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.
You were in the park in Madison, or you were just walking down the sidewalk in downtown Appleton, or visiting a friend in Milwaukee. It can happen anywhere, and dog bites can lead to serious injuries, both physically and emotionally.
Natasha Misra Law is here to help you make informed decisions about your dog bite claim. Let’s take a look at who can be liable, and what insurance might be covering your claim.
In Wisconsin, dog owners bear strict liability for any harm their dogs cause, whether it's injury to a person, another animal, or property. According to Wisconsin Statutes Section 174.02(01)(a), owners are fully responsible for covering all damages resulting from their dog's actions. “Keepers” and “harborers” are also liable.
This may extend to situations where a dog's behavior, like jumping on someone and causing a fall, leads to injury. The law applies broadly to also include scenarios where guests might be injured by tripping over a dog in someone's home, to hold owners accountable in all cases of dog-related injury.
So the big question: will insurance pay for my dog bite injury? The short answer is yes. Most homeowner's insurance policies provide coverage for dog bite injuries.
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in the Fond du Lac area or anywhere else in Wisconsin, the dog owner's homeowners insurance policy or renters insurance policy may step in to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and even pain and suffering. However, it's the smart move to act quickly and get legal guidance to deal with the insurance companies.
By consulting with an experienced Green Bay dog bite accident lawyer like Natasha Misra Law, you can ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
Without proper counsel helping you with the insurance companies, you could face:
Limited Understanding: You may not fully understand your rights and legal options under Wisconsin dog bite laws.
Underestimation of Damages: You might underestimate the potential damages you could claim for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Difficulty in Negotiations: Without legal representation, negotiating fair compensation with insurance companies or the dog owner could be challenging.
Risk of Inadequate Settlement: You could risk accepting a settlement that does not adequately cover your current and future expenses related to the injury.
If you find yourself in a situation where you've suffered a dog bite injury in Green Bay, Wisconsin, it's vital to act quickly. Document the incident, seek medical attention, and report the incident to local authorities. Then reach out to a dog bite injury lawyer to help you through the claims process.
Don't wait to get legal guidance. Reach out to Natasha Misra Law, your trusted dog bite accident lawyer, for a consultation. Let us fight for your rights and help you recover the compensation you deserve. Get an experienced attorney who’s not just another suit.
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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