When you ride on a motorcycle as a passenger, you are putting a lot of trust in the driver. If an accident happens, motorcycle passengers are at high risk of sustaining very serious injuries.
If you were hurt while riding on a motorcycle, you may be wondering how you can go about seeking compensation for your injuries. You will want an experienced attorney to conduct a thorough investigation as quickly as possible. In any motor vehicle accident, critical evidence can be lost fast. Damaged road signs may be fixed within days. Weather conditions may be difficult to replicate. Always call an attorney as soon as possible after a motorcycle accident.
Who Might be Liable for my Injuries as a Motorcycle Passenger?
Motorcycles simply do not offer the same protection that other vehicles do. What would have been a very minor accident between two regular vehicles can be devastating if a motorcycle was involved. Serious injuries, like traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries, are common. So who is responsible?
Generally, the person who caused the accident is at fault and will be liable to the injured parties. In motorcycle accidents, the causes can be complex, and sometimes more than one person is responsible. Wisconsin law allows injured parties to seek compensation from more than one party if more than one party contributed to the injury under a doctrine known as “joint and several liability”. An attorney may be able to help you recover compensation from:
- The Motorcycle Driver – If the person who was driving the motorcycle carelessly caused or contributed to the crash, he may be liable to you. Wisconsin law requires motorcycle drivers to carry insurance, just like the driver of any other vehicle. If you believe a motorcycle operator was even partially at-fault for a crash that caused you injuries, it is important to contact an experience lawyer who understands insurance coverage. Some insurance policies will reduce the available liability coverage extended to a passenger and being able to understand the insurance coverage available to you is very important.
- Another Driver – If another vehicle was responsible or partially responsible for the accident, that driver may be liable to you as well.
- Anyone Liable to the Motorcycle Driver – If any third party, including other drivers, motorcycle mechanics, or insurance companies is liable to the motorcycle driver you were riding with they are likely also liable to you.
Call a Green Bay Area Motorcycle Accidents Attorney
If you were hurt while riding on a motorcycle, it is important to talk to a qualified attorney as soon as you can after the accident before crucial evidence is lost. Herrling Clark Law Firm, Ltd. has the experience needed to investigate the crash that injured you and recover all possible compensation you may be entitled to. Call 920-739-7366 for a free consultation, and see how our Appleton Motorcycle Accidents Lawyers can help you get compensated for your injuries.
Sources:
https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/895.045
https://heineninsurance.com/personal/motorcycle-insurance/wisconsin-motorcycle-insurance-faq/