Ultimate Guide The for Motorcycle Accident Victims This is the law firm that has represented well over 3,000 injured bikers. Some have received multi-million dollar settlements. Prior results in an earlier case do not guarantee or suggest a similar outcome in future matters the law firm may undertake. Advertising Material
When the rubber meets the road, there s only one law firm you should choose one with a proven record of working for bikers rights, biker safety and collecting $10s of millions for injured bikers: Hupy and Abraham. We ve got your back. These are some of the multi-million dollar settlements we have won for injured bikers: $3,500,000 Husband and father killed when other driver failed to yield right-of-way case settled within 11 months. "When I was in a motorcycle accident, everyone recommended the same lawyer. Everyone recommended I go with Mike Hupy as my attorney... and I'm glad I did." - Michael Schmidt Attorney Hupy got Michael Schmidt a $2. million settlement. $3,000,000 Child was unborn when father was killed. Child will receive lifetime payouts case was settled in less than one year. $2,900,000 Awarded after insurance company offered nothing case settled without a trial in less than 18 months. $1,900,000 To a victim after Attorney Hupy helped change the law preventing insurance companies from reducing damage awards to bikers not wearing a helmet at the time of their accident insurance company initially offered nothing. $2,500,000 Husband and wife seriously injured in motorcycle accident Attorney Hupy settled case within 10 months. hupy.com 800.800.5678 Phones answered 24/7
Confusion. Uncertainty. Anger. These are all emotions you may feel if you, ve been the victim of a motorcycle crash. You might ask yourself what law firm should I hire to protect me and my rights? Do I even need to hire a lawyer? Will the insurance company treat TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION 1 WE RE A BIKER S BEST ALLY - PAGE 02 SECTION 2 WE VE EARNED YOUR TRUST - PAGE 04 SECTION 3 THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE NAMES - PAGE 06 SECTION 4 WE HAVE THE ANSWERS - PAGE 08 SECTION 5 WE get the money you deserve - PAGE 10 SECTION 6 WE know THE INSURANCE COMPANY S SECRETS - PAGE 12 SECTION 7 WE RE ALWAYS WORKING FOR YOU - PAGE 14 SECTION 8 Recognition by the media - PAGE 16 SECTION 9 WE VE IMPROVED THE COMMUNITY - PAGE 18 me fairly? What law firm should I hire to see that I get all the money I deserve? Hupy and Abraham can eliminate those concerns and replace them with the confidence, satisfaction and peace of mind inspired only by a law firm with a proven record of getting large settlements for its biker clients.
Hupy and Abraham is a motorcyclist s best ally after a crash. You were having a great day. Open road, wind in your face, exhaust rumble in your ears...good times. Then without warning, you were hit by another vehicle. From the ground you looked over at your smashed bike, then down at your body. What am I going to do? This wasn t even my fault! As you sat on the guardrail watching your damaged machine being towed away, you wondered how you were going to get your bike, your life... everything...back together. If you re reading this, you or someone you care about has been involved in a motorcycle crash. You may feel overwhelmed by the flood of phone calls and paperwork that have been pouring in. The insurance company may be pressuring you to settle. You need help. You need an experienced law firm that understands the tactics insurance companies use, that knows how to protect you and your rights, and that has made a mission of fighting for bikers. You need Hupy and Abraham. HIRE A LAWYER Hupy and Abraham understands the cause of motorcycle collisions: left turning vehicles, inconsiderate drivers, drivers who don t look and don t care. Motorcycles are especially susceptible to being overlooked by other drivers due to a bike s small profile. Headlamps and loud pipes can do only so much. It s very difficult to figure out what caused a motorcycle crash because there are many factors that may have contributed to it. Evidence like skid marks, debris and other environmental elements disappear quickly. A personal injury attorney has the resources to determine who is liable. Hiring an experienced law firm to investigate your accident can be the difference between a disappointing settlement and getting the money you deserve. Even if a motorcyclist involved in a crash is partly at fault, he or she may still be able to collect damages. You may be thinking that you don t need a lawyer. Perhaps someone you know didn t hire one and still got some money, but did they get everything they deserved? Hupy and Abraham s 170 years of combined experience as personal injury lawyers enable us to assess what is a complete and fair settlement. Sadly, you can, t rely on the insurance company to have your best interests in mind. Statistics show that crash victims who hire lawyers receive an average of at least three times as much money as those who don, t. Hupy and Abraham has successfully represented well over 3,000 injured bikers. 2 hupy.com 800.800.5678 Phones answered 24/7
