Why Wisconsin Motorcycle Crashes Are Severe
Motorcyclists have little protection in a collision, so even a low-speed crash can cause serious or permanent injuries — road rash, fractures, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal damage. Wisconsin's short but intense riding season means heavy motorcycle traffic on scenic routes, and the most common cause of crashes is a driver who fails to see a motorcycle when turning or changing lanes.
Wisconsin Helmet and Insurance Law
Wisconsin requires helmets only for riders under 18 and those with an instruction permit; adult riders are not legally required to wear one. Importantly, the absence of a helmet does not automatically bar recovery, though insurers may try to use it to reduce a claim. An experienced attorney can counter these tactics and focus the case on the at-fault driver's negligence under Wisconsin's comparative negligence rule.
Overcoming Bias Against Riders
Insurance adjusters and juries sometimes carry an unfair bias against motorcyclists, assuming the rider was reckless. Building a strong case means documenting the rider's lawful behavior, reconstructing the crash, and showing how the other driver caused it. The goal is to shift the focus to the facts and the full extent of the rider's injuries.
Compensation for Injured Riders
Injured Wisconsin riders may recover medical expenses, lost income, diminished earning capacity, motorcycle damage, and pain and suffering. Catastrophic injuries warrant claims for lifelong care. Because Wisconsin does not cap most compensatory damages in ordinary cases, a well-documented serious motorcycle claim is not artificially limited.
Injured in Wisconsin? Get a free, confidential case review today. There's no obligation, and you pay no fee unless you win. Call 973-566-5599.
Frequently Asked Questions
Adults are not required to wear one, and not wearing a helmet does not automatically bar your claim, though insurers may raise it.
'I didn't see the motorcycle' is not a defense to negligence. Failing to yield or watch for riders is the driver's fault.
Generally three years from the crash under Wisconsin law.
This page is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For guidance on your specific situation, consult a licensed Wisconsin attorney.