Do You Need A Motorcycle Accident Lawyer In Madison?
Any biker will tell you that hitting the open road on a motorcycle brings a unique thrill combined with a state of peace that culminates in an extremely rare type of joy. It’s why bikers often risk their own personal safety, riding on an exposed bike that is no match for a passenger vehicle or commercial truck in the event of a crash.
Motorcycle accident injuries can be serious. If you are suffering from motorcycle wreck injuries and need a Madison motorcycle attorney, our personal injury attorneys at Kasieta Legal Group, LLC, have been serving the community for over 25 years. We can help you pursue effective strategies to recover damages for injuries caused by others’ negligence.
Motorcycle Laws For The State Of Wisconsin
In the state of Wisconsin, there are several laws for motorcyclists designed to keep them safe. From licensing, insurance and safety gear, these laws are designed to keep bikers safe on the roads. Some of these requirements include:
- Before obtaining a motorcycle (Class M) license, operators must pass a knowledge test and vision screening to get an instructional permit that will be valid for six months
- After getting an instructional permit, motorcyclists must complete a skills test to obtain a Class M license
- Motorcyclists and riders must wear protective eye gear
- Bikers have to wear a helmet if they are under the age of 18 or if they are operating a motorcycle with an instructional permit
- A bike’s headlamp must be on at all times the motorcycle is in operation
- Motorcycles are not allowed to ride with more than two cycles side-by-side in a lane
- Passengers can only ride if there is a space for the passenger, and no more than two people are allowed on a bike at a time
The state of Wisconsin requires proof of a minimum amount of insurance for any motorcycle. This insurance requires a minimum amount of coverage to cover property damage, bodily injury or death for a single person in an accident and a minimum amount of coverage for injury or death to more than one person in an accident.
What Are The Most Common Driver Mistakes That Lead To Motorcycle Accidents?
Inattentive driving is a leading factor in many motorcycle crashes. Some critical mistakes by other vehicle operators that can have catastrophic consequences include:
- Failing to check blind spots before changing lanes
- Not seeing motorcycles in traffic due to inattentiveness
- Misjudging a motorcycle’s speed and distance when making turns
- Driving while impaired by alcohol, drugs, fatigue or distractions
Our Madison motorcycle crash attorneys understand the unique challenges riders face. We fight to protect their rights when negligence causes injury.
Personal Injury Lawyers For Motorcycle Accidents
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, our personal injury team can help facilitate insurance claims. If your carrier is delaying or denying your rightful claim, our Wisconsin motorcycle injury lawyers can pursue any possible bad faith insurance claims against them. In the terrible event of a loved one’s wrongful death in a motorcycle crash due to someone else’s negligence, we can seek compensation for your loss.
How Frequent Are Motorcycle Accidents In Wisconsin?
According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, there were 1,992 motorcycle crashes in 2021, resulting in 1,649 injuries and 113 fatalities. While comprising only 2% of vehicles, motorcycles accounted for 14% of traffic deaths that year. Taking proper precautions is vital for riders.
Taking Safety Into Your Own Hands As A Motorcyclist
As a motorcyclist, you can reduce your risk by taking certain safety measures:
- Complete formal riding courses beyond licensing requirements
- Always wear a DOT-approved helmet and protective gear
- Ride defensively and increase following distances
- Make yourself as visible as possible to other drivers
- Avoid riding in inclement weather when possible
- Never ride while impaired or distracted
Following these precautions can go a long way in keeping you safer, but unfortunately, accidents can still occur due to negligence beyond your control. If you’ve been injured, our Madison motorcycle accident attorneys are prepared to advocate for your rights.
Contact Us For A Legal Assessment Of Your Situation
If you or a loved one was injured in a motorcycle wreck, don’t delay. Call our experienced team at Kasieta Legal Group today at 608-291-9650 for a free case evaluation. You can also reach us using our online contact form.