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2019-personalinjury

Cyclists on the Road: The Rules and Risks to Remember

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Cyclists are considered vehicles when they ride in the road. This is true in all 50 states. Cyclists must obey all the same laws as people driving cars. In fact, the League of American Bicyclists recommends you “drive your bike as you would any vehicle.”

Biking in the road is inherently more dangerous than driving because of how exposed you are on a bike. Accidents between bikes and driven cars don’t often turn out well for the bikers. That is why it is so important that everyone who chooses to ride a bicycle in the road understands the rules and the risks of the road.

5 Rules of the Road to Remember as a Cyclist

As we mentioned above, traffic laws apply to cyclists just the same as drivers. However, biking is a lot more dangerous than driving, so here are some rules of the road to keep in mind no matter what state you’re in.

1. You Are Entitled to Your Space

All people using the road have complete ownership of the space in front, behind, and to both sides when on the road. You can use as much space as you need whether you’re a large truck or a small cyclist. If you wish to enter someone else’s road space, you must yield to them first.

2. Slow Down or Stop at All Intersections

Even if you don’t have a stop sign or a red light, it is smart to slow down and make sure it is safe to cross the road. If you don’t have the right of way, you have to let the traffic clear before you can cross the road.

3. The Right Lane Is for the Slowest Vehicles

Cyclists have the right to ride in the center or left lanes, but only if they can keep up with the traffic speed. More often than not, bikes simply can’t go fast enough. For this reason, it’s advisable to stay all the way to the right for your own safety.

4. Signal All Vehicle Maneuvers

There are hand signals for bike riders and every rider should learn them. It is in your best interest to always be seen while biking on the road. Cars may think they are fast enough to work around you. But if you turn into their lane without letting them know, then you could get seriously injured or even killed.

5. Ride on the Right Side of the Road

This may seem unnecessary to mention. However, many inexperienced cyclists don’t know the rule and traffic laws. It’s not uncommon to see a cyclist riding on the wrong side of the road, straight into oncoming traffic. This is highly dangerous. Always ride on the correct side of the road to avoid dangerous situations.

3 Common Risks Every Cyclist Faces on the Road

Biking in the road is dangerous. Cars are essentially giant metal boxes moving at high speed. Coming to ends with a pick-up truck is one way to end up in the hospital quickly. That’s why it’s important that all cyclists understand the most common risks they face on the road. And even more importantly, they must know how to avoid them so you and all people on the road stay safe.

1. Cars Don’t See You (Or Don’t Look for You)

The easiest way to get hit by a car is to remain invisible to the driver. In the US, drivers far outnumber the cyclists on the road. One of the most common reasons for a fatal crash between a car and a biker is that the person in the car simply didn’t see the person on the bike. Bikes are much smaller, less colorful, less noisy, and slower. The best way to not get hit by a car is to make sure that everyone on the road can see you.

There are several ways to do this. We recommend you do all of them to compound your likelihood of being seen. One way to increase visibility is to wear high visibility clothing. This includes neon vests, shirts, and pants with reflective material. Also, you should get blinking or flashing lights on the front, back, and sides of your bike. These flashing lights make it known to cars that you’re nearby. Many helmets also have reflectors and blinking lights in various colors to increase visibility. These practices become even more important at night, when visibility is already low.

2. Harsh Weather Conditions

Bikes just don’t have the kind of technology that cars do to remain safe in harsh road conditions. For example, cars have windshield wipers and anti-lock braking systems for rainy and snowy conditions. Bikers have to wipe their eyes on their own and be mindful of slippery spots in the road. Granted bikers tend to stay inside when it snows, but rain and bike tires are still a dangerous mix.

Another thing bikers must consider that cars do not is the paint on the road. Paint lines are the slickest parts of the road when they’re wet. From yellow center lines to white fog lines, you must avoid riding on the paint at all times. You especially do not want to hit those paint lines while making a turn. It’s likely that your tire will slip out immediately, even at low speeds.

3. Old and Damaged Roads

Bikers also face the problem of uneven and damaged roads. From cracks to potholes, bikers have a hard time maneuvering around hazards sometimes. Cars have much larger tires and more advanced suspension. But bikes don’t have the size or means to just plow right through big cracks and potholes with ease. In fact, most bikers avoid potholes and cracks as much as possible because they don’t want to crash.

Cobblestone roads also challenge bikers. There are some things you can do to make old and cracked roads less harsh on your bike and your body. Many bikers recommend learning how to “bunny hop.” A bunny hop is basically a small jumping trick so that you go over hazards instead of having to quickly swerve around them.

