How Common Are Car Accidents in Eau Claire County?
According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s 2024 Traffic Crash Facts, Eau Claire County recorded 2,219 crashes in 2024. Those crashes included 407 injury crashes, 573 people injured, and 10 people killed.
Many crashes trace back to preventable choices made behind the wheel, such as distracted driving and drunk driving. When another driver’s choices cause your injuries, Wisconsin law gives you the right to seek compensation.
Who Pays for Car Accident Injuries in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin is an at-fault state, which means the driver who caused the crash is responsible for the losses it causes. In most cases, you file a claim with the at-fault driver’s liability insurance, and our guide for not-at-fault drivers walks through the first steps.
If the other driver has no insurance or too little coverage, your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may help pay for your losses. We review every available policy, including coverage in hit and run crashes and rideshare accidents.
How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Wisconsin?
Wis. Stat. § 893.54 sets the general deadline for injury lawsuits. Typically, a lawsuit must be filed within three years from the date of the accident, and this time period generally applies to car accident claims under Wisconsin law. However, there are important exceptions and nuances that can affect the applicable deadline.
For example, a crash involving a city or county vehicle may require a written notice of claim within 120 days under Wis. Stat. § 893.80. Acting early also helps preserve evidence, such as dash camera footage and witness statements.
Can You Still Recover Compensation If You Were Partly at Fault?
Wisconsin follows a modified comparative negligence rule under Wis. Stat. § 895.045. You can still recover damages if your share of fault is not greater than the other driver’s, and your award is reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, imagine another driver runs a red light on Hastings Way and hits you while you were driving slightly over the speed limit. If you are found 10% at fault and your damages total $100,000, your recovery would be reduced to $90,000.
How Do Winter Roads Affect Car Accident Claims in Eau Claire?
Snow, ice, and early darkness make winter driving harder across the Chippewa Valley. The 2024 crash report counted 6,991 Wisconsin crashes on icy roads and 8,836 instances where police cited a driver for going too fast for conditions.
Bad weather does not excuse careless driving. Drivers are still expected to slow down, leave extra space, and stay in control, so a driver who slides into you on an icy road may still be responsible for your injuries. Weather records, crash reports, and vehicle damage can all help show what really happened.
Should You Accept an Early Settlement Offer After a Car Accident?
An insurance adjuster may contact you within days of a crash with a settlement offer. Accepting usually means signing a release, which ends your right to seek more money later, even if your injuries turn out to be worse than expected. Before you respond, it helps to know what a fair settlement should cover:
- Future treatment: surgery, physical therapy, or ongoing care your doctors expect.
- Lost income: time away from work and any lasting effect on your earning ability.
- Vehicle losses: repair or replacement costs and rental expenses.
- Pain and suffering: the physical and emotional impact of your injuries.
Our article on common car accident settlements explains more about how these claims are valued. We can review any offer with you before you sign anything.
Why Choose Pemberton Personal Injury for Your Car Accident Claim?
We take a careful, organized approach to every case. Our team gathers police reports, medical records, and witness statements, then handles communication with insurance companies on your behalf. You receive regular updates, and we explain each decision in plain language.
We also believe in giving back to the Wisconsin communities we serve, from school supply giveaways for families in need to family-friendly local events. Our free case evaluations come with no upfront fees, and you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Talk to Pemberton Personal Injury Law Firm About Your Eau Claire Car Accident
A car accident can leave you with more questions than answers, but you do not have to sort through them alone. Learn more about our team at Pemberton Personal Injury and how we support injured drivers and passengers across Wisconsin.
If you were hurt in a crash in Eau Claire, we are ready to listen. Contact our Eau Claire car accident lawyers today to schedule your free case evaluation.
