The 10 Most Common Causes of Motor Vehicle Crashes in Milwaukee
DMR Below are the 10 most common causes of motor vehicle crashes in Milwaukee, based on statewide crash trends, local traffic safety initiatives, and urban driving patterns. If you or a loved one has been injured due to any of these factors, DMR Law Offices can help you pursue maximum compensation.
1. Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in Milwaukee. This includes texting, using a smartphone, adjusting GPS systems, eating, or interacting with passengers. Even a momentary distraction can cause a driver to miss stopped traffic, pedestrians, or changing traffic signals. Milwaukee’s busy streets and frequent intersections make distracted driving especially dangerous, often resulting in rear-end collisions and pedestrian accidents.
2. Speeding
Speeding remains a major contributor to serious and fatal crashes in Milwaukee. Driving above the posted speed limit—or too fast for road and weather conditions—reduces a driver’s ability to react and significantly increases the severity of injuries in a crash. Speed-related accidents are common on Milwaukee’s major corridors and residential streets alike, where excessive speed puts pedestrians and cyclists at extreme risk.
3. Impaired Driving (Alcohol or Drugs)
Driving under the influence of alcohol, prescription medications, or illegal drugs continues to be a significant cause of car accidents in Milwaukee. Impaired drivers have slower reaction times, reduced coordination, and poor judgment. These crashes often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities and are entirely preventable. Victims of drunk or drug-impaired driving accidents may be entitled to substantial compensation.
4. Hit-and-Run Accidents
Milwaukee has experienced a troubling number of hit-and-run crashes in recent years. These accidents occur when a driver leaves the scene without stopping to provide assistance or information. Hit-and-run collisions often involve pedestrians, bicyclists, and parked vehicles. Victims may face challenges identifying the at-fault driver, making it especially important to speak with a Milwaukee car accident lawyer who understands uninsured motorist and alternative compensation options.
5. Aggressive and Reckless Driving
Aggressive driving behaviors—such as tailgating, excessive speeding, weaving through traffic, road rage, and unsafe lane changes—are common causes of crashes in Milwaukee. These behaviors often escalate quickly and leave little time for other drivers to react. Reckless driving is particularly dangerous in dense urban traffic and can result in multi-vehicle collisions with serious injuries.
6. Running Red Lights and Stop Signs
Failure to obey traffic signals and stop signs is a frequent cause of serious intersection accidents in Milwaukee. Running a red light or stop sign often leads to T-bone collisions, which are among the most dangerous types of crashes due to the lack of side-impact protection. These accidents frequently result in severe injuries to drivers and passengers.
7. Failure to Yield the Right of Way
Many Milwaukee car accidents occur when drivers fail to yield the right of way at intersections, while turning left, merging, or entering traffic. This type of negligence commonly affects pedestrians and bicyclists who have the legal right of way. Failure-to-yield crashes can be complex when determining fault, making legal guidance critical.
8. Poor Weather and Road Conditions
Milwaukee’s weather plays a major role in traffic accidents. Snow, ice, freezing rain, fog, and heavy rainfall can all reduce visibility and traction. Drivers who fail to adjust their speed and following distance during poor weather conditions often cause preventable crashes. Potholes, uneven pavement, and construction zones can further increase accident risk.
9. Drowsy or Fatigued Driving
Drowsy driving is an often-overlooked but dangerous cause of car accidents. Fatigued drivers may drift out of their lane, fail to notice traffic signals, or fall asleep behind the wheel. Long work hours, night shifts, and untreated sleep disorders can all contribute to fatigue-related crashes on Milwaukee roads.
10. Vehicle Defects and Environmental Factors
While driver behavior is the most common cause of crashes, vehicle defects and environmental factors can also play a role. Brake failures, tire blowouts, malfunctioning lights, poor roadway design, inadequate signage, and construction hazards can all contribute to accidents. In these cases, liability may extend beyond the driver to manufacturers, contractors, or government entities.
Injured in a Milwaukee Car Accident?
If you were injured in a crash caused by distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, or any other form of negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. DMR Law Offices will investigate the cause of your accident, identify responsible parties, and fight for the maximum recovery you deserve.
INJURED? DEMAND MAXIMUM RESULTS - CALL DMR Law Offices Today! 414-455-3629