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 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.

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.