Many people enjoy riding motorcycles as a hobby or as a convenient way to commute. However, negligent or distracted drivers sometimes fail to notice motorcyclists on the road, resulting in dangerous scenarios and potential collisions.
If you were involved in a crash while riding, it is important to reach out to a knowledgeable attorney to help you navigate this difficult time and pursue compensation from the at-fault party. At the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd., our legal team can answer your questions about motorcycle accidents in Kenosha and explain your rights throughout the process of recovery.
What are Common Scenarios for Motorbike Crashes in Kenosha?
Over half of motorcycle accidents occur on urban roads, and many take place at intersections. Our local attorneys have frequently handled motorcycle wrecks involving rear-endings by distracted drivers and side-impact collisions during lane changes and left turns. Additionally, motorcycling accidents are common in the winter, as the roads in Kenosha become icy and treacherous.
How is Fault Determined for Motorcycle Collisions?
Many injured motorcyclists may wonder how fault will be determined, and our attorneys often get questions about liability for these types of accidents. After a traffic accident involving a motorcycle, police officers will typically arrive at the scene and conduct an investigation to see who was to blame. The majority of the time, drivers are found more at fault than motorcyclists. However, there are many factors that could lead to liability for a motorcyclist, including intoxication or speeding.
What are the Laws and Requirements for Motorcyclists in Kenosha?
In Kenosha and throughout Wisconsin, motorcyclists must be at least 16 years old to ride. If they are under the age of 18, they must also:
- Have a sponsor
- Complete a driver’s education program
- Complete a basic motorcycle rider course
Additionally, it is important to know that in Kenosha, a cycle instruction permit is valid only for six months. A permit can get extended or renewed for an additional six months, but it does not last forever. There are additional requirements for a regular motorcycle license, which our knowledgeable attorneys in the area can answer further questions about.
Restrictions for New Motorcyclists
There are also some restrictions that apply during the instruction permit period. For instance, the rider must wear eye-protection and an approved helmet. A permit holder may only ride alone during the day; if they are cycling after dark, they must be accompanied by a person who is at least 25 years old, has two years of driving experience, and has a Class M motorcycle license.
Additionally, a new motorcyclist must demonstrate their competence through a skills test. To take the Wisconsin Department of Transportation Motorcycle Driving Skills Test, the rider must provide a bike in good working condition and wear an approved helmet and eye-protection.
What Insurance Coverage is Available for Motorcycle Wrecks?
At the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd., our attorneys often get questions about insurance coverage for motorcycle accidents in Kenosha. Depending on the cause of the biking crash, our skilled lawyers could determine the available coverage for an injured victim.
Often, the at-fault driver does not have enough insurance to fully cover the motorcyclist’s losses. In this case, we would advise an injured biker to pursue compensation through the uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage on their own insurance policy. We would also help pursue any type of medical payment coverage that the motorcyclist may have to cover their medical bills stemming from the incident.
Call a Kenosha Attorney to Answer Questions about Motorcycle Accidents
After a serious biking crash, you may be confused, overwhelmed, and burdened by medical bills and property damage costs. Luckily, the attorneys at the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd. are here to guide you through this difficult time and provide answers to your questions about motorcycle accidents in Kenosha. Give us a call today to set up a consultation about your circumstances and get the help you need.