La Crosse Car Accident Lawyer

Trusted Car Accident Attorney in La Crosse, WI

The impact of a car accident can be devastating on your personal health, emotional well-being, financial situation, and everyday routine. Fortunately, Wisconsin’s car accident laws offer pathways for accident victims to recover compensation. Working with a La Crosse car accident lawyer can help you file a claim that pursues a fair recovery while also holding the negligent driver accountable. 

Why Work With Attorney Craig Steger

Raised in the Midwest, Craig Steger has witnessed how devastating car accidents can be on Wisconsin families. He also understands the serious consequences that can arise from Truck Accidents. He works tirelessly to achieve a fair recovery for accident victims, providing his personal attention to each aspect of every case. Craig Steger has over 20 years of legal experience, giving him the knowledge and experience needed to handle complex cases, such as those involving large insurance companies or significant damages. 

How Car Accidents in La Crosse Happen

Unfortunately, car accidents are one of the most common accidents, leaving thousands of people in Wisconsin injured. In 2024, there were 127,551 total crashes in Wisconsin. While a crash can happen anywhere, roads such as US-53, WI-35, and WI-16 in La Crosse have an especially high risk of an accident due to the high speeds, heavy traffic, and road layout. Similar risks may also contribute to Dump Truck Accidents on busy roadways.

Some of the leading causes for car accidents in La Crosse include:

• Speeding. Speeding is involved in 29% of traffic fatalities. Speeding not only increases the risk of an accident occurring, but it can also increase the severity of the damage caused, as the collision occurs with more force than if the driver were obeying the speed limit. 
• Distracted driving. Often, drivers are distracted by texts and cell phone use, navigation systems, eating and drinking, other passengers, or paying attention to things alongside the road. However, these distractions can take your hands off the wheel, and eyes and mind off the road, potentially leading to an accident. These behaviors can also play a role in Trucking Company Negligence cases when commercial drivers or employers fail to prioritize safety.
• Violating traffic laws. When a driver fails to obey the traffic laws, it means other drivers are unable to predict or respond to their driving decisions. Common violations include failing to signal lane changes and turns, running red lights and stop signs, and following too closely. 
• Driving under the influence. In 2024, 7,067 crashes in Wisconsin involved impaired drivers. Impaired driving is extremely negligent, as it reduces your judgment, reaction time, and coordination, all of which increase the likelihood of a crash. 
• Difficult driving conditions. In La Crosse, there are several dangerous driving conditions that drivers must be aware of. Snow and ice require extra caution during the winter. In more rural roads outside of the city, it is also important to stay alert for roads that are in poor condition, often having issues with cracking and potholes. These hazards can be especially dangerous for large vehicles, including those involved in Tractor Accidents.

How Car Accident Claims Work in Wisconsin

Under Wisconsin’s car accident laws, a car accident claim is filed by an accident victim against the at-fault driver or the at-fault driver’s insurance company. To succeed in a claim, you must prove that the other party is responsible for causing the accident and that you suffered damages as a result of the crash. Similar legal principles may apply in cases involving ATV Accidents and other vehicle-related injury claims.

A La Crosse car accident attorney can help you gather evidence to support your claim. Common types of evidence that are used in a car accident case include:

• Photos and videos of the accident scene
• Dashcam or surveillance camera footage
• Witness testimony
• Cell phone records
• Medical records
• Pay stubs
• Repair invoices for property damage

Why You Should Hire an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer

Being involved in a car accident is a terrifying experience. Not only is the crash itself a deeply traumatic event, but the recovery can be difficult both physically and emotionally. A La Crosse car accident lawyer can help you file a claim that supports your recovery. 

A lawyer’s guidance during the filing process can reduce your stress and help you feel confident about your claim. A lawyer can also calculate your losses and negotiate with insurance companies to reach a settlement that fairly compensates you for your experience. 

FAQs

Is Wisconsin a No-Fault State for Accidents?

No, Wisconsin is not a no-fault state for car accidents. Instead, Wisconsin follows an at-fault system that allows accident victims to file claims against the party responsible for the crash. These claims can be more complex compared to a no-fault claim, as you must prove that the other party’s actions led to the crash and the damages you have suffered. However, working with a La Crosse car accident attorney can help you gather evidence to prove your claim. 

What Is the Three-Collision Rule?

The three-collision rule is the three different impacts involved in a car accident. The first collision is the collision between a vehicle and another vehicle or object. The second collision is the collision between the passenger and the vehicle. The third collision is the impact between a passenger’s internal organs and other organs, such as the skeletal structure. All three of these collisions can result in damage, including property damage and physical injuries. 

What Should You Not Tell an Insurance Company?

When speaking with an insurance company, especially the other driver’s insurance company, avoid admitting fault, exaggerating or lying about your damages, or speculating on how the crash occurred. Instead, stick to factual statements about the offense and your damages. If you hire a car accident lawyer, they can communicate on your behalf, which can help you avoid key errors that may make it more difficult to recover compensation. 

How Long After a Car Accident Can You File a Claim in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, you typically have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim. If you miss this filing deadline, you can be barred from recovering compensation. To avoid losing your ability to file a claim, it is important to work quickly to recover evidence and begin the legal process after a crash. 

Learn How Craig Steger Can Help

In the aftermath of a car accident, it can be difficult to know what to do next. Attorney Craig Steger can help you investigate the crash, communicate with insurance, and pursue a fair recovery. His experience also extends to cases involving Warehouse Injury claims and other accident-related matters. Contact Craig Steger today to learn how experienced legal guidance can make the claims process easier during a car accident case. 

La Crosse, WI Car Accident Resources

• Who Pays After a Tractor vs a Car Crash on a County Road in Wisconsin?