Even if the other driver doesn't have insurance, you might be able to collect from your own insurance policy's uninsured motorist coverage. Maybe you re concerned you can t afford an attorney. Quality legal services aren t just for the wealthy and powerful. As a matter of fact, at Hupy and Abraham, we guarantee you won t pay any legal fees or costs unless your case is successful. An aggressive lawyer with experience in motorcycle crashes is a necessity when it comes to fighting for you and your rights. In most cases, we can meet with you at home, at a hospital or anywhere you choose, the day you call. We ll also have experienced motorcyclists settle the damage claim for your motorcycle as a free service when you hire us to represent you. Sadly, you can t rely on the insurance company to have your best interests in mind. Multi-billion dollar insurance companies make money by taking in more than they pay out. They may try to get you to settle quickly and for much less money than you deserve. Insurance companies use lawyers to protect themselves; you should too. Statistics show that crash victims who hire one receive an average of at least three times as much money as those who don t. While it s in your best interests to hire an attorney, you should be skeptical of much of the lawyer advertising you may receive. Unfortunately, firms with little personal injury experience or poor ethical track records may use gimmicks, catchy names, pictures of themselves on motorcycles and other dubious methods to target injured bikers. Hupy and Abraham has represented well over 3,000 injured bikers. Our decadeslong reputation as advocates for bikers is as strong as our record of success representing them. Whether or not you decide to hire a lawyer, this booklet provides valuable information to help protect your health and property after a motorcycle crash. The bottom line is: you have only one chance to get the full compensation you deserve. Don t waste that opportunity. Hire a team of experienced professionals to represent you.
Hupy and Abraham has put in the miles to earn your trust and confidence. All law firms are not created equal. Just like buying a motorcycle doesn t automatically make you a biker, trying a handful of injury cases doesn t make a lawyer competent in the personal injury arena. Any lawyer with little or no experience in personal injury cases can claim the same level of expertise. Law firms can present themselves as adequately experienced regarding personal injury law, but how many of those have represented the well over 3,000 bikers that we have? At Hupy and Abraham, we believe in doing one thing and doing it well. That s why we limit our practice to personal injury cases. Having Hupy and Abraham handle your case gives you a better chance of being treated fairly by the insurance companies. Remember, insurance companies are not on your side. Our legal team knows the tactics insurance companies use; we have experienced them firsthand through tough negotiations. We will hire any outside experts needed to present the true cost of your crash, reinforcing what is fair compensation. Our effectiveness in dealing with insurance companies can be measured by how well they know and respect our reputation. Most cases are settled without starting a lawsuit. If it does become necessary to bring your case to court, your financial health is protected by the Hupy and Abraham No Risk Guarantee. We won t charge you a fee or costs unless your case is successful. The Hupy and Abraham legal team shares a dedication to provide you with professional, personalized service. Only qualified, experienced lawyers can get you the maximum compensation you deserve with a minimum of disruption to your life. Hupy and Abraham attorneys have won numerous multi-million dollar settlements for bikers. Turn to page 10 for some examples of past Hupy and Abraham settlements and court victories. We were flattered to learn that two law firms were paying to use our name on a search engine's sponsored website. Apparently, they liked our name and reputation better than their own. Prior results in an earlier case do not guarantee or suggest a similar outcome in future matters the firm may undertake. 4 - Attorneys licensed to practice in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin, the federal district courts for the Eastern and Western District of Wisconsin, the United States Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals and before the United States Supreme Court. hupy.com 800.800.5678 Phones answered 24/7
At some firms, the partners are just names on a wall. Not at Hupy and Abraham. Attorney Michael F. Hupy graduated from Marquette University Law School in 1972 and has practiced personal injury law for over 40 years. He has tried and settled numerous multi-million dollar personal injury cases including a $9,500,000 verdict in a slip and fall case. Additional matters include a $5,000,000 structured settlement in a well known accident where a large truck crashed through a wall at the House of Peace in Milwaukee and an $18,200,000 award with a projected $80,000,000 payout to an injured child in June 2006. Attorney Hupy is Board Certified as a Civil Trial Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, was selected for inclusion in Super Lawyers, and holds the highest rating in Martindale-Hubbell s peer review rating system. Mr. Hupy is also a lifetime member of ABATE of Wisconsin and a member of A.B.A.T.E. of Illinois and ABATE of Iowa. Through his leadership, we have donated collectively $10s of thousands to these organizations. Attorney Hupy is licensed to practice in Wisconsin and Illinois, the United States District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin and the