Wisconsin Motorcycle Accident Lawyer | Fighting for Injured Riders
There is a freedom on the open roads of Wisconsin that only a motorcyclist truly understands. It is a connection to the road, the landscape, the journey itself. But in one horrifying moment, that freedom can be stolen by the carelessness of another driver. The screech of tires, the brutal impact you did not see coming, the chaos and pain that follow — a serious motorcycle wreck is a life-altering trauma, a sudden and violent interruption to your life.
If you are reading this, it is likely because you or someone you love is living in that traumatic aftermath. You are grappling with severe injuries, facing a mountain of medical bills, and dealing with an insurance company that seems determined to blame you for everything. It is an incredibly stressful and isolating experience, and we want you to know that what you are feeling is valid. You do not have to go through this alone.
You need more than just any lawyer. You need a dedicated Wisconsin motorcycle accident lawyer who understands the unique physics of a motorcycle crash, the devastating injuries that result, and the unfair biases that riders so often face. At Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC, we are that law firm. For decades, we have been the advocates for injured motorcyclists across Wisconsin. We see the person behind the case, and our mission is to take the entire legal burden off your shoulders, from the complex motorcycle accident litigation to the relentless insurance negotiations, so you can focus on the one thing that truly matters: your recovery. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation at our offices in Onalaska, Eau Claire, or La Crosse, and throughout Wisconsin. We offer a free case consultation to make it easy for you to get the legal support you need without any upfront costs.
Motorcycle accident victims face unique challenges motorcyclists face that other road users simply do not. From proving fault at the accident scene to fighting back against insurance adjusters who assume riders are reckless, the legal system is not always fair to motorcyclists. Our personal injury attorneys are here to level that playing field for you.
Why a Motorcycle Accident Claim is Different
Insurance companies often try to treat a motorcycle accident like any other traffic collision. This is a fundamental mistake, and it is a tactic designed to save them money, not to treat you fairly. As an experienced motorcycle accident attorney in Wisconsin, we know the critical differences that define these cases.
First, there is the bias against riders. Insurers will often try to paint the motorcyclist as a reckless risk-taker, regardless of the facts. They will scour your record and twist your words to create a narrative that you were somehow responsible for your own injuries. A skilled motorcycle lawyer knows how to dismantle this unfair defense from the very beginning, using evidence and expert testimony to show who was truly at fault.
Second, the injuries are almost always more severe. Without the protection of a steel frame, airbags, and seatbelts, a rider’s body absorbs the full force of the collision. This leads to catastrophic injuries that require a lifetime of care. We understand the medicine behind traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and severe road rash, and we know how to build a case that accounts for the true, long-term cost of these injuries.
Third, recovering compensation after a motorcycle accident in Wisconsin requires a different legal approach than standard car accidents. Insurance companies will look for every reason to reduce or deny your motorcycle accident claim. Our accident lawyer team knows how to gather accident scene evidence, build strong personal injury claims, and pursue the fair compensation motorcycle riders deserve.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Wrecks in Wisconsin
While every motorcycle collision is unique, most are caused by a surprisingly small number of common driver errors. In our experience, the vast majority of motorcycle accidents are not the rider’s fault. They are the direct result of a car or truck driver’s negligence. Our investigations frequently uncover that a crash was caused by:
- Unsafe Lane Changes: A driver failing to check their blind spot before merging or changing lanes, cutting off the motorcyclist or forcing them off the road.
- Left-Hand Turns: This is one of the most dangerous situations for any rider. A driver turning left at an intersection often misjudges the motorcycle’s speed or simply fails to see it at all, turning directly into its path.
- Distracted Driving: A driver who is texting, eating, or otherwise not paying full attention to the road is a lethal threat to everyone, but especially to motorcyclists who are less visible.
- Following Too Closely (Tailgating): Drivers who do not leave a safe following distance cannot react in time if a motorcyclist needs to slow down or stop suddenly.
- “Looked But Failed to See” Errors: Many drivers will admit after a crash, “I looked, but I just didn’t see the motorcycle.” This is not an excuse; it is an admission of negligence. It means they were not paying adequate attention.
- Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and perception, making them a grave danger to every rider on the road.
