On December 8, 2023, a serious pedestrian accident occurred in Marinette, Wisconsin, when 17-year-old Bryce Steinfath was struck by a vehicle while using a crosswalk at the intersection of Carney Avenue and Josephine Street. The driver, Amber Renner, was traveling westbound on Carney Avenue when the collision happened. According to statements given to police, Renner momentarily turned her attention to check on one of her children in the back seat of the vehicle before striking Steinfath. The impact was severe, with reports indicating the teen was dragged approximately 50 yards, resulting in a broken femur and multiple fractured ribs on his right side. Emergency responders arrived at the scene after Renner called 911 immediately following the accident. Steinfath was hospitalized with serious injuries. Recently, Renner appeared in Marinette County Circuit Court where she pleaded guilty to knowingly operating a vehicle with a suspended license, causing great bodily harm.

Location and Infrastructure

The accident occurred at the intersection of Carney Avenue and Josephine Street in Marinette, Wisconsin, a small city located on the western shore of Green Bay at the mouth of the Menominee River. This intersection features a marked crosswalk where pedestrians frequently cross, especially during school hours, given its proximity to Marinette High School. Carney Avenue serves as one of the main east-west thoroughfares through Marinette's residential areas, with moderate traffic volumes throughout the day. The intersection is controlled by traffic signs rather than signals, requiring extra vigilance from both drivers and pedestrians. Visibility at this location can be affected by seasonal factors, though there were no reports of adverse weather conditions at the time of this December incident. The area is primarily residential with school facilities nearby, creating a mixed-use environment where pedestrian and vehicular traffic regularly interact.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Wisconsin law, pedestrians in marked crosswalks have the right-of-way, and drivers are legally obligated to yield to them (Wisconsin Statute 346.24). The driver in this case faced multiple charges related to the accident, including operating with a suspended license causing great bodily harm, which carries significant penalties under Wisconsin law. Victims of pedestrian accidents in Wisconsin generally have three years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit (Wisconsin Statute 893.54). Compensation may be available through various channels, including the at-fault driver's auto insurance, the victim's own insurance (if applicable), or through civil litigation. Damages could potentially include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, lost wages, and long-term disability considerations. The severity of injuries in this case, including broken bones and significant trauma, may warrant consideration of long-term medical needs in any compensation claim.

A good injury lawyer can help with injury claims stemming from all kinds of collisions. Click the links below to learn more from a:

• Marinette car accident attorney;
• Marinette motorcycle accident lawyer;
• Marinette truck accident lawyer;
• Marinette bicycle accident attorney;

Related Resources

• Marinette Police Department: (715) 732-5200
• Marinette County Sheriff's Office: (715) 732-7627
• Aurora Medical Center - Bay Area (Marinette): (715) 735-7421
• Wisconsin Department of Transportation - Safety Resources: https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/safety/education/default.aspx
• Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles: https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/online-srvcs/external/dmv.aspx
• Brain Injury Alliance of Wisconsin: https://www.biaw.org/
• Wisconsin State Traffic Laws: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/346
• Wisconsin Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service: (800) 362-9082