Motorcycle crashes can lead to serious injuries, expensive medical bills, and long recoveries. When a careless driver or poorly maintained road causes a wreck in central Wisconsin, a Stevens Point, Wisconsin motorcycle accident lawyer from Anderson O'Brien, LLP can help you pursue the compensation you need to move forward. Our firm has a long history of helping injury victims throughout Portage, Wood, and Waushara County, and we know how to handle these types of cases with care, skill, and determination.
Stevens Point sees heavy traffic near highway 10, Main street, Clark Street, near campus and downtown. Motorcycle riders are exposed to higher risks when other drivers aren’t paying attention or when streets haven’t been properly maintained.
At Anderson O'Brien, LLP, we understand what victims and their families go through after a crash. That’s why we offer free consultations. If you're dealing with the aftermath of a motorcycle accident, contact us today.
What Are the Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Stevens Point?
Many motorcycle accidents happen because of someone else's poor decisions or unsafe conditions, not the rider's actions. In Stevens Point and across Central Wisconsin, several common factors lead to dangerous crashes.
Poor Road Conditions Unique to Central Wisconsin
Central Wisconsin streets see heavy wear, especially during winter and spring. Potholes, crumbling asphalt, loose gravel, and uneven pavement on roads like Division Street can throw off a motorcycle’s balance. Riders often don't have time to avoid hazards, especially on narrow or winding roads outside city limits.
Distracted Driving by Other Motorists
Texting, eating, or fiddling with the radio takes a driver’s eyes off the road. In busy areas like near campus or around the Crossroad Commons shopping center, one second of inattention can cause a driver to miss a motorcycle in their path.
Adverse Weather Conditions in Wisconsin
Rain, snow, fog, and sudden temperature drops can make roads slick fast. Even with the best gear, motorcycles don't have the grip of a four-wheeled vehicle. A car may be able to stop safely, but a motorcycle in front of it might be rear-ended by a driver who didn't adjust their speed.
Failure to Yield Right of Way
Intersections are especially dangerous for motorcyclists. On Division Street, riders often find that other drivers turn left in front of them without looking. Some drivers assume the bike is further away or going slower than it really is. These wrong assumptions lead to avoidable crashes.
Wisconsin Motorcycle Laws You Should Know
Motorcyclists in Wisconsin must follow a specific set of laws that affect how they ride, the insurance they carry, and the rights they have after an accident. These rules can also affect how much compensation a rider may receive after a crash. Knowing the basic legal requirements helps riders stay within the law and avoid problems if an accident occurs.
Helmet Laws in Wisconsin
Wisconsin doesn’t require all motorcycle riders to wear helmets. However, the law does require:
- Riders under 18 to wear a helmet.
- Riders with instructional permits—no matter their age—to wear a helmet.
Passengers who fall into either of these categories also must wear helmets. Even though helmets aren’t legally required for many adult riders, wearing one can significantly reduce the chances of a serious head injury in a crash.
Licensing Requirements for Motorcyclists
Anyone who wants to operate a motorcycle on Wisconsin roads must have a valid Class M motorcycle license or a motorcycle instruction permit. To obtain a Class M license, a rider must either:
- Pass a knowledge and skills test administered by the Wisconsin DMV, or
- Complete an approved Wisconsin Motorcycle Safety Program (WMSP) course.
A motorcycle instruction permit allows someone to practice riding but comes with restrictions—like no passengers and no riding at night.
Insurance Minimums for Motorcyclists in Wisconsin
Just like other drivers, motorcyclists must carry liability insurance. The state’s minimum required coverage includes:
- $25,000 for injury or death of one person
- $50,000 for injury or death of two or more people
- $10,000 for property damage
These minimums cover damages the rider may cause to others. Riders should consider carrying more than the minimum, including uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, to protect themselves if another driver causes a crash and lacks enough insurance.
Wisconsin Lane Splitting Regulations
Lane splitting—riding between two lanes of traffic moving in the same direction—is not legal in Wisconsin. This applies even in slow or stopped traffic. While some states allow it in certain situations, Wisconsin law treats lane splitting as unsafe and illegal.
Police may issue tickets for lane splitting, and insurance companies might try to use it as a reason to deny or reduce a claim if a crash happens during the maneuver.
"The insurance companies are working hard to minimize what they pay accident victims; it is crucial that the injured have a skilled attorney working hard for them to maximize their recovery and recover what they are owed!"
What Types of Injuries Commonly Result from Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcycle riders don’t have the same protection as car drivers. When another vehicle hits a motorcycle, the rider often suffers severe injuries that take a long time to heal.
Traumatic Brain Injuries and Long-Term Consequences
Even with a helmet, a blow to the head can cause a concussion or more serious brain injury. These injuries may affect memory, concentration, speech, or mood, sometimes for years.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
Damage to the spinal cord can lead to partial or full paralysis. Some riders lose the ability to walk or control parts of their body, which can drastically change their daily life and work options.
Road Rash and Soft Tissue Damage
Sliding across the pavement tears skin and muscle. Road rash isn’t just a scrape; it can require surgery and leave permanent scarring or nerve damage.
Fractures and Orthopedic Injuries
Broken bones are common, especially in the arms, legs, and ribs. Some fractures need plates, screws, or pins to heal properly. Recovery may involve months of physical therapy and time off work.