As your motorcycle wreck lawyers, our first job is to prove exactly how the other driver’s negligence caused your harm. We leave no stone unturned in our investigation.
Poor weather conditions, defective road surfaces, and vehicle defects can also contribute to a motorcycle collision. Even when a car accident or truck accident is involved alongside your crash, our injury lawyers work to identify all negligent parties and liable parties so you can seek compensation from every source available. Motorcycle crash victims should never assume there is only one vehicle involved or one insurance claim to file.
The Devastating Injuries in Motorcycle Accident Lawsuits
The compensation you are entitled to is directly tied to the severity of your injuries. We work with your doctors and leading medical experts to build a comprehensive picture of your injuries and their lifelong consequences. We regularly handle motorcycle accident lawsuits involving:
| Injury Type | Common Long-Term Consequences |
| Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) | Cognitive deficits, memory loss, personality changes, permanent disability |
| Spinal Cord Injury | Paralysis (quadriplegia or paraplegia), chronic pain, loss of bodily functions |
| Road Rash and Degloving | Severe scarring, disfigurement, multiple skin graft surgeries, high risk of infection |
| Broken Bones and Fractures | Multiple surgeries, insertion of plates and screws, long-term mobility issues |
| Amputations | Loss of a limb, phantom limb pain, need for expensive prosthetics |
| Internal Organ Damage | Life-threatening internal bleeding, organ failure, permanent damage |
We understand that your injuries are more than just a medical diagnosis. They affect every aspect of your life. Our legal strategy is built around telling that full story.
Common motorcycle accident injuries like head injuries, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and road rash all require immediate medical treatment and often months or years of ongoing care. Getting a thorough medical evaluation right after a motorcycle accident is one of the most important steps you can take. Medical bills and medical costs for serious motorcycle accident injuries can reach into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, and our law firm fights to make sure every dollar is included in your claim.
Navigating Wisconsin Motorcycle Laws
Wisconsin has specific laws that apply to motorcyclists, and insurance companies will often try to use these laws against you. For example, while adults are not required to wear a helmet in Wisconsin, an insurer may argue that your failure to wear one contributed to your head injury. As your Wisconsin motorcycle lawyer, we know how to counter these arguments.
Key laws we often address in these cases include:
- Helmet Laws: Required for all riders and passengers under 18, and for all riders with an instructional permit.
- Lane Splitting: Wisconsin law does not permit lane splitting (riding between two lanes of traffic).
- Eye Protection: Required for all riders, unless the motorcycle is equipped with a windshield that rises at least 15 inches above the handlebars.
Understanding these nuances is important to building a successful case and protecting you from unfair blame.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation sets specific licensing and equipment requirements for motorcycle riders. You must hold a valid motorcycle license or motorcycle instruction permit to legally operate a motorcycle in Wisconsin. Our Wisconsin motorcycle accident attorneys understand these rules inside and out, and we know how to prevent insurance companies from using technicalities against you in a motorcycle accident case.
The Legal Process: What to Expect from Your Claim
When you hire our motorcycle accident law firm, we take over the entire legal process so you can focus on healing. Here is what you can generally expect:
- Free Initial Consultation: We will sit down with you, listen to your story, and give you an honest assessment of your case. There is no charge for this.
- Investigation: We immediately begin our investigation, gathering police reports, witness statements, photos, and video footage, and we issue a spoliation letter to ensure the at-fault vehicle is preserved.
- Building Your Damages Case: We work with you and your doctors to collect all medical records and bills. We may also hire economic experts to project your future lost wages and medical needs.
- Negotiation with the Insurance Company: Once we have a full picture of your damages, we will send a detailed demand letter to the insurance company. This begins the negotiation process. Most cases are settled at this stage.
- Filing a Lawsuit: If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we will not hesitate to file a lawsuit and begin the motorcycle accident litigation process. We are trial lawyers, and we are always prepared to take your case to a jury.
We Are a Wisconsin Law Firm Serving Riders Statewide
From our offices in La Crosse, Eau Claire, and Onalaska, our motorcycle accident attorneys represent injured riders from communities all across the state. We have the resources and experience to handle cases in your local area, including:
- Appleton
- Wisconsin Dells
- Monroe
- Buffalo
- Chippewa
- Juneau
- Wausau
- Marshfield
- Hudson
- Menomonie
- River Falls
- And many other cities and counties throughout Wisconsin.