Call a Personal Injury Attorney Today

Have you or a loved one had an injury as a result of a cyclist, or any other road-related accident for that matter?

Look no further. If you need legal representation, call Domnitz & Domnitz today. We’re an experienced team of personal injury lawyers dedicated to helping you win your case as quickly as possible.

We’ll work with you to get you the coverage and support you need, so you can get back to focusing on your recovery. If you’re in the Milwaukee area, contact us today, and let’s start this journey together.

Streetcar Accident with The Hop MKE?

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The Hop MKE travels Milwaukee’s downtown streets daily. It’s been in full operation since November 2018, and ridership numbers for last month, May 2019, were over 60,000 people. With the expansion of tracks and routes in the near future, we can expect to see more streetcars out and about soon. However, the streetcar is not perfect, and there have been some significant accidents involving The Hop MKE.

Let’s take a look at a The Hop MKE, a few of these incidents to see what happened, and how we can move forward to try and prevent them in the future.

Basic Facts About The Hop MKE Streetcar

  • The Hop MKE officially began regular transportation on November 2, 2018
  • It has five streetcars that cover a distance of about two miles in the downtown area
  • Riding is free for all of 2019 because of Potawatomi Hotel & Casino’s sponsorship
  • A streetcar will arrive at a stopping platform about every 15 minutes
  • It is wheelchair accessible with platforms level with the curb and also has audio announcements and Braille for visual aid
  • Milwaukee streetcars are 100 percent electric, powered by overhead contact systems (OCSs)
  • You can bring strollers, bikes, scooters and more onboard
  • The streetcar’s capacity is about 150 riders
  • The streetcars are double-ended and can be operated going in either direction on the tracks

As we mentioned, the streetcar has been very popular with downtown residents and visitors. The first weekend it opened, the ridership totaled over 16,000 riders. However, there have been some minor incidents that we should mention.

Milwaukee Streetcar Incidents

Two separate cars were damaged in a two-day span when engineers and operators began testing the streetcar back in October. Apparently, the streetcar runs very near to parked cars in some areas, and some drivers didn’t even know The Hop MKE was even running. Investigators said drivers opened the doors of their parked cars right into the path of the streetcar, causing minor damages to both the cars and streetcar itself.

In another incident, an individual incorrectly parked his vehicle on the tracks and left it there. It caused a significant traffic delay. Although the fault was on the car’s owner, many people were concerned that it could happen more often.

There is always a learning curve when new things are introduced like this. City officials say that people just need to be aware that this streetcar is here for good, and they need to learn how to coexist. There are plenty of cities that have similar transportation systems, and they work incredibly well with little to no accidents.

Claims and Lawsuits Against the City

Many bicyclists and motorcyclists have filed claims against the city for injuries and damages. Apparently, the tires get caught in the tracks very easily. Once they’re stuck in, it’s hard to get them out. This can obviously be dangerous with other cars and traffic around.

The very first incident involved a motorcycle rider who got his tires caught in the tracks, was thrown from his bike and broke an arm. His motorcycle was also totaled as a result of the crash.  Another lady was riding a Bublr Bike and got her wheels caught in the tracks as well. She broke both elbows and a rib in the fall. Both individuals filed claims against the city of Milwaukee.

There have been other claims filed for similar reasons since the introduction of the streetcar back in November. Milwaukee city officials point to signs that indicate to always cross tracks at a 90-degree angle (riding parallel to the tracks is how the tires get caught). However, all cyclists are required to follow the rules of the street just like any car, including a streetcar. How is an independent cyclist who happens to be riding the same route as the streetcar supposed to ride perpendicular the entire time? Obviously, they couldn’t. The answer is to either design a new route to avoid the streetcar or just get on the streetcar with the bike.

Learn to Coexist with Milwaukee’s Streetcar

Regardless of what happens, it’s clear that The Hop MKE is not going anywhere. Thankfully, over time there have been fewer and fewer accidents as people learn to live with the streetcar. As many said, there was a learning curve that needed to take place. That learning curve appears to have come and gone. However, for those looking for more tips and advice to navigate Milwaukee’s streets more safely, we can provide tips to ensure your summer is accident-free.

