Green Bay's motorcycle accident statistics reveal concerning patterns that affect riders throughout Brown County and northeastern Wisconsin. From 2020-2023, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation reported that motorcycle crashes in the Green Bay metropolitan area resulted in significantly higher rates of serious injuries compared to other vehicle accidents, with nearly 65% of motorcycle collisions causing injuries requiring hospitalization. These incidents frequently involve factors like unsafe lane changes by other vehicles, road hazards unique to the region's climate, and visibility issues during Green Bay's extended winter season. Understanding these statistics is crucial for motorcycle accident victims pursuing personal injury claims, as they help establish typical accident scenarios, common liability issues, and the scope of damages frequently sustained in local motorcycle crashes. The data also highlights the importance of proper safety equipment and training, which can affect both accident prevention and the strength of subsequent injury claims.

Key terms related to a Green Bay motorcycle crash claim include:

• First-Party Medical Coverage (Med Pay) - Required Wisconsin insurance coverage that pays for medical expenses regardless of fault, particularly important for motorcycle crashes due to their severity
• Loss of Consortium - Legal term for compensation claims made by a spouse or family member due to the loss of companionship and support following a severe motorcycle accident
• Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) - A specific insurance classification for lasting but non-total injuries common in motorcycle accidents, such as limited mobility or chronic pain
• Comparative Negligence Threshold - Wisconsin's 50% fault threshold that determines whether an injured motorcyclist can recover damages in a claim
• Property Damage Liability (PDL) - Mandatory coverage for damage to other vehicles or property, with Wisconsin's minimum requirement of $10,000 for motorcyclists
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM) - Essential protection for Green Bay riders when at-fault drivers lack adequate insurance, particularly crucial given the high cost of motorcycle accident injuries
• Gap Insurance - Optional coverage that pays the difference between the actual cash value of a totaled motorcycle and the remaining loan balance
• Bodily Injury Liability (BIL) - Required coverage in Wisconsin with minimums of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for motorcycle operators
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP) - Optional coverage in Wisconsin that provides additional medical expense coverage beyond Med Pay limits
• Rider Endorsement - Insurance term for additional coverage specifically tailored to motorcycle operators and passengers, often including custom equipment and safety gear

Legal Rights and Considerations

Wisconsin operates under a modified comparative negligence system, where motorcyclists can recover damages if they are found to be 50% or less at fault for the accident. The state requires all motorcyclists to carry minimum liability insurance of $25,000 for bodily injury per person and $50,000 per accident. Victims have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit under Wisconsin's statute of limitations. Compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. In cases involving permanent disability, victims may also pursue damages for long-term care needs and diminished earning capacity. Wisconsin law requires motorcyclists to wear eye protection, though not helmets for riders over 18, which can affect liability determinations in accident cases. An experienced Green Bay motorcycle accident lawyer(link is external) will handle all aspects of the legal claim.

Related Resources

Local Courts

• Brown County Circuit Court 300 E. Walnut Street Green Bay, WI 54301
• U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin 125 S. Jefferson Street Green Bay, WI 54301

Victim Support Services

• Brain Injury Alliance of Wisconsin - Green Bay Chapter
• Wisconsin Association of Motorcycle Injury Lawyers
• Green Bay Police Department Accident Report Division
• Wisconsin Department of Transportation Motorcycle Safety Program

Legal and Safety Resources

• Wisconsin Motorcycle Manual (WisDOT)
• Wisconsin State Legislature Chapter 346 - Rules of the Road
• Brown County Traffic Safety Commission Reports
• Wisconsin Motorcycle Safety Program Training Locations

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