2021, across Wisconsin, there were a total of 2,082 motorcycle crashes, leading to 120 fatalities.
- In 2022 in Wisconsin, there were 1,921 motorcycle accidents, leading to 80 fatalities.
- Between the years of 2018 and 2020, 674 motorcyclists were killed or injured in accidents in Milwaukee. More than half of them were not wearing helmets.
These figures underscore the risks motorcyclists face and the importance of taking legal action when involved in an accident.
What Is My Motorcycle Accident Case Worth?
The value of a motorcycle accident case can be difficult to estimate as it depends on numerous variables that are unique to each situation.
Key factors impacting the worth of your case might include:
- The severity and nature of your motorcycle accident injuries
- Medical expenses incurred and costs for future care, like continued rehabilitation
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity due to injury resulting from the traffic collision
- Insurance policies available
- The competence of your legal representation
- The defendant’s willingness to settle
For a comprehensive evaluation of what you’re entitled to and to maximize potential compensation, contacting an experienced personal injury attorney is crucial.
What Kind of Damages Are Available to Motorcycle Accident Victims?
Motorcycle accident victims may be eligible for several types of damages to compensate for the losses suffered due to the crash. The primary categories of compensation include:
Economic Damages
Economic damages are losses that are relatively easy to quantify in monetary terms, often including compensation for medical bills, property damage, and loss of earnings during recovery.
Non-economic Damages
Non-economic damages are more difficult to quantify because they don’t have a dollar amount attached to them. These can include pain and suffering, loss of quality of life, or loss of consortium, for example.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are designed to punish a defendant for particularly harmful behavior and are less common than economic and non-economic damages. For these to be awarded, the defendant must have acted maliciously or in reckless disregard of your rights or interests.
To fully understand what types of damages you might be entitled to, reach out to a motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Can I Recover Compensation if I’m Being Blamed for a Motorcycle Accident in Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin, even if you are partially at fault for a motorcycle accident, compensation may still be available to you due to the state’s comparative negligence law. If your share of blame is determined to be 50% or less, you can recover damages, though they would be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
If you were more than 50% responsible for the accident, you wouldn’t be able to recover any damages at all.
We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All of Your Motorcycle Injuries
Motorcycle accidents often result in more serious injuries than other vehicle collisions due to the lack of protective barriers offered by a car or truck.
Here’s a list of common injuries motorcyclists may sustain:
- Road rash
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Fractures and broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries, potentially leading to paralysis
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Limb amputation
- Facial fractures and dental injuries
- Burns
- Nerve damage
Suffering from any of these injuries in a motorcycle accident can be life-altering, and legal help is necessary.
What Causes Most Motorcycle Accidents in Milwaukee, Wisconsin?
Motorcycle accidents can result for a variety of reasons. Below are some prominent causes:
Negligence by Other Drivers
Drivers may engage in dangerous activities while operating their vehicles, like not checking blind spots or failing to yield, which can contribute to incidents involving a motorcycle rider.
Reckless or Aggressive Driving
Careless maneuvers, speeding, tailgating, or erratic lane changes by either the motorcyclist or another driver can increase the risk of motorcycle accidents.
Poor Weather Conditions
Inclement weather can impair visibility, reduce traction, and affect the stability of motorcycles much more than cars. Keep a close eye on road conditions caused by rain or snowfall.
Suppose you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident caused by any of these factors. In that case, legal support is important when navigating the consequences and trying to obtain the maximum compensation you may be entitled to.
How Do I Prove Negligence After a Motorcycle Accident in Wisconsin?
Proving negligence after a motorcycle accident in Wisconsin typically involves establishing the following key elements:
Duty of Care
Show that the defendant owed you a duty of care – this means they were expected to act reasonably to prevent injury toward others on the road. For example, a driver has an obligation to remain attentive and follow traffic laws while operating their vehicle.
Breach of Duty
You must prove that this duty was breached through an action or failure to act responsibly. A breach of duty can occur in many forms, such as a motorist texting while driving, resulting in them not seeing a motorcyclist and colliding with them on the road.
Causation
There needs to be evidence showing how their behavior caused your accident and, thus, the resulting injuries.
Damages
You must demonstrate actual damages, which can be your physical injuries backed by medical records as well financial losses such as lost wages and property damage.
Proving negligence in a motorcycle accident case can be complicated, but with the help of an experienced attorney, it is possible to effectively gather evidence and construct a sound legal argument to prove someone else was negligent.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Motorcycle Accident in Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin, the statute of limitations for a motorcycle accident claim is generally three years after the date of your injury. However, there are several exceptions to be aware of:
The Discovery Rule
Sometimes injuries from an accident may not be immediately apparent. In these cases, the statute of limitations doesn’t begin until you discover or should have discovered the injury.
Injuries to Minors
Suppose a minor is injured in a motorcycle accident. In that case, they typically have until two years after their 18th birthday to file a personal injury claim, regardless of when the actual injury occurred.
Claims Against Government Entities
When accidents involving government entities occur, there’s a significantly shortened timeline for action. Victims must typically notify the proper agency about their claims within 180 days of the accident to pursue compensation.
Given these variations in the deadline, it’s important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after your motorcycle accident. The exact deadline for filing can be complicated, and missing this deadline will prevent you from recovering any compensation at all.
Contact Our Milwaukee Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one have been involved in a motorcycle accident in Milwaukee, WI, allow our compassionate and experienced attorneys to guide and represent you through each step of seeking justice. We’re here to advocate for your rights, working tirelessly to get your deserved compensation.
We work on a contingency fee basis, allowing you to secure our legal help without paying upfront costs. Instead, we only receive compensation if you do. Contact Trial Lawyers of Wisconsin today to schedule a free consultation with a Milwaukee motorcycle accident lawyer.