I Was Hit by a Car on My Bike: What Can I Expect from a Settlement?

Riding a motorcycle is fun, but it can also be risky because of the actions of others on the road. Unlike other vehicles, you don't have much protection if you crash. Additionally, riding a motorcycle can be dangerous on roads with a lot of potholes or if you're riding in unsafe weather conditions. Below are some tips for staying safe while riding.

Staying Safe on a Motorcycle in Wisconsin

Take a Safety Course: Riding a motorcycle requires good judgment and skill, and a safety course will help you achieve that. A motorcycle safety course will teach you the rules of the road and what to do in unpredictable riding situations.

Wear Appropriate Gear: The right gear will protect you from debris, road rash, and the elements. Your gear should feature a helmet, leather jacket, eye protection, leather pants, over the ankle boots, and non-slip gloves. Appropriate protective gear can significantly reduce the risk of injuries or fatalities.

Keep Your Bike Maintained: Replace the air filter, change the oil regularly, and maintain your bike's tire pressure. Inspecting your motorcycle before you hit the road is also a good idea. Check your turn signals, headlights, taillights, fuel, brakes, handlebars, and mirrors.

Stay Alert: Being aware of your surroundings and riding defensively can prevent motorcycle accidents that could be caused by dangerous driving.

Maintain a Safe Distance: Riding too closely behind another vehicle is unsafe. It is advisable to stay a few seconds away from the car or motorcycle in front of you. This allows you enough space to stop during an emergency. Additionally, you should always have an escape route in mind if you cannot stop in time.

Be Visible: One of the most significant mistakes riders make is assuming they are visible to other motorists. Most motorcycle accidents are a result of drivers not seeing the motorcycle. You can stay visible by avoiding other motorists' blind spots, driving with a headlight, and wearing reflective clothing. Using your hand and turn signals can also help ensure you are visible.

Common Motorcycle Road Hazards

Distracted or Drunk Drivers: Although it may not be easy to identify if someone is drunk driving, it is wise to be attentive to your surroundings and take appropriate measures.

Rain or Snow: The hazardous weather can create slippery and unsafe road conditions. Avoid riding while it is raining or snowing.

Tar or Debris: Since tar has a different texture from asphalt, it can compromise traction. Additionally, parts of tire treads and other debris on the road can be hazardous to motorcycles.

Contact a Milwaukee Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today

If you or your loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Wisconsin, working with a Milwaukee motorcycle accident attorney is in your best interest.

At Natasha Misra Law, we are equipped to offer the guidance you need to know whether you are entitled to compensation. We will provide the representation you need to pursue compensation if you qualify. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

After a bike crash, you can face significant damages that are hard to overcome. If you were hit by a car on your bike, the car driver could be held accountable for their negligence. To receive compensation for your injuries and damages, you will need to pursue legal action against the at-fault driver's insurer. The insurance company's adjuster will then examine your claim.

Since insurance adjusters aim to protect their insurance companies' interests, they will always strive to reduce your compensation amount. Because of this, you're going to want the help of a Milwaukee bike accident lawyer to represent you and calculate the actual amount of your claim.

Available Damages after a Bike Accident

Under Wisconsin law, you are entitled to recover a monetary settlement for your injuries and damages after a bike accident. These could include:

Medical Costs

If you suffered severe injuries that required medical treatment or emergency services, you might recover those medical expenses from the negligent party that caused the accident. These costs will cover past and future medical bills for:

Prescription medications
Hospitalization
Emergency services
Physical therapy
Rehabilitation
Surgery

Pain and Suffering

Pain and suffering damages refer to the physical and emotional trauma you suffered following a bike accident. You may develop anxiety which makes you fearful of riding your bike or even makes it hard for you to participate in social situations, leading to missing work or other social activities. Be sure to document these types of damages because they are recoverable.

Loss of Wages

Serious bike injuries can leave you injured to the point where you cannot earn income because you couldn't perform your job or you were at the doctor's office. In this case, you can seek compensation that covers what you would have been paid if you had been able to go to work.

Property Damage

You can recover compensation for personal property that was damaged following your crash. For instance, if your bike, cell phone, helmet, or smartwatch was destroyed in the accident, you can recover those damages.

Contact a Milwaukee Bike Accident Lawyer

If you have been injured in a Milwaukee bike accident, hiring a Milwaukee bike accident attorney could be a good place to start. An experienced attorney will investigate your bike accident, determine the at-fault party, represent you in court, uncover insurance policies and acquire the necessary documentation to optimize your recovery.

To get the legal help you need, call (414) 210-3834 to discuss your case confidentially with our lead bike accident attorney, Natasha Misra.

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.