Northern District of Illinois and the United States Supreme Court. Mr. Hupy practices exclusively in the area of personal injury law and has lectured and written on the subject of liability insurance and personal injury law. Attorney Hupy has taken a leading role in our law firm s efforts to give back to the community. Under his direction, the firm has supported worthwhile causes including Feeding America, the YMCA, the Boy Scouts of America and various scholarship, safety and fingerprint programs. He has also led the firm s pro bono efforts along with donating $100s of thousands to various charitable causes. Through Attorney Hupy s leadership over the past four years alone, the firm has donated over $500,000 to worthwhile organizations and causes, including over $250,000 spent for motorcycle awareness in our Watch for Motorcycles campaign. Attorney Jason F. Abraham graduated with a degree in psychology from the University of Wisconsin in 1989 and received his law degree from Marquette University Law School in 1992. He began his career with Hupy and Abraham in 1993 and was promoted to shareholder in 1999. Attorney Abraham s proficiency in handling personal injury matters has attracted a clientele consisting of individuals from across the nation. He has settled or tried personal injury cases with a combined value of over $180,000,000 and has resolved multiple cases for over $1,000,000 each. Attorney Abraham is a Certified Civil Trial Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy and also holds the highest rating in Martindale-Hubbell s peer review rating system. He is a member of the State Bar of Wisconsin, American Bar Association, American Association for Justice, Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum and member and board member for the Wisconsin Association for Justice. Attorney Abraham is licensed to practice in the states of Wisconsin and Missouri and the United States District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin. His extensive experience in personal injury matters has granted him lecturing opportunities in numerous states across the nation. Attorney Abraham is also dedicated to improving his community. He is a board member for the Ridin to a Cure Foundation benefiting breast cancer research, steering committee member of the Black-N-Blue Ball benefiting the Muscular Dystrophy Association, a lifetime member of ABATE of Wisconsin and a member of ABATE of Iowa.
Attorney Chad A. Kreblin graduated with a degree in history from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1998 and received his law degree from the University of Denver College of Law in 2001 where he was named a Jonathan L. Olom Trial Advocacy Scholar. Attorney Kreblin became a shareholder at Hupy and Abraham in 2007 and has recovered over $90,000,000 on behalf of his clients. Attorney Kreblin has been named A Super Lawyer Rising Star five times, classifying him in the top 2% of all Wisconsin attorneys under the age of 40. He has also been named as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Wisconsin by The American Trial Lawyer Association and one of the Top 40 Trial Lawyers in Wisconsin under the age of 40 by The National Trial Lawyers. He is also a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Attorney Kreblin has lectured on various legal and insurance coverage issues in Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri and Minnesota. Attorney Kreblin is active in the community and has taken a leading role in increasing awareness of the need for child identification. In 2001, he started the Hupy and Abraham Child Identification Program to assist police in missing child cases. Since then, he has personally fingerprinted close to 10,000 children and has taken an active role in educating parents about child safety. Attorney Kreblin serves as a board member of the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, is a lifetime member of ABATE of Wisconsin and a member of ABATE of Iowa. Attorney Brandon D. Derry graduated with a degree in marketing from the University of Northern Iowa in 1998 and received his law degree from the University of Minnesota in 2002. He joined the firm in 2007 and was promoted to shareholder in 2012 for his dedication to the firm and successful, hard work at the Madison location. He has collected more than $20 million on behalf of his clients. Attorney Derry joined the firm following years of insurance defense and personal injury work. He is licensed to practice in Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin as well as the United States District Court for the Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin. He is a member of the State Bar of Iowa, the State Bar of Minnesota, the Hennepin County Bar, the State Bar of Wisconsin, the Dane County Bar, the American Bar Association, the Wisconsin Association for Justice and the Minnesota Association for Justice. For two consecutive years, he has been recognized as a Wisconsin Super Lawyers Rising Star, which classifies him in the top 2% of all Wisconsin attorneys who are 40 or under or have been practicing for 10 years or less. Attorney Derry is actively involved in the community, including working with local charities and participating in benefit motorcycle rides and events in Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota. He is an avid Harley rider and frequently can be found riding with his father, who is also an avid Harley rider. He is an automotive aficionado and has been racing stock cars and attending motor sports events across the country since he was a child. He is a member of 4 Lakes Capital City Harley Owner s Group (HOG), ABATE of Iowa and ABATE of Wisconsin. 6 hupy.com 800.800.5678 Phones answered 24/7
