Car Accident Attorney Near Me | Bye, Goff & Rohde

From the moment you hear that first crunch of metal in a car accident, you know that your life will be different. Whether you suffer minor injuries or severe trauma, the resulting expenses can be difficult to manage and recover from. Hiring our River Falls car accident attorney near me law firm can lower your stress and provide you with an experienced advocate who can make sure you are able to reclaim your life.

Bye, Goff & Rohde fiercely fights to minimize the impact that injuries and accidents have on your life. For almost 50 years, our team has been helping clients like you get the justice they deserve. We protect your rights and help you navigate the legal system while negotiating a maximum settlement on your behalf. Our personal injury attorneys understand the challenges you face, and we provide knowledgeable service to ensure you do not have to handle them on your own. Contact our law firm for a free consultation today.

Choose the Experienced Team at Bye, Goff & Rohde for Your Car Accident Case

At Bye, Goff & Rohde, we have an experienced team of board-certified injury attorneys who have extensive knowledge about car accident litigation. We understand the many challenges car accident victims face, and we take the time to learn about what you are going through so we can better serve you. We listen to you, prioritize your goals, and focus on your success throughout your case. We also use innovative strategies and tailor them to your circumstances to get the most favorable outcome.

When searching for car accident attorneys near you, it is important to find a firm that will fiercely fight for you. At Bye, Goff & Rohde, we put our experience to work for you. Our team is prepared to handle even the most challenging of cases and secure the results you need. When you hire us, we will show your case the attention it deserves, thoroughly investigate the accident, and gather evidence to make sure you have a strong claim. We protect your rights and handle your case so you can focus on recovery.

We Take Cases on a Contingency Fee Basis: You Don’t Pay Unless We Win

Bye, Goff & Rohde operates on a contingency basis to serve our clients better. This means that we do not get paid unless we win your case.

We know the financial strain you are under after a car accident, so we collect our fees from your settlement or verdict rather than from you. This model makes legal services accessible at a time when you need them the most. It also gives you peace of mind that you and your lawyer share the same goal and that your needs will be prioritized throughout every stage of the case.

Numerous Factors Can Contribute to Car Accidents in Wisconsin

It only takes one second for a car accident to occur, and it can be the result of carelessness or intentional negligence. When a driver engages in risky behavior or loses focus, they put themselves and other motorists at risk of an accident. These accidents can occur for many reasons, a few of which include:

Distractions
Speeding
Aggressive or reckless driving
Tailgating
Fatigue
Impairment from alcohol and drugs
Failing to yield or stop
Road and weather conditions
Driving at night
Unsafe lane changes
Inexperience
Defective or poorly maintained vehicle parts

These factors can contribute to several types of accidents, including rear-end crashes, head-on collisions, sideswipe, T-bones, and rollovers. The severity of these accidents may vary depending on the cause, direction, and force of impact involved. As such, it is important to remain alert at all times and drive defensively to reduce the risk of an accident.

Car Crashes Cause Motorists Serious Harm in River Falls, WI

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 40,901 fatalities and 2,442,581 injuries from car accidents in 2023. These numbers highlight the extensive harm car accidents can cause. Depending on the force and direction of impact during a crash, the outcome can range from minor injuries to life-threatening conditions. Some common injuries caused by car accidents include:

Lacerations, broken bones, and soft tissue damage
Whiplash
Neck and spine injuries
Chest and rib injuries
Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Neurological damage
Abdominal injuries and internal bleeding
Paralysis
Disability and disfigurement
Burn injuries
Wrongful death

Given the severity of injuries possible in a car crash, the importance of medical care should not be underestimated. Medical professionals can diagnose hidden injuries that may not be visible or may be delayed, such as internal bleeding or TBIs. Prompt treatment can reduce the impact of long-term conditions and recovery times. Additionally, doctors can document your injuries and provide the necessary records and evidence needed to link your injuries back to the accident.

Roads in Pierce County and St. Croix County with Elevated Risks of Accidents

Car crashes can happen anywhere, but certain areas may be more prone to accidents than others. In their customizable data map, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) highlights areas throughout Pierce County and St. Croix County over the past three years where there have been an elevated number of car accident injuries and fatalities. There are several central routes throughout both counties that prove dangerous to motorists.

Of the 284 crashes, 12 fatalities, and 355 injuries in Pierce County, the areas where accidents occurred most frequently were along Main Street in River Falls, and on various parts of state roads 10, 29, 35, 63, and 65.

The data also reveals that St. Croix County has a much higher rate of crashes (775), fatalities (33), and injuries (1,049) than Pierce County. Some of the most dangerous roads in this area include I-94 and state roads 12, 35, 63, 64, 65, and 128.

