What should I do immediately after a motorcycle accident?
After a motorcycle accident, your health and safety come first. Even if you feel well, call 911, move to a safe location if you can, and accept prompt medical evaluation. If you are able, take photos or video of the crash site, your bike, the other vehicles, and your injuries, and obtain names and contact information from witnesses. Do not discuss details with any insurance company until you have talked with your lawyer.
What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet during the crash? Can I still file a claim?
Yes, you can often still file a motorcycle accident claim even if you were not wearing a helmet when the crash occurred. In many Wisconsin motorcycle accidents, the main question is whether another driver, trucking company, or other party caused the collision. Insurance companies may argue that the lack of a helmet affected your injuries, but a Wisconsin Biker Lawyer can work to show that the other party’s conduct caused the crash itself. You should not assume you have no rights simply because you were riding without a helmet.
What compensation can I recover after a motorcycle crash?
Compensation after a motorcycle crash may include payment for medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and future treatment related to your injuries. You may also pursue damages for lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, and the cost of repairing or replacing your motorcycle and riding gear. A motorcycle accident lawyer can review your situation and explain which categories of damages may apply to your case.
How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim?
In Wisconsin, most personal injury lawsuits arising from motorcycle accidents must be filed within three years from the date of the crash, although some claims must be filed sooner, such as those involving government entities. This time limit is known as the statute of limitations, and missing it can prevent you from recovering any compensation in court. Because there are exceptions and special rules, especially in wrongful death and municipal cases, it is important to speak with a Wisconsin motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible after a crash. Wisconsin’s Biker Lawyer can provide prompt legal guidance to protect evidence and strengthen your claim.
How is fault determined in motorcycle accidents?
Fault in motorcycle accidents is usually determined by looking at all available evidence from the crash. This can involve police reports, scene photographs, skid marks, vehicle damage, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and sometimes expert accident reconstruction. In Wisconsin, fault may be shared among multiple parties under comparative negligence rules, and insurance companies often attempt to blame the rider. Wisconsin’s Biker Lawyer can work to show how the other driver, truck, or road condition caused or contributed to the collision.
Do I have to go to court to get a settlement?
Wisconsin motorcycle accident claims can often be resolved through negotiated settlements without a trial. Your lawyer can present evidence, calculate your losses, and negotiate with insurance companies in an effort to reach the best settlement for you. However, if the insurer refuses to offer an amount that fairly reflects your injuries and damages, filing a lawsuit and preparing for court may be the best way to pursue full compensation. Davidson Law Office – Wisconsin’s Biker Lawyer – is ready to take that step when necessary to protect injured riders’ rights.
Let’s Get You Back on the Road
If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident, you need a lawyer who understands the ride, the risks, and the recovery. Attorney Kevin Davidson is here to help.
