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Injured in a Car Crash in Eau Claire? Call Bye, Goff & Rohde We'll Start Your Case with a Free Consultation

Eau Claire Car Accident Attorneys

Fighting For Car Accident Victims in Wisconsin

Eau Claire and the surrounding area is home to nearly 200,000 people. With a population of this size, car accidents are an unfortunate reality of life. High-traffic highways and roadways such as Interstate 94, U.S. Route 53, Clairemont Avenue, and Hastings Way are common locations for accidents.

Our Eau Claire car accident lawyers know that an auto accident injury can have lasting consequences. If you have been seriously injured in a car crash in Eau Claire or a surrounding area, our attorneys can help you deal with insurance companies, pay for medical bills, and secure the compensation you deserve.

Whether you are a permanent resident or a temporary visitor, you need an attorney who will put you first. At Bye, Goff & Rohde, our lawyers take the time to listen to you and your unique situation.

When you schedule a free car accident consultation, we will even come to your location in Eau Claire, Menomonie, Wausau, Chippewa Falls, or any other surrounding area. And, if you choose to let us represent you, you will owe us nothing unless we win your case or obtain a settlement on your behalf.

For a free and confidential consultation with our car accident attorney in Eau Claire, call (534) 202-5404 or contact us online.

Determining the Cause of Your Accident

Our attorneys will work to determine why this happened to you.

Common causes of automobile accidents include:

  • Cell phone use or texting while driving
  • Speeding
  • Reckless driving
  • Driving too fast for conditions
  • Drinking and driving
  • Improper vehicle maintenance

Whatever the cause of your accident, our auto accident lawyers in Eau Claire will get to the bottom of it and ensure the facts come to light in order to hold the responsible party accountable.

Common Car Accident Injuries

If the harm was only to your vehicle, you could easily get your life back on track. However, when an injury is involved, the consequences can linger for months or years – sometimes even a lifetime.

Injuries from car accidents can involve:

You face a long road of medical expenses, prescriptions for medication, lost wages, physical therapy, and rehabilitation. Our attorneys want to be by your side to help.

Common Places Where Accidents Occur

In Eau Claire, some common areas where accidents might occur more frequently include:

  • Highways and Interstates: Interstate 94 and US Highway 53 are major thoroughfares in Eau Claire and can experience accidents, especially during peak travel times.
  • Busy Intersections: Intersections such as Clairemont Avenue and Menomonie Street or Hastings Way and Brackett Avenue may have higher accident rates due to the convergence of traffic from multiple directions.
  • Commercial Districts: Areas with a high concentration of businesses, shopping centers, and restaurants, like the downtown area or along Hastings Way, might see more accidents, especially during busy times of the day.
  • Residential Areas: Accidents can also occur in residential neighborhoods, particularly near schools or areas with heavy pedestrian traffic.
  • Construction Zones: During road construction or maintenance, areas where lanes are narrowed or traffic patterns are altered can be more accident-prone.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Eau Claire

In Eau Claire, Wisconsin, several local resources are available to assist individuals in the aftermath of a car accident:

  • Eau Claire Police Department: If the accident involves injuries, significant property damage, or other emergencies, you should immediately contact the Eau Claire Police Department by dialing 911. They will dispatch officers to the scene to provide assistance and file a police report.
  • Medical Services: If anyone is injured in the accident, seek medical attention promptly. Eau Claire has several hospitals and medical centers, such as HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital and Mayo Clinic Health System, where individuals can receive medical care.
  • Towing Services: If your vehicle is not drivable after the accident, you may need to arrange for towing services. Many towing companies operate in Eau Claire and can transport your vehicle to a repair shop or another location.
  • Insurance Companies: Contact your insurance company immediately after the accident to report the incident and initiate the claims process. Your insurance provider can guide you through the necessary steps and help you understand your coverage.
  • Legal Assistance: If you're unsure about your rights or responsibilities following the accident, you may want to consult with auto accident lawyers in Eau Claire. They can provide legal advice and represent your interests if necessary.
  • Repair Shops: Eau Claire has numerous auto repair shops where you can have your vehicle assessed and repaired after an accident. Your insurance company may provide recommendations for preferred repair shops, or you can choose one based on personal preference or reviews.
  • Support Services: Coping with the aftermath of a car accident can be stressful, especially if you've been injured or experienced significant property damage. Eau Claire may have local support services, such as counseling centers or support groups that can assist and guide you during this challenging time.

