Milwaukee Attorneys Litigate Pedestrian & Bicycle Accidents

Concerned and excellent legal assistance throughout Wisconsin

Bicyclists and pedestrians injured in traffic face the same legal challenges as motorists. In most cases, they must deal with a motorist’s insurance company. Insurers usually try to use Wisconsin’s comparative negligence law to deny recovery by claiming the injured party shares blame for the accident. For more than 35 years, Sperling Law Offices LLC has helped injured bicyclists and pedestrians. Our smart and skilled Milwaukee attorneys are dedicated to helping everyday people fight the tough battle against large insurance companies to obtain compensation to which they’re entitled.

Serious injuries occur even in low-speed impacts

Because bicyclists and pedestrians are completely exposed, contact with a vehicle moving even at low speed can cause serious injuries or even lead to fatalities. It’s not just the immediate impact with the car; more damage occurs on secondary impact with the road’s surface. Severe injuries for cyclists and pedestrians include:

  • Broken bones
  • Concussions
  • Spinal trauma
  • Traumatic brain injury

These injuries may require a long rehabilitation or be permanently disabling. To obtain a cash recovery sufficient to meet your long-term needs, you need a skilled personal injury attorney who knows how to deal with large insurance companies.

Does Wicsonsin’s comparative negligence law affect accident claims?

Under Wisconsin law, if the facts reveal that a victim contributed to the accident, that party can only recover a percentage of the total claim. If the victim was more than 50 percent responsible, there can be no damage award. In all likelihood, the defense will try to prove you’re partially to blame for your own injuries. How might a bicyclist contribute to an accident?

  • Disregarding traffic laws
  • Exiting a driveway without stopping at the curb
  • Failing to use hand signals
  • Riding at night without adequate lights

Wisconsin does not have a statewide bicycle helmet law. Though wearing a helmet is advisable, the fact that an injured rider was bareheaded would not be considered contributory negligence.

A pedestrian could contribute to an accident by:

  • Jaywalking
  • Crossing in the middle of the street
  • Stepping out from between parked cars
  • Texting while crossing the street

Sperling Law Offices LLC thoroughly investigates your accident and gathers the evidence to assert your claim. If your pedestrian accident came from slipping, tripping and/or falling at a private residence or place of business, we can represent you as well.

Contact an experienced Milwaukee bicycle and pedestrian accident attorney

Sperling Law Offices LLC works hard on behalf of injured bicyclists and pedestrians throughout Wisconsin. To schedule a free consultation to discuss your claim for monetary damages, call 414-273-7777 or contact our Milwaukee office online.