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Motorcycle accidents don’t just leave physical scars—they can shape your legal and financial future.
We don’t need to tell you that motorcycles come with risk. In Wisconsin, there are nearly 2,000 motorcycle crashes every year, including roughly 100 motorcyclist fatalities and more than 1,600 motorcycle injuries (Wisconsin DOT).
Because riders are so exposed during collisions with other vehicles (or even pedestrians or bicyclists), they often sustain severe injuries. In fact, motorcycles only make up about 3% of all registered vehicles in the United States, but they account for nearly 15% of traffic fatalities and 3.5% of injuries.
As personal injury lawyers, we often witness the impact of motorcycle accidents, and we know firsthand how life-altering they can be.
In today’s blog post, we want to discuss some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries that happen, as well as how they can impact your ability to seek compensation in Wisconsin.
Let’s take a look.
By far one of the most common motorcycle accident injuries is head trauma.
While Wisconsin has motorcycle helmet laws for riders under 18, helmet use is not mandatory for adults. As a result, head injuries, such as concussions, skull fractures, or traumatic brain injuries (TBI), are frequent.
Even if motorcycle riders do wear helmets, a violent impact on the head can lead to long-term effects like memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, and permanent disability. If a brain bleed occurs, the injury could become fatal.
In regards to compensation, head injuries can significantly influence the claim, as medical expenses and rehabilitation costs may increase dramatically. Even just a single CT scan to assess a head injury can cost nearly $5,000 (AQ Modern Diagonist Imaging).
Additionally, the long-term impact on the injured motorcyclist’s quality of life can make a claim more complex, requiring evidence of ongoing medical treatment, loss of wages, and possible permanent disabilities.
Many motorcycle accidents result in traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which are some of the most devastating outcomes for motorcycle riders. A TBI is a disruption in normal brain function caused by a sudden impact, jolt, or blow to the head, often leading to temporary or permanent brain damage.
Without the physical protection that cars provide, riders are far more vulnerable to severe head trauma during collisions. Even with a helmet, the impact of a crash can cause the brain to move violently within the skull, leading to bruising, bleeding, or swelling.
For motorcycle riders who sustain a brain injury, the road to recovery can be long and challenging. Medical treatments may include surgeries, therapy, and ongoing rehabilitation, all of which come with significant financial costs. Additionally, the average inpatient stay for patients with a TBI diagnosis is about 6.8 days at a cost of $21,000.
Severe TBIs can also result in permanent disability, limiting a person’s ability to work or enjoy their previous quality of life.
When pursuing a legal claim, victims must account for their current and future medical expenses, as well as lost income and the emotional toll of a brain injury on both the rider and their family.
Spinal cord injuries are another top contender amongst common motorcycle accident injuries. When the spine is damaged, it can result in partial or complete paralysis, as well as permanent nerve damage. The consequences can be catastrophic, requiring lifetime care and support.
According to Statista’s findings in 2023, the lifetime cost of medical care after a spine injury can easily be millions of dollars (depending on its severity). This accounts for surgeries, trauma care, rehabilitation, medications, and more.
In Wisconsin, claims involving spinal injuries in motorcycle accidents are often complicated by the need for specialized medical testimony and evidence of long-term care needs. The victim’s ability to continue working and provide for themselves can also be a key factor in determining fair compensation.
Motorcycle accidents can easily lead to fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis. In some cases, these injuries may require surgery, lengthy rehabilitation, or even permanent disability.
Broken bones can also make it difficult for the victim to return to work, leading to lost wages on top of medical expenses and other damages. While fractures are relatively common and straightforward, the severity of the break and the extent of the medical treatment required can complicate a motorcycle accident claim.
Wisconsin law requires that these medical expenses and lost wages be properly documented to support a motorcycle accident claim for maximum compensation.
Road rash is another common motorcycle injury, especially when a rider is thrown from their bike and slides along the road without proper protective clothing. This can cause deep abrasions, infection, and scarring.
Though road rash injuries might seem less serious compared to broken bones or head injuries, they can lead to long-term complications if not treated properly. Additionally, WebMD reports that severe types of road rash may require skin grafting or free flap procedures.
Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and tears in muscles or ligaments, are also frequent in motorcycle crashes. These injuries may not show up on X-rays but can cause chronic pain and discomfort.
Both road rash and soft tissue injuries can be costly to treat, and long-term care can add complications to claims for motorcycle-related injuries in Wisconsin.
Internal injuries, such as damage to the organs, can be life-threatening and are often not immediately apparent as things like road rash. Injuries to the liver, kidneys, spleen, or lungs can lead to serious complications, including infection or organ failure. Without emergency surgery and prolonged hospital stays, these can even become fatal injuries.
For legal claims, internal injuries often involve complex medical records and require in-depth medical testimony to demonstrate the extent of the injury and the impact on the victim’s future. The long-term costs associated with internal injuries can be substantial, and victims may be entitled to compensation that reflects both their immediate and future medical expenses.