Local Resources After a Car Accident in Eau Claire

For car accident victims in Eau Claire, WI, several local resources can provide assistance and support:

Eau Claire Police Department

Eau Claire Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services (EMS)

Mayo Clinic Health System – Eau Claire

HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital

Marshfield Medical Center – Eau Claire

Eau Claire County Victim/Witness Assistance Program

Connecting with these resources not only aids in immediate recovery but also provides a network of support for long-term rehabilitation and justice. Whether it's emotional support from counseling services or legal guidance from the Assistance Program, making use of these facilities can significantly ease the recovery process.

What Damages Can I Recover After a Car Accident?

If you have been injured in a car accident in Wisconsin, you may be entitled to recover damages for the losses you have suffered.

Generally, there are three main categories of damages that may be recoverable:

  • Special (Economic) Damages: Damages that can be easily quantified, such as medical expenses or lost wages from time away from work due to the injury. Medical expenses can include past and future costs associated with your injury, such as hospital stays, surgery, medication, doctor visits, and physical therapy sessions. Lost wages refer to the earnings you missed due to your inability to work because of the injury.
  • General (Non-Economic) Damages: General damages are more subjective than special damages, including pain and suffering and emotional distress caused by the accident. These damages are designed to compensate individuals for their physical or mental anguish from the accident. Additionally, if a loved one has died due to an automobile accident in Wisconsin, wrongful death compensation may also be available for surviving family members.
  • Punitive Damages: Punitive damages may also be available under certain circumstances when the defendant’s conduct is found to be particularly egregious or reckless. Punitive damages are intended to punish a defendant for their behavior rather than awarding compensation to the plaintiff.

Our team will analyze your case, consulting with all relevant medical experts, law enforcement personnel, and witnesses in reviewing available evidence. Once we know everything about your case, we can help you determine what compensation you are entitled to. We always fight for maximum compensation and won’t accept low settlement offers that don’t pay you what you are rightfully owed.

Call our Eau Claire car accident attorneys at Bye, Goff & Rohde today at (534) 202-5404 or contact us online for a free consultation.

Understanding Eau Claire Traffic Laws

As an essential aspect of navigating car accidents in Eau Claire, understanding local traffic laws is crucial. In Wisconsin, traffic laws are designed to ensure safety and regulate drivers' behavior on the road. For example, Eau Claire mandates strict adherence to speed limits, especially in densely populated areas and school zones. Ignoring these can result in fines and increase the risk of accidents, thereby impacting any potential legal arguments.

Furthermore, Wisconsin's distracted driving policy prohibits using handheld mobile devices for drivers, especially in school and construction zones. If a driver is found violating these rules and causes an accident, they could bear significant liability, affecting damage recovery claims. Understanding these laws enables victims and drivers alike to navigate the complexities of accident scenarios more effectively, making it easier to establish fault and accountability. Our attorneys stay updated on these regulations to provide informed legal guidance.

Impact of Weather on Driving in Eau Claire

The diverse weather conditions in Eau Claire significantly impact driving safety and vehicle performance. Winters, with their snow and icy road conditions, require drivers to exercise extra caution. This often involves using snow tires, reduced speed, and increased following distance to prevent accidents. In spring and fall, sudden rain showers can create slippery conditions, demanding alertness and readiness to respond to changing road circumstances.

