Crash Closes State Highway 42 in Egg Harbor, Door County, Wisconsin

Modified Date: 
Mon, 02/17/2025 - 7:37am
Accident Date: 
Sunday, February 16, 2025

Highway closed after car crash (link is external)

Chief MacDonald says power lines are hanging low in the area and a power pole will need to be replaced before the highway can open again.

 

A motor vehicle accident on State Highway 42 in Egg Harbor, Door County, prompted an emergency response and extended road closure on Sunday evening. The Egg Harbor Fire Department reported the incident via social media just before 9:00 PM, with Chief MacDonald confirming significant infrastructure damage including downed power lines and a damaged utility pole requiring replacement. The exact details of injuries or fatalities remain unconfirmed as Door County dispatch was unable to provide additional information at the time of initial reporting. The collision's impact on power infrastructure necessitated an extended closure of the highway, affecting traffic flow through this crucial Door County corridor. Emergency responders secured the scene while utility crews were mobilized to address the hazardous conditions posed by the compromised power lines.

Location and Infrastructure

State Highway 42 serves as a vital north-south transportation artery through Door County, Wisconsin, connecting multiple communities along the peninsula. In Egg Harbor, the highway features a mix of residential and commercial access points, with varying speed limits reflecting the transition between rural and developed areas. The section where the accident occurred is characteristic of Door County's main thoroughfares, which experience heightened traffic volumes during tourist seasons. The area's infrastructure includes utility corridors running parallel to the roadway, with power distribution systems supporting both year-round residents and seasonal businesses.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Wisconsin state law, individuals involved in motor vehicle accidents must report incidents resulting in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. The state follows a modified comparative negligence system, where parties can seek compensation if they are found to be 51% or less at fault for the accident. Wisconsin's statute of limitations allows three years from the date of the accident to file personal injury claims. Insurance considerations typically include liability coverage, which is mandatory in Wisconsin with minimum requirements of $25,000 for bodily injury per person and $50,000 per accident. In cases involving utility infrastructure damage, additional liability considerations may apply, potentially involving multiple insurance policies and entities.

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

  • Egg Harbor Fire Department: (920) 868-3334
  • Door County Sheriff's Office: (920) 746-2400
  • Door County Emergency Services: (920) 746-2416

Traffic Safety Resources:

  • Wisconsin DOT Northeast Region: (920) 492-5643
  • Door County Highway Department: (920) 746-2500

Support Services:

  • Wisconsin State Patrol - Northeast Region: (920) 929-3700
  • Door County Victim/Witness Assistance: (920) 746-2400
  • Wisconsin Consumer Protection: (800) 422-7128

Legal References:

  • Wisconsin Department of Transportation Crash Reports
  • Wisconsin Statute Chapter 346: Rules of the Road
  • Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance
Type: Car Accident