Below are some startling statistics regarding motorcycle crashes and some tips on how to increase your safety when riding. If you or someone you know is in a motorcycle crash, contact WFJ immediately to talk to an experienced personal injury attorney. [Read more…]
WFJ Presents: The Ins and Outs of Underinsured Motorist Coverage in South Dakota
Injured in an accident? Do you have enough insurance coverage? Most people understand they have liability insurance to cover themselves if they cause an accident. Most people also understand they have uninsured motorist coverage in the event they are injured by a negligent driver with no insurance. Most people assume they have underinsured motorist coverage in the event the negligent driver has insufficient liability limits to cover their damages. [Read more…]
Wisconsin’s Motorcycle Laws
Wisconsin is one of a number of states that do not require adult motorcyclists to wear helmets. Under the headgear statute, headgear is only required for people under the age of 18. Wisconsin law does require riders to wear eye protection. This protection could be a face shield attached to the bike, goggles or glasses. [Read more…]
Minnesota’s Motorcycle Laws
Minnesota Laws and Regulations:
• All motorcycle operators with a license must:
– Have a valid driver’s license with a motorcycle instruction permit or endorsement.
– Register their motorcycle and display a valid license plate.
– Carry liability insurance.
– Carry proof of insurance when riding.
– Wear eye protection: face shield, goggles, or glasses. Windshields do not meet legal requirements. [Read more…]
How Best to Use Your Medical Payments Coverage
When handling a personal injury claim for an auto collision case, one of the questions I hear most frequently concerns the medical payments coverage, and how it relates to settling the personal injury claim. First off, medical payments coverage insurance (or “med pay”) is insurance coverage that pays you or others in your car for medical expenses, no matter who is at fault for the car wreck. It is usually included in your auto insurance policy—in fact, it’s mandatory in Wisconsin. It is generally limited to a dollar amount between $5,000 and $10,000, depending on the policy. In tragic cases, this money can also be used to cover funeral expenses. [Read more…]
Car Accidents and Criminal Charges
In 2011, there were 72,117 car accidents in Minnesota, resulting in 30,295 injuries and 368 fatalities. Most of these accidents resulted from driver inattention/distraction, failure to yield right-of-way, and illegal or unsafe speed. The consequences for the parties involved can be overwhelming. Medical treatment expenses, an increase in insurance premiums, and the stress of car repair are just a few possible results of an accident. In addition to consulting an attorney to obtain a settlement for an injury, one should also consider the criminal consequences of car crashes, such as the following: [Read more…]
How Much Auto Insurance Should You Have, to Protect Your Family?
There were 72,117 car crashes in Minnesota in 2011, resulting in 30,295 injuries.* In 2010, Wisconsin had over 100,000 car crashes with over 40,000 injured people.** The most common reason for filing bankruptcy is medical expense. Among those people who list medical expense as their reason for filing, 78% had insurance. 60.8% of those insured had private medical insurance, as opposed to Medicare or Medicaid. What do these numbers tell us? It tells us that there often isn’t enough insurance coverage when a medical tragedy strikes a family. It also tells us that hundreds of people get injured every day in auto crashes. The above information isn’t meant to scare you—it should instead motivate you to take action to protect your family and yourself, in case of a car crash. You can do this by purchasing the right amount of auto insurance coverage. [Read more…]
Minor Child Settlement Proceedings and Structured Settlements: Important steps to resolving a child’s injury claim and protecting their future well-being
Your child did nothing wrong. One day your son was walking on a sidewalk. The driver of a car drove onto the sidewalk striking your child and causing a broken leg and concussion. Your first concern is your child’s well being, but once your son is discharged, paying the medical bills and covering your expenses while you are home caring for him are real issues. Fortunately, you found a good attorney and have received a settlement offer from the driver’s insurance company. But now you learn that a judge has to approve the settlement and has the right to say “no” on behalf of your son. Why is this procedure necessary? [Read more…]
Motor Vehicle Accidents: Do You Have a Liability Claim?
A liability claim is the claim made against another person who is responsible for the accident that caused your injury (usually referred to as the at-fault driver), for acting recklessly or negligently. If it has been determined that another person is liable for the accident, you may be able to recover damages for your injuries from that person or their insurance company. A liability claim is brought forth primarily for pain and suffering, wage loss, and excess medical bills that have not been paid for by your no-fault insurance company. [Read more…]
Motor Vehicle Accidents: Your No-Fault Claim
As far as auto accidents go, many people know that Minnesota is a “no-fault” state. But what does that mean, exactly? Under Minnesota law, all motor vehicle owners are required to maintain no-fault insurance, in addition to liability insurance, on their vehicle(s)—this excludes motorcycles, which only require liability insurance. A no-fault insurance policy provides for “basic economic loss benefits.” [Read more…]