Road Hazard Motorcycle Accidents
Road Hazard Motorcycle Accidents in Wisconsin
How McCarthy Motorcycle Law Helps Riders Hurt by Dangerous Roads
If you're here because you were injured—or because someone you love was hurt or killed—in a motorcycle crash caused by a road hazard, we're truly sorry you're going through this. At McCarthy Motorcycle Law, we know just how unfair these crashes can be. One minute you're enjoying the ride, the next you're in a hospital bed—or worse, you're planning a funeral because the road failed you.
These aren’t just “accidents.” Most of the time, they’re preventable. Potholes, loose gravel, poor signage, and uneven pavement might not faze someone in a car—but for motorcyclists, they can be deadly.
We’re here to stand up for you and make sure the people responsible—whether that’s a construction crew, a government agency, or a private contractor—are held accountable.
Why Road Hazards Are So Dangerous for Motorcyclists
Let’s be real. Motorcycles don’t get the margin for error that cars do. What might be a minor inconvenience for a car—a small bump, a patch of gravel, a poorly placed construction cone or warning sign—can mean serious injury or death for a rider.
You’ve probably already heard things like:
“You should’ve seen it coming.”
“You were going too fast.”
“It was just an accident.”
But that’s not good enough. Riders deserve safe roads, just like everyone else. And when public or private entities fail to maintain safe roads—or actively make them more dangerous—they need to be held responsible.
Common Road Hazards That Cause Motorcycle Crashes
Here in Wisconsin, the weather and road conditions can change fast. But that doesn’t excuse negligence. These are some of the most common road hazards we see in motorcycle accident cases:
1. Potholes and Cracks
Potholes can easily throw a motorcycle off balance, especially at high speeds or in low-visibility conditions. These should be repaired—or at the very least, marked with warning signs.
2. Loose Gravel or Debris
Construction zones and poorly maintained rural roads are notorious for gravel, rocks, and other debris that don’t belong on the pavement. For a rider, that’s a recipe for disaster.
3. Uneven Pavement or Drop-Offs
A sharp edge between lanes or a raised manhole cover might seem minor in a car. On a bike, it’s a hazard that can cause a front tire to jerk sideways, throwing the rider to the ground.
4. Oil, Mud, or Standing Water
Slippery surfaces, especially on curves or at intersections, can cause tires to lose traction instantly. Municipalities and businesses that allow runoff or spills to create slick spots can be liable.
5. Improper Road Design or Poor Signage
Missing curve warnings. No notice of roadwork ahead. Sudden lane shifts without warning. These are signs that someone didn’t do their job—and riders often pay the price.
Who’s Responsible for Road Hazard Motorcycle Accidents?
In a car crash, the other driver is usually the one at fault. But in a road hazard motorcycle accident, things get trickier. The question becomes: Who allowed the road to become so dangerous in the first place?
That could include:
City, county, or state governments responsible for road maintenance
Construction companies who left debris or failed to properly secure a worksite
Private landowners or contractors who caused run-off or debris to end up in the road
Utility companies who left raised covers or trenches without proper warning
At McCarthy Motorcycle Law, we investigate every angle. These cases aren’t easy—especially when government entities are involved—but that doesn’t scare us off. We know what to look for, and we know how to build a case that stands up.
Injuries Caused by Road Hazard Motorcycle Crashes
The injuries from these types of accidents can be life-altering. We’ve represented riders dealing with:
Sometimes the crash itself doesn’t even involve another vehicle—it’s just the rider and the road. But the damage is still devastating.
We’ve also represented families who lost a loved one because of a road hazard. These wrongful death cases are deeply emotional, and we treat them with the care and compassion they deserve—while fighting like hell to get answers and justice.
What to Do After a Road Hazard Motorcycle Accident
If you’ve been in a motorcycle crash caused by a road hazard, here are a few things you can do right away to protect yourself and your rights:
1. Get Medical Attention
Even if your injuries seem minor, get checked out. Road rash can become infected. Head injuries can get worse. And the medical record will help link your injuries to the crash.
2. Take Photos (If You Can)
Try to get photos of the hazard that caused your crash. That might be the most important evidence in your case. Roads get repaired fast once someone gets hurt—so time matters.
3. Get Contact Information
If there were witnesses, get their names and numbers. If there was a nearby business with security cameras, make a note of it.
4. Report the Crash
Let the police or sheriff’s department know what happened. If the hazard was in a construction zone, report it to the Department of Transportation or local city services.
5. Contact a Motorcycle Injury Lawyer
We can’t say this enough: the sooner you get the ball rolling, the better. Preserving evidence, filing notices against public entities, and building a solid case all take time—and there are deadlines that can bar your claim if you wait too long.
Why Motorcycle Injury Cases Are Different
At McCarthy Motorcycle Law, we don’t just say we care about motorcyclists—we back it up. Our team understands that motorcycle crashes aren’t just “traffic accidents.” They’re a different beast altogether.
Road hazard cases require:
Motorcycle-specific crash reconstruction
Understanding of rider dynamics and safety gear
Analysis of road design and engineering standards
Experience going up against government agencies and government contractors
A typical personal injury lawyer might not know the difference between high-siding and low-siding. We do. And that matters.
Why Riders Across Wisconsin Trust McCarthy Motorcycle Law
We’re proud to be known as Wisconsin’s Motorcycle Law Firm and Wisconsin’s Motorcycle Injury Attorneys because we’ve built a reputation for standing up for riders across the state—from Milwaukee to Madison, Green Bay to La Crosse, and every open road in between.
We’ve helped riders recover millions in verdicts and settlements after they were hurt by careless drivers, unsafe road conditions, and reckless contractors. But we never treat you like just another case.
When you work with us, you talk to us. No getting passed off to junior associates or someone who doesn’t ride. We understand what the road means to you, and we fight like it was one of our own who went down.
Let’s Get You the Justice You Deserve
You didn’t choose this fight—but you don’t have to face it alone.
Whether you're recovering from serious injuries or mourning someone you loved, we’re here to help you understand your rights, hold the responsible parties accountable, and fight for every dollar you deserve.
At McCarthy Motorcycle Law, we know what it means to ride. We know what it means to crash. And we know what it means to get back up.
Let’s take that first step together.
Get a Free, Confidential Case Evaluation Today
Fill out our online form and tell us a little about what happened.
You’ll hear back from us fast—no pressure, no sales pitch. Just honest answers from an award-winning lawyer who knows how to ride and who fights hard for those who’ve been knocked down.