Levine Law’s collection of Motor Vehicle Accident articles compiles news stories that detail how traffic signs, automobile-related accidents and fatalities that have impacted drivers in the state of Wisconsin.

Right-of-Way Often Central Factor in Motor Vehicle Accidents

Who knows whether a Wisconsin driver’s age had anything to do with a recent collision. What does appear to have been a factor is the driver’s apparent failure to yield to another vehicle at the appropriate time. The vehicle, occupied by a 70-year-old driver and two passengers, collided with a deputy’s squad car. Motor vehicle accidents involving failure to yield often result in serious injuries or death; this one resulted in both.

The accident occurred at approximately 8 a.m. on a recent Friday. The driver believed responsible was reportedly at a stop sign, headed south, moments before the accident took place. A 26-year veteran of the local police department was headed west through the intersection when the first vehicle smashed into her vehicle. Officials say the squad car had the right of way.

A 94-year-old woman was in the first vehicle, along with a teenager and a 76-year-old man. The elderly woman did not survive her injuries. Several others did survive but suffered injuries that were not considered life-threatening.

When motor vehicle accidents occur at intersections, it often takes investigators some time to determine exactly what occurred and who may have been responsible. If a fatality occurs, immediate family members of the deceased may wish to pursue justice on behalf of their loved one by filing a wrongful death claim in a civil court. Many Wisconsin residents who file such claims reach out for support from experienced personal injury attorneys before heading to court. To prevail, it will be necessary to submit appropriate evidence documenting that the named defendant was negligent in a manner that caused or materially contributed to the fatal accident.

Source: USA Today, “94-year-old person dies in Black Creek car crash“, Madeleine Behr, Aug. 25, 2017

Intersections Risky Areas Re: Wisconsin Motor Vehicle Accidents

Navigating crossroads in Wisconsin can be quite challenging, especially if more than one other vehicle is preparing to enter the roadway at the same time. While safety in most situations like this hinges upon each driver adhering to traffic regulations, motor vehicle accidents can occur if even one motorist is negligent. (more…)

Levine Law compiles news stories that outline fatal motor vehicle collisions that happened in the state of Wisconsin.

Attempts to Avert Motor Vehicle Accidents Not Always Successful

In the wee hours of the morning, two vehicles were traveling a particular highway in Wisconsin. At some point, it seems to have appeared to one of the drivers that there might be a crash. That person, a 27-year-old man, tried to maneuver his vehicle into the passing lane to avert a possible accident. His attempt proved unsuccessful when the two vehicles collided. Motor vehicle accidents of this nature often result in fatalities, as this one did.

The man was not injured in the crash. However, there happened to be a 43-year-old woman riding as a passenger in his pickup truck when the two vehicles collided. The pickup truck the man was driving was pulling an enclosed trailer that contained a race car. The other vehicle had a box trailer. Upon impact, the woman was completely ejected from the pickup truck.

Sadly, she was pronounced dead on the scene. The other driver was able to escape the incident without bodily injury. A crash investigation team continues to focus on learning more details about the fatal crash.

Motor vehicle accidents that result in passenger deaths often lead to litigation. In these circumstances, immediate family members are allowed to file claims on behalf of a deceased loved one to seek compensation for damages. When wrongful death claims are successfully litigated, Wisconsin families often use the money they receive to cover medical expenses for any care rendered before death, as well as funeral expenses and other monetary damages related to their loved ones’ deaths.

Source: wiscnews.com, “One person dead in Highway 151 crash in Dodge County”, Terri Pederson, Accessed on July 11, 2017

Motor Vehicle Accidents Involving Head-On Collisions Often Fatal

At least six occupants were traveling in a mini van on a Wisconsin road just after 9:30 p.m. on a recent Friday night. Their lives were forever changed when a terrible collision occurred. Motor vehicle accidents like this one often leave entire communities reeling in grief for months.

A 38-year-old man appears to have caused the horrific accident. For some unknown reason, his vehicle was allegedly traveling east in a westbound lane. The mini van carrying two young children and four others was moving in the same lane in the proper direction at the time. The man’s vehicle reportedly smashed directly into the front of the vehicle carrying six people.

Sadly, the two children, ages 9 and 7, suffered fatal injuries in the crash. The driver of the van deemed responsible for the collision also died. Four other occupants in the same vehicle as the children suffered injury and were transported for appropriate medical treatment.

Recovery following Wisconsin motor vehicle accidents may be no small feat. In addition to the tremendous physical challenge that may be associated with a particular injury, undue financial hardship may be thrust upon families as well as they try to obtain the best care possible for their loved ones. When the motorist deemed responsible for a crash has died, justice may be sought against his or her estate. Children’s deaths are especially tragic, and while no amount of compensation can replace loss of life, court-awarded restitution may help alleviate some of the financial strain associated with a particular incident.

