How Common Are Drunk Driving Crashes in Wisconsin?
Drunk driving remains a serious problem across our state. According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, 7,067 crashes involved alcohol- or drug-impaired drivers in Wisconsin in 2024. These crashes killed 163 people and injured 3,500 others. Impaired driving made up 6% of all crashes but 27% of all fatal crashes that year.
These numbers show drunk driving crashes tend to be far more severe than the average accident. Crashes are also more likely to happen on weekends, especially late at night and into the early morning hours. If an impaired driver injured you, you may have options for holding that driver responsible.
What Should You Do After a Drunk Driving Accident in Eau Claire?
The steps you take after a crash can affect both your health and your case. If you were hurt by a drunk driver, consider taking the following steps:
- Call 911 so police can respond and create an official report
- Get medical care right away, even if you feel fine at first
- Take photos of the scene, your vehicle, and any visible injuries
- Get the other driver’s insurance and contact information if possible
- Avoid saying you are “fine” or apologizing at the scene
- Contact our firm before speaking with any insurance adjuster
Following these steps helps protect your health and preserves evidence that may support your claim later. The earlier you reach out to our team, the sooner we can begin building your case.
Who Is Liable in a Wisconsin Drunk Driving Accident?
A drunk driver may be held responsible when their actions cause a crash and injure someone else. Police reports, witness statements, and blood alcohol test results may provide important evidence of impairment and help support your claim.
Wisconsin’s dram shop law generally protects bars, restaurants, and stores from liability when they serve alcohol to adult customers. However, an alcohol provider may be held responsible in limited situations, such as when it knew or should have known that it was serving someone under 21, and the alcohol was a substantial factor in causing harm to another person. Every case is different, and our team looks closely at the facts to help determine who may be held accountable.
What If the Drunk Driver Fled the Scene?
Some impaired drivers leave the scene instead of stopping to help or exchange information. This can leave you feeling like you have no way to pursue a claim, especially if the driver is never identified.
If this happened to you, our hit-and-run lawyers can help you understand your options, including claims through your own uninsured motorist coverage. We can review police reports and available evidence while law enforcement works to identify the responsible driver.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Drunk Driving Crash in Eau Claire?
Wisconsin law allows people hurt by drunk drivers to seek compensation for several types of losses. The following damages are meant to address both the financial and personal toll a crash can take on your life:
- Medical bills, both current and future
- Lost wages from time away from work
- Reduced ability to earn income going forward
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage to your vehicle
- Punitive damages in some drunk driving cases
Drunk driving crashes can cause severe injuries and lasting harm. Some victims are left with injuries that affect them for the rest of their lives, changing how they work, move, and spend time with family.
If you are dealing with a lasting injury, our catastrophic injury lawyers can help you plan for the long-term costs of your care. When a crash results in a death, our wrongful death lawyers are here to support your family through the claims process and help you understand what comes next.
How Long Do I Have to File a Drunk Driving Claim in Wisconsin?
In many cases, a personal injury lawsuit must be filed within three years of the accident. However, some exceptions may change the deadline. Waiting too long can make it harder to gather evidence and speak with witnesses while their memories are still fresh. Speaking with our team early on can help make sure you do not miss an important filing window.
Contact Pemberton Personal Injury Law Firm for Your Eau Claire Drunk Driving Case
Pemberton Personal Injury brings over 90 years of combined experience to every drunk driving case we handle. Our firm has earned Super Lawyers recognition for 12 consecutive years and has an insurance defense background, so we understand how the other side builds its case. We have secured a significant Wisconsin personal injury jury verdict, and we prepare every case as if it may go to trial.
Our firm works on a contingency-fee basis, so you pay nothing upfront. Every case is also guided by The Pemberton Promise: our pledge to fight for the maximum recovery you deserve and carry the legal burden so you can focus on healing. If a drunk driver hurt you in Eau Claire, reach out to Pemberton Personal Injury Law Firm for a free case evaluation. We are ready to listen to your story and help you understand your next steps.
