Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Milwaukee

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Milwaukee, Wisconsin?

  To report a non-emergency situation in Milwaukee, such as a parking violation, noise complaint, or disturbance to neighbors, call 414-933-4444.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Milwaukee, Wisconsin?

  You can get police reports by sending an email to mpdopenrecords@milwaukee.gov or going to the Open Records Office Counter at 2333 N. 49th Street (2nd Floor), Milwaukee, WI 53210, and asking for them in person. The Open Records Office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday.

• When should you call a motorcycle accident attorney in Milwaukee?

  After a motorcycle accident in Milwaukee, you should talk to a lawyer so you can discuss the details of the case. Evidence from motorcycle accidents and people's memories may fade more quickly than expected, making it harder to figure out what happened. Working with a Milwaukee motorcycle accident lawyer from the start can help you get the right amount of money for your damages. Motorcycle accident lawyers can guide you through the claim process, including helping you deal with problems from the insurance company.

• How is fault determined in a motorcycle accident in Milwaukee?

  Most of the time, the "rules of the road" under Wisconsin law are used to decide who is responsible for motorcycle accidents in Milwaukee. This law describes a driver's duties in general terms. It says that drivers must drive at a safe and reasonable speed, give the right of way in certain situations, and keep their vehicles under control. If they don't follow these rules and get into an accident, they are considered negligent. In addition to the laws, all drivers have a responsibility to act with "ordinary care."

• Is there a time limit for filing a lawsuit for a motorcycle accident in Milwaukee?

  In Wisconsin, you have three years from the date of an accident to settle a claim or file a lawsuit for a motorcycle accident. However, there are some exceptions:

  • If you were underage when the accident happened, you have two years from the time you turn 18 to file a lawsuit. But the deadline can't be pushed back for more than five years.
  • If your motorcycle accident happened in a different state, the timeframe for filing a lawsuit will be shorter than that for Wisconsin and the state where the motorcycle accident happened.

• Are you eligible for compensation after a motorcycle accident in Milwaukee?

  You can claim compensation for your injuries from a motorcycle accident in Milwaukee. However, your auto insurance might not be able to cover all the damage. Thus, it is important to talk to a lawyer about the details of your case so you can be fully compensated for your damages, including: -Medical and hospital bills -Lost income -Incapacity to make a living You can also pursue noneconomic damages such as: -Pain and trouble -Loss of a companion -Emotional distress -Loss of pleasure in life -Disfigurement or disability

• What can you do if your passenger caused your motorcycle accident in Milwaukee?

  You can file a personal injury claim against a careless motorcycle passenger just like you can against anyone else who was at fault for your accident. However, because the passenger is probably a friend or family member, it can help if you have an attorney to act as a go-between.

• What does a motorcycle accident attorney do?

  Motorcycle accident attorneys provide legal advice, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent accident victims in and out of court. They investigate the cause of collisions, establish fault, value claims, prepare legal documents, and fight to recover adequate compensation for their clients. Most lawyers in this practice area also handle car and truck accidents and other personal injury claims.

• What is my motorcycle accident injury claim worth?

  Injured motorcyclists may be eligible for several types of compensation depending on their losses, state of residence, and level of fault. Whether or not they were wearing a helmet may also come into play. A lawyer can help to evaluate claims based on medical expenses, property damage, past and future lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.

• How long after a motorcycle accident can you claim an injury?

  The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically two years from the date of the accident. However, each state has its own rules. In Tennessee and Louisiana, for example, victims of motorcycle accidents have just one year to file a lawsuit. In Maine, Minnesota, and North Dakota, individuals have up to six years to initiate a claim.

• What is the average settlement for a motorcycle accident injury?

  Based on eight years of national data, the average verdict in motorcycle accident cases ranges from $74,000 to $560,000. Also note that the majority of claims are settled out of court. Riders may receive compensatory damages for medical bills, property damage, and lost wages, as well as general damages for emotional trauma, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium. Additionally, in states that follow a comparative negligence model, the plaintiff’s claim may be reduced according to his or her level of fault.

• What is the first thing I should do after a motorcycle accident?

  The steps that you take immediately after a collision can be instrumental in proving an accident or injury claim. In general, you should follow these guidelines:

  • Gather insurance and contact information from the other driver and any witnesses.
  • Contact law enforcement to report the collision and complete an accident report.
  • Document injuries, property damage, and road conditions.
  • Visit a doctor or hospital within 24 hours.
  • Avoid discussing the accident with the other driver or their insurance company.

  
  

• How does the motorcycle injury claim process work?

  Motorcycle accident cases typically start with an insurance claim. After documenting their client’s losses and establishing fault, attorneys generally prepare a demand letter requesting compensation from the other driver’s insurance company. It can take anywhere from one to six months for insurance adjusters to make a settlement offer. If the company denies the claim or the parties can’t reach an agreement, the lawyer can prepare a notice of intent to sue and file a formal lawsuit with the appropriate court.

• How do many motorcycle crashes happen?

  The most common causes for motorcycle collisions are drunk driving, exceeding the speed limit, and left turns. In 42% of all motorcycle collision fatalities, another vehicle turned left in front of an oncoming motorcycle. Motorcycle accidents are also caused by dangerous road conditions, such as crumbling pavement, debris in the road, and potholes. Other factors that contribute to motorcycle accidents include unsafe lane changes, sudden stops, lane splitting, inexperienced drivers, motorcycle defects, and car doors opened in the path of a motorcycle.

• How many motorcyclists get into accidents?

  In 2017, of the over 8 million motorcycle riders that year, approximately 89,000 were injured in motorcycle accidents and over 5,000 motorcycle collisions resulted in fatalities. The fatality rate for 100 million miles driven is 25.67, which is largely attributed to the lack of helmet use. Most fatal crashes involving motorcycles happened during the heaviest traffic times between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

• Are motorcycles more dangerous than cars?

  Motorcycles are more dangerous than cars because they lack any protection for the rider in the event of an accident. Motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die in a crash and more than five times more likely to be injured than those riding in enclosed vehicles. Because of their small size, motorcycles’ lack of visibility is a major contributing factor in collisions with other vehicles. Motorcycles are also more vulnerable to weather conditions and road hazards than other automobiles.

• How do you check a motorcycle after a crash?

  For a minor crash with no injuries, the immediate danger is being struck again by oncoming traffic, so moving your bike off of the road as soon as possible is imperative. Check your mirrors, brake lights, headlight, and controls. You should also check to make sure there is no leaking fluid, such as fuel or oil.