Source: wsaw.com, “3 killed, 4 injured in Shawano car crash“, Maria Szatkowski, Sept. 9, 2017

Motor Vehicle Accident Sends Car Plunging into Nearby Marina

In Wisconsin or anywhere, when there is a loss of life in a car crash, lives are forever changed. A recent motor vehicle accident ended in a fatality. Another person also suffered injuries in the collision.

As is often the case, there are many unanswered questions regarding the accident, such as what caused the vehicle to careen off the road. When police were called to the scene, the car was submerged in a marina near a boat ramp. It was approximately 10 p.m. on a recent Saturday when the call was made to the sheriff’s office.

First responders immediately helped an injured woman out of the Sister Bay Marina. The victim told her rescuers that there was another person in the vehicle. Paramedics took quick action and dove into the cold water. They made several attempts to reach the other accident victim, but water temperatures prevented them from doing so. Divers were called to the site; they reached the person who was still in the car.

The woman and the first victim were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Both women involved in the Wisconsin collision were age 24; the woman who got out of the water first survived her injuries. Sadly, the second woman did not; she was pronounced dead at the hospital. In a motor vehicle accident like this, a driver is often found to have been negligent. When that is the case, any other person injured may file a personal claim in court to seek compensation for damages; if the party believed responsible is deceased, the claim can be filed against his or her estate.

Source: U.S. News & World Report, “1 Woman Dies, Another Survives Marina Accident“, Oct. 16, 2017

When Families Lose Loved Ones in Motor Vehicle Accidents

Wisconsin roadways, like most others throughout the nation, are often dangerous places. Sometimes, distracted, intoxicated or otherwise reckless drivers are on the road. The problem is that personal driving choices don’t only affect the driver making them but can cause long-lasting consequences in the lives of others, especially when fatal motor vehicle accidents occur. The law protects those who suffer due to other people’s negligence by allowing them to pursue recovery for their losses in court.

A collision involving two cars happened on a recent Sunday evening at approximately 7:30 p.m. The accident had tragic results that undoubtedly changed the lives of two families forever. The crash occurred when a vehicle veered out of its lane and crossed the center yellow line dividing traffic.

The car was being driven at the time by a 35-year-old man. When his vehicle drifted into the other lane, it collided with another car. A 60-year-old woman was operating that vehicle. Sadly, the impact of the crash killed both drivers.

The resulting devastation of Wisconsin motor vehicle accidents like this one often intensifies when authorities contact family members to inform them of their sudden, unexpected losses. The weeks and months that follow a collision may not only be filled with grief but often financial complications as well, especially if families are unprepared to meet expenses associated with their loved ones’ passing. When a wrongful death has occurred because of driver negligence, and the driver deemed responsible is also deceased, an immediate family member of the victim may file a legal claim against the decedent’s estate.

Source: nbc15.com, “Victims identified in Town of Dane car crash“, April 9, 2018

Support for Families Following Fatal Motor Vehicle Accidents

At approximately 4 a.m. on a recent Monday in Wisconsin, a crashed vehicle was found along a highway. A local sheriff’s department reported two fatalities in connection with the collision. When fatal motor vehicle accidents like this occur, it often leaves grief-stricken families feeling a strong desire to pursue justice after learning that driver negligence was a likely causal factor in their loved ones’ deaths.

The sheriff’s department stated that once preliminary investigations occurred, it was determined that the crash had actually occurred several hours before the vehicle was found. Sadly, two men, ages 28 and 27, were pronounced dead at the scene. The man believed to have been behind the wheel at the time of the crash was ejected from the vehicle upon impact, likely due to the fact that he was not wearing proper seat restraint at the time.

The body of his passenger, who had apparently been buckled into his seat, was still in the car. Police say investigators determined that the car had careened off the road around a bend. They said the vehicle appears to have rolled over several times before coming to a halt.

Authorities also stated that excessive speed was probably the biggest causal factor in the collision. When Wisconsin families suffer the untimely deaths of their loved ones in motor vehicle accidents that could have likely been prevented, they often seek justice by filing wrongful death claims in civil court. Successful litigation often provides compensation for damages that grieving families can use to help offset expenses associated with their loved ones’ deaths.

Source: host.madison.com, “2 killed in Windsor car crash, officials say“, Bill Novak, March 26, 2018

Motor Vehicle Accidents: Tragedy Strikes Wisconsin Family

Like many Wisconsin families do during summer, one family went to a local ice-cream shop on recent Saturday evening. This particular family having no way