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Wrongful Death Claims from Fatal Motorcycle Accidents in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Motorcyclists contend with many safety challenges. Driving in the open air among trucks, passenger-sized vehicles, and fellow motorcyclists can be precarious. Additionally, motorcyclists are vulnerable to fluctuations in weather, visibility, and road pavement, such as potholes. On average, motorcyclists are 29 times more likely to die in an accident than those in a passenger vehicle. Of the 2,104 motorcycle crashes in Wisconsin during 2020, there were 112 fatalities.
Families of those who have perished in a motorcycle accident may bring a wrongful death claim for monetary compensation (“damages”). Awarded damages are for the loss of potential income from the deceased as well as medical and funeral expenses for the deceased. Emotional trauma incurred from the catastrophic event is also taken into account when awarding damages. The statute of limitations for wrongful death lawsuits resulting from a motor vehicle in the state of Wisconsin is two years after the accident occurs. So, there are crucial time constraints to consider.
How to Proceed with a Wrongful Death Claim
Contacting a personal injury lawyer for bikers immediately after the accident is imperative. The attorney will then be able to promptly fulfill any reporting requirements as well as collect and preserve evidence, which is sometimes susceptible to being destroyed or lost. The immediacy of collecting evidence is critical and may include:
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911 transcripts
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Police reports
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Traffic camera footage
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Securing witness statements while still fresh in memory
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Photos of physical evidence of a crash, such as skid marks or potholes
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Photos of property damage before repaired
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Medical reports of the deceased
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Photos of physical injuries of the deceased
Do You Have a Wrongful Death Case?
Motorcycle accident victims are often regarded with little sympathy and wrongly deemed culpable for the accident. However, there is a myriad of situations in which they may not be at fault:
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Hazardous roads – Was the pavement riddled with potholes due to inadequate road maintenance or unsafe road design?
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Drunk drivers – Was a drunk or drug-impaired driver the cause of the collision?
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Distracted drivers – If another driver caused the crash, was that driver distracted by text messaging or cell phone conversation?
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Reckless drivers – Did another driver’s speed or negligent driving cause the crash?
Contact our Milwaukee Personal Injury Lawyers
Fatal motorcycle accidents are catastrophic, devastating families emotionally and financially. At Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP, we will aggressively seek maximum monetary compensation while remaining sensitive to your needs as you grieve your tragic, untimely loss. We will honor and treat your loved one’s memory with utmost dignity as we work to help you rebuild your life. Contact our Milwaukee motorcycle accident personal injury lawyers for a confidential consultation at 414-271-1440.
Source:
https://wisconsindot.gov/pages/about-wisdot/newsroom/statistics/final.aspx
