Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Appleton, WI

Wisconsin Motorcycle Accident Statistics for 2026

As of September, Wisconsin recorded 1,437 motorcycle accidents in 2026, resulting in 1,226 injuries and 59 fatalities. Motorcycle crashes affect riders throughout the state, including Appleton, Outagamie County and surrounding Fox Valley communities.

Wisconsin’s comparative negligence law can also affect how much an injured motorcyclist is eligible to recover. If your share of fault is greater than the party you are seeking compensation from, you may be barred from recovering damages from them. If your percentage of fault is lower, your compensation may be reduced by your assigned percentage.

For example, a rider awarded $100,000 but found 30% responsible for the crash could receive $70,000.

Wisconsin Motorcycle Accident Map

The map below shows recorded motorcycle crashes throughout Wisconsin from January through September 2026. It provides a visual look at where motorcycle accidents have occurred across the state and illustrates how widespread serious motorcycle crashes remain.

Wisconsin Crash Map

Wisconsin Uses Comparative Negligence to Determine Fault

Wisconsin follows a comparative negligence system under Wisconsin Statute § 895.045. After a motorcycle crash, each person involved may be assigned a percentage of responsibility based on the circumstances surrounding the accident.

Fault can directly affect whether an injured motorcyclist can recover compensation and how much may be available. Early investigation can be especially important when drivers, witnesses or insurance companies disagree about how a crash occurred. Tusler Law can investigate the accident, gather evidence and build a case demonstrating the other party’s responsibility.

How Do You Prove Fault in a Motorcycle Accident?

If another person’s negligence caused your motorcycle accident, establishing fault is an important part of pursuing compensation. A personal injury claim generally requires evidence of duty of care, breach, causation and damages. Our motorcycle accident attorney can gather police reports, medical records, witness statements, photographs and other evidence relevant to your claim. To establish negligence in a motorcycle accident, a claim may need to show:

• Duty of Care: The driver had a responsibility to operate their vehicle reasonably and safely.
• Breach: The driver failed to meet this responsibility.
• Causation: The driver’s actions directly contributed to the motorcycle crash and resulting injuries.
• Damages: The crash caused measurable losses, such as medical expenses, lost income or pain and suffering.

If you or a loved one suffered injuries because of another driver’s actions, contact Tusler Law to discuss your motorcycle accident claim.

Legal Representation for Motorcycle Crash Victims

Motorcyclists in Appleton and across the Fox Valley face risks from drivers who fail to see motorcycles, disregard traffic laws or make dangerous decisions behind the wheel. When another person causes a crash, an injured rider may have the right to pursue compensation. Common causes and contributing factors in motorcycle accidents include:

• Failure to yield
• Rear-end collisions
• Drunk or drug-impaired driving
• Hit-and-run accidents
• Failure to stop
• Limited visibility
• Defective motorcycle or vehicle components
• Speeding
• Unsafe lane changes
• Poor weather or road conditions
• Distracted driving

Motorcycle crashes can cause severe and life-changing injuries. Tusler Law represents injured riders seeking compensation from negligent drivers, insurers and other responsible parties. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our attorney is prepared to pursue your case in court.

Helmet Use Among Fatally Injured Motorcyclists

In 2024, helmet use among fatally injured motorcyclists varied between motorcycle drivers and passengers. Among drivers who died, 66% were wearing helmets and 34% were not. Among passengers, 47% were wearing helmets and 53% were not. Overall, 65% of fatally injured motorcyclists were helmeted and 35% were not, based on 6,228 fatalities including other and unknown helmet-use cases.

Do I Have a Case if I Was Not Wearing a Helmet? 

Yes. Riding without a helmet does not automatically prevent you from pursuing a motorcycle accident claim. Liability depends on how the crash occurred, who caused it and how your injuries relate to the accident.

Insurance companies may attempt to use helmet use as part of their defense, particularly when a rider suffers a head injury. Our experienced motorcycle accident attorney can evaluate the circumstances of your crash and explain how Wisconsin law may apply. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Compensation After a Motorcycle Accident

A serious motorcycle accident can result in immediate expenses along with financial losses lasting months or years. Tusler Law helps injured riders pursue compensation reflecting both the current and long-term effects of their injuries. Depending on your case, recoverable damages may include:

• Property damage
• Permanent disabilities
• Rehabilitation and therapy
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Medical bills and future medical care
• Pain and suffering

You should not have to accept an inadequate settlement while dealing with injuries, missed work and mounting expenses. Tusler Law offers free consultations and contingency-fee representation, so you do not pay attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Motorcycle Fatality Accident Statistics

Motorcycle Fatalities

Motorcycle crashes have a higher risk of severe or fatal injury because riders lack the structural protection available to occupants of passenger vehicles. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists face a substantially higher fatality rate per vehicle mile traveled than passenger vehicle occupants.

Tusler Law understands the severe consequences motorcycle accidents can have for riders and their families. When negligence contributes to a fatal crash, we can investigate the circumstances and pursue accountability from responsible parties.

Motorcyclist deaths and death rates, 2007-2023

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Traffic Safety Facts (2023 Data).

Motorcycle Fatalities by Weather and Visibility Conditions

Most fatal motorcycle crashes do not occur during severe weather. In 2023, 97% of motorcycle fatalities occurred during clear or cloudy conditions, while 2% occurred in rain and 1% occurred during snow, fog or other adverse conditions. Visibility also plays an important role in motorcycle safety. In 2023, 56% of fatal crashes occurred during daylight, 39% in darkness, 4% at dusk and 1% at dawn.

These statistics illustrate how serious motorcycle crashes can occur even in favorable riding conditions. Driver visibility, speed, traffic conditions, impairment and other forms of negligence may play a larger role than weather alone.

Your Appleton Motorcycle Accident Attorney 

Insurance companies may attempt to minimize motorcycle accident claims by arguing riders accepted an “inherent risk” by choosing to ride. Motorcyclists have the same right to use Wisconsin roads as other motorists, and negligent drivers can still be held responsible when their actions cause a crash.

Insurance adjusters may also request recorded statements, question the severity of your injuries or offer an early settlement before the full cost of your recovery is known. Tusler Law can communicate with insurers on your behalf, investigate your accident and fight for compensation reflecting the full impact of your injuries.