Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycles can be thrilling, exhilarating and deadly. While operating a motorcycle, there are special challenges and dangers presented to the operator and passengers. Even though motorcyclists and their passengers are afforded the same rights on the road, many motorists do not always give them the same respect.

Accidents often occur when a larger motor vehicle makes a left turn in front of a motorcycle, sideswipes a motorcycle or fails to maintain a lookout for motorcyclists on the road.

Common injuries resulting from motorcycle accidents include:

• Road rash
• Fractures
• Spinal cord injuries
• Death
• Head injuries/concussions causing lack or loss of memory
• Facial and body disfigurement

According to the statistics from 2009, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation showed 15 percent of all people killed in motor vehicle accidents were motorcycle drivers or passengers.

Additionally, many bikers in accidents suffer a traumatic brain injury. Wisconsin law does not require the use of helmets or any other protective gear when operating a motorcycle.   See Wis. Stat. § 347.485.  Helmets are only required to be worn by drivers or passengers 18 years and younger or those who have an instructional permit.

According to these same statistics, 62 percent of those motorcyclists or passengers killed in 2009 were not wearing helmets.

Even with a helmet, a biker’s head and body can be vulnerable to serious injury.  Since there is no frame of a vehicle surrounding the biker and occupants, collisions can be even more catastrophic, and may often leave the operator or passenger with lifelong injuries or scars, even when they survive.   Any time a motorcycle collides with a vehicle or object, or the biker is thrown off of the motorcycle following an impact, there is a chance of damage to the brain ranging from mild concussion to total loss of brain functions leading to a persistent vegetative state.

When a motorcycle accident occurs and there are serious or deadly injuries, you need a team who is experienced and competent to recover compensation for your losses.  You may be facing lengthy and expensive hospital stays and therapy in addition to loss wages.  If a death occurs, a wrongful death lawsuit may also need to be pursued.

At Cannon & Dunphy, S.C. we can help you recover the compensation you deserve.  With a combined experience of more than 145 years, our team of lawyers will be able to fight to obtain the best result for your case.  We are large enough to have the best resources available, but small enough to provide you with the individual attention you deserve.  Contact us today for your free case evaluation.