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MILWAUKEE, Milwaukee County, Wis., Oct. 14, 2026 — A man in his 50s using a wheelchair was struck by a vehicle on Tuesday, October 13, in the 2500 block of South 13th Street in Milwaukee, according to a report from emergency responders. He was thrown by the impact and suffered multiple injuries.
The man was conscious when he was loaded for transport. The extent of his injuries has not been released.
Details about the vehicle involved and what led up to the crash have not been made public. It is not known whether the driver stayed at the scene or whether charges are being considered.
No further information has been released. This report may be updated as new details become available.
Our thoughts are with those who were injured, and we wish them a full recovery.
Pedestrian Crashes Involving Wheelchair Users: What the Numbers Show
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 1,947,298 passenger-vehicle occupants were injured in motor-vehicle traffic crashes in 2023. That figure covers people inside vehicles, but it points to a larger pattern: crashes involving a vehicle and a person outside it, including pedestrians and wheelchair users, tend to produce more severe outcomes because the person on foot or in a mobility device has no protective frame around them.
People who use wheelchairs face added risk in traffic because they usually move slower than foot traffic, sit lower to the ground where they can be harder for drivers to see, and may have limited ability to react quickly to an approaching vehicle. Curb cuts, crosswalk timing, and sidewalk conditions all factor into how exposed a wheelchair user is at any given crossing.
Cities continue to study where these crashes cluster, usually near intersections with limited sightlines or where sidewalks are narrow or poorly maintained. Local data on crash locations helps engineers decide where to add signals, improve lighting, or widen curb ramps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I witness a pedestrian struck by a vehicle?
Call 911 immediately, avoid moving the injured person unless they are in further danger, and wait for emergency responders to arrive. If you saw the crash, stay to give a statement to police.
What are common injuries when a pedestrian or wheelchair user is struck by a car?
Injuries usually include fractures, head trauma, and spinal injuries, since the person has little protection from the impact. Severity depends on vehicle speed and the angle of the collision.
Is a driver always at fault in a pedestrian crash?
Not necessarily. Fault depends on factors like right-of-way, traffic signals, and whether either party was following traffic laws. Investigators examine the scene, witness accounts, and available video before concluding.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Crash in Milwaukee, WI
If you or someone you know is involved in a crash involving a pedestrian or wheelchair user in Milwaukee, seek medical evaluation right away, even if injuries seem minor at first. Some injuries, especially to the head or spine, are not immediately obvious.
Request a copy of the police report once it's filed, and keep records of any medical treatment received. If you're able, note details like weather conditions, lighting, and the general location while they're fresh in your memory. These small steps can make it easier to understand what happened and to follow up with insurers or medical providers later.
