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.
When a dog has bitten you, you have limited time to report it if you plan on pursuing compensation. If you fail to file a lawsuit within the set time limit, you risk missing out on the opportunities to recover compensation for your injuries. For this reason, it is essential to understand the Wisconsin dog bite laws before you consider pursuing compensation.
At Natasha Misra Law, we are committed to protecting your rights. Whether you need assistance during negotiations or trials, we will work diligently to ensure you achieve the best possible outcome.
Dog owners are liable for all the injuries their dogs cause to individuals or other animals. Wisconsin dog bite law establishes a strict liability rule, which holds dog owners accountable even if they took measures to prevent the attack. If the dog owner knew or was aware of a prior incident with the dog causing injury, your compensation could be doubled.
In Wisconsin, victims of dog bite attacks generally have three years from the day of the attack to file a lawsuit. However, you should consult a Wisconsin dog bite attorney as soon as possible as it is in your best interest to file a claim sooner rather than later.
Dog bite cases involving considerable damages can take up to two years in court. Luckily, as long as you file the claim on time, you have the opportunity to receive compensation even if the case takes longer than expected. A Wisconsin dog bite attorney can help you file the lawsuit and ensure the settlement is completed on time.
It is advisable to report a dog bite attack as soon as it occurs. Here are some of the institutions to reach out to:
Dog bite cases can be complicated. If a dog injures you or someone you love, you need to contact a dog bite attorney immediately. At Natasha Misra Law, our Wisconsin dog bite attorney will help you take legal action against the negligent dog owner and ensure you recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free initial 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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