Willard Nyquist Killed in Buena Vista Motorcycle Accident
The 24-year-old Almond resident died after a pickup truck failed to yield at a stop sign on County Road N
Key Facts: - Victim: Willard Nyquist, 24 - Location: County Road BB at Bluff Road, Buena Vista, Wisconsin - Date: May 3 - Type: Motorcycle accident - Agency: Portage County Sheriff’s Office - Status: Fatal
Amid a rising trend of intersection collisions in Wisconsin, 24-year-old Nyquist of Almond was killed in a motorcycle accident on County Road BB in the town of Buena Vista on May 3, according to the Portage County Sheriff’s Office.
Plover Ambulance and multiple rescue crews rushed to the scene at Bluff Road around 10:24 a.m. Investigators determined a westbound pickup truck on County Road N failed to stop at a posted sign and struck the southbound bike.
The lone rider died before he could be taken to a hospital. He is among the more than 100 motorcyclists killed annually on Wisconsin roads, according to state Department of Transportation data.
The pickup driver was not injured. The Sheriff's Office, assisted by the State Patrol and the Medical Examiner's Office, continues to investigate the fatal wreck.
Why did the pickup fail to yield on County Road N?
Investigators are working to determine why the pickup driver ran the stop sign before striking Nyquist's motorcycle. In right-of-way collisions such as this, crash reconstructionists examine sightlines, vehicle speeds, and driver distraction.
National Legal Analyst Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal. "Motorcyclists are arguably the most vulnerable motorists on the road... Without the protection of an enclosed vehicle, riders face extreme risks in even low-speed collisions."
How common are fatal motorcycle crashes in Wisconsin?
The state recorded 103 motorcycle death last year, representing much of overall traffic deaths. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, intersection right-of-way violations remain a leading cause of multi-vehicle motorcycle wrecks.
National Legal Analyst Stefano Formica, Of Counsel at Bond Legal, noted that "An attorney can protect victims from large insurance companies and their team of lawyers while diligently examining the facts of an accident. An attorney will vigorously advocate for a family who has lost a loved one, ensuring that their legal rights are protected."
Victims of motorcycle accidents may wish to consult with a personal injury attorney to understand their legal options.
Wisconsin wrongful death statute
Under Wis. Stat. § 895.04, surviving family members may file a wrongful death action. Wisconsin applies modified comparative fault (51% bar). The statute of limitations is 3 years.
Recoverable damages may include loss of financial support, loss of society and companionship, funeral expenses, and the estate's losses.