Motorcycle Accidents

Milwaukee Motorcycle Accidents

Have you been hurt in a motorcycle accident in Milwaukee, Wisconsin? If so, you might be asking yourself some serious questions. How can I afford my medical bills? How will I be able to make ends meet while I’m too hurt to work? Does the person who hit me owe me money, and if so, how can I get it? The Milwaukee motorcycle accident lawyers at LawtonCates have been helping people answer these questions — and get the money they need to put their lives back in order.

For over 60 years, our motorcycle accident law firm has provided clear, straightforward legal advice and aggressive representation to protect your rights. Our goal is to help you recover fair compensation for your injuries so you have the financial means to move forward with your life. We want to make this process as easy for you as possible, so we never charge anything unless we win your case.

Call us today or complete our contact form for a free consultation. Find out how LawtonCates can help you get the full and fair compensation you deserve following a motorcycle accident.

Benefits of Hiring a Milwaukee Attorney for Your Motorcycle Accident Claim

One key advantage of working with a Milwaukee motorcycle accident attorney from LawtonCates is that they can forcefully pursue your rights while you focus on your recovery. While you receive treatment and attend therapy sessions, they can investigate the accident, identify all liable parties, file insurance claims and demand letters on your behalf, and negotiate for a fair settlement.

In addition, the Milwaukee-based attorneys from LawtonCates have established relationships within the Milwaukee court system. This can help streamline the legal process and potentially lead to a more favorable outcome. Moreover, a local lawyer can offer personalized, face-to-face support. They’re more accessible for meetings and can provide timely updates on your case’s progress. This level of direct engagement helps ensure that your concerns are addressed promptly, offering peace of mind during a stressful time.

What To Do After a Motorcycle Accident

The steps you take in the days, weeks, and months following a motorcycle crash are vital to protecting your rights and building a strong foundation for any potential claims. The following are among the things you’ll need to do:

• Follow Up on Medical Care – Attend all your scheduled medical appointments and follow your healthcare provider’s advice closely. This continued care not only aids your recovery but also creates a record of your injuries and treatment, which is essential for your claim.
• Keep an Evidence File – Maintain a detailed journal of your recovery process, noting any pain, discomfort, or challenges you face due to your injuries. Also, keep a file of all your medical bills, receipts related to your accident, and any correspondence with healthcare providers.
• Communicate Carefully with Insurance Companies – While you may need to communicate with insurance companies during your recovery, it’s essential to handle these interactions wisely. Avoid giving recorded statements or signing any documents without consulting your attorney, as these actions can affect your claim. Better yet, have your attorney do the talking for you.
• Avoid Social Media – Refrain from discussing the accident on social media platforms. Insurance companies will be looking for anything they can use to undercut your claims and pay you less than you deserve.
• Avoid Rushing into Settlements – Insurance companies sometimes offer a settlement early in the claims process. However, it’s important not to rush into accepting these offers without fully understanding the long-term implications of your injuries and losses. Your attorney can evaluate these offers to determine if they fairly compensate for what you suffered.
• Consult an Attorney – Before making any decisions or accepting settlement offers, speak with a qualified Milwaukee motorcycle accident attorney. They can offer guidance tailored to your situation, protect your legal rights, and aggressively pursue fair compensation.

How We Investigate Motorcycle Accident Cases

At LawtonCates, we use a thorough, detail-oriented process when investigating a motorcycle accident case. We start by gathering all available evidence related to your accident. This includes reviewing the police accident report, speaking with witnesses, and analyzing any available traffic camera footage.

We also work with accident reconstruction experts as necessary. These professionals help us understand the dynamics of the accident by analyzing the crash site, vehicle damage, and any skid marks or debris. Their insights can help us prove fault and demonstrate how the accident occurred.

Another critical aspect of our investigation is reviewing your medical records and consulting medical experts. This step helps us understand the full extent of your injuries and their impact on your life. We assess not just your current medical needs but also any long-term care you might require.

Compensation You Could Recover in a Motorcycle Accident Claim

Your motorcycle accident claim can recover money to compensate you for a wide range of losses, including your:

A Milwaukee motorcycle accident lawyer from LawtonCates can assess your situation to determine what compensation you could pursue.

