December 4, 2013 by Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

Milwaukee PD Mourns for Motorcycle Accident Victim

Man gets prison time for an accident that killed a police officer

On behalf of Milwaukee personal injury attorney Ric Domnitz of Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. posted in Motorcycle Accidents on Wednesday, December 4, 2013.

Wisconsin readers may have heard about this motorcycle accident that has resulted in the death of a police officer and a man landing in prison. According to the news from Dec. 2, the motorcycle collision took place in Pennsylvania after one man drove the wrong way down a freeway. At the time, a police officer traveling on his motorcycle was hit and killed.

Motorcycle injuries are some of the worst to treat and can be deadly, like in this case. The man who was found guilty of causing the accident claims that he is not the monster the media and court have made him out to be, although the 48-year-old had a blood alcohol content level over twice the legal limit at the time of the accident.

According to the news, the man had spent four hours drinking before he drove the wrong way down the highway; he allegedly ignored the signs while entering I-95. He drove for around a half-mile before he slammed into the 48-year-old officer’s motorcycle in July 2012. The man has had to face a number of charges, and now, the judge has sentenced him to 10 to 20 years in prison for the death of the officer. The man pleaded guilty to the charges of third-degree murder in a wrong-way interstate crash, according to the news. With the punishment accounted for, this man could be looking at up to 20 years, making him around 68 when he would get out of prison. The sentence did not restrict the chance of parole.

If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, you may have been badly injured or lost a loved one in the incident. In these cases, you may want someone to advocate for you in court and to help you get the compensation you deserve.

Source:
SFGate, “E. Pa. man gets prison in crash that killed cop” No Author Given, Dec. 02, 2013

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, contact a Milwaukee personal injury attorney with Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

September 26, 2013 by Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

Ride on Milwaukee Ferry Ends in Motorcycle Crash

Wisconsin man facing serious time for fatal motorcycle accident

On behalf of Milwaukee personal injury attorney Ric Domnitz of Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. posted in Motorcycle Accidents on Thursday, September 26, 2013.

A Wisconsin man recently pleaded no contest to charges related to a fatal motorcycle accident he caused when he crossed the center line and crashed into a group of 12 motorcyclists who were traveling on U.S. 51. At the time, the group had taken the ferry from Muskegon to Milwaukee and was heading to the Mackinac Bridge as part of their annual run.

However, their annual run ended with tragedy when the 26-year-old Wisconsin man barreled into their group. Two motorcyclists were killed. Another ended up losing a leg in the accident.

The motorcycle accident was back in May 2012. Several hours after the crash, a blood draw showed the presence of Oxycodone in the 26-year-old’s system. Narcotics and syringes were also found in his pockets. However, there were issues in determining how much of the painkiller was coursing through the driver’s system at the time of the crash.

In the end, with the no contest plea, some of the charges were dismissed. He ended up pleading no contest to three counts of reckless injury/endangering safety and two counts of homicide by negligent use of a motor vehicle.

For the motorcyclist who lost his leg, he was in the courtroom when the no contest pleas were entered. He was among a group of motorcyclists and supporters who want to see the 26-year-old held criminally responsible for his actions.

The sentencing for the 26-year-old is scheduled for Feb. 6. He is facing a maximum of 30 years in prison. The man who lost his leg — along with others — plan on speaking at the sentencing.

In general, their dedication to the proceedings speaks volumes to the fact that loved ones often want to see a negligent driver held accountable when there is a fatal accident. For family members, while criminal consequences are very real, some also go the route of filing a civil suit. If you need legal representation following an accident, contact a Milwaukee personal injury attorney with Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

Source: Muskegon Chronicle, “Wisconsin man pleads no contest, faces decades in prison for Muskegon Motorcycle Gang deaths,” John S. Hausman, Sept. 24, 2013

August 14, 2013 by Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

Fatal Bike Accident Near Milwaukee

Young Wisconsin motorcyclist loses life in tragic accident in Cudahy

On behalf of Milwaukee personal injury attorney Ric Domnitz of Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. posted in Motorcycle Accidents on Wednesday, August 14, 2013.

One of the great tragedies regarding motorcycles is that drivers of other motor vehicles have a tendency to disregard them while out on the road. It’s the exact opposite way you would think most drivers would approach motorcycles. Drivers may not check their blind spots or their mirrors closely enough, or they must just be generally dismissive or oblivious when motorcycles are out on the road with them — and then an accident happens.

If an accident occurs as a result of any of those circumstances, the driver can be held liable for failing to check for the motorcyclist. The injured victim would be well within his or her rights to file a civil lawsuit against the negligent driver, who could be on the hook for compensatory damages to help pay for the motorcyclist’s medical bills.

