Beaver Dam Motorcycle & Bicycle Accident Attorney
Many motorcycle and bicycle accidents result in life-threatening or fatal injuries. Motorcyclists and bicyclists are more at risk of sustaining serious injuries in an accident than passengers in an automobile. These vehicles are more likely to be involved in an accident, as they’re less visible to drivers. If you’ve suffered an injury in a motorcycle or bicycle accident, the lawyers at Gergen, Gergen and Pretto, S.C. can file a claim on your behalf.
Driver Negligence and Accidents
Inattentive, distracted, and negligent drivers are often the cause of serious motorcycle and bicycle accidents. Motorcyclists have the same rights to the road as passenger vehicles, but many drivers fail to respect these rights. Motorists can drive too closely to motorcycles, cut them off in traffic, merge on top of them, or open doors into them. Distracted driving is a main cause of motorcycle accidents, many of which result in fatal injuries.
In a collision between a motorcycle or bicyclist and a motor vehicle, the former will almost always sustain worse injuries. When prejudice, negative attitudes, or negligence result in a motorcycle or bicycle accident, the victim(s) may be able to obtain compensation for their injuries. Often, injuries are severe and require thousands of dollars in medical costs, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and counseling. Compensation won’t take back the terrible injuries a victim sustains, but it can help cover extensive medical expenses.
What Does the Law Say About Motorcycles and Bicycles?
Many drivers don’t realize that motorcycles and bicycles are vehicles and have the same rights as other vehicles. According to Wisconsin law, bicycles can ride in roadways with other vehicles heading in the same direction. Motorists must give bicyclists at least three feet of clearance while passing in the same lane.
Many motorists become frustrated when they get “stuck” behind a bicyclist and use unsafe practices to get around the bike quickly. This can result in accidents and severe injury to the bicyclist. Motorists must also yield to motorcycles as they would a regular passenger vehicle. Drivers have a duty to keep a safe distance from motorcycles on the roadway, respect their rights as motorcyclists, and cause no intentional harm.
Wisconsin’s motorcycle law doesn’t require everyone operating or riding a motorcycle to wear a helmet. Unless the passenger or driver is under 18 or operating with an instructional permit, motorcyclists don’t need to wear a helmet. It’s also not mandatory for bicyclists to wear helmets—adults or children. Bicycle rules vary city by city in Wisconsin, however. For example, Port Washington in Wisconsin has an ordinance that requires children under the age of 16 to wear a helmet.
Our motorcycle and bicycle helmet laws mean a defendant can’t use the fact that you didn’t wear a helmet as evidence against you. Even if your injuries wouldn’t have been as severe with a helmet, the courts won’t consider this. The case is likely the same for bicycles, unless your city ordinance states otherwise.
Experienced Motorcycle and Bicycle Lawyers in Dodge County
When a negligent driver fails to see a motorcyclist or bicyclist in the roadway, the results can be deadly. If you’ve been involved in an accident as a rider or passenger, seek medical attention immediately. Even if you don’t believe you’ve sustained an injury, you may have without realizing it. The propensity for life-threatening injuries is great in motorcycle and bicycle crashes. Record your medical care and adhere to prescribed treatments.
As soon as you’re well enough, contact Gergen, Gergen and Pretto, S.C. about your accident. Our attorneys will investigate your case thoroughly and help you file a claim against a negligent party if we believe this is in your best interest. Call (920) 887-0371 today for a free consultation to discuss your options. We have a Spanish translator on hand.