Streetcar Tips for Drivers

  1. When making a left turn, be on the lookout for streetcars and traffic coming from the opposite direction
  2. When marking near streetcar tracks, make sure your whole car is inside the thick white lines on the ground, including mirrors.
  3. Be cautious when exiting a car parked near streetcar tracks
  4. Never park on streetcar tracks, even just momentarily
  5. Pay attention to pavement markings in the downtown area that tell you when and where to stop so streetcars can successfully complete turns
  6. Just like with city buses, never take a right turn in front of the streetcars

Streetcar Tips for Cyclists

  1. Always cross the tracks upright and as close to a 90-degree angle as possible to tires do not fall into the tracks
  2. When turning left across tracks, always ride in the right lane through the intersection … Then turn and cross the tracks perpendicularly at the next green light.
  3. Be extra cautious in wet conditions, as tracks can be slippery
  4. Even though bike lanes are clearly marked throughout most of The Hope MKE routes, an alternative route can be found often just a block away.
  5. Motorcyclists should also be aware to always stay in their normal lane, but never ride directly on top of tracks and to always make turns across tracks at as close to a right angle as possible

Streetcar Tips for Pedestrians

  1. Only cross streetcars tracks at designated crosswalks, only cross when signaled to do so, and look both ways before entering a crosswalk
  2. Never run in front of an approaching streetcar, and never run into the street from between two parked cars as operators may not see you right away
  3. Keep your phones away and remove headphones when crossing the street so you can see the streetcar and hear its warning bells

Call a Personal Injury Attorney Today

Has you or a loved one had an injury as a result of Milwaukee’s streetcar, or any other road-related accident for that matter?

Look no further. If you need legal representation, call Domnitz & Domnitz today. We’re an experienced team of personal injury lawyers dedicated to helping you win your case as quickly as possible.

We’ll work with you to get you the coverage and support you need, so you can get back to focusing on your recovery. If you’re in the Milwaukee area, contact us today, and let’s start this journey together.

Should You Hire a Bicycle Accident Attorney in Milwaukee?

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Back in 2014, Bono got into a bicycle accident in Central Park that left him with multiple injuries. He had five hours of reconstructive surgery for his shattered arm and shoulder. The accident also gave him facial fractures, one involving the orbit of his eye.

Of course, if you’re Bono, you don’t have to worry about money for your surgery. You’ll get the best medical care possible, because you’re rich, famous and, well, you’re Bono.

But that’s okay. If you hire the right bicycle accident attorney, you can still get compensation for your injuries—and maybe even more.

bicycle accident on a street

Why Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer

No matter where you live, you’ll find bicycle laws that are enforced at both state and local levels. Milwaukee is no exception.

In Milwaukee, there’s no special treatment for cyclists or motorists. Everyone has to follow traffic regulations. Sometimes though, accidents happen, even if you’re doing your best to be careful. As a cyclist, that usually puts you at a disadvantage. A bike, after all, is no match for a vehicle, and you could end up with serious injuries.

A lawyer who specializes in bicycle accidents can give you the best legal representation you need to get the ruling you want. This is what you need to remember.

Even if you get compensation, it may not be enough to cover the costs of your treatment. You need a bicycle accident attorney who can give you the compensation you so rightfully deserve.

Other Reasons to Hire a Bike Accident Attorney

After your accident, hiring a bicycle accident lawyer may be the last thing on your mind. Perhaps you feel you didn’t incur any major injuries, and you would prefer to handle everything on your own.

It’s not until later, when you realize you were pressured into accepting a low settlement offer, that you regret not calling a lawyer first. Another thing you might regret is being caught up in all the paperwork, deadlines, and the constant back-and-forth with your insurance company. A lawyer can handle all those things on your behalf so you can focus on getting better.

Claiming and petitioning for compensation is not something you can easily do if you don’t have extensive knowledge of injury and accident laws. Let someone else take care of the legal side of things so you can get properly compensated on time.

Keep in mind that not all insurance companies handle accident claims as efficiently and quickly as should be. If you don’t want to wait for ages for your money, hiring a bike accident attorney is your surest bet.

Looking for a Bicycle Accident Attorney in Milwaukee?

Let’s talk about your case. Here at Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C., we focus on experienced and compassionate representation. Our attorneys have more than 55 years of combined experience in handling personal injury and wrongful death cases.

If you wish to schedule a free initial consultation, you call us at 414-289-0909. Or if you prefer e-mail, leave your contact details here. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Wisconsin Bicycle Fatality Numbers Continue to Rise

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Summer may be over, but that doesn’t mean that the prime season for bicycle accidents has ended. In fact, fall bike rides are quite popular throughout the state, and local bicycling groups like MKEBKE and the Cream City Cycle Club hold regular rides throughout the year, including in the winter.