Sadly, a reckless driver in Milwaukee who appears to have failed to acknowledge an oncoming motorcyclist caused a catastrophic collision that claimed the motorcyclist’s life. The 27-year-old motorcyclist was hit by another vehicle that pulled right out in front of him. The police are saying the driver failed to yield to the 27-year-old motorcyclist. While the police do not believe that intoxication is a factor in the motorcycle accident, they did perform a blood test on the 55-year-old driver at fault in the wreck. The police have launched an investigation into the crash.

Motorcyclists are so vulnerable out on the road. When they are involved in accidents, the injuries they suffer are usually severe. Drivers need to check all of their blind spots and remain diligent in looking out for motorcycles.

Source: FOX6Now.com, “27-year-old Milwaukee man dead after Cudahy motorcycle crash,” Katie DeLong, Aug. 13, 2013

If you were injured in a bike accident, contact a Milwaukee personal injury attorney with Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

July 25, 2013 by Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

Wisconsin Woman Killed in Chippewa County Motorcycle Accident

On behalf of Milwaukee personal injury attorney Ric Domnitz of Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. posted in Motorcycle Accidents on Thursday, July 25, 2013.

A Wisconsin woman was killed in a car-motorcycle accident in Chippewa County last Wednesday.

Although the circumstances of every motorcycle accident are different, we have worked with enough cases concerning motorcycle accidents to notice some similarities between them, and this one has some elements that occur not infrequently in this type of accident.

Authorities believe that the accident happened near 5:15 p.m. July 17 near Eagle Point, Wisconsin. Supposedly, two people were traveling down Highway 178 on their motorcycles when they came up behind a vehicle that attempted to turn left. In doing so, it struck one of the motorcycles.

The driver of that motorcycle, a 30-year-old Menomonie woman, was thrown from her bike by the force of the collision. She later died, although it is not known whether she was killed at the scene or was taken to a hospital.

The driver of the other vehicle was a 17-year-old boy from Medford. Neither he nor his passenger were injured in the crash.

As we said earlier, we see some details of this incident that are common in motorcycle collisions. The drivers of cars and trucks often claim to not have seen motorcycle drivers, for instance. Furthermore, motorcycle drivers are often hurt in accidents that don’t harm people in cars because people in cars have the metal frame of their vehicle to protect them, while the motorcycle drivers do not.

In any event, if you are ever injured in a motorcycle accident, or if you lose a loved one to such a unfortunate incident, it may be a good to discuss what happened with a Milwaukee personal injury attorney.

Source: WQOW, “UPDATE: Menomonie woman killed in motorcycle crash,” July 17, 2013

July 12, 2013 by Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

Milwaukee Man Accused of Drinking and Texting Before Motorcycle Crash

On behalf of Milwaukee personal injury attorney Ric Domnitz of Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. posted in Motorcycle Accidents on Friday, July 12, 2013.

Almost two months after a motorcycle accident in Milwaukee, a 25-year-old has been charged with driving under the influence. The claim is the Milwaukee man was under the influence and texting right before the accident.

The motorcycle accident took place on May 19. The 25-year-old was driving northbound on 13th Street and was slowing down for a red light when he rear-ended a motorcycle. The impact sent the motorcyclist off of the bike, where he hit his head on the pavement.

Since the accident, the motorcyclist has been going through therapy for his knee, back and neck. He also suffered from a concussion in the crash, which could lead to bigger issues later on down the road.

According to court documents, the 25-year-old Milwaukee man admitted to drinking some beers before the accident and he reportedly had a blood alcohol content of 0.10 percent.

The criminal complaint also states the Milwaukee man admitted to texting on his phone before looking up and seeing the motorcyclist. However, it was too late and the two still collided.

In general, motorcycle riders run a significantly higher risk of being injured or killed in a motor vehicle accident with another vehicle. This is mainly due to the fact that motorcyclists do not have as much protection. Even when wearing a helmet, the injuries from an accident can still be quite devastating.

This is why it is important for all motorists to be paying attention, looking out for not only other vehicles, but also motorcyclists. This also means checking blind spots, not looking down at cellphones when driving, and certainly not driving after drinking as it puts everyone in danger.

Source: Patch.com, “Police Say Driver Was Drunk, Texting Before Crash,” Adam W. McCoy, July 9, 2013

If you were injured in an accident with a drunk driver, contact a Milwaukee personal injury attorney with Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

June 20, 2013 by Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

Drugs Involved in Wisconsin Motorcycle Accident

Sturgeon Bay driver who caused accident accused of being impaired

On behalf of Milwaukee personal injury attorney Ric Domnitz of Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. posted in Motorcycle Accidents on Thursday, June 20, 2013.

