Eisenberg Law Offices, S.C. | October 7, 2025 | Motorcycle Accidents
Most people think of motorcycle crashes as high-speed, high-risk events—something that happens on the highway, far from city traffic. However, in reality, many serious motorcycle accidents in Madison happen at lower speeds, often right in the middle of town.
If you ride, or if you’ve recently been injured in a crash, understanding how speed plays into these accidents can help you protect your rights and know what steps to take next. Keep reading to learn more.
Recent data on motorcycle accidents is difficult to find. However, according to a 1980s study of 900 motorcycle accidents, the median pre-accident speed was 29.8 mph, while the median crash speed was 21.5 mph.
This is especially relevant in Madison, where most roads have speed limits ranging from 25 to 45 mph. Whether it’s intersections, merging traffic, sudden stops, or left turns, these common road conditions pose real dangers—regardless of how fast you’re going.
Even if you’re riding carefully and staying within the speed limit, you can still be seriously hurt by a driver who isn’t paying attention. Because motorcycles offer so little protection, even a relatively low-speed collision can lead to life-altering injuries.
You don’t need to be speeding to get badly hurt on a motorcycle. Riders face more risks than drivers of passenger vehicles because they’re exposed.
Here’s why these crashes are still serious:
Riders can suffer broken bones, head injuries, and long-term physical pain from crashes that happen below highway speeds.
If you were hit while riding your motorcycle, you might worry that your speed could affect your case. In some situations, it could—but it depends on who was mostly at fault.
Wisconsin uses a modified comparative fault rule. This means that you can still recover compensation as long as you were less than 51% responsible for the crash. So, if you were going a few miles over the speed limit, but someone turned into your lane without looking, you could still have a strong claim.
Insurance companies often try to point fingers at motorcyclists, regardless of what actually happened. Having an attorney on your side can ensure that someone is protecting your interests.
If you were involved in a motorcycle crash in Madison, here’s what you should do:
Timing matters. The sooner you speak with an attorney, the more evidence they can gather to strengthen your case.
At Eisenberg Law Offices, S.C., we’ve spent decades helping injured motorcyclists in Madison and across Wisconsin get justice. Whether your crash happened at high speed or in a city intersection, we’ll fight to get you the compensation you need to recover.
Call us today for your free consultation with an experienced Madison motorcycle accident lawyer. We’ll listen to your story, explain your rights, and help you take the next step forward.
We proudly serve Dane County, Jefferson County, Sauk County, Rock County, Columbia County, and their surrounding areas.
Eisenberg Law Offices S.C. – Madison
308 E Washington Ave
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 256-8356
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