Riding as a passenger on a motorcycle means putting your safety in someone else’s hands. When a crash occurs, you are left dealing with injuries you did nothing to cause and facing questions about your legal options.Â
As a passenger, you are rarely at fault for the accident, which means you have strong grounds to seek compensation. Wisconsin law gives you the right to recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, and other losses.Â
If you were injured as a motorcycle passenger, you don’t have to handle the legal process alone. Contact our Milwaukee motorcycle accident attorneys today at
Passengers Have Legal Rights After Wisconsin Motorcycle Accidents
Wisconsin is a fault state when it comes to traffic accidents, and this principle applies to motorcycle crashes. This system means that when someone else causes an accident, they are financially responsible for any damages suffered by the victims. These include other drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and any passenger accompanying these parties.
Depending on the circumstances, you might file a claim with the insurance company of the driver you were riding with. If your driver’s actions led to the crash, their liability insurance policy should provide compensation for passenger injuries.Â
Alternatively, when another motorist causes an accident, you can pursue compensation through their insurance coverage. Sometimes, more than one driver shares responsibility for an accident. In these cases, you may need to file claims with each party’s insurer to receive full compensation for your losses.
What Compensation Can You Recover as an Injured Passenger?
By filing a motorcycle accident claim, you can secure compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages represent the financial losses you’ve suffered due to the accident, such as:
- Medical expenses like emergency room visits, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment
- Lost wages if your injuries prevent you from working
- Lost earning capacity if you can’t return to your previous occupation
- Repairs or replacements of personal belongings destroyed in the crash
Non-economic damages compensate you for losses that don’t have a clear dollar value. These include physical discomfort, permanent disability and emotional distress. You may recover compensation for loss of enjoyment of life if your injuries prevent you from participating in activities you once loved.Â
What to Do If You Are Involved in a Wisconsin Motorcycle Accident
The steps you take immediately after a motorcycle accident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. Here’s what you should do:
- Seek medical attention right away, even if you don’t think you are seriously injured.Â
- Report the accident to law enforcement so an official police report is created.
- Gather evidence at the scene if you are physically able, including photos of the accident site, vehicle damage, road conditions, and visible injuries.
- Exchange information with all drivers involved, including names, contact details, insurance information, and license plate numbers.
- Approach witnesses in the area and get their contact information.
- Contact an attorney for assistance with your claim.
Contact a Wisconsin Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for the Help You Need
As a motorcycle passenger, you have every right to pursue compensation for your injuries and you deserve an advocate who will fight for your full recovery. A Milwaukee personal injury lawyer will investigate all potential sources of compensation, whether that means filing a claim against the at-fault driver, the motorcycle operator, or even a defective vehicle manufacturer. Contact a Milwaukee motorcycle accident attorney today for a free consultation and take the first step toward securing the compensation and justice you deserve at (262) 262-8415.