Personal Injury
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.
A day on Lake Michigan. A quiet afternoon on the Milwaukee River. For many Wisconsin families boating is a favorite way to enjoy the sunshine. But in an instant a careless boater or unsafe equipment can turn your day on the water into a serious accident.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a boat accident near Milwaukee you probably have questions
You should not face these questions alone. At Natasha Misra Law we are Not Just Another Suit. We are your guide, your advocate and your partner in getting the fair compensation you deserve.
Boat accidents are not the same as car accidents. There may be multiple people or companies at fault including the boat operator, the boat owner, or a rental company. Federal and state boating laws add another layer of complexity. Insurance companies often push back or blame everyone but their own client.
This is where our team makes a difference. Natasha Misra Law knows how to investigate boating accidents, gather the right evidence, and build a strong case that stands up to big insurance companies.
If you have been hurt in a boating accident protect yourself by following these steps
Seek Medical Care Immediately: Your health comes first. Even if you feel fine, get checked by a doctor. Some injuries take time to show up and medical records help prove your claim.
Report the Accident: Call the US Coast Guard or local law enforcement to file an official report. This report can be vital when filing your injury claim.
Gather Evidence: If you are able, take photos of the scene of the boat damage, your injuries, and any safety issues you notice. Get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses.
Talk to a Milwaukee Boat Accident Lawyer: Before you speak to an insurance adjuster or sign any paperwork, talk to an attorney. We will explain your rights and handle the legal details so you can focus on getting better.
When you hire Natasha Misra Law you get more than legal paperwork. You get a team that will
Our goal is to help you get back on your feet physically, emotionally, and financially.
A peaceful boat ride can change in an instant. Medical bills pile up fast. Witnesses forget details. Insurance companies get to work protecting their bottom line not yours.
Do not wait to get the help you need. Every day you delay could cost you money and peace of mind.
Call Natasha Misra Law today for a free consultation with an experienced Milwaukee boat accident attorney. We will stand by you, explain your options, and fight to get you every dollar you deserve. Reach out now and let us help you get back on your feet.
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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