Unfortunately, according to a recent Journal Sentinel article, the ninth bicycle fatality in Wisconsin was recently recorded, which more than doubles last year’s numbers. Although the increase in fatal bicycle accidents in Wisconsin could be due to the ever-increasing popularity of bicycling in general, the unfortunate reality is that in the majority of cases, it is the driver of a vehicle and not a bicyclist who is to blame for an accident.

According to a University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee traffic safety researcher quoted in the article, in a review of bicycle fatalities in Wisconsin from 2011 to 2013, 58% of the fatalities were the fault of a motor vehicle driver, whereas in only 24% of the cases were bicyclists primarily responsible. Even more compelling is that according to the same researcher, more than a third of the bicycle fatalities were caused by a motor vehicle striking a bicyclist from behind.

An interesting finding from the data was that the bicycle fatalities seemed to disproportionately impact older males, with almost nine in 10 fatalities affecting males, and half of the bicyclists being between 46 to 65 years old.

Obviously, bicyclists have a responsibility to signal properly, drive safely, and obey the rules of the road. And, as evidenced by the very low incidence of fatal bike accidents in Milwaukee, our local bicyclists take these responsibilities seriously. Unfortunately, a bicyclist who is rear-ended by a car has little to no control over the situation and cannot be expected to anticipate negligent behavior on the part of a driver.

If you or someone you know was injured in a bike accident through the negligence of someone else, you may be able to recover damages for your injuries and damage to your property. Whether an accident occurs in a parking lot, on a city street, or on private property, an injured bicyclist may be able to advance a successful case.

Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. are experienced Milwaukee Bicycle Accident Attorneys eager to help bicyclists injured through no fault of their own protect their rights and recover the damages to which they are entitled. Call us today for a free, no-obligation consultation regarding your case. We can advise you of your rights and options.

Domnitz & Domnitz Attorneys Settle Bicycle Injury Accident Case

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With the Wisconsin winter finally behind us, the roads can become crowded with bicycles and motorcycles which inevitably results in injuries on the roadway.

We routinely represent individuals who are involved in bicycle injury cases. Recently, the personal injury lawyers at Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. resolved a very difficult liability case for a teenager who was injured while crossing a busy street on his bicycle.

In this particular case, a teen was crossing a busy street in what the law deems an “implied crosswalk” despite there being no actual lines painted on the road. Wisconsin statute §340.01(10)(b) describes in detail the concept of the implied crosswalk. It is important for all drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians to understand that regardless of whether there are lines designating a crosswalk or not, the stretch of roadway in a straight line between two corners is a crosswalk.

Our client was crossing in a straight line from corner to corner and made it about 90% of the way across the road when the car struck the rear tire of his bike. Despite there being the implied crosswalk, there was no control for the car and our client had left a corner after waiting at a stop sign; again, a very difficult liability situation.

Prior to our involvement in the case, our client was ticketed for failure to stop at the stop sign. Through depositions we were able to determine that there was no witness who actually saw our client ride through the stop sign and he was adamant that he had stopped and looked both ways before crossing.

Our client suffered a fractured ankle and fractures to several toes in this bicycle v. automobile crash. Throughout the litigation the defendants made no offers to settle and would not agree to mediate the case. A jury trial seemed inevitable. However, as so often happens, as trial approached our phone rang. For the first time, the defendants were interested in seeing if a resolution could be reached without needing to try the case.

In the span of a couple years, this bicycle injury case went from one in which our client was blamed for causing the crash to the defendants paying tens of thousands of dollars to resolve the case before trial.  It was crucial for our client to have an experience bicycle injury lawyer handling his case.

Understanding the likelihood of a bike accident in Wisconsin

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Wisconsin Bicycle Accident Attorneys Share Bicycling Accident Statistics

Understanding the likelihood of a bike accident in Wisconsin

On behalf of Milwaukee personal injury attorney  Ric Domnitz of Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. posted in Bicycle Accidents on Tuesday, November 11, 2014.

In 2012, pedalcyclists accounted for 2 percent of all traffic injuries and 2 percent of all traffic fatalities in the United States. This translates to 726 pedalcyclist deaths, which was an increase of 6 percent from the previous year. It is estimated that 61 percent of fatalities took place between the hours of noon and 11:59 p.m.

The average age of those killed in such accidents was 43, and males made up 88 percent of those killed. The average age of those injured was 32, and the vast majority of those injured were also males. Overall, younger males between the ages of 10 and 15 were more likely to suffer injuries in such a crash while middle-aged males between the ages of 45 and 54 were most likely to die in a traffic accident.

