Bicycle Accident Case Studies

Sheboygan, Wisconsin bicycle accident settlement $341,000 Sheboygan Bicycle Accident Settlement Wrongful death attorneys secure settlement for fatally injured mother's family $750,000 Milwaukee Wrongful Death Settlement Paralysis Injury Lawsuit Milwaukee $2,800,000 Milwaukee Motorcycle Accident Settlement motorcycle injury attorneys Oshkosh $2,400,000 Oshkosh Motorcycle Accident Settlement

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Common Bike Accident Injuries

Bicycle accidents can lead to serious, life-altering injuries, such as: 

  • Head Injuries
  • Fractures
  • Abrasions and lacerations (road rash)
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries

Head injuries are responsible for over 60% of bicycle-related deaths and two-thirds of hospital admissions. Medical costs following a bike accident can be substantial to cover emergency room fees, surgeries, rehabilitation and ongoing care.

WI Statutes for Bike Accidents

Understanding the legal framework surrounding bicycle accidents in Wisconsin is crucial for both cyclists and motorists. Here are some key Wisconsin statutes that apply to bicycle accidents:

Wis. Stat. §346.075Three-Foot Passing Law

Requires motorists to give cyclists at least 3 feet of clearance when passing. This law aims to reduce the risk of side-swipe accidents and protect cyclists on the road.
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Wis. Stat. §346.94(20)Dooring Law

It's illegal for a person to open a car door into the path of traffic, including bicycles, without checking that it's safe to do so. This law helps prevent accidents where cyclists collide with suddenly opened car doors.
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Wis. Stat. §347.489Bicycle Equipment Requirements

Mandates that bicycles operated at night must be equipped with a white front light visible from at least 500 feet away and a red rear reflector visible from 50 to 500 feet. These requirements help ensure cyclists' visibility in low-light conditions.
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Wis. Stat. §346.24Right-of-Way at Crosswalks

Gives pedestrians and cyclists the right-of-way at marked and unmarked crosswalks. Motorists must yield to cyclists crossing the road at these locations.
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Wisc. Stat. §346.804Sidewalk Riding

While state law doesn't prohibit sidewalk riding, Wisconsin Statute §346.804 allows local municipalities to regulate or prohibit sidewalk riding in certain areas. Always check local ordinances before riding on sidewalks.
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Wisc. Stat. §895.045Comparative Negligence

Establishes the state's comparative negligence law. This means that in a bicycle accident case, fault can be split between parties and potentially affect compensation.
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Wisc. Stat. §895.049Helmet Use

While there is no statewide law mandating helmet use for cyclists, Wisconsin Statute §895.049 states that the failure to wear a protective helmet cannot be used to reduce damages in a civil action. This protects cyclists' right to compensation regardless of helmet use.
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Bicycle Accident Statistics

  • According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 1,084 bicyclists were killed in crashes with motor vehicles in the U.S., marking the highest number ever recorded. 
  • Bicyclist deaths have increased by 75% since 2010. 
  • 89% of bicyclist fatalities in 2022 were among people aged 20 and older. (IIHS)
  • Male cyclists are significantly more likely to be killed than female cyclists. (IIHS)
  • 34% of bicyclist deaths in 2022 occurred at intersections. (IIHS)
  • 64% of bicyclist deaths occurred on major roads other than interstates and freeways. (IIHS)
  • Bicyclist deaths in 2022 peaked during the hours from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., accounting for 21% of fatalities. (IIHS)
  • According to a 2016 study by the Wisconsin DoT, a bicyclist is injured or killed on the road every 10.2 hours
  • 60% of all adult bicycle crashes are caused by an error of the motorist, not the cyclist. (National Institutes of Health)
  • It's estimated no more than 25% of child and adolescent bicyclists use bicycle helmets, despite helmets reducing the risk of head injury by 85% and brain injury by 88%. (IIHS)

