November 11, 2014 by Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

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.

September 19, 2014 by Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

Milwaukee Bus Accident Attorneys Share News

One killed, 14 injured in school bus crash

On behalf of Milwaukee personal injury attorney Ric Domnitz of Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. posted in Commercial Vehicle Accidents on Friday, September 19, 2014.

An accident involving a school bus and a car that occurred on Sept. 2 in Wisconsin caused the death of one woman and injuries to 14 other people, according to police. Authorities believe that the school bus driver failed to yield the right-of-way.

A 24-year-old woman who was in the car died in the crash, and her 27-year-old fiance was taken to a hospital for treatment of serious injuries. There was no information on the conditions of those on the bus who were injured.

At the time of the report, a local school official reported that the driver who allegedly caused the bus accident was on leave. No further comments from the official were reported. Authorities were still investigating the incident three days after its occurrence.

When a negligent driver causes an accident that results in death, he or she may become the target of a wrongful death lawsuit. An attorney may be able to help the loved ones of a victim who was killed in such a car accident file a wrongful death claim. A successful claim may allow the decedent’s loved ones to recover compensation for any accident-related damages, which may include hospital bills, funeral costs, lost income and loss of society and companionship.

An at-fault driver’s negligence must be proven in court in order for a claim to be successful. A wrongful death lawyer may review police reports, eyewitness accounts and other elements of an investigation to help prove negligence and liability, hopefully easing some financial stress for the family members and allowing them to focus on recovering emotionally during this difficult time.

Source: WTAQ, “Pulaski school bus driver on leave amid fatal crash investigation”, September 05, 2014

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

August 31, 2014 by Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

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.

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.

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.