A 22-year-old was arrested in Door County, Wisconsin, after hitting two people on a motorcycle and proceeding to continue driving through an intersection — without stopping — and hitting another vehicle. It was this second accident that left the vehicle the 22-year-old was driving and the vehicle he hit with moderate damage. Both needed to be towed from the scene.

In looking at what happened, the 22-year-old supposedly hit two people on a motorcycle, and then moments later, hit another vehicle. The claim is the 22-year-old driver, from Sturgeon Bay, was under the influence at the time.

After the second crash, police arrived on the scene and noticed the 22-year-old driver was acting strange. Another driver involved in the crash also saw the 22-year-old appearing to be hiding something in the bushes. When police checked in that area a bag containing syringes and heroin was reportedly found.

In addition to the drugs and paraphernalia allegedly found by police, a K9 handler also arrived on the scene. A small amount of drugs were also found in the car the 22-year-old was driving.

The 22-year-old subsequently failed field sobriety tests and was booked for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, possession of heroin, possession of drug paraphernalia and hit and run. He was also cited for failing to yield to the right of way.

In the case of this Wisconsin motorcycle accident, if it turns out the allegations against the 22-year-old are true; one could say this is clearly a driver who is dangerous to others on the roads. And while in this case those involved in these two separate crashes were uninjured, there were still damages done. Additionally, there is nothing to say that if there is a next time that everyone will be as lucky.

Source: Door County Advocate, “Sturgeon Bay: Crashes lead to OWI, heroin possession arrest,” June 18, 2013

If you were injured in an accident with a drugged driver, contact a Milwaukee personal injury attorney with Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

May 6, 2013 by Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

Young Milwaukee Motorcyclist Dies in Fatal Weekend Accident

On behalf of Milwaukee personal injury attorney Ric Domnitz of Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. posted in Motorcycle Accidents on Monday, May 6, 2013.

It can be frustrating looking for a destination, closely eyeing the passing buildings and addresses only to quickly blow passed an intended destination. Upon passing the destination, many drivers will make a U-turn to circle back — of course, it is only safe to do this when such a maneuver is legal and safe. Unfortunately, many drivers, include a young Milwaukee motorcyclist, will turn around after neglecting to properly check that the path is clear.

The circumstances that led one Milwaukee driver to make a U-turn on North Hopkins Avenue on Saturday remain uncertain. However, the aftermath is clear: the driver turned in front of a motorcyclist, impacting the rider and causing a fatal motorcycle accident. The motorcyclist was transported from the scene of the accident to a hospital where he could not overcome his catastrophic injuries. The 23-year-old victim passed away shortly after impact.

Little information is available regarding the circumstances of this fatal motorcycle accident. It appears that the driver that struck the motorcyclist was uninjured in the impact, and police report that speed was not a factor in this collision. It is imperative to always be aware when driving. Even if a driver is not impaired and not distracted, failing to appropriately following traffic regulations or check blind spots can lead to devastating outcomes, and financial responsibility for negligent drivers.

The victim in this accident was just 23 years old. He had a full life ahead of him, and now his family is left to try to accept this sudden and devastating loss. In Wisconsin, when a victim is killed by the negligent actions of a third-party, the surviving spouse or dependents of the victim can pursue financial compensation for not only funeral and burial expenses, medical bills and lost financial support, but the family can also be compensated for the emotional trauma associated with the loss.

Of course, no amount of compensation will erase the pain of the trauma, or bring back the departed loved one, but such a course of action is a way to acknowledge the suffering of a family following such a loss. An experienced Milwaukee personal injury attorney can assist a family with the filing deadlines and nuances of a wrongful death claim in Wisconsin.

September 28, 2012 by Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

Milwaukee Motorcyclist Killed Near Richfield

Family mourns the death of 21-year-old Milwaukee motorcyclist

On behalf of Milwaukee personal injury attorney Ric Domnitz of Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. posted in Motorcycle Accidents on Friday, September 28, 2012.

While many drivers cite not seeing a motorcyclist as the cause of a crash, it is often more accurate to say that the driver didn’t see the motorcyclist before they engaged in a hasty or illegal maneuver. One driver from the Town of Addison was exiting the Richfield truck Stop on Highway 167 when he failed to yield right. In doing so, he crossed paths with a westbound motorcyclist.

The Milwaukee motorcyclist was killed in the collision. He was only 21 years old. Motor vehicle accidents are so common that we become desensitized to hearing of victims’ deaths in the news. Rarely do fatal crashes even make newspaper headlines. This victim was only 21 years old. He had his entire life ahead of him. He likely leaves a slew of heart-broken friends and family in his absence.