Tony Pan Sanfelipo is widely known throughout the motorcycle community. He has been a senior motorcycle investigator for more than 20 years, joining the firm in 1992. Pan has been very active in the bikers rights movement, testifying at every hearing on motorcycle legislation in Wisconsin since 1974. He helped defeat the mandatory helmet law in Wisconsin, spearheaded angle parking legislation and led the movement for legislation dealing with motorcycle confiscation. Tony s activities extend beyond representing bikers at the government level. He is co-founder of ABATE of Wisconsin and BOLT, a member of Colorado Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell s Lawmakers and was the first person to be inducted into the Sturgis Freedom Fighter Hall of Fame. Tony is a Lead Instructor for Accident Scene Management, Inc. Dave Zien celebrates passing 1 million miles on his 1991 Harley-Davidson with Governor Scott Walker and Attorneys Michael Hupy and Jason Abraham. Gary Fordham has been involved with motorcycle groups for more than 40 years. A senior investigator for more than 20 years, Gary works tirelessly to obtain results for motorcycle clients. He has been instrumental in helping settle over $25,000,000 worth of property damage for the firm s clients. Gary s involvement in the bikers rights community began in the 70s and 80s when he helped organize groups of people to protest at Madison helmet rallies. He even went so far as to re-register a 1966 H-D Sportster as a 1971 home-built two-wheeled Dune Buggy to beat the helmet law. Gary received 13 tickets in two days and beat them all in court. Gary is an avid rider. As the owner of a biker bar in Waukesha, Wisconsin, he offered free chicken for bikers on Sundays. Gary also organized poker runs, pig roasts and allowed biker groups the use of a meeting hall free of charge. Gary continues to support bike events and is active in the community. He is a member of ABATE of Wisconsin. Linda Jo Giovanonni, an investigator with the firm, is a modern-day icon in the motorcycle community. She started working in the parts department of a local Harley-Davidson dealership in 1977 and from those humble beginnings launched into a lifelong love of everything concerning motorcycles, especially promoting women and motorcycles. Jo started the second chapter of Women in the Wind as well as co-founded the magazine Harley Women. She is featured in the documentary, She Lives to Ride, and landed her own collector s edition motorcycle card produced by SkyBox International. Jo has been a lifelong advocate for motorcycle safety and, due to her dedication and promotion of women motorcyclists, has been recognized and inducted into the National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa, Iowa, the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Ohio and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame in South Dakota.
We know you have questions. We have the answers. 8 If you have been in a motorcycle crash, you re bound to have questions. Fortunately for you, Hupy and Abraham has the answers. Let us clear up any confusion you might have regarding personal injury claims. Personal Injury law is an area of law that seeks to recover damages (compensation) for victims of physical or mental injury that occurred due to the action (or inaction) of another. Personal injury claims can be made by the victim or family members, based on three criteria: negligence, strict liability and intentional wrong-doing. Q: Is there a minimum personal injury settlement amount? A: There is no minimum or maximum settlement amount. The amount of a settlement in a personal injury case depends on many factors, including the nature and extent of the injury, the amount of economic damages (such as lost wages and medical bills) and expected duration of the injury. If you are trying to put a value on your case, the lawyers at Hupy and Abraham are a great resource. Q: What kind of damages are included in a personal injury claim? A: A personal injury claim can include many types of damages. Economic damages include, but are not limited to: lost wages, medical bills and/or rental car expenses. General damages include: pain, suffering, disability, humiliation and/or distress. If you settle your bodily injury claim, it must include all the types of damages available to you, or you ll likely lose your right to recover for those losses. Q: Does a contingent fee mean that I pay only if I win? A: Yes. A contingent fee means that your lawyer only gets paid if you recover money for your injury. Q: If my own healthcare insurer pays my medical bills, do I have to repay them out of my settlement? A: Most health insurance policies now have a subrogation clause that allows the insurance company to be repaid out of your settlement with the insurance company for the person who caused the collision. However, health insurance companies also get a discount from the total amount of medical bills. The experienced lawyers of Hupy and Abraham can often get your healthcare insurer to take a reduced amount or waive its claim entirely. At Hupy and Abraham, we recognize that getting your bike repaired or replaced is a top