Car Accident Prevention & Safety Tips For Teen Drivers

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.

What Wisconsin Law Actually Says About Helmets

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.

Can You Still File a Claim If You Were Not Wearing a Helmet?

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:

Medical bills
Lost income
Damage to your motorcycle
Pain and physical limitations
Long-term effects on your daily life

Helmet use does not change whether another driver acted negligently.

How Helmet Use May Come Up in a Claim

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:

A rider is struck by a car that turned left in front of them in Milwaukee.
The driver clearly caused the crash.
The insurer then argues that a helmet might have reduced the extent of the head injury.

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.

What This Means in Real Life

Every case is different.

If your injuries did not involve your head, helmet use may be irrelevant.
If the crash was severe, a helmet may not have changed the outcome.
If the other driver’s conduct was especially dangerous, that remains the central issue.

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.

Why Legal Guidance Matters After a Wisconsin Motorcycle Accident

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:

Who caused the crash
How it happened
What injuries resulted
How your life has been affected

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.

Talk to a Wisconsin Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Who Will Give You Straight Answers and Real Support

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.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, car accidents are the second leading cause of death for teen drivers in the United States. A staggering figure of 2,400 teens aged between 13 and 19 lost their lives in vehicle crashes in 2019.

Why are teen drivers so vulnerable to car accidents, and how can you help, as a parent, to prevent teenage car accidents? Below are helpful safety tips for teen drivers.

Driving experience – Teen drivers lack driving experience. Work with your child to develop substantial driving experience in all weather conditions. Train your teen to drive in both urban and rural areas so they can learn to navigate different types of traffic. Ride along with your child as they learn to drive for about 30 to 50 hours and ensure that they are able to handle a variety of traffic and weather conditions.
Buckle up – In Wisconsin, all drivers and passengers over the age of 4 years old are required to wear a seatbelt, and for good reason. Helping your teen develop a habit of buckling up before taking to the road is the most effective way to help them avoid severe injuries in the case of a traffic collision. Start talking to them about the importance of wearing a seatbelt before they begin driving and never let your teen turn on the car without first putting on their seatbelt.
Use signals – Teach your child to use appropriate signs to indicate their intentions when driving. They should also watch out for other drivers signaling to change lanes or turn.
Learn the controls – This is one of the most important safety tips but is often overlooked. It is essential for your teen to know how their vehicle operates. For instance, they should master how to use various indicators, adjust mirrors, seatbelts, touch screens, and other vehicle functions to ensure safety.
Obey speed limits – Failure to follow the recommended speed limits increases a driver’s risk of an accident. Speed limits are often disregarded by teens. Talk to your child about the importance of maintaining appropriate speed limits while driving.
Avoid distractions – Teens are susceptible to distractions. They have grown up chatting, texting, and multitasking with cell phones and other devices. At the dinner table, it can be annoying. Behind the wheel, it can be deadly. Help your teen understand the perils of texting and driving, and encourage them to keep their phones away when they are behind the wheel.
Identify your vehicle blind spots – Most cars have blind spots that prevent drivers from seeing other cars on the road. As your teen learns to drive, help them identify and understand how blindspots affect their ability to safely change lanes and make turns.
Restrict night driving – Most deadly teenage accidents occur at night and usually involve drinking, speeding, and reckless driving. Establish a curfew for your teen and ensure they don’t drive past the suggested hours.

Contact Milwaukee Car Accident Attorney

If your teen has been involved in a car accident and needs legal help, we can assist you at Natasha Misra Law. Fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.

Natasha Misra

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.