During these seasons, the incidence of weather-related accidents can increase, spotlighting the importance of weather preparedness in vehicle maintenance and driver awareness. Our firm understands these local nuances and integrates weather conditions into our legal analysis, ensuring that all potential causes of an accident are examined comprehensively. By considering such factors, we work to present a thorough representation of each client's situation, striving to achieve favorable outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents 

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, there can be exceptions, such as in cases involving government entities or if the injury was not immediately apparent. It's important to consult with an attorney promptly to ensure you file your claim within the legal time frame. Missing the deadline could mean forfeiting your right to pursue compensation, regardless of the merits of your case.

What If I'm Partially at Fault for the Accident?

Wisconsin follows a modified comparative negligence system, meaning you can still recover damages even if you are partially at fault, as long as your fault does not exceed 51%. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, if you're found 20% at fault, your damages would be reduced by that amount. It's important to accurately determine fault distribution to ensure fair compensation. Our attorneys have experience in negotiating these percentages to mitigate impact on your recoverable damages.

We Are Board Certified Specialists

Our Eau Claire car accident lawyers at Bye, Goff & Rohde have been serving the area for nearly 50 years. We have a reputation for not allowing insurance companies to take advantage of our clients.

We are proud that all our partners are Board Certified by The National Board of Trial Advocacy, an honor only three percent of lawyers achieve. We strive to get results for our clients, and you can feel confident in our ability to represent you.

We Are Committed to Getting the Best Result

Recovering after an accident takes patience and determination to persevere through the pain. We understand that kind of determination and demonstrate the same commitment in the representation we provide to our clients.

Our team stays in the fight when other lawyers are eager to settle. We work to get you the compensation you deserve to put your life on course again.

We Will Review Your Case for Free

Let us set up your free consultation today. An Eau Claire car crash lawyer from our team will hear you out and give you an honest assessment of your case. There’s no obligation, and our attorneys are patient and empathetic to your situation.

We believe you deserve nothing but the best representation.

How Do You Prove Fault in a Car Accident?

To have a case, you must prove that the other party involved in your accident was negligent. Wisconsin is an at-fault state, meaning when someone is injured in a car accident, the at-fault party is responsible for paying damages to the injured person.

Under Wisconsin law, these damages include special (economic) and general (non-economic) damages such as medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and/or loss of enjoyment of life.

Wisconsin follows a modified comparative negligence law, which means that fault for an accident can be assigned to multiple parties, and any damages awarded will be reduced by the percentage of the responsibility attributed to each party.

For example, if both parties are found to be at fault in a car accident, and the plaintiff’s degree of negligence is 40%, then the plaintiff would only be entitled to recover damages equal to what would have been awarded minus 40%.

If you are found to be more than 51% at fault for the car accident, you cannot collect damages from the other party.

To determine who is at fault, evidence such as eyewitness accounts, photographs from the scene, police reports, and vehicle damage are used. Medical records and expert testimony may also be necessary in some cases.

What Is My Car Accident Case Worth?

When determining the value of a car accident case, every situation is different and must be evaluated on its unique aspects. We have experience representing clients in various car accident-related personal injury cases.

The value of such cases depends on numerous factors, including but not limited to the following:

  • The severity of your injuries
  • Losses suffered due to the accident
  • The intangible consequences of your accident, like loss of consortium or pain and suffering
  • Any long-term medical costs associated with your injuries
  • Whether or not any third parties, such as mechanics or car manufacturers, can be found liable for your injury

When you schedule a free consultation with our car accident lawyers in Eau Claire, we can evaluate the specific circumstances of your collision and help you determine the potential value of your car accident claim.

Our team has extensive knowledge in this field and will carefully review all relevant evidence from the accident and assess your circumstances to develop an appropriate strategy and understanding of what to expect from your case.

Hear From Our Past Client's Real Clients. Real Stories.
"The Definition of Professionalism"

Dean and his Team were the definitions of professionalism. I couldn't imagine going through this alone. Dean made this horrible period in our life way easier than I could ever imagine it being.

- Jessica

We’re Ready to Help Contact Bye, Goff & Rohde Today!

If you or a loved one has been injured, contact our dedicated and experienced team for the justice you deserve.

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