priority. Like your biker friend who has been through it all, we have the answers to questions about getting your bike fixed. Q: Can I get a rental vehicle while my motorcycle is being repaired? A: We try to get the insurance company to pay the cost of a rental vehicle while yours is being repaired. Each insurance company conducts its own investigations to determine which party is at fault. This may take time. The other party s insurance company is not required to compensate you until such time as the person at fault has been determined. Often the simplest way to obtain a rental vehicle is to use your own insurance policy, assuming you have rental coverage. Alternatively, you may pay out-of-pocket for your rental, then seek reimbursement from the other insurance company if you have been found not at fault. Be mindful that no collision policy allows for endless rental coverage. You would normally be allowed to rent a vehicle until your bike is repaired, or until the insurance company issues you payment in a total loss situation. You should inquire about a reasonable extension of the rental if you foresee a delay. hupy.com 800.800.5678 Phones answered 24/7
Q: What if I owe more on my loan than my bike is worth? A: The insurance company is only required to fix your bike, or in the event your bike is declared a total loss, offer the fair market value. Fair market value is what you could expect to get for your bike if you tried to sell it yourself. Often the fair market value is less than what you owe on your loan. If you were fortunate enough to have gap insurance as part of your vehicle insurance policy, it will likely cover the difference between what you owe on your motorcycle and what the insurance company says it is worth. Unfortunately, those without gap coverage may find themselves still owing on a vehicle after it has been totaled out. This area of the law is not favorable to the crash victim and may seem very unfair. However, if you are being offered fair market value for your bike, that value is what you are entitled to receive. Q: Should I take my bike to the insurance company s repair shop to get it fixed? A: Although you are not required to use the insurance company shop, you may find that a pre-approved repair shop will have an easier time dealing with the insurance company on everyday issues that may arise, including cases in which the repairs exceed the estimate. That being said, and with the knowledge that an insurance company will only pay for repairs that it believes to be reasonable, you are free to have your bike repaired anywhere you decide. Q: Am I responsible for storage charges? A: Typically, yes. Remember, it may take days or weeks before the insurance companies complete their investigations. If your bike is taken to a municipal storage lot, costly storage fees begin accruing immediately. It is very important that either you or a person you authorize retrieves your vehicle and personal items from storage. If you have collision coverage through your own insurance policy, you can authorize your insurance company to move the vehicle to a lot that doesn t charge fees. In that case, your insurance company will need to pay the existing storage fees in order to have your bike released. If you transfer the vehicle yourself, you can ask your insurance company to reimburse you for the storage costs. If your bike is taken to a repair shop that ultimately performs the repairs, the repair shop may agree to waive its storage fees. However if the vehicle is deemed a total loss, the repair shop will likely want to be paid for having stored the vehicle until the time it is removed. Ideally, if you are unable to move your vehicle from the crash site yourself, you need to make arrangements with the help of friends, family or roadside assistance to get your motorcycle from the crash site to a repair shop or home. The other insurance company will not automatically assume all storage costs, particularly those costs that could have been avoided with your prompt attention. Q: Will I need to transfer my motorcycle title to the insurance company if my vehicle is considered a total loss? A: Yes. You will need to transfer the title to the insurance company so it can salvage the vehicle. In order for this to be accomplished, your vehicle finance company must also release its interest in your bike, which will require the insurance company to pay off the balance owed (presuming the balance is less than the fair market value of your bike). Once the finance company is paid in full, you would receive any money that remains. Q: Will I lose my insurance deductible? A: If you use your own insurance company, you will be out your deductible until your insurance company is able to recover that amount from the other insurance company after the other party has been placed at fault. In situations where the property damage aspect of your case is not resolved amicably through the insurance companies, your attorney may be able to include your deductible in the overall damages related to your case. Q: How much will Hupy and Abraham charge to assist me with my property damage claim? A: We are pleased to assist our injury clients with their property damage claims as a courtesy and complimentary service. In one two-month period, we settled four separate cases for $1,000,000 or more. Two of the clients were in motorcycle accidents and one of them could still get millions more as an additional settlement.