For example, a motorcycle accident victim may suffer an abdominal injury from the force of the crash, causing internal bleeding or spleen damage. While the injury might not be immediately obvious, delayed treatment could result in severe complications or organ failure, as well as expensive emergency surgery.
Demonstrating the long-term impact of such an abdominal injury is critical to make sure the victim receives fair compensation for their recovery and future care needs.
Last but not least, we have arguably the most common motorcycle injury: lower extremity injuries.
During a crash, a rider’s legs and feet often bear the brunt of the impact, resulting in fractures, dislocations, or severe soft tissue damage. Unlike upper extremity injuries, which typically affect the arms, shoulders, and hands, leg injuries can impair a rider’s ability to walk, work, or perform daily activities.
These injuries may require surgeries, physical therapy, and prolonged recovery periods, depending on the severity of the damage.
While leg injuries are rarely life-threatening, they can still have long-lasting consequences. For motorcycle accident victims, limited mobility or chronic pain can significantly impact their quality of life and ability to earn a living.
In legal claims, it’s essential to document the full extent of the injury and any future complications, such as arthritis or nerve damage, to secure compensation that accounts for ongoing medical care, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
The sad truth is that injuries are common, but motorcycle fatalities are, too. According to estimates based on 2023 data, motorcyclists are up to 28 times more likely to die in a deadly crash than other operators of other vehicles.
Sometimes, motorcycle injuries result in death later on. In other cases, fatal injuries occur at the scene of the incident. Either way, surviving family members may have legal options through a wrongful death claim.
Under Wisconsin law, close relatives—such as spouses, children, or parents—can seek compensation for damages, including funeral expenses, loss of income, medical bills incurred before death, and the emotional loss of their loved one.
While no amount of compensation can truly replace a life lost, pursuing a wrongful death claim can provide financial support and hold the responsible party accountable. An experienced motorcycle injury attorney can help families navigate this process with care and compassion during a difficult time.
Wisconsin motorcycle accident victims have the right to seek compensation for a wide range of damages. However, the type and severity of the injuries sustained will directly influence the amount of payment a victim can receive.
The process for determining these factors typically looks something like this:
The first step in any personal injury claim is proving liability. This means establishing who is responsible for the motorcycle injuries and who bears the burden of fault.
An experienced attorney will gather evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and expert testimony, to prove what happened during the motorcycle crash and who is to blame.
For severe motorcycle injuries like head trauma or spinal injuries, medical documentation is vital. Gathering accurate and complete medical records substantiates the claim and helps make sure the victim receives appropriate compensation.
Motorcycle injuries such as fractured bones, paralysis, or soft tissue damage can make it impossible for the victim to return to work. Lost wages and potential loss of earning capacity should be clearly outlined in the claim to reflect the full impact of the accident on the victim’s life.
In Wisconsin motorcycle accident claims, non-economic damages such as pain, suffering, and emotional trauma should always be considered. The injury severity and the long-term consequences of the accident will factor into the compensation for the victim’s emotional and physical distress.
The amount of a motorcycle accident settlement varies significantly. For a common motorcycle injury such as broken bones or road rash, settlements may range from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars.
However, more severe injuries like traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord damage often lead to much higher compensation due to long-term medical costs and lasting impact on quality of life.
Recovery time from a serious motorcycle accident depends on the injury severity score (ISS), a medical measure used to assess trauma. For minor injuries, recovery might take weeks to months, while severe injuries—such as traumatic brain injuries, multiple fractures, or internal damage—can take years or may result in permanent impairments. Rehabilitation, surgeries, and ongoing medical care often extend the recovery timeline significantly.
No, many motorcycle accidents are not the rider’s fault. Other motorists often fail to see motorcycles or misjudge their speed, leading to collisions. Common causes include distracted driving, failure to yield, and drivers turning in front of motorcyclists.
While riders are sometimes blamed unfairly, an experienced attorney will help gather evidence to prove fault and hold the responsible party accountable.
Compensation for pain and suffering varies widely depending on the severity and type of injuries. For most common motorcycle injuries, such as leg fractures or road rash, pain and suffering awards may range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars.
In cases involving severe injuries, like traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord damage, pain and suffering compensation can reach six or even seven figures due to the lifelong physical and emotional impact on the victim.
Motorcycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, each with its own set of challenges when it comes to legal claims. Whether it’s a head injury, spinal cord damage, or road rash, the severity of the injury will influence the legal process and potential compensation.
In Wisconsin, victims should consult with motorcycle injury attorneys immediately. This is the best way to carefully navigate the complexities of their claims and secure the compensation they deserve.
Have you sustained a motorcycle injury? Has someone you loved been harmed or killed? Contact the Mahony Law team. We’ve worked with countless victims of motorcycle crashes and will skillfully handle your Wisconsin accident injury claim. Schedule your free consultation today.
Abby is the founder of Mahony Law and devotes her time to representing people who have been seriously hurt due to the negligence of others. Abby has handled injury cases of all types, including birth injury, wrongful death, automobile accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, and truck accidents.
