What Are the Main Causes of Wisconsin Traffic Fatalities?

Overall, the total number of traffic deaths in Wisconsin rose between 2016 and 2020. While Wisconsin traffic fatalities rose 7.8% from 2019 (550) to 2020 (593), the 2020 figure is only about 2% higher than the 5-year average of 580 for 2016-2020.

Although Americans generally drove less in 2020 because of the pandemic, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that roughly 38,680 people still perished in traffic accidents, making 2020 the most fatal year since 2007. The number represents a 7.2 percent increase from the 36,096 fatalities reported in 2019.

Losing a loved one in a fatal traffic accident is one of the most devastating experiences a family can endure. If you lost a loved one because of a negligent driver, the experienced attorneys at Studinski Law, LLC can help. While no monetary award can make up for the loss of someone dear, compensation in a wrongful death claim can help keep your family financially afloat during a difficult time.

Causes of Fatal Wisconsin Car Accidents

Distracted driving, speeding, and alcohol use are the top causes of Wisconsin car accident fatalities. Any time a driver behaves in a reckless, careless, or malicious manner when behind the wheel, fatalities can – and do – happen.

Fatal car wrecks in Wisconsin are most commonly the result of:

• Speeding
• Drunk driving
• Distracted driving
• Reckless driving
• Drowsy driving
• Dangerous road conditions
• Defective vehicle parts

To recover damages in a wrongful death claim, you must prove that negligence caused your loved one’s death. The seasoned attorneys at Studinski Law, LLC have extensive experience in a broad range of motor vehicle accident cases and wrongful death claims. We thoroughly investigate every accident and fatal injury and fight diligently to hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions.

Fatal Motorcycle Accidents in Wisconsin

According to the most recent Final Year-End Crash Statistics report from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, 82 motorcyclists died and 1,537 were injured in 2019.

Whether due to glare, obstructions, or simply not paying close enough attention, the most common cause of motorcycle accidents is the failure of other drivers to detect motorcyclists on the road. 

Additionally, head-on collisions are the most common type of accident that kills motorcyclists across the country. While crashes involving a motorcycle and another vehicle account for 56% of all motorcycle wrecks, 78% of those crashes occur when a car strikes the motorcycle from the front.

Other common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

• Cars making left-hand turns
• Motorcycle lane-splitting
• Speeding
• Alcohol use

Motorcyclists are at greater risk for serious injury and death pthan other motorists on the road. Bikers can reduce their risk for serious harm by wearing a helmet, anticipating hazards, and never riding while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Truck Accident Fatalities in Wisconsin

In 2019, 70 Wisconsinites died in accidents involving a large truck, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Due to their massive size and weight, commercial trucking accidents often result in catastrophic injuries or death. 

Like many traffic accidents, commercial truck wrecks are often the result of human error. Some of the most common causes of trucking accidents in Wisconsin include:

• Faulty maintenance
• Unsecured, shifting cargo
• Failure to look
• Speeding
• Fatigued driving
• Distracted driving

Because of the number of potentially liable parties in a tractor-trailer accident, such as the driver, trucking company, maintenance techs, and cargo loaders, these cases can be incredibly complicated. Our experienced truck accident attorneys understand the complex nature of these difficult cases. We have the knowledge, skill, and resources necessary to help our clients pursue the maximum compensation they need to move forward.

Fatal Wisconsin Pedestrian Accidents

There were 53 traffic-related pedestrian deaths in Wisconsin in 2019. Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents include:

• Drivers failing to yield for pedestrians, often assuming that pedestrians will yield even when the pedestrians have the right-of-way
• Intoxicated drivers
• Distracted drivers, frequently while on their phones
• Drivers traveling at dangerous rates of speed that prevent them from avoiding pedestrians with the right-of-way
• Drivers failing to look for pedestrians when going through intersections or making turns

Unfortunately, many pedestrians contribute to their own traffic-related injuries because they are engaged in distracted walking. In fact, the issue of pedestrians suffering injuries because they were paying more attention to their phones instead of where they were walking has become so prevalent that the National Safety Council has listed “cell phone distracted walking” as a category in its report on unintentional injuries and death.

What Affects Highway Safety?

The NHTSA reports that several factors affect highway safety in the U.S., such as:

• Vehicle safety features: Consumers are increasingly choosing vehicles based on their enhanced safety features and individual safety ratings.
• Traffic congestion: Drivers sometimes react to traffic congestion by driving aggressively or exhibiting other unsafe driving behavior.
• Commuting: When people move out of big cities for more affordable housing and other benefits, many continue to work in larger cities, making for longer commutes, and increased risk for traffic accidents.
• Younger drivers: Young drivers are more likely to speed, drive aggressively, and drive while drowsy or intoxicated than older drivers.
• Older drivers: The rate of traffic fatalities for older drivers is 17 times higher than that of drivers between the ages of 25 and 65. While only making up 9% of the population, drivers over the age of 65 are involved in 13% of fatal crashes. 
• Population growth: The U.S. population on a whole is increasing. In Wisconsin, the population increased about 4% between 2010 and 2020, according to recent census data. This has a direct effect on Wisconsin’s traffic conditions.

Contact a Wrongful Death Attorney In Wisconsin Today

The wrongful death attorneys at Studinski Law, LLC understand the emotional and financial devastation families face after the unexpected loss of a loved one. We are prepared to help you pursue justice for your profound loss with compassion and dignity.

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If you lost a family member in a Wisconsin traffic accident, call Studinski Law, LLC today at (715) 343-2850 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We have offices in Plover and Marshfield, and serve the entire state of Wisconsin.