This was also the age group that saw the highest number of female pedalcyclist traffic deaths. Women between the ages of 25 and 34 made up the majority of pedalcyclists injured. Statistics indicate that roughly 37 percent of all crashes were caused by a driver who was under the influence of alcohol. Of those who were impaired at the time of an accident, 24 percent had a blood alcohol content of .08 percent or higher.

In a bike accident that results in injury or death, the driver who caused the crash may be held liable for the damages suffered by victims and their families. A personal injury attorney may be able to review physical evidence and witness statements to establish that a negligent driver caused the crash. This could lead to the injured party receiving compensation for his or her medical bills as well as for long-term medical costs. It may also be possible to win damages for lost wages.

Source: NHTSA, “Bicyclists and Other Cyclists”, November 10, 2014

Do you need legal advice from a Milwaukee personal injury attorney? Contact Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. today for a free consultation.

Bike accidents in Wisconsin

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Bike accidents in Wisconsin can mean need for Wisconsin bicycle accident attorneys

On behalf of Milwaukee personal injury attorney Ric Domnitz of Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. posted in Bicycle Accidents on Tuesday, November 4, 2014.

Many Wisconsin residents may use their bicycle as a form of transportation or just enjoy cycling as an outdoor activity. While bicycles are a great way to get around, bicyclists are always at risk for suffering serious injuries if they are struck by a vehicle.

Certain individuals are more at risk for suffering injuries than others. For example, children between the age of 4 and 15 and adolescents and young adults between the ages of 15 and 24 account for approximately 60 percent of bicycle-related injuries. Additionally, males are more likely to suffer injuries than females. Finally, it should be known that most accidents occur in busy, urban areas and along roadways, not at intersections.

There are a number of ways that bicyclists can reduce the risk of becoming involved in an accident and suffering injuries. The biggest thing that bicyclists have control over is whether or not they wear a helmet. Adults and children who wear properly fitted helmets are less likely to suffer traumatic brain injuries and other associated injuries as they are protected. Additionally, bicyclists who wear fluorescent clothing, retro-reflective clothing and use lighting devices on their bicycles are more likely to be seen by motorists, which reduces the risk of a potential accident. Additionally, if the community provides roadway safety measures such as bike lanes or bike paths, these can be utilized by bicyclists in order to reduce risks of injury.

If someone becomes injured in a bike accident, they may be entitled to compensation for certain damages, such as medical bills, by filing a personal injury lawsuit. However, they must prove that it was the negligent or careless actions of the accused motorist that caused the injuries and not the actions of the injured cyclist.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , “Bicycle-Related Injuries”, November 02, 2014

If you have been injured in bike accident, it is in your best interests to contact a Milwaukee personal injury attorney.

Involved in a bike accident? Our attorneys may be able to help

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Good News from Wisconsin Bicycle Accident Attorneys

Involved in a bike accident? Our attorneys may be able to help

On behalf of Milwaukee personal injury attorney Ric Domnitz of Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. posted in Bicycle Accidents on Sunday, August 31, 2014.

Filing a personal injury in a bike accident case can be a time-sensitive matter, which is why we recommend acting quickly to hold the responsible party accountable in civil court. No matter the nature of your injuries, you deserve financial compensation to pay for medical expenses and get you back on your feet — and hopefully back on your bicycle.

Let’s face it: Many drivers fail to pay attention to bicycle riders, even if they are following the law and using designated bike lanes. A motor vehicle accident involving a bicycle can lead to a variety of serious accidents, including traumatic brain injuries — even for those wearing a helmet. Other physical ailments can include lacerations, fractures, spinal cord damage and road rash. More serious conditions resulting from bicycle accidents include potential amputation or paraplegia and paralysis.

Bicycle riders should know that they may be entitled to compensation if they were struck by a distracted driver, a drunk driver or just a negligent driver. Financial compensation may be available for lost wages, pain and suffering and emotional trauma, along with current and prior medical expenses. If you require long-term medical care because of a bike accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you deserve financial remuneration.

Recovering financial damages after a bicycle accident is not as simple as filing paperwork and hoping for the best outcome. Instead, it requires a legal team with experience and knowledge about the applicable law and the methods used to estimate injury cost. Bicycle accident victims deserve a fair settlement or judgment to help them regain their health and move on with their lives. We have more information available about bicycle accidents on our webpage.