Hupy and Abraham gets bikers all the money they deserve - sometimes into the millions of dollars. $2,900,000 for motorcyclist Our client was a passenger on her husband s motorcycle. As they were traveling, a driver suddenly pulled out from a side street and smashed into the motorcycle. Attorney Jason F. Abraham was able to get the insurance company to go to mediation before filing a lawsuit. After hours of mediation, Attorney Abraham was able to get the case resolved so the total payouts will amount to $2.9 million. $2,250,000 for husband and wife in motorcycle accident Our clients, a married couple, were traveling on their Harley-Davidson motorcycle when a farm vehicle pulled out in front of them without warning. Attorney Jason F. Abraham negotiated settlements on behalf of the clients. Five separate claims were made and the clients received $2.25 million. $1,450,000 settlement from Pepsi Our client was leaving his home to go to work when a truck owned by the PepsiCo Inc. pulled directly into the path of his motorcycle. Attorney Jason F. Abraham immediately hired an engineering expert to examine the motorcycle and the Pepsi truck in an attempt to avoid any argument that our client was substantially at fault for the accident. The parties went to mediation before a lawsuit was filed and, after approximately 5 hours of mediation, Attorney Abraham was able to get the case resolved with Pepsi paying $1.45 million. $1,200,000 for funeral escort motorcyclist Our client was riding his motorcycle as an escort for a funeral procession when a vehicle made a left-hand turn into his motorcycle. Attorney Jason F. Abraham negotiated a settlement for the client against four separate insurance companies in the amount of $1.2 million. Attorney Abraham was also able to get the health insurance company to accept $32,000 as payment in full for its $500,000 lien. $1,100,000 for motorcyclist; prior law firm drops case Attorney Michael F. Hupy won a $1.1 million verdict for a client after State Farm Insurance Company made no offer to settle his motorcycle accident claim. State Farm had asked for a new trial based on alleged erroneous rulings of the court because it claimed the evidence did not support the jury s finding of negligence and that the damages were too high. The trial court denied State Farm s motions. Our client had originally retained another law firm that dropped him as a client after two-and-a-half years because State Farm would not make an offer to settle his case and the original law firm did not think it could win the case. Prior results in an earlier case do not guarantee or suggest a similar outcome in future matters the firm may undertake. 1o hupy.com 800.800.5678 Phones answered 24/7
$950,000 to Bikers Down founder Our client was test riding a Harley-Davidson when a semitruck, without warning, started to make a left-hand turn in front of the motorcycle. Although our client made a frantic effort to avoid the semi-truck by slamming on his brakes and laying down his motorcycle, he was unable to avoid the collision. Immediately following the accident, our experienced team began working on his claim. Attorney Jason F. Abraham was able to resolve the claim without the necessity of a lawsuit. The insurance company paid approximately $950,000 in settlement of this claim as a result of Attorney Abraham s efforts. $800,000 for motorcyclist within six months of accident Our client was riding a Harley-Davidson when a farm tractor made a left turn into her, causing her to cross the road and run into a guardrail. Attorney Jason F. Abraham hired his own accident reconstruction expert who immediately surveyed the scene, took pictures of all the vehicles and took statements from witnesses. Shortly after receiving this opinion, Attorney Abraham was able to get two insurance companies to pay their policy limits totaling $800,000. $343,000 jury award Our client was test riding a Harley-Davidson Sportster when a woman attempted to make a left-hand turn into her driveway. Our client had no place to go, and his motorcycle slammed into the rear of the vehicle. The insurance company took the position that our client was 100% at fault for this accident. Attorney Jason F. Abraham rejected this position. Upon conclusion of the trial, a 12-person jury reached a verdict awarding our client $343,000 in past and future damages. Rated Best Lawyers Our law firm has Martindale-Hubbell s highest rating for law firms. Only a small percentage of law firms attain this rating. VOTED BEST LAWYERS Our law firm has been voted best by the public year, after year, after year. Prior results in an earlier case do not guarantee or suggest a similar outcome in future matters the firm may undertake.
