La Crosse

Personal injury accidents can upend your whole life, inflicting pain, suffering, and restrictions. When you are overwhelmed by your losses and uncertain about how to proceed, La Crosse personal injury lawyers can provide much-needed counsel and clarity. If your accident was the result of another party’s negligence, then you may have the right to take legal action. At-fault parties can be held liable for harming you, and legal representation can aid in recovering maximum compensation. 

 

Bye, Goff & Rohde provides trusted legal counsel and representation designed to get you results that can improve your life after an accident. These accidents can happen anywhere, and we can step in and advocate for you with all applicable parties. We support you throughout a difficult time and prioritize your needs. For a free consultation with our La Crosse personal injury lawyers, call (715) 425-8161 or contact Bye, Goff & Rohde online.

Why Hire a La Crosse Personal Injury Lawyer After an Accident

Serious accidents can be overwhelming, and having someone on your side who is familiar with state laws and how to navigate the legal process can make a difference in your case. Our La Crosse personal injury attorneys allow you to focus on recovering from your injuries without the stress of dealing with the insurance companies and at-fault parties. 

 

Hiring a personal injury lawyer can help you secure a better outcome and settlement than handling your case alone. Lawyers are skilled negotiators who know what to say and not to say to various parties. Lawyers also have extensive legal knowledge and can leverage their relationships in the community to help get results. 

 

Another benefit of hiring a personal injury attorney is that you have an advocate who can protect your legal rights. At Bye, Goff & Rohde, our team communicates on your behalf so your needs are met and you are not treated unfairly. Insurance companies often try to blame you and use other tactics to avoid paying you, and our team fights these accusations and makes sure the rightful party is held accountable. 

Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle in La Crosse

Bye, Goff & Rohde handles various personal injury cases and navigates the nuances of each one. While the principles of these cases are relatively the same, our approach to a car accident is different from that of a wrongful death accident or a product liability case. Each type of case has unique considerations and laws that apply to it. As such, a La Crosse personal injury lawyer must possess a broad and deep knowledge of the law. The types of personal injury cases we handle include: 

 

 

Our lawyers adjust our approach based on the type of accident you suffered and the circumstances you are facing. While there are always variables in a case, our commitment to you, to excellent services, and to results never changes. We provide unwavering support as we help you secure the results you need. Our team takes into account your expenses, future needs, suffering, and so much more when calculating the value of your case. We also talk to various experts to get an accurate picture of what you may need.

What to Do After an Injury in La Crosse

If you have been injured in a personal injury accident, protecting yourself is a top priority. This often requires prompt action to make sure that you are safe and can take legal action against the negligent party who hurt you.

  • The first step after any accident is to ensure your safety. Call 911 and wait for paramedics and law enforcement to arrive. Be sure to receive immediate medical attention and file a police report to document the accident. 
  • It is also important to get contact information for the at-fault party and any witnesses who may be willing to provide a statement in your case. For car accidents, you are also required to exchange insurance information. A car accident lawyer in La Crosse, WI can use this information to reach out to the insurance company on your behalf.
  • Additionally, be sure to take photos and videos of relevant evidence for your case. This includes any vehicle or property damage, the condition of the accident site, your injuries, and any other relevant details.
  • Finally, talk to a lawyer before proceeding with your claim. They can prepare your claim and prepare you for what to expect. Lawyers can talk to the insurance company on your behalf and ensure you receive a fair offer before you accept a settlement from the insurance company. 

How Wisconsin Personal Injury Law Can Affect Your Claim

Personal injury laws govern your rights and how claims are handled. For example, statute of limitations and shared fault laws can affect your claim and how much you may be entitled to recover in your case. However, since personal injury law encompasses a wide variety of cases, different laws may apply to different cases, all of which could impact your claim in different ways. This is why having an experienced lawyer can be beneficial, so you do not have to try to interpret and understand the law yourself. 

 

When a lawyer takes on your case, they can walk you through which laws affect your particular circumstances. For example, as Wisconsin is an at-fault state, victims of car accidents and most personal injury cases in La Crosse can pursue compensation from the party who caused the accident. A La Crosse car accident lawyer helps gather evidence to make sure that the appropriate party’s fault can be clearly shown so you can recover compensation. 

 

Laws that assign negligence and fault can also vary depending on the type of accident you suffered. For example, if you suffered a slip and fall accident that was caused by defective flooring, then a manufacturer may be held liable for your injuries. In this case, a slip and fall lawyer does not necessarily need to demonstrate the manufacturer was at fault, just that they made a defective product that caused injury. Similarly, dog owners can also be held liable if their dog bites and injures another person. 

