Milwaukee Bicycle Accident Lawyer
by
Kyle Buss on May. 22, 2018
Summary: Bicycling is a very popular recreational activity in Wisconsin, from Kenosha to Eau Claire and everywhere in between. According to a Wisconsin State Journal article, 49 percent of Wisconsin residents enjoy bike riding for recreation.
Bicycling is a very popular recreational activity in Wisconsin, from Kenosha to Eau Claire and everywhere in between. According to a Wisconsin State Journal article, 49 percent of Wisconsin residents enjoy bike riding for recreation. Other States across America have similar statistics. As a result, there are over 500,000 bike riders treated for injuries each year nationwide. Attorney Jon P. Groth and the Groth Law Firm, S.C. often represents bike riders who are injured in collisions with motor vehicles.
Negligent Automobile Drivers Cause Grave Injury to Bicycle Riders
If the driver of an automobile negligently hits a bicycle rider, that bike rider is entitled to recover damages from the driver at fault for pain and suffering, medical expenses, loss of income, disfigurement, loss of normal life, or any other losses related to the collision. Because bicyclists have very little to protect them, bicycle injuries can be very serious. Resulting injuries may include back and neck injuries, broken bones, traumatic head injuries, or death.
When involved in an accident, an injured party should always try to mitigate their damages. It is strongly recommended that you or your children wear a helmet when riding a bike. Failure to wear a helmet would not bar recovery against a negligent party, but it could prevent serious head injuries.
Prevent Injury by Following All State of Wisconsin Bicycle Laws
It is also important to obey the rules of the road when riding a bicycle. Bikes are actually defined as vehicles under Wisconsin law and arguably should follow Wisconsin’s rules of the road. Sometimes bike riders involved in accidents are surprised to receive traffic tickets for not following the rules of the road.
Bicycle Accidents Need to be Treated Like Car on Car Accidents
Injured bicycle riders should contact the police as soon as possible so a police report can be made. Police reports are used to obtain the identities of witnesses and the parties involved, obtain statements, and make diagrams of the accident location. It is best to involve the police immediately. Sometimes at fault drivers will admit fault at the time of the accident, but later change their story if the police are not called right away.
Injured Bicyclists Claim Against Auto Insurance
When a bicyclist is hit by a car, you can make a claim against the negligent driver’s auto insurance policy. If the careless driver has no auto insurance, you still may have a case. You can bring an uninsured motorist claim against your own auto insurance policy. If you do not have an auto policy, you may be able to make a claim against a household family member’s policy. If presented with this type of insurance issue, contact our office immediately at 414-395-8976.