Insurance companies have secrets they don t want you to know. We know them all. The door to your hospital room closes quietly behind the departing insurance adjuster. You turn your head and look out the window as your hands clench the sheets. That s all this is worth? How can he say that? Look at me! In a body shop across town a mechanic is adding up the total cost of repairing your ride. The money they re offering won t even cover my medical bills, let alone fix my bike or make up for the time I m stuck here. I thought insurance companies were there to help you... When we think of insurance companies, oftentimes we reflect on the purpose of insurance, which is to safeguard us in the event of an emergency or unforeseen accident. It s important to keep in mind, however, that insurance companies are still businesses and are designed to make a profit. Ultimately, the less money they pay out on claims, the more profitable they are. Insurance companies often offer a minimal amount of compensation and, in some cases, offer nothing at all. The only way to ensure you re getting the settlement you are entitled to is to hire an aggressive law firm such as Hupy and Abraham, whose attorneys are experienced in dealing with insurance companies. We have the experience you need to avoid the manipulative approaches often used by insurance companies. Don t believe the following insurance company myths: Using a lawyer will delay your settlement Insurance companies take attorneys seriously because attorneys understand your rights and the insurance company s obligations. Hupy and Abraham has earned a reputation of respect with the insurance companies, and consequently more than 95% of our cases are settled without a trial. Sign this release to move your case along Signing a release from the insurance company before all the necessary facts have been discovered could result in a loss of your right to additional money. As an accident victim, you have the right to be compensated for all present and future costs associated with the accident. You don t have health insurance, so you won t receive treatment Another misconception is that you can t receive medical help because you don t have health insurance. Hupy and Abraham can assist you with medical resources. Hupy and Abraham has donated its own money to run public service announcements featuring sheriffs reminding people to " WATCH FOR MOTORCYCLES " and help save lives. 12 hupy.com 800.800.5678 Phones answered 24/7
I m here to help In some cases the insurance companies will send a friendly adjuster who seems to have your best interests in mind. Be wary of this approach as it is just another strategy they employ to keep you from seeking the advice of a trained attorney to get the money you deserve. You are only entitled to vehicle compensation Insurance companies may try to tell you that you re only entitled to compensation for your vehicle yet another tactic used by insurers to deny you a fair settlement while enhancing their bottom line. The pervasiveness of these tactics inspired CNN to do a special report exposing how these efforts prevent injured people from being awarded the full compensation to which they are entitled. For more information or to read the complete article, visit: hupy.com/library/insurancecompany-tactics-detailed-in-cnnreport.cfm. Million-Mile Man, Senator Dave Zien, the motorcycle riding legislator. In fact, the insurance company may be responsible for: - Property damage (settled free for our injury clients) - Medical bills - Loss of wages: past and future - Cost of a rental car - Cost of transportation traveling to the doctor - Time spent in physical or emotional therapy - Physical or mental disabilities and emotional distress - Past and future pain and suffering due to trauma, inconvenience and anguish
Even when we re not working for you, we re working for you. Many law firms claim to be friends to bikers. Others may say they support bikers rights causes. How many have a decades-long record of proof upon which to stand? Hupy and Abraham has earned a reputation as the motorcyclists trusted firm for dealing with both personal injury cases and bikers rights. From collecting $10s of millions for injured motorcyclists to lobbying in the State Capitol for biker-friendly laws, Hupy and Abraham doesn t just talk the talk, we walk the walk. Hupy and Abraham conducts free seminars on bike confiscations and insurance issues. The firm has also been a longtime supporter of ABATE of Wisconsin, A.B.A.T.E. of Illinois, ABATE of Iowa and the Motorcycle Riders Foundation. Firm partners Michael F. Hupy, Jason F. Abraham and Chad A. Kreblin are life members of ABATE of Wisconsin and members of A.B.A.T.E. of Illinois and ABATE of Iowa. More than a dozen lawyers and investigators at Hupy and Abraham are riders. To reinforce our commitment to bikers, we donate part of our fees to causes that are important to bikers. The firm s efforts extend beyond representing individual bikers. Hupy and Abraham has led successful efforts at the state level to implement bikers rights legislation. Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle invited Attorney Hupy to his office on March 15, 2004, when he signed a bill that protects motorcycle riders and their rights. The bill prevents insurance companies from reducing damages when a motorcyclist, not wearing a helmet, has a collision. The Governor publicly thanked Hupy for his leadership in getting this legislation passed. Hupy and Abraham also provides research, data and statistics on helmet laws, motorcycle confiscation and other legal issues to motorcycle rights organizations. 14 In addition to winning numerous cases for bikers, Hupy and Abraham has sponsored motorcycle education and safety seminars. Our firm helped found and supports Accident Scene Management (www.roadguardians.org), a safety program for bikers that helps train them on what to do immediately after an accident before an ambulance arrives. Our firm has donated nearly $100,000 to this worthwhile program, with more than 20,000 bikers having completed it. We have spent more than $250,000 promoting motorcycle awareness with our Watch for Motorcycles campaign. The campaign has reached more than 10 million people through print publications, television, radio, bumper sticker promotions, airplane banners and the web. Some talk the talk, we walk the walk. For more information, please go to the,, Current News for Bikers '' button at hupy.com. hupy.com 800.800.5678 Phones answered 24/7
One of the many ways Hupy and Abraham improves the lives of bikers: For several years, we have run awareness ads in print publications with readership of nearly 5 million people. BAR ASSOCIATION RECOGNIZES HUPY AND ABRAHAM, CONTRIBUTION In several of its monthly publications, the Wisconsin Bar Association has recognized the contributions our law firm has made to our community.