How a Motorcycle Accident Differs from a Car Accident

Motorcycle accidents are distinct from car accidents in several key ways, which guide how we handle these claims. First, motorcyclists, by the nature of their vehicles, are more exposed in the event of a collision and are, therefore, at greater risk of serious injuries. Motorcycles lack the protective frame, airbags, and seat belts that cars have, making riders more vulnerable to the road and elements during a crash.

In addition, there’s a prevailing stereotype that motorcyclists are risk-takers, which can unjustly influence the perception of fault in an accident. This bias can affect negotiations with insurance companies and even the outcomes in court. This is why it’s essential to have strong, clear evidence to counteract these preconceptions — and an experienced motorcycle accident attorney to present it compellingly.

Parties Who Could Be Held Liable for a Motorcycle Wreck

Here are some of the different parties who might be liable for a given motorcycle accident, depending on the circumstances of the crash:

• Other Drivers – Often, the drivers of other vehicles are liable for a motorcycle wreck. This can be due to various forms of negligence, such as distracted driving, failure to yield, speeding, or driving under the influence.
• Employers – If the at-fault driver was working at the time of the accident, their employer might also be liable. This is particularly relevant in cases involving commercial vehicles or drivers performing job-related duties.
• Manufacturers – In some cases, a defect in the motorcycle or another vehicle involved in the accident could contribute to a crash. If this is the case, the manufacturer of the defective part or vehicle could be liable.

Could You Recover Compensation if You’re Partly to Blame for a Motorcycle Accident?

Injured motorcyclists often worry that they cannot recover compensation because they were partly to blame for a collision. Fortunately, Wisconsin law allows you to recover compensation so long as you are not more than 51 percent to blame for an accident. However, your motorcycle accident compensation in these circumstances is reduced by your degree of fault, so it’s vital to work with an attorney who can find evidence minimizing your role in a collision.

How Long Do You Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Wisconsin?

In general, Wisconsin law gives you three years from the date of an accident to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit. Missing this deadline could cost you your right to compensation, which is why it’s crucial to contact LawtonCates as soon as possible after an accident. By speaking with a motorcycle accident lawyer in Milwaukee from our firm, you can get the filing date specific to your case and have us bring your lawsuit in on time.

Common Types and Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

While no two motorcycle accidents are exactly the same, many share the same underlying types and causes, such as:

• Left-Turn Accidents – These occur when a vehicle makes a left turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle. Often, the other driver either fails to see the motorcycle or misjudges its speed.
• Speeding Drivers – High speeds reduce drivers’ reaction times and increase the severity of a resulting collision.
• Driving Under the Influence – Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, reaction times, and motor skills, significantly increasing the risk of an accident.
• Road Hazards – Less stable than four-wheeled vehicles, motorcycles are particularly vulnerable to road hazards such as potholes, gravel, wet or slippery surfaces, and irregularities in the road surface. These hazards can cause the rider to lose control.
• Rear-End Collisions – Motorcycles are able to stop much more quickly than larger vehicles, which can sometimes lead to rear-end accidents. These accidents can be particularly dangerous for motorcyclists, as the impact can throw them off their bikes.
• Car Doors – Accidents can occur when someone in a parked car opens their door in the path of an oncoming motorcycle, leaving the rider with no time to stop or swerve safely.
• Collisions at Intersections – Intersections are common sites for motorcycle accidents, especially when drivers overlook motorcycles or fail to yield the right of way.
• Blind Spots – Motorcycles can easily slip into the blind spots of cars and trucks, which can lead to sideswipe or merging accidents.

Typical Injuries Resulting from a Motorcycle Collision

Since motorcyclists lack safety features like crumple zones, seatbelts, and airbags, motorcyclists are at heightened risk of severe injuries in the event of a crash. Common injuries from a motorcycle collision include:

Contact a Milwaukee Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today

If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle accident in Milwaukee, you have no time to lose if you want to protect your rights and pursue maximum compensation. Call LawtonCates or reach out online today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a motorcycle accident lawyer.