Milwaukee Approved Settlement for 2022 DPW Truck Crash

The city settled with two individuals following a 2022 multi-vehicle collision in Wauwatosa.

Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Car Types

Milwaukee Approved Settlement for 2022 DPW Truck Crash

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Should city taxpayers be responsible for funding settlements from municipal employee negligence?

The Milwaukee Common Council approved a $125,000 settlement on Sept. 22, 2026, regarding a 2022 vehicle crash involving a city truck. This payment brings total city payouts related to the incident to $1,372,300.

Why it matters

The settlement resolves a negligence claim filed in 2024 by two victims of the multi-vehicle crash. The December 2022 incident involved a city DPW vehicle that struck 10 cars in Wauwatosa, resulting in three fatalities.

The city vehicle was traveling at an estimated 60 to 70 mph when it struck 10 vehicles. Total payouts for the crash have reached $1,372,300.

The players

Kristin S. Noack

She is one of the plaintiffs who filed a negligence lawsuit against the city in 2024.

Barbara R. Smith

She is a co-plaintiff in the 2024 negligence lawsuit regarding the 2022 incident.

Denise Durrah

She was the 64-year-old driver of the DPW vehicle who died in the collision.

Amy Miller

She was a 40-year-old victim who died following the multi-vehicle crash.

Paul Woida

He was an 85-year-old victim who died as a result of the collision.

The details

Police reports indicated the driver of the city truck, who had a history of seizures, made no attempt to slow down before the pile-up. The chain-reaction event began near Watertown Plank Road before the vehicle struck multiple cars.

Dec. 13, 2022: The city vehicle crash occurred in Wauwatosa.
2024: Plaintiffs filed a negligence lawsuit against the city.
Sept. 22, 2026: Common Council approved the latest settlement.
Sept. 23, 2026: Mayor signed the settlement resolution.
November 2026: The jury trial is scheduled to occur.

Roadmap

This settlement highlights the substantial long-term municipal liability associated with government-operated fleet accidents. It underscores how individual operator negligence can impact city budgets and set significant legal precedents for future fleet safety requirements.

Residents should be aware that the city has incurred over $1.3 million in legal settlements stemming from this single DPW vehicle incident. This case serves as a reminder of the potential safety risks posed by municipal vehicle operations on local roads.

The takeaway

Large-scale municipal accidents often result in years of litigation and significant taxpayer-funded settlements. Victims involved in similar city vehicle collisions should consult legal counsel regarding established negligence claim processes.