Injured in a Car Accident?

Wausau Car Accident Attorneys

We Help Wausau Car Crash Victims Seek Compensation

Auto crashes in and around Wausau are fairly common. According to WisDOT’s 2024 Crash Facts report, there were 542 injury crashes and 9 fatal crashes in Marathon County. Statewide, WisDOT estimates that there is an auto crash every 4 minutes in the state; a serious collision that causes injuries or fatalities occurs every 21 minutes.

If you were seriously hurt in a collision in or around Wausau, the lawyers at Bye, Goff & Rohde are ready to help. We are committed to fighting for Wisconsinites so they can get the compensation they deserve.

Serious injuries need serious lawyers. You need Bye, Goff & Rohde on your side. For a free consultation with our experienced Wausau car accident law firm, call our office at (715) 425-8161 or contact Bye, Goff & Rohde online today.

Dangerous Roads and Highways Around Wausau

Accidents can happen anywhere in Wausau, though there are a few roads and highways that are especially prone to auto crashes:

• Interstate 39: Large vehicles and steady traffic along I-39 mean a greater risk of crashes. The risk of a collision is much higher during the winter months due to slippery and icy conditions.
• U.S. Highway 51 and State Highway 29: Exiting and merging on Highway 51, as well as the 51/29 Interchange can feel dangerous, especially when drivers are not paying attention to nearby vehicles and the flow of traffic as the highways merge.
• Grand Avenue/Business 51: Steady traffic on this southeastern commercial artery experiences congestion during peak travel times, which can make commutes more dangerous for motorists.
• Stewart Avenue/Highway 21: This principal east-west route connecting Wausau’s west side to downtown often experiences heavy traffic and greater likelihood of accidents.

The lawyers at Bye, Goff & Rohde advise locals to be careful whenever they’re approaching busy intersections and shopping centers or approaching any commercial zones. It doesn’t matter if you’re on Stewart Avenue, driving down Highway 29, or in a quiet residential neighborhood. Being cautious can prevent serious harm.

Common Causes of Car Crashes

The attorneys at Bye, Goff & Rohde have seen all kinds of auto crashes over the years. Below are just some of the most common causes of motor vehicle accidents around Wausau and Marathon County. 

The cause of a car accident can vary depending on the situation and circumstances, but it often involves some form of human error or negligence. The most common factors contributing to car accidents include distracted driving, speeding, intoxicated driving, impatience, and poor weather conditions.

• Distracted Driving: Distracted driving is a significant cause of car accidents. Drivers may become distracted by their phones, eating or drinking, changing radio stations, tending to passengers in the vehicle, or daydreaming behind the wheel. Due to the complexity and span of attention required to operate a motor vehicle safely, any form of distraction increases the risk of an accident.
• Speeding: Speeding is a leading cause of crashes nationwide. Speed limits can be put in place for various reasons. When drivers ignore speed limits or disregard road conditions, it can lead to severe injury or death for all parties involved in a crash.
• Drunk Driving: Driving under the influence is among the most dangerous causes of automobile accidents. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol impairs reaction time and judgment and puts innocent people at serious risk of severe injury or fatality.
• Reckless or Agressive Driving: Drivers impatient with other motorists are at increased risk of crashing due to impaired judgment caused by frustration and anger while behind the wheel. This behavior can lead to tailgating other vehicles in a hazardous manner, cutting off other drivers without warning or proper signaling devices activated, as well as sudden braking maneuvers that can cause rear-end crashes.
• Running Red Lights or Stop Signs: When people barrel through an intersection without stopping, they risk getting into a T-bone crash or head-on collision with other drivers.
• Driver Fatigue: Driver fatigue is a major hazard for anyone driving a long distance, particularly commercial truckers. There are cases in which people fall asleep behind the wheel, causing tragic collisions.
• Defective Vehicles or Parts: Automakers and auto part manufacturers sometimes put dangerous products on the market. Bye, Goff & Rohde can take on companies that put consumers and drivers in danger.
• Poor Road Conditions: Some roads are in severe disrepair, lack lighting or traffic signs, or are simply dangerous in design. There are also major hazards caused by roadkill, trash, or other debris blocking the road.
• Poor Weather Conditions: When local road authorities in Wausau fail to salt or prep roads during the wintertime, it can cause black ice and other dangerous driving conditions.

If you were injured in a car accident caused by any of the above reasons, call the attorneys at Bye, Goff & Rohde today for a free case evaluation at (715) 425-8161.

Common Car Accident Injuries

Car accident injuries can range from minor to more serious, depending on the nature and severity of the crash.

Minor injuries may include:

• Cuts and Bruises
• Whiplash
• Strained Muscles or Ligaments
• Sprains.

More severe car accident injuries can include:

• Broken Bones
• Concussions
• Lacerations
• Internal Organ Damage
• Traumatic Brain Injury

In addition to physical injuries, many victims of car accidents experience emotional trauma such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health issues.

Fatal Injuries in an Auto Crash

If you lose a loved one in a fatal auto crash in Wausau, our lawyers can help you file a wrongful death lawsuit against the liable party. These legal actions can help surviving loved ones hold negligent parties accountable for causing fatal injuries in an accident.