While a family greatly mourns the sudden and unexpected death of a loved one, the media so often callously brushes off a motor vehicle death as another statistic. This can leave a family feeling raw and a sense of injustice.

According to a local report on this accident, initial investigation suggests that failure to yield right is a contributing factor in this accident. That means that this driver could be cited, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that they will have to answer for the death of this 21-year-old.

Some families in similar situations find that pursuing a wrongful death claim can bring about a sense of justice by holding liable parties accountable. While any resulting monetary compensation will not bring the victim back, it can serve as acknowledgement of the family’s loss.

Source: Fox 6 Now, “One dead in collision between motorcycle, car in Richfield,” Cary Docter, Sept. 26, 2012

Our firm handles similar cases of motorcyclists killed in fatal crashes. To learn more, please visit our Milwaukee wrongful death page. If you need legal representation following the death of a loved one, contact a Milwaukee personal injury attorney with Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

September 25, 2012 by Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

Driver on Narcotics Injures Milwaukee Motorcyclist

On behalf of Milwaukee personal injury attorney Ric Domnitz of Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. posted in Motorcycle Accidents on Tuesday, September 25, 2012.

A Milwaukee motorcyclist was seriously injured recently when a 33-year-old Oak Creek man reportedly driving while under the influence of narcotics, slammed into the motorcyclist, causing a chain reaction in a multi-vehicle pileup.

The extent of the motorcyclist’s injuries includes four fractures to his leg, two broken ribs and a collapsed lung. Reportedly, the victim had to be airlifted and has since undergone four surgeries, with two more in the works.

Reportedly, responding officers discovered narcotics in the offending driver’s vehicle. Tucked away in a cigarette pack, officers discovered a syringe and Morphine sulfate pills. On his person, officers found three packs of Suboxone films.

The offending driver must now face charges in a Milwaukee County Circuit Court of injury by intoxicated use of a vehicle and second-offense operating while intoxicated-causing injury. If convicted, the 33-year-old Oak Creek man faces fines of up to $35,000 and over 18 years in prison.

Meanwhile, the victim in this accident is left to deal with his extensive injuries. Such injuries incur serious expenses as so many surgeries are very costly. This, on top of the prolonged hospital stay in conjunction with missed time from work, and the victim is looking at a serious medical bill.

However, this accident was clearly not his fault. The man can seek compensation to cover not only his resulting medical bills, but he can also seek compensation for the suffering he was force to endure as a result of the motorcycle accident and the intoxicated driver’s negligence.

Source: Oak Creek Patch, “Oak Creek Man Charged in Drugged-Driving Crash,” Joe Petrie, Sept. 23, 2012

Our firm handles similar cases of personal injury. To learn more, please visit our Milwaukee motorcycle accident page. If you need legal representation for a motorcycle accident, contact a Milwaukee personal injury attorney with Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. for a free consultation.

September 13, 2012 by Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

South Milwaukee Motorcycle Accident Kills One

This past Sunday, South Milwaukee motorcycle accident resulted in the death of the rider. According to one report, the motorcyclist was at the intersection of Parkway and 15th Ave. when a car collided with him. Sadly, the rider was pronounced dead at the scene of the motorcycle accident.

While there are few details provided surrounding this motorcycle accident, in a staggering number of cases of similar circumstances, the death of the motorcyclist comes down to negligence on behalf of the driver of the passenger vehicle.

Frequently, passenger vehicle operators fail to see motorcyclists so they don’t yield the right of way, causing a collision. Obviously, because motorcyclist aren’t protected by a metal frame like a passenger vehicle driver, motorcyclists are so much more susceptible to catastrophic injury.

Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and even death are all very real possibilities when another driver is negligent and fails to see a motorcyclist. If a family loses a loved one in a motorcycle accident, this is not only a devastating emotional blow, but a crushing financial hit as well.

Often times, a motorcyclist is an income earner and their death due to another’s negligence can leave surviving family struggling to cover funeral and burial expenses, as well as try to make up for the lost income. It for this reason that many family members of an individual wrongfully killed in Milwaukee choose to file a wrongful death claim as a way of seeking not only compensation for bills and emotional suffering, but finding justice and holding negligent parties accountable. If you need legal representation for an accident lawsuit, contact a Milwaukee motorcycle accident attorney with Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. for a free consultation.

Source: Milwaukee-Wisconsin Sentinel, “Motorcyclist killed in South Milwaukee crash identified,” Mike Johnson, Sept. 12, 2012