Wisconsin Motorcycle Insurance Requirements

While riding a motorcycle is geared towards fun and freedom, a lot of responsibility comes with owning and operating a motorcycle in Wisconsin. Motorcyclists in Wisconsin must abide by the state’s motorcycle-specific laws regarding financial responsibility, licensing, safety gear, rules of the road, and timely accident claims. 

The following outlines Wisconsin’s financial responsibility and insurance requirements. If you were injured in a Wisconsin motorcycle accident through no fault of your own and need help filing a claim, contact an experienced Milwaukee personal injury attorney. 

Wisconsin Requires Motorcyclists Prove Financial Responsibility Before Operating in the State

Wisconsin requires motorcyclists to prove financial responsibility before operating on state roads and highways. Financial responsibility is the ability to pay for personal injuries and property damage caused by a crash. 

Motorcyclists may prove financial responsibility through:

• Obtaining a bond through an insurance company;
• Making a $60,000 cash deposit with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT); or 
• Carrying motorcycle liability insurance. 

Most motorcyclists choose to carry a liability insurance policy.

Wisconsin’s State Minimum Insurance Requirements for Motorcyclists

Motorcycle owners must carry the following liability insurance in Wisconsin:

• A minimum of $10,000 in property damage per accident;
• A minimum of $25,000 in bodily injury per person per accident; and
• A minimum of $50,000 in total bodily injury per accident.

In addition, Wisconsin requires motorcyclists to carry uninsured motorist coverage. This coverage is for accidents where the motorcyclist is injured by a driver without motor vehicle accident insurance.

These are minimums and motorcyclists should consider additional insurance as medical bills, property damage, and lost wages can easily exceed liability coverage in a serious accident.

Motorcycle Accident Claims 

Despite motorcyclists’ efforts to protect themselves and others through insurance, accidents happen. The most important thing a motorcyclist can do after an accident is to seek medical attention. 

Accident victims, especially motorcyclists, need thorough medical examinations to check for external injuries, internal organ damage, and brain injuries. Many of which cannot be detected by the naked eye.

Accident victims need a record of immediate and follow-up medical treatment when presenting their personal injury claim. A complete medical record is proof of the extent and severity of a victim’s injuries.

Limited Time to File a Wisconsin Motorcycle Accident Claim 

Victims of motorcycle accidents have a limited amount of time to file a personal injury claim in Wisconsin.

There is a three-year statute of limitations or deadline by which accident injury victims can pursue legal action and damages. Injury victims who file claims outside of this timeframe cannot recover compensation for their losses.

Contact an Experienced Milwaukee Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today

If you suffered motorcycle accident injuries through no fault of your own, speak with an experienced personal injury attorney at Mingo & Yankala, S.C., before making any statements to the insurance company. Insurers will contact you right away for recorded statements, and anything you say can be used against you in settlement negotiations or litigation.

Mingo & Yankala, S.C., works on a contingency fee basis meaning you only pay us when we win compensation for you. Schedule your risk-free consultation with a skilled attorney now.