William Hildenbrand Killed in Antigo Bicycle Accident
The cyclist was hit by a semi-truck making a wide turn at Superior Street and 10th Avenue
William Hildenbrand, 45, of Antigo, was killed in a bicycle crash involving a semi-truck at Superior Street and 10th Avenue in Antigo on Aug. 4, according to police.
The northbound semi-truck was attempting to make a wide right turn when it struck the cyclist, investigators said. Paramedics arrived at the scene around 1:50 p.m. and attempted lifesaving measures. Hildenbrand was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the tractor-trailer was not injured.
The Wisconsin State Patrol is reconstructing the crash at the request of the Antigo Police Department. No charges have been announced.
The intersection remained closed for several hours while troopers examined the scene.
How common are commercial vehicle bicycle crashes in Wisconsin?
Large trucks have significant blind spots that can obscure bicyclists during turns. In 2024, Wisconsin recorded 894 bicycle crashes, resulting in 787 injuries and eight deaths, according to state Department of Transportation data.
In bicycle accidents such as this, safety analysts examine intersection geometry and signal timing.
Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, said, "A driver glancing at a phone for only a couple seconds can miss a bicyclist entirely, and momentary distraction often proves deadly on roads offering riders almost no protection against a much heavier vehicle traveling close behind at speed."
"An attorney representing affected families frequently reviews cellphone records and onboard vehicle data to piece together exactly what happened before impact," added Bond, who is also a national legal analyst for Accident News.
What makes wide turns dangerous at intersections like Superior Street?
Commercial vehicles require significant space to execute right turns, often swinging into adjacent lanes and creating a hazardous gap. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 1,103 bicyclists were killed in traffic crashes nationwide in 2024.
When a semi-truck makes a wide turn, bicyclists in the adjacent bike lane or shoulder can be caught in the trailer's path. Investigators will review the truck's electronic logging devices and the driver's hours-of-service records to determine if fatigue or distraction played a role in the collision.
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.
"Electronic vehicle data can sometimes fill important gaps after a fatal crash because it records information that may support the investigation," said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal.
Formica, who is also a national legal analyst for Accident News, noted, "Legal counsel may help preserve that evidence while an attorney protects surviving relatives during insurance communication and independent review."