Fatal Injuries
Sadly, many bikers die because of the injuries they sustain in motorcycle accidents. Our personal injury attorneys can review your case to see if you qualify to bring a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party.
Compensation Available for Motorcycle Accident Victims
After a motorcycle crash, you may be owed more than just your hospital bills. Wisconsin law allows injured riders to seek compensation for a wide range of losses.
- Medical Expenses (Current and Future): These include emergency care, surgery, follow-up visits, medications, and future treatments or equipment like wheelchairs.
- Lost Wages and Diminished Earning Capacity: If you miss work or can’t return to your job because of your injuries, you can recover the money you've lost and the earnings you may not be able to make later.
- Pain and Suffering: These damages aim to compensate you for the lasting physical pain and emotional toll the accident caused.
- Property Damage: This includes repairs or replacement of your motorcycle, helmet, gear, or other items damaged in the crash.
- Rehabilitation Costs: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other forms of recovery support may also be included in your claim.
How Does Wisconsin's Comparative Negligence Law Affect My Case?
Wisconsin follows a comparative fault system, meaning your role in the crash—if any—affects your right to compensation. But the law protects victims who weren’t mostly at fault.
Understanding the 51% Bar Rule
You can still recover compensation if you're found to be less than 51% at fault. If you were 30% responsible, for example, your compensation would be reduced by 30%. Once the fault hits 51% or higher, you can’t recover anything under state law.
How Fault Determination Works in Stevens Point
Police reports, witness statements, and physical evidence all play a role. Insurance companies often argue that the rider was partly to blame, even when that’s not the case. Our team digs into the details to make sure fault is assigned fairly.
Protecting Your Rights When Partial Fault Is Claimed
If the insurance company or the other driver claims you were partly responsible, Anderson O'Brien, LLP works to push back against unfair accusations. The goal is to protect your compensation and make sure the full story is told.
Why Do Insurance Companies Often Undervalue Motorcycle Claims?
Insurance companies are businesses. The less they pay you, the more they keep. Many try to pay as little as possible after a motorcycle crash, even when the injuries are serious.
Bias Against Motorcyclists
Some insurance adjusters assume that motorcyclists are always taking risks. These false assumptions can lead to lower settlement offers. Our team makes sure the facts of your case—not stereotypes—drive the outcome.
Insurance Adjuster Tactics in Wisconsin Cases
Adjusters often ask leading questions, delay responses, or offer quick, low payouts to close the case before the full extent of injuries becomes clear. These tactics don’t serve your needs.
How Our Firm Counters These Strategies
Anderson O'Brien, LLP takes the time to document everything—from medical records to lost income—so that insurers can't downplay the impact of the accident. If an insurer refuses to make a fair offer, we take stronger steps to hold them accountable.
How Can a Stevens Point Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help Your Case?
A lawyer from Anderson O'Brien, LLP helps level the playing field against big insurance companies and those responsible for your injuries.
Thorough Investigation of Your Accident
We gather police reports, video footage, witness statements, crash reconstruction evidence, and expert opinions to support your case. Every detail helps strengthen your claim.
Accurate Valuation of Your Damages
We don’t accept the insurance company's numbers. Instead, we calculate your total losses, including future care, to make sure nothing is left out.
Skilled Negotiation with Insurance Companies
Our team knows how insurance adjusters think and what motivates them. We use this knowledge to push for fair settlements that reflect what you're truly owed.
Litigation Experience in Wisconsin Courts
If the at-fault party or insurer won’t agree to fair compensation, we’re prepared to bring the case to court. Our attorneys know the local court systems and how to present a compelling case before a judge or jury.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accident Claims in Wisconsin?
Every state sets a legal time limit for filing injury claims. In Wisconsin, missing the deadline could mean losing your chance at compensation.
Understanding the Three-Year Deadline
You have three years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit for injuries or damages. This clock starts ticking the day the accident happens.
Exceptions That May Apply to Your Case
Certain factors—like the age of the victim or discovery of hidden injuries—might affect the deadline. A lawyer can help confirm your exact timeline.
Claims Against Government Departments
If the crash involved a government vehicle or was caused by a failure to maintain roads, special rules apply. These claims usually have shorter deadlines and extra filing steps. For example, a poorly maintained stretch of Stanley Street may lead to a claim against the city or state.
Why Acting Quickly Strengthens Your Claim
The sooner your lawyer gets involved, the better the chances of gathering strong evidence, speaking with witnesses while memories are fresh, and building a solid case before key deadlines approach.
Local Stevens Point Resources for Motorcycle Accident Victims
Stevens Point offers several resources that can help during recovery.
- Medical Facilities: Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital and Marshfield Medical Center offer emergency care and specialized trauma services.
- Support Groups: Local chapters of groups like ABATE of Wisconsin and online communities provide peer support for injured riders and their families.
- Rehabilitation Centers: Facilities in Portage County offer physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other recovery services for accident victims.
Contact Our Motorcycle Crash Lawyers in Central Wisconsin Today
If a motorcycle accident has disrupted your life, Anderson O'Brien, LLP is here to help you take the next steps. We offer free consultations, and you don't pay us anything unless we recover money on your behalf.
Call us now at 715-344-0890 or fill out the online form to get started. Speaking with a lawyer right away can make a big difference in how your case moves forward. Don't wait—let us stand up for your rights today.