Wisconsin Assembly Passes Helmet Bill That Benefits Bikers

Yesterday, March 2, 2004, the Wisconsin Assembly passed SB223 by a vote of 84 to 12 which, if signed by the Governor, will prevent insurance companies from reducing damages awarded to bikers who are not wearing a helmet.

Attorney Hupy and Tony Sanfelipo, founder of ABATE of Wisconsin and accident investigator with the Hupy law firm, both testified before the Wisconsin Senate and the Wisconsin Assembly in favor of the original Bill sponsored by Wisconsin State Senator David Zien. Hupy and Sanfelipo also helped write the language of the Bill.

Under current Wisconsin law bikers can be penalized if they receive a head injury in a motorcycle accident although there is no Wisconsin law requiring them to wear a helmet. Injury victims in Wisconsin who are not wearing a seatbelt are only subject to a 15% potential reduction of their award.

Hupy, Sanfelipo and members of ABATE of Wisconsin recently involved in a lobbying effort to get the Bill sent from committee to the floor and passed by the Assembly. The Senate previously passed the Bill and sent it to the Assembly.

Predictions are that Governor James Doyle will sign the Bill and Attorney Hupy plans to contact him personally to emphasize its importance.

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