What are the Main Causes of Head-On Collisions?

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.

Understanding the primary causes of head-on collisions is important in ensuring your safety on the road. By understanding the root causes of these accidents, you can do your best to stay safe on the road and recognize potentially hazardous driving situations.

While most of us take as many precautions as we can when we get behind the wheel, accidents can still happen. Being involved in an accident, especially a head-on collision can be scary, but with the right legal help, you can get the compensation you need to recover.

Why Do Head-On Car Collisions Happen?

Head-on collisions most commonly occur due to the following reasons:

Distracted Driving: When drivers divert their attention from the road when texting, eating, adjusting the radio, or engaging in any other distraction, it increases the risk of drifting into oncoming traffic.
Driving Under the Influence: Operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol can impair judgment, coordination, and reaction time, leading to head-on collisions.
Fatigue: Fatigued drivers can experience reduced concentration and drowsiness, causing them to veer into opposing traffic lanes.
Improper or Reckless Passing: Drivers attempting to pass other vehicles without proper visibility or in prohibited areas may collide head-on with oncoming traffic.
Incorrect Lane Changes: Misjudging the distance and speed of approaching vehicles can lead to head-on collisions.

What are Common Injuries from Head-On Collisions?

Head-on collisions often result in severe injuries due to the high impact involved. Common injuries include:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): The force of a head-on collision can cause head trauma, leading to concussions, contusions, or more severe TBIs.
Spinal Cord Injuries: The sudden impact can cause damage to the spinal cord, resulting in paralysis or long-term disability.
Bone Fractures: Collisions can cause fractures in various bones, including the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis.
Internal Injuries: The forceful impact can damage internal organs, leading to internal bleeding or organ failure.

What to Do After a Head-On Collision?

If you find yourself involved in a head-on collision, you should:

Seek Medical Attention: Even if you do not feel injured, medical evaluation is crucial as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
Contact Law Enforcement: Report the accident to the appropriate authorities, who will document the incident and create an official report.
Gather Information: Collect the contact and insurance details of the other driver(s) involved and any witnesses at the scene.
Preserve Evidence: Take photos or videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries.

Contact Natasha Misra Law Today for Help:

Distracted driving, fatigue, and improper lane changes can lead to head-on collisions. Ensuring you’ve gotten enough sleep and are not distracted at the wheel can lessen your chances of being involved in a crash.

Consult a Milwaukee car accident lawyer if you have been injured in a head-on collision. At Natasha Misra Law, we are dedicated to advocating for your rights and helping you seek rightful compensation after an accident. Contact us today to determine if you have a valid personal injury case.

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.