Roads throughout Wisconsin can be dangerous due to a number of conditions. Any areas where there is high traffic, low visibility, poor road design and conditions, or inclement weather increase the risk of accidents. Aggressive driving may occur in some areas more than others, which can also make certain stretches of road more dangerous than others.

Establishing the Other Driver’s Liability is Essential to the Outcome of Your Case

Wisconsin is an at-fault state, meaning that the person liable for causing the accident is responsible for paying you damages. However, it is not enough to say that a driver rear-ended you. You are obligated to demonstrate it as an undeniable fact in the case. This requires evidence such as medical records, police reports, photos and videos, statements and testimonies, and more.

Our River Falls car accident lawyers near you will use the evidence in your case to show four key aspects of the collision:

Duty of Care: The other driver was obligated to follow the rules of the road, exercise caution, and remain alert at all times to avoid inflicting harm on you and other motorists.
Breach of Duty: The other driver acted in a way that went against their duties as a driver in Wisconsin and their obligation to safety.
Causation: The other driver’s actions were the reason the accident occurred and were why you suffered injuries.
Damages: When the other driver is at fault, they must compensate you for the expenses and losses you suffered because of the accident.

Together, these four elements are known as the standard of negligence, and they are a legal requirement in a personal injury case.

As such, our car accident lawyers will guide you through this process and build a strong case for you to receive a favorable outcome. We will work diligently to hold the other party accountable for their actions and will also negotiate with the liable party to make sure that they pay you fairly when making restitution.

How Liability Works in Partial Fault Accident Cases

While car accidents are often caused by another person, there are times when you may have partially contributed to the crash. You may wonder what this means for your case, and if you have one at all. In fact, many victims often assume they do not have the right to compensation and do not seek out legal help from nearby attorneys.

However, because Wisconsin uses modified comparative negligence in these types of situations, you may still be able to recoup some of your expenses and other losses even if you were partly at fault in a car crash.

This law states that parties may recover their losses as long as they were less than 51% at fault for the accident. Fault contributions below this threshold allow you to recover compensation that has been reduced in proportion to your level of fault.

For example, if the maximum amount of damages you could recover is equal to $250,000 and you were 15% at fault, you could only recover $212,500. Fault contributions above the 51% threshold are barred from recovering compensation altogether.

It is essential to consult our local car accident lawyers in River Falls, WI if you are partially at fault. We will fight to minimize your liability so you can recover as much as possible for your losses. We will also protect you from insurance companies that will try to blame you for the accident.

Your lawyer will establish liability with the other driver in the accident, so you are not blamed for actions you did not commit. Individuals who seek the help of a lawyer often receive much better outcomes than those who do not hire any legal representation.

Compensation is Designed to Speed up Your Recovery

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the average cost of medical care for vehicle accident injuries is $14,126. These expenses, along with the cost of vehicle repairs and other bills, may be beyond your financial capacity.

Compensation from a car accident claim can alleviate the weight of this burden, so you have the resources you need to recover what you have unexpectedly lost. The losses you recover will reflect your specific circumstances and may include some combination of the following:

Medical expenses and ongoing treatment
Assistive equipment and/or vehicle or home accommodations
Property damage repair or replacement costs
Lost income during recovery or lost earning capacity due to disability
End-of-life medical care, funeral, and burial expenses for fatal accidents
Pain and suffering
Decreased quality of life and enjoyment
Emotional and mental distress
Loss of companionship and/or consortium

The value of our settlement will depend on the extent and severity of your losses. Your lawyer will assess everything you have lost, as well as the expenses caused by the accident, to determine how much you may be able to recover. To secure a settlement that sufficiently covers your losses, your lawyer will aggressively negotiate on your behalf.

Our car accident lawyers will also protect you from accepting a settlement from the insurance company that would be unfair to you. Insurance companies typically try to avoid paying you, and their first offer is generally the lowest. It is important not to accept money from the insurance company without consulting your lawyer first. They should always review any offer you receive and negotiate a better offer as needed.

Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims in Wisconsin

Taking legal action may be the last thing you want to do when you are in pain and dealing with the aftermath of an accident. However, waiting to hire a lawyer and file a claim can hurt your case.

Wisconsin only allows victims three years to recover damages before barring any further actions. Given the time it takes to build a case, it is important to initiate the process as soon as possible.

Contact Our Experienced River Falls Car Accident Attorney Near Me Law Firm

Bye, Goff & Rohde provides you with the compassionate and experienced service you need during this difficult time. We fight to ensure you have the resources you need to fully recover after a car accident and begin to rebuild your life. We ensure you do not have to walk this road alone. To learn more about how we can serve you, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.