Bike Accident Death Statistics by Age (2000-2022)

Year

Deaths involving Bikers Under 20 years old

Deaths involving Bikers Over 20 years old

2000

231

456

2001

205

520

2002

189

467

2003

188

436

2004

188

530

2005

179

599

2006

154

610

2007

145

547

2008

135

577

2009

118

510

2010

99

518

2011

104

573

2012

117

607

2013

109

633

2014

95

621

2015

94

728

2016

103

734

2017

104

688

2019

82

769

2020

97

827

2021

83

860

2022

94

963

(data courtesy of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety)

Bike Accident Settlements & Wrongful Death Claims

Warshafsky Law is committed to securing maximum compensation for bicycle accident victims and their families. Our experienced Milwaukee bike accident attorneys have a proven track record of obtaining substantial settlements and verdicts. 

Bike Accident Settlements

Each case is different as both the accident itself as well as damages can vary. Some of the factors that affect recovery include:  

  • Severity and long-term impact of injuries
  • Current and future medical costs
  • Lost income and reduced earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Property damage

Our legal team works diligently to document all aspects of your case so your settlement reflects the true impact of the accident on your life. As needed, we collaborate with medical experts to project future consequences and calculate the full extent of your damages. 

Wrongful Death Claims for Bicycle Accidents

In cases of fatal bike accidents, our compassionate attorneys help bereaved families seek justice and financial security. We pursue comprehensive compensations to address: 

  • Loss of financial support
  • Emotional suffering and loss of companionship
  • Value of household services
  • Medical and funeral expenses
  • Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence

We understand no amount of money can truly compensate for the loss of a loved one. However, our goal is to guarantee your family’s financial stability and hold responsible parties accountable. 

Time is crucial in personal injury and wrongful death claims. Contact Warshafsky Law today for a free consultation, and let us fight for the compensation you deserve while you focus on healing and recovery. 

Milwaukee’s Premier Bicycle Accident Attorneys

At Warshafsky Law, we’re more than just attorneys – we’re passionate advocates for cyclist rights and safety in Milwaukee. Our commitment to the cycling community, combined with our unparalleled legal expertise, has earned us the reputation of the best bicycle accident law firm in the city. 

We take pride in our leadership role in cyclist advocacy through the Ride of Silence. This annual event raises crucial awareness for cyclists injured or killed on public roads, underlining our dedication to making Milwaukee’s streets safer for everyone on two wheels.

Uncompromising Legal Representation

When it comes to your bike accident case, we don’t just aim for quick settlements unnecessarily. We have the patience to work with you through your treatment and ensure you are receiving maximum compensation. Our approach sets us apart from other personal injury law firms: 

  • 1. Prepared for Trial

    While many firms rush to settle, we meticulously prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Our thorough approach often leads to higher settlements and demonstrates our readiness to fight for you in court if necessary. 

  • 2. No Win, No Fee

    For most cases, we operate on a contingency basis, meaning we only get paid when you do. This aligns our interests with yours, motivating us to secure the highest possible compensation for your case. 

  • 3. Comprehensive Case Evaluation

    Our team of experienced attorneys carefully assesses every aspect of your case, from medical expenses and lost wages to long-term impacts on your quality of life so no detail is overlooked. 

  • 4. Negotiation Expertise

    With our reputation for thorough case preparation and willingness to go to trial, we often secure higher settlements through skilled negotiation. 

  • 5. Courtroom Excellence

    If we can’t reach a fair settlement, our seasoned trial attorneys are prepared to fiercely advocate for your rights in the courtroom. 

By choosing Warshafsky, you’re not just getting legal representation – you’re partnering with a team deeply invested in the cycling community and committed to your recovery and justice. Let us put our experience, dedication and proven track record to work for you. 

Don’t settle for less than you deserve. Contact Warshafsky today for a free consultation, and experience the difference of working with Milwaukee’s premier bicycle accident attorneys.