Why Bye, Goff & Rohde’s In-House Legal Investigators Give Our Clients an Edge
If you’ve been searching for how long do you have to claim a car accident in Wisconsin, the short answer is three years from the date of your accident under Wisconsin Statute § 893.54 (this timeline varies from state to state and the case details, so it’s important to confirm the rule that applies to your situation). But while three years may sound like plenty of time, the strength of your case often depends on what happens in the first days and weeks after your accident — not the final months before a filing deadline evaporates.
That’s exactly why Bye, Goff & Rohde does something most personal injury firms don’t: we employ our own in-house legal investigator.
Most Firms Outsource. We Don’t.
Many personal injury law firms rely on third-party investigation services to gather case details — an approach that can introduce delays, miscommunication, and a disconnect between the person collecting evidence and the attorneys building your case. At Bye, Goff & Rohde, our legal investigators are part of a team that works on cases from day one helping to ensure the success of every case.
This matters because evidence doesn’t wait. Police reports need to be requested, witnesses need to be contacted while their memories are fresh, and accident scenes and injuries need to be documented before details fade or disappear. By sending our own investigator to meet with clients right at the start of a case — often in their home or hospital room — we’re able to move quickly and thoroughly in ways an outsourced service simply cannot match. That speed and personal attention give our clients a real edge when it comes to negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, standing up to the defense in court.
Gathering Critical Case Details Right from the Start
Every new client meets with our legal investigator so that they can assess the person’s injuries and accident, gather the facts, and get the case started. From the very first conversation, our investigator are builds the foundation of every case — verifying details, assessing credibility, connecting clients with the right attorney team, and giving our lawyers the honest, thorough groundwork they need to fight effectively.
Thank You, Karen Haugland
For over 25 years, Karen Haugland has built and refined the legal investigator position at Bye, Goff & Rohde shaping it into an essential part of how our firm serves clients. Having personally handled thousands of client meetings across Wisconsin and Minnesota, Karen’s dedication, compassion, and tireless work ethic have left an incredible legacy. We are endlessly grateful for everything she has poured into this role and into the lives of the clients she’s served as well as her mentorship of a new investigator.
Welcome, Bryan Jensen
We’re thrilled to welcome Bryan Jensen as our newest legal investigator. Bryan joins us after 25 years with the River Falls Police Department, including eight years as a School Resource Officer. His experience building trust and connecting with the people of River Falls makes him a natural fit for this role, and we’re excited for the insight and care he’ll bring to every case. Known throughout the community as “OJ,” Bryan built a reputation for trust, care, and steady leadership during his time in law enforcement.
Don’t Wait to Protect Your Rights after an Accident
Even though Wisconsin law gives you three years to file a car accident claim, evidence and witness memories don’t last nearly that long. The sooner you contact a personal injury attorney, the sooner our team can start preserving the facts that matter most to your case.
Call 715-425-8161 or contact us online to request a free consultation.