Motorcycle riders in Columbia County must follow Wisconsin’s statewide helmet laws. Unlike some states with universal helmet requirements, Wisconsin law only requires certain riders to wear helmets. Specifically, operators and passengers under 18 years old, as well as those riding with an instructional permit, must wear a helmet approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).
Understanding Wisconsin’s helmet requirements, along with potential consequences for non-compliance, is essential for every rider who wants to stay safe and protect their rights after a crash. At Eisenberg Law Offices, S.C., our Columbia County motorcycle accident lawyers are here to help if you’ve been injured.
Contact us today at (608) 256-8356 for a free consultation.
Choosing the right law firm after a motorcycle accident can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. At Eisenberg Law Offices, S.C., our attorneys offer more than 140 years of combined legal experience representing injury victims throughout Wisconsin. Over the years, we have successfully recovered over $100 million in verdicts and settlements for clients facing some of the toughest battles of their lives.
Motorcycle accident cases often involve complex liability issues, severe injuries, and aggressive insurance company tactics. Our team understands these challenges and knows how to build strong, evidence-based cases that protect your rights and maximize your recovery. From negotiating with insurers to taking cases to trial when necessary, we fight tirelessly on behalf of our clients.
When your health, financial stability, and future are on the line, you can count on us to stand by your side every step of the way. Reach out today for a free case review with our Columbia County personal injury lawyers.
Wisconsin does not have a universal helmet law.
Instead, helmet use is required for:
Additionally, permit holders must also wear protective eyewear unless the motorcycle has a windshield. Riders with a full motorcycle license who are over 18 are not legally required to wear helmets or protective eyewear, though it is always recommended.
Helmet laws are not just about compliance; they are about saving lives. Helmets significantly reduce the risk of head injury and death. Without proper protection, motorcyclists are far more vulnerable in collisions, even at lower speeds.
In Columbia County, where motorcycles share busy roads with cars and large trucks, helmets significantly reduce the severity of injuries when crashes occur. By following the law, riders protect themselves and strengthen their potential legal claims if an accident happens.
If you are required—or choose—to wear a helmet, it must comply with DOT certification standards.
A DOT-approved helmet must:
Novelty helmets or those without a DOT sticker are not legal for riders under 18 or permit holders and will not provide the same level of protection. Riders should also inspect helmets regularly for cracks, worn straps, or other damage.
For riders under 18 or those operating with a permit, failing to wear a DOT-approved helmet can result in traffic citations and fines. While the monetary penalty may be relatively small, the greater risk is suffering severe or fatal injuries in a preventable crash.
Helmet use can also impact your personal injury claim. Wisconsin follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning your compensation may be reduced if you are found partially at fault for your injuries.
If you are required by law to wear a helmet but fail to do so, the insurance company may argue that your injuries were worsened because of non-compliance. Even for riders not legally required to wear helmets, choosing to do so can demonstrate that you took reasonable steps to protect yourself, which may strengthen your claim.
Even with a helmet, motorcyclists are at risk of serious harm in collisions.
Some of the most common injuries we see include:
While helmets reduce the risk of head trauma, they cannot prevent all injuries. This is why experienced legal representation is critical when pursuing compensation after a crash.
If you are involved in a motorcycle crash in Columbia County, here are the steps you should take:
By taking these steps quickly, you not only protect your health but also strengthen your ability to pursue fair compensation after a motorcycle accident.
Understanding helmet laws is an important part of staying safe and protecting your legal rights as a rider in Columbia County. However, even the most careful motorcyclists can be injured when negligent drivers cause collisions.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a motorcycle accident, the attorneys at Eisenberg Law Offices, S.C. are ready to help. We will investigate your crash, gather evidence, and pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.
Call today for a free consultation with our Columbia County motorcycle accident attorneys.
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