Source: Domnitz & Skemp SC, “Bicycle Accidents” Aug. 26, 2014

Do you need legal assistance from a Milwaukee personal injury attorney? Contact Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. today for a free initial consultation.

Proposal for new trails may lead to more bicycle accidents

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News for Milwaukee Bicyclists

Proposal for new trails may lead to more bicycle accidents

On behalf of Milwaukee personal injury attorney Ric Domnitz of Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. posted in Bicycle Accidents on Monday, July 21, 2014.

Wisconsin has an announced new plans to increase the number of bicycle routes and paths throughout the state. Beginning in November, the Department of Transportation will be teaming up with the Department of Natural Resources and a bicycle advocacy group known as the Wisconsin Bike Fed to roll out a new comprehensive bicycle plan.

The group hopes to design and create a new series of bicycle routes and other cycling core doors between urban areas and the pre-existing bicycle paths. The overall concept is to increase the number of bike friendly routes throughout the state. A spokesperson for Wisconsin bike Fed says that the state already has the third largest number of off-road trails in the nation. He credits Wisconsin’s dairy industry and the states early push towards building infrastructure as providing a good base of paved roadways which can serve as links to bicycle paths.

The work is expected to last a full year and is part of a statewide effort similar to the work already done in the Fox cities. There, the counties of Winnebago, Outagamie, Waupaca and Shawano have all been connected through bicycle routes. A planner with the Oshkosh community development department points to one bicycle corridor in particular, the Wiouwash, as threading through four different counties and benefiting each economically with their well-used and very popular trails.

In addition to the obvious health benefits of riding bicycles, there are also plenty of economic benefits. For example, bike companies such as Trek and Schwinn have manufacturing interests throughout Wisconsin. An increase in bike trails will undoubtedly result in the sale of more bicycles. Not to mention the ancillary tourism business generated by the outdoor activity.

This news for Milwaukee bicyclists is compliments of Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. Now that summer is in full swing, more and more people are taking to the streets on their bicycles. Unfortunately, that influx of bicycle traffic often means that there will also be an uptick in bicycle accidents involving automobiles. Bicyclists injured by vehicle should take care not to foreclose on their right to fair compensation for their injuries. Sometimes a victim won’t feel any adverse effects in the immediate aftermath of the accident. It’s not uncommon for complications from injuries to develop much later. Agreeing to terms of settlement with an insurance company without the aid of counsel could jeopardize any future attempt to offset subsequent medical costs.

Source: Postcresent.com, “State determined to create Wisconsin biking network” Keith Uhlig, Jul. 13, 2014

Do you need legal advice from a Milwaukee personal injury attorney following a bike accident? Contact Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. today for a free consultation.

Wisconsin woman gets five years in bicycle fatality

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Wisconsin Woman Gets Five Years in Bicycle Fatality

On behalf of Milwaukee personal injury attorney Ric Domnitz of Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. posted in Bicycle Accidents on Saturday, April 19, 2014.

A 28-year-old Cadott woman was recently sentenced to five years in prison and five of extended supervision once released. She was found guilty of the 2013 death of a Stanley dentist who was killed while riding his bicycle when the woman plowed into him at the intersection of 100th Avenue and County G.

The judge refused to refer to the deadly incident as an accident, insisting that it be called a homicide, as the woman was drunk at the time of the 5:24 a.m. impact after a night of celebrating at a local bar.

The hit and run was the third conviction for the woman, who previously had two convictions for OWI in 2006 and four juvenile alcohol related convictions as well. In 2007, she received treatment for alcoholism. While sentencing her, the judge read a statement back to her that she had made when previously up on the OWI charges: “I know that I can’t nor do I want to drink again.”

After crashing into the dentist, she did not attempt to render aid to him. She instead called a friend to take her back to the local tavern where she continued drinking. She did not call authorities for approximately six more hours.

Nine hours after the fatal crash, the woman’s blood alcohol level was 0.123. While she resumed drinking at the tavern, the man’s crumpled body lay in a ditch, his mangled bicycle intertwined in a barbed wire fence.

People who drink and drive and maim and kill others deserve to be held accountable on both the civil and criminal levels. Even without a lengthy prison sentence handed down to the offender, a civil judgment can be obtained that can force the individual and his insurance company to settle. A settlement can help ameliorate the pain and suffering they have caused. If you need legal representation following an accident with a drunk driver, contact a Milwaukee personal injury attorney with Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

Source: The Chippewa Herald, “Holler gets five years prison for fatal crash” Rod Stetzer, Apr. 10, 2014

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