If you weren’t wearing a helmet, you might be wondering whether that automatically puts you at fault or takes away your ability to file a claim. Insurance companies often lean into that assumption, but the law has a different take.
In Wisconsin, motorcycle helmets are strongly recommended for safety, but they are not legally required for riders who are 18 or older and properly licensed. Even if you were not wearing a helmet, you still have the right to pursue compensation if another driver caused the crash.
If you were injured while riding in Milwaukee, Madison, Appleton, or Green Bay, the focus of your claim is not whether you wore a helmet. It is whether another driver acted carelessly, failed to yield, was distracted, or otherwise caused the collision.
In Wisconsin, motorcycle helmet laws are limited. Riders and passengers under 18 and those riding with an instructional permit are required to wear helmets. For riders 18 and older with a valid license, helmets are optional.
That distinction matters. Choosing not to wear a helmet when you are legally allowed to do so is not, by itself, a violation of the law.
Yes. You can still file a motorcycle accident claim even if you were not wearing a helmet.
The most important question in any motorcycle case is what caused the crash, not what you were wearing. If another driver was speeding, distracted, failed to yield, or simply was not paying attention, you still have the right to pursue compensation for the harm they caused. That can include:
Helmet use does not change whether another driver acted negligently.
This is where things get more nuanced. Wisconsin follows a comparative negligence system. That means fault can be divided, and compensation can be reduced if someone’s actions contributed to their injuries.
In motorcycle cases, insurance companies sometimes argue that not wearing a helmet made injuries worse. For example:
In that situation, the argument is not that the rider caused the accident, but that they share some responsibility for the extent of their injuries. Even then, this does not automatically reduce compensation. It must be proven, and it is often disputed with medical and accident evidence.
Every case is different.
This is why these cases should not be decided by assumptions. They should be evaluated carefully, with facts, timing, medical records, and an understanding of how Wisconsin law is actually applied.
Motorcycle accident claims are already treated differently by insurance companies. When helmet use is added to the conversation, adjusters often push harder to minimize claims early on. At Natasha Misra Law, we focus on what truly matters:
Natasha stays personally involved in motorcycle injury cases, supported by a team with deep experience handling serious auto and motorcycle claims across Wisconsin. We take the time to explain your options clearly, answer your questions honestly, and push back when insurers oversimplify the law.
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident and were not wearing a helmet, do not assume you are out of options. You deserve to understand where you stand before an insurance company decides for you.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Natasha Misra Law serves riders throughout Milwaukee, Madison, Appleton, and Green Bay.
We’re here to help you understand your rights and get back on your feet.
In most jurisdictions, dog bite cases pertain to whether the negligence of the dog owner caused the dog attack or not. However, Wisconsin’s strict liability law holds dog owners liable regardless of whether they tried to prevent the incident. Dogs in Wisconsin are regarded as dangerous, particularly when outside of the control of their owner.
After being attacked by a dog, Milwaukee dog bite attorney Natasha Misra Law is here to make sure the claimant gets the compensation that they deserve to make a full recovery. Natasha, and her experience in the field of personal injury, will help the victim file a claim so that they can seek compensation for damages incurred after the attack. Natasha successfully handles dog bite cases, so victims of dog bites can rest assured that she will work towards a favorable outcome.
Section 174.02 of Wisconsin statutes states that the dog owner is responsible for the total amount of damages brought about by the dog bite attack. There is no exception to whether it was a first-time bite or whether the dog owner was aware of its aggressive nature.
If someone is a victim of a dog bite, they only need to prove that the defendant’s dog caused their injuries. They don’t have to prove that the dog owner failed to secure their property or keep the dog on a leash. However, the dog owner can contest fault by claiming that the victim provoked the attack or were trespassing. Therefore, it is essential to work with a lawyer who understands dog bite laws.
Avoid filing a lawsuit by making an insurance claim. Dog bite victims might have to deal with insurance adjusters who might do anything to ensure they don’t get the compensation they deserve.
With sound legal representation from a Milwaukee dog bite attorney, victims of dog bites and attacks can maximize their chances of seeking compensation from the insurance company. If someone feels that the insurance company has undermined their efforts to make a claim, they are entitled to file a lawsuit. A dog bite attorney will take the claimant through the necessary steps of filing a personal injury lawsuit and provide the legal representation required to ensure that their rights are protected.
Dog bites are painful, traumatic, and can affect the victims quality of life in the future. They deserve to recover compensation for the damages and reclaim their quality of life with the help of a Milwaukee dog bite attorney from Natasha Misra Law. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
My law practice is dedicated to helping people who have suffered injuries in accidents which were not their fault. Born and raised in Milwaukee, I come from a family of medical professionals. My background and experience help me understand and represent individuals injured in accidents.
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