If you were involved in a Wisconsin motorcycle wreck, one of the first things you should do is obtain a copy of the accident report from law enforcement. This document records details about the accident and is often key evidence in a motorcycle accident claim. Our law firm can help you get this report and build the strongest possible case for securing maximum compensation on your behalf. Motorcycle accident in Wisconsin statistics show that severe injuries and serious injuries are far more common in motorcycle crashes than in car accidents or other vehicle accidents, which is exactly why having strong legal support matters.
Frequently Asked QuestionsFrequently Asked Questions for Our Wisconsin Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
What is the first thing I should do after a motorcycle accident?
Your health is the only priority. Seek immediate medical care, even if you think you are okay. A full medical evaluation after any motorcycle accident is important, even if you feel fine, because some serious injuries are not immediately apparent. Then, before you speak to any insurance adjuster, call our law firm. It is also important to avoid discussing fault at the accident scene. The sooner your motorcycle accident lawyer can start protecting your rights, the stronger your case will be.
How do I find the best motorcycle accident lawyer near me?
Look for a firm with a proven track record of success in motorcycle accident lawsuits and a deep understanding of Wisconsin law. Look for a bike accident injury attorney who focuses on personal injury and has the resources to take on large insurance companies. The right motorcycle accident attorney will have direct experience handling motorcycle injury claims and accidents in Wisconsin. We believe our firm is the right choice for injured riders in Wisconsin.
What if the other driver says the accident was my fault?
This is a standard tactic. Do not admit fault. Wisconsin’s comparative negligence law means you can still recover compensation as long as you are not found to be more than 50% responsible. Personal injury claims involving shared fault are common in motorcycle accident cases, and our personal injury attorneys know how to build the evidence needed to minimize your assigned share of blame. Our job is to build a case that proves the other party’s liability so your case stays as strong as possible.
How much does a lawyer on a motorcycle case cost?
Our motorcycle accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay us absolutely nothing unless we win your case. There are no upfront costs or hidden fees. Our fee is a percentage of the compensation we recover for you. This arrangement means that motorcycle injury lawyers like ours are motivated to get accident victims the maximum compensation possible.
What if the driver who hit me was uninsured?
This is a serious but solvable problem. Your own insurance policy likely includes Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. When the other driver’s liability insurance is not enough to cover your losses, or they have no coverage at all, you may still be able to claim compensation through your own policy. We can help you file insurance claims with your own insurer and pursue compensation through every available channel to get the compensation you need.
What is the average settlement for a motorcycle accident?
There is no “average” settlement because every personal injury case is unique. The value of a motorcycle accident injury claim depends on the severity of your injuries, medical treatment costs, lost wages, and the strength of the evidence. Be wary of any attorney who promises a specific amount before they know the details of your case. A fair compensation amount reflects all of your losses, including future medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact us for a free consultation, and we can give you an honest assessment of what your motorcycle accident case may be worth.
What if a loved one was killed in a motorcycle crash?
In the tragic event of a fatal motorcycle collision or a death anywhere in Wisconsin, the surviving family members may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim. This can provide compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the profound loss of companionship. We handle these sensitive cases with the utmost care and dedication.
Talk to a Top-Rated Wisconsin Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
You have been through a traumatic ordeal. You deserve a legal team that will fight tirelessly for your rights while treating you with the compassion and respect you are owed. The motorcycle accident lawyers for injury at Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC are ready to be your advocates.
Motorcycle accident victims have the right to pursue a personal injury claim for all of their losses, including medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Whether your motorcycle accident injury involved a car, truck, or another vehicle, our personal injury attorneys know how to build strong personal injury claims and fight for every dollar you deserve. Our injury lawyers handle each motorcycle accident claim and case from start to finish, so you never have to wonder what is happening.
Call our dedicated Wisconsin motorcycle accident attorneys now at 608-200-3713 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us take the weight off your shoulders and fight for the justice you deserve. Learn more about our attorneys or read what our clients say.