This is what the news media has said about Hupy and Abraham. 16 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - 2003 As Hupy points out, damages already are reduced under state law depending on the degree a biker is found to be negligent or reckless in an accident. But if a biker is riding responsibly and obeying traffic laws and is struck by, say, a drunken driver - and, therefore, is not at fault - is it right to deny or reduce damages for the bikers just because he or she wasn t wearing a helmet? No, it s not. hupy.com 800.800.5678 Phones answered 24/7 If people weren t so preoccupied when driving, there wouldn t be nearly as many of these types of crashes. -Attorney Jason F. Abraham Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - July 21, 2009
Attorney Michael Hupy has built a niche business for himself, representing motorcycle riders in personal injury cases and advocating their rights in other legal debates. I kind of grew into it, Hupy said Thursday. Several bikers came to me with accident cases, I did a good job for them, and they kept sending more and more cases. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - 2003 Thank You for voting us BEST Personal Injury Lawyer. Congratulations to Attorney Michael Hupy on being named Top Local Activist Year, After Year, After Year... Voted Best by the Public Rated Best by Judges and Lawyers for Legal Ability and Ethical Standards... There is one lawyer bikers call. He s the most credible attorney for motorcycle accidents... he s like a brand name... Milwaukee Magazine - September 2009 We Have Collected $100s of Millions for More Than 35,000 Injured in Car Accidents Service and Results. Just a Phone Call or Click Away: 800.800.5678 hupy.com In Case of an Accident, Download the FREE Hupy and Abraham, S.C. Mobile App. Quick Connect to Chat LIVE Attorney Hupy has built a niche... Representing motorcycle riders in PI cases Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - August 29, 2003 Michael Hupy has represented 100s of bikers in accident cases Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Insurer settles with motorcyclist s family Attorney Abraham won a $3,500,000 settlement for the family of a man killed last year. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - July 28, 2009
Hupy and Abraham improves the lives and experiences of bikers in countless ways. At Hupy and Abraham, we are committed to improving the lives and well-being of all those in our community. That s why we donate countless hours and $100s of thousands to local charitable organizations. In 2012, the firm donated more than $200,000 to more than 100 community organizations. Here are just a few ways we have given back to the community... Watch for Motorcycles Our firm is dedicated to reducing motorcycle crashes that cause injury or death. Part of the problem stems from inattentive drivers of other vehicles who violate the cyclist s right of way. Years ago, the firm began giving away free stickers for vehicles with our Watch For Motorcycles message. Over the years, the important message has spread to various media. To date, the Watch for Motorcycles campaign has reached more than 10 million people through print publications, television, radio, bumper sticker promotions, airplane banners and the web. Motorcycle Awareness and Education $100,000 to this worthwhile program, with more than 20,000 bikers having completed training. Hupy and Abraham has also provided funding to Rescue Riders, another non-profit group, created to train volunteer riders in first aid, CPR and basic medical triage. In order to better represent bikers rights issues in Washington, D.C., the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) recently formed a non-profit group. Attorney Hupy, personally, was the first to donate money to the newly established MRF A&E fund. This 501(c)(3) corporation, unlike the MRF, accepts corporate donations that allow for tax deductions. 18 Hupy and Abraham has extensively sponsored motorcycle education seminars for decades. Our firm helped found and supports Accident Scene Management, a safety program for bikers, in 28 states and 4 countries, and has donated close to The MRF A&E fund provides educational information, legislative and historical research, develops motorcycle safety campaigns and assists in sponsoring a portion of the workshops presented by the MRF at various regional and national hupy.com 800.800.5678 Phones answered 24/7 CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE