Eisenberg Law Offices, S.C. | January 14, 2026 | Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycling in Madison can be a great way to get around, especially when the weather is good and traffic is moving. However, the reality is that riders are less protected than those in cars, and small hazards can quickly escalate into significant problems. A driver who wasn’t paying attention, a sudden lane change, or poor road conditions can all lead to a serious crash. Knowing what to watch for can help you ride more defensively.
Madison traffic can pick up quickly and unexpectedly, especially near downtown, the UW–Madison area, and major routes like East Washington Avenue. In slow-moving traffic, drivers tend to become impatient, glance at their phones, or drift out of their lane. That’s a bad mix when motorcycles are nearby.
Because bikes are smaller, they can disappear in mirrors and blind spots. A driver who changes lanes without a shoulder check can clip a motorcycle or force a rider onto the shoulder. If you notice a car drifting out of its lane, take that as a warning sign and give it extra space.
Intersections are one of the biggest danger zones for motorcyclists. A common scenario is a driver turning left across your path because they think they have time — or they don’t register you at all.
This risk goes up when traffic is heavy, visibility is limited, or the light is about to change. When approaching an intersection, it helps to ease off the throttle, apply your brakes, and scan for wheels that appear to be about to move. If a car is creeping forward, assume it may continue to move.
Potholes, uneven pavement, loose gravel, or broken asphalt can throw off your balance or cause a sudden loss of control.
Madison’s freeze-thaw cycles often leave roads rough in late winter and early spring. Construction season can add another layer of risk, with narrowed lanes, metal plates, or debris that ends up where you least expect it. If the pavement looks questionable, slow down and avoid quick swerves.
Wisconsin weather isn’t always rider-friendly. Rain reduces traction and increases stopping distance, especially on painted lines, manhole covers, and slick patches where oil builds up. Morning dew and wet leaves can be just as slippery.
Cold temperatures can also affect grip, and wind can cause a bike to wobble, especially on open stretches of road. In the fall, shorter days mean more riding at dawn or dusk, when drivers are tired, and visibility is worse. Bright gear and headlights help, but the safest decision is often simply riding a little more cautiously than usual.
Tailgating is more than frustrating — it can be dangerous. Motorcycles can stop quickly, and a driver following too closely may not react in time to avoid a collision. In stop-and-go traffic, rear-end crashes can happen in seconds.
If you’re being followed closely, create space in front of you and look to make a safe lane change. Sometimes the best option is to let the driver pass rather than hoping they’ll back off.
In areas with street parking, including parts of downtown Madison, “dooring” is a real concern. That’s when someone opens a car door into your lane. Even at lower speeds, hitting a door can throw you off the bike and into traffic.
Rideshare and delivery drivers can also stop suddenly, pull to the curb without signaling, or make a U-turn without warning. If you’re riding in busy city areas, expect unpredictable moves and give parked cars more space when you can.
Motorcycle accidents can result in severe injuries, lost workdays, and substantial medical expenses. At the same time, insurers may try to minimize what happened or argue you were at fault. Getting help early can make it easier to protect your rights and avoid common mistakes.
For more information, contact an experienced Madison motorcycle accident lawyer at Eisenberg Law Offices, S.C. to schedule a free consultation today.
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Eisenberg Law Offices S.C. – Madison
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Madison, WI 53703
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