Wisconsin Rear-End
Accidents Attorney

We Handle Rear-End Collision Claims in Onalaska, La Crosse, Eau Claire, and Throughout the Region

At Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC, our Wisconsin rear end collision lawyers have the professional skills and legal experience that you can rely on in complex cases. With a commitment to justice, our law firm has recovered more than $90 million on behalf of the injured and disabled. If you or your loved one was hurt in a rear-end collision, we are here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation with a top-tier Wisconsin rear end collision attorney. 

Rear-End Collisions are the Most Common Type of Multi-Vehicle Accident

A rear-end collision is an accident where one vehicle hits another from behind. Most rear-end crashes involve two cars—though, there are some chain reaction three (or more) rear-end collisions as well. Notably, rear-end crashes happen every day in our region. A comprehensive analysis from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that approximately 50 percent of all multi-vehicle crashes reported in the United States are rear-end collisions. 

An Overview of the Most Common Causes of Rear-End Collisions in Wisconsin

Rear-end collisions can happen for a wide range of different reasons. Every rear-end collision should be thoroughly investigated to determine exactly what went wrong. Some of the leading reasons why rear-end collisions happen in Wisconsin include: 

• Tailgating: When a driver follows another vehicle too closely, it leaves insufficient space to stop safely. In Wisconsin, tailgating is a leading cause of rear-end collision. 
• Speeding: Driving over the speed limit is another major factor in these crashes. Speeding drivers in Wisconsin often find it difficult to slow down or stop in time. 
• Distracted Driving: Distracted driving is dangerous driving. In Wisconsin, distracted driving is a common cause of rear-end accidents. Cell phone use is often cited as a factor. 
• Intoxicated Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment and reaction time. A drunk driver or drugged driving may end up in a crash. 
• Vehicle Defects (Bad Brakes): Poorly maintained or defective brakes are a critical issue. Vehicles with bad brakes contribute to rear-end collisions as they cannot stop in time. 
• Vehicle Defects (Broken Brake Lights): Non-functional brake lights fail to warn following drivers when a vehicle is slowing down or stopping.

Understanding Liability for a Rear-End Crash in Wisconsin

Wisconsin is a fault-based motor vehicle accident state, including for rear-end collisions. With this in mind, determining who is at fault in a rear-end crash is essential for liability and insurance purposes. In rear-end collisions, the driver at the back is usually presumed to be at fault, primarily because they are expected to maintain a safe distance and pay attention to the traffic ahead. However, liability is not an automatic. There are scenarios where the lead driver or other factors could contribute to the accident. Every rear-end end crash should be investigated. 

Wisconsin uses a modified comparative negligence standard (Wis. Stat. § 895.045(1)). The rule allows for the distribution of fault among multiple parties involved in an accident, including a rear-end collision. For example, if a car suddenly stops on a road in Eau Claire because they were distracted and then they get rear-ended by another vehicle that was following too closely, both motorists may share some degree of blame. If each driver is held 50 percent at fault for the crash, they would bear 50 percent of the damages. Notably, Wisconsin has a 51 percent bar on recovery. You cannot bring a claim against another party if you were liable for the majority of a crash. 

Recovering Financial Compensation for Your Injuries 

Were you hurt in a rear-end collision in Onalaska, La Crosse, Eau Claire, or elsewhere in the surrounding region? You need compensation to pay bills and support your family. Under Wisconsin law, injured victims have the right to pursue compensation for both their economic losses and their intangible damages. Our Wisconsin car crash lawyers are committed to helping victims secure the absolute maximum financial recovery. Rear-end collision compensation may include: 

• Property damage (vehicle repairs); 
• Emergency medical care; 
• Hospital bills; 
• Medical expenses; 
• Physical therapy; 
• Lost wages; 
• Loss of earning power; 
• Pain and suffering; 
• Long-term disability; 
• Mental anguish; and
• Wrongful death. 

Know the Statute of Limitations: Rear-End Collisions in Wisconsin

You do not have an unlimited amount of time to bring a claim in Wisconsin. Under Wis. Stat. § 893.54, there is a three-year statute of limitations for motor vehicle accident injury claims, including in rear-end crash cases. If you wait too long to initiate your claim, you will likely lose out on your right to take legal action at all. Hurt in a rear-end collision? Be proactive. Consult with a top-tier Wisconsin rear end collision attorney as soon as possible. 

Hurt in a Rear-End Collision? The Wisconsin Rear End Collision Lawyers at Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler Can Help

Rear-end collision claims can be complicated—especially for those who sustained a serious injury in the crash. At Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC, we fight to hold big insurance companies accountable. Along with other things, our Wisconsin rear end collision attorneys are prepared to: 

• Hear what you have to say and answer your questions;
• Investigate your rear-end accident—gathering evidence; 
• Document your damages and connect you with the right doctors; 
• Advocate for you in settlement negotiations with insurers; and
• Take aggressive action to help you secure the maximum compensation. 

We handle car accident injury claims on a contingency fee basis. There is no upfront cost, hourly bills, or other out-of-pocket fees. Our Wisconsin auto accident lawyers only get paid when you and your family get paid. 

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Wisconsin Rear End Collision Attorney

At Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC, our Wisconsin car crash lawyers have extensive experience taking on rear-end collision cases. If you or someone close to you was hurt in a rear-end collision, we are more than ready to help. Call us at 608-784-4370 or connect with us online for your no cost, no obligation consultation. With offices in Onalaska, La Crosse, and Eau Claire, we handle rear-end collision claims throughout the region.