How Bye, Goff & Rohde Builds a Strong Case for Clients

The strength of your case can make all the difference in its outcome. Insufficient evidence or incomplete steps in the process could result in a negative outcome, which is why hiring a lawyer is essential to make sure your case receives fair treatment and you can get maximum results. Our team follows a tried-and-true but tailored process to ensure your claim is as strong as it can be. 

Gathering Key Evidence

To understand how we build your case, let us use a slip and fall accident as an example. A lawyer begins by gathering evidence of what factors led to your accident and who was involved. In this type of case, evidence may include maintenance records, photos of damaged surfaces or broken lighting, surveillance footage, and so much more. We review all of the evidence and then begin to develop your case and our arguments. 

Establishing Liability in a Personal Injury Case

Next, a personal injury lawyer works to establish the at-fault party’s liability. This involves satisfying the standard of negligence required for personal injury cases, which includes showing:

  • The at-fault party’s duty of care
  • How they breached their duty
  • How the breach caused the accident
  • Why they must pay for your damages

Negotiating a Settlement and Going to Trial

We negotiate aggressively to make sure that you are not wrongly blamed for the accident and can receive maximum damages.

 

Finally, if a settlement agreement cannot be reached, then a lawyer can prepare your case for trial. If no other options for resolution are viable, litigation can help you secure the results you need. 

Local Considerations in La Crosse Personal Injury Cases

Whether you are at work, on another person’s property, on the road, or in any other number of places, negligent actions by other parties can cause accidents that result in injury. Many times, these accidents are preventable and could be avoided with greater caution, care, or better response times. In fact, injury  accidents accounted for 197,449 preventable deaths and 54.5 million injuries during the most recent year of data available for the U.S. 

 

Negligence can result from either action or inaction, and La Crosse residents should be aware of various hazards that can contribute to accidents. While human error is the thread that many of these accidents have in common, different factors may apply to different types of cases. For example, speeding, distractions, poor road and weather conditions, intoxication, and more can contribute to vehicle accidents. A personal injury lawyer in La Crosse can provide clarity on what the cause is in your case.

 

In slip and fall cases, uneven flooring, broken railings, and insufficient lighting or security can lead to accidents, while design or manufacturing flaws can contribute to defective products. This is by no means an exhaustive list, so it is important to have an attorney conduct a thorough investigation into the accident. It is also essential that you receive medical attention right away and file a report detailing what occurred. Keep all records and gather evidence to support your claim. 

 

The cause of an accident, medical documentation, and police reports make a difference in your case, and are carefully reviewed by insurance adjusters as they process your case. Since they can have a considerable impact on your case, a personal injury lawyer should be consulted so you can understand the ramifications of these factors on your case. 

Contact Our Personal Injury Attorneys in La Crosse, WI

Bye, Goff & Rohde are your allies in the fight for justice after a personal injury accident. Our team gets results so you can rest easier as you look toward the future. A personal injury attorney in La Crosse is ready to serve you and make sure that you receive high-quality service throughout your entire case. To schedule a free consultation with our team, call (715) 425-8161 or contact Bye, Goff & Rohde online.

Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury Law

How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Wisconsin?

According to Wisconsin Statute § 893.54, individuals generally have three years to file a claim to recover losses for injuries when they are caused by negligence. In the event of a fatality, surviving family members have two years to file a wrongful death claim.

 

Note that certain case types may have different deadlines, so be sure to talk with a lawyer about which ones apply to your case.

What if I’m partly at fault — can I still recover compensation in Wisconsin?

If you are partially at fault for a car accident or some other type of personal injury case, you can only recover compensation if your fault does not exceed 50%, per Wisconsin Statute § 895.045. Damages are reduced in proportion to your fault contribution. Any party who is 51% or more at fault loses all rights to recover damages. Speak to a car accident lawyer in La Crosse to make sure you receive maximum compensation.

How do personal injury lawyer fees work?

Many individuals may be hesitant to hire a lawyer out of fear that they cannot afford one. However, clients of Bye, Goff & Rohde do not pay any upfront costs. We work on contingency, so you do not have to pay any fees unless we win your case. Talk to our team today to learn more. 

Should I talk to the insurance company before hiring a lawyer?

Insurance companies focus on their bottom line, rather than on your interests. As such, you should hire a lawyer before talking to the insurance company. This ensures that you do not say anything that can hurt your case, and can give you peace of mind that you can get better results. 

201 Main St Suite #1005

La Crosse, WI 54601

P:Call Now at (715) 425-8161