Like injury accident claims, you have three years from the date of the fatal collision to file a lawsuit. When you are ready to share what happened, the attorneys at Bye, Goff & Rohde will be ready to listen and to offer whatever support we can provide.

Our mission is to help victims of car accidents recover compensation for medical costs associated with their injuries, lost wages, emotional distress, and pain and suffering. Our attorneys have extensive experience representing clients involved in all types of motor vehicle collisions, including single-vehicle crashes and multi-vehicle pileups. Our team is committed to providing you with knowledgeable counsel throughout your legal journey so you can get back on your feet after a car accident injury.

Who Can Be Found Liable for a Car Accident in Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, the law assigns liability for a car accident based on negligence. If a driver is deemed negligent by not exercising reasonable care behind the wheel, they can be found liable for any resulting damages or injuries to another party.

Negligence can take many forms, such as speeding, failing to obey traffic signs and signals, impaired driving, distracted driving, and more.

Liability may also rest with others beyond the drivers involved in an accident. For example, if a vehicle’s brakes failed because of shoddy maintenance by a mechanic, that mechanic could be held responsible for any harm caused by the collision. If a defective part triggers an accident, the manufacturer of either the part or the car could also be liable.

Furthermore, property owners who fail to maintain their property adequately (e.g., potholes) may also be liable for contributing to an accident if their negligence played any part in causing it.

To schedule a free consultation, call us at 715-425-8161 or contact us online today.

In a Wisconsin and Minnesota car accident case, you may receive financial compensation for any damages or losses incurred. This can include special, general, and punitive damages.

• Special damages refer to monetary losses such as medical bills, lost wages, and any other tangible costs associated with the accident. These are typically easy to calculate as they are backed by receipts and invoices.
• General damages refer to intangible losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, permanent disability, and/or disfigurement caused by the accident. These damages are harder to calculate as they are not backed by tangible evidence but instead take into account the physical, mental, and emotional impact of the incident on your quality of life, opinions from medical experts, and established precedents.
• You may also be entitled to punitive damages if the responsible party was grossly negligent or deliberately reckless. In such cases, an additional amount may be awarded to punish the responsible party and discourage similar behavior in future cases.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.

How Can an Attorney Help Me Recover Damages for My Injuries?

An experienced attorney can help you seek justice and compensation for your injuries. We can help you file a lawsuit against the at-fault party and any other individuals or entities that may be responsible for the accident.

A lawyer is essential for building your case and gathering evidence such as police reports, medical records, and witness statements to strengthen your claim. We will also advise you on any applicable laws or regulations that can benefit or hinder your situation. Furthermore, our attorneys are knowledgeable in negotiating with insurance companies in pursuit of a fair settlement for you, maximizing the compensation you could receive for your losses.

Finally, we can represent you in the courtroom if necessary and provide legal advice throughout trial proceedings to improve your chances of receiving a favorable verdict in court.

You Can Seek Compensation If You Were Partly at Fault in an Auto Crash

Many people avoid filing a legal claim because they were partly responsible for what happened. Per Wisconsin Statute § 895.045, you can still seek damages if you were less than 51% at fault. This is because Wisconsin follows a modified comparative negligence rule. Your percentage of fault is deducted from the damages you are awarded.

For example, say that you were in an auto crash and got awarded $100,000 in damages. However, the jury determined that you were 20% at fault for the accident. Because of modified comparative negligence, you would still receive $80,000.

Why Choose Bye, Goff & Rohde for Your Auto Crash Case

After a major auto crash in Wausau, you may feel frustrated and uncertain about your situation. The team at Bye, Goff & Rohde is here to offer clarity and guidance. You are one of our neighbors, and our goal is to make sure you’re cared for and fairly compensated after a serious crash.

Fighting for Wisconsinites Since 1974

Bye, Goff & Rohde has represented Wisconsin auto crash victims for over 50 years. People continue to trust our law firm because we focus on our clients, their families, and their lives. Our lawyers take the time to listen to you and hear your story. Our Wausau car accident attorneys at Bye, Goff & Rohde offer compassionate, experienced, and dedicated legal representation to those injured due to another party’s negligence. We will do everything we can to fight your case and will seek maximum compensation on your behalf. If you cannot travel to discuss your case, we will even meet you at your home at no extra cost. We focus on people over cases and will represent you with the dignity and respect that you deserve.

Having an experienced attorney by your side throughout this process is invaluable when seeking damages from those responsible for injuring you in a car accident.

Clients Don’t Pay Unless We Win

Our Wausau auto crash attorneys offer free consultations and accept cases on a contingency fee basis. That means clients don’t pay any upfront legal fees. We do not get paid unless we can win or settle your auto crash case. We are in this together—when you win, so do we.

We Can Travel to Meet with You

Recovering from a serious auto crash could require extensive medical care and a long road to recovery. To avoid unnecessary strain, our lawyers can travel to your home in Wausau County or Chippewa County to address your needs. Demanding justice will not be a physical or financial burden to you.

Contact Our Wausau Car Accident Law Firm Today

Don’t delay. It’s best to speak with local accident attorneys sooner rather than later. Our law firm is prepared to take your case all the way to trial if it means maximizing compensation after a collision. For a free case evaluation from a trusted Wausau car accident attorney, call (715) 425-8161 or contact Bye, Goff & Rohde online today.