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.
Anyone can be a victim of a dog bite or attack. Even though dog owners are expected to take care of their dogs, accidents are sometimes inevitable. Nearly 4.5 million Americans suffer dog bite attacks each year. With over half a million dogs kept as pets in Wisconsin, you or someone you know could potentially fall victim to a dog bite injury in the future.
If an attack results in bodily injury, it is important to know what your legal rights are, who is responsible for your injuries, and how to take legal action. It is, therefore, in your best interest to find an experienced dog bite attorney who understands Wisconsin dog bite law.
At Natasha Misra Law, we represent clients in the larger Wisconsin area, including Milwaukee, Green Bay, Madison, Appleton, and Hales Corners. Our attorneys will confidently handle your case to help you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
Wisconsin has strict dog bite laws that hold dog owners responsible for all incidents and damages caused by the dog. Under Wisconsin Statutes section 174.02(1), the dog owner is responsible for any harm and damages caused by the dog to a person, property, or domesticated animal. The same law allows for the compensation amount to be doubled if the dog owner knew or was aware that the dog had a prior incident causing injury.
While dog owners are automatically liable for harm done by their dogs, other parties could also be held partially or fully accountable for the injuries.
You can file a compensation claim against the dog owner’s renters or homeowners insurance company.
The Wisconsin law gives you the right to seek the full amount of damages from the owner of the dog that caused harm. These damages will cover medical bills, including hospitalization, pain and suffering, emergency surgery, medications, physical therapy, lost income, and disfigurement.
Dog bite cases can be complicated and often result in serious and permanent injuries. That’s why you need an experienced lawyer to help navigate your case.
If you suffer a dog bite injury in Milwaukee, we are ready to assist you at Natasha Misra Law. Contact us online or call us at (414) 210-3834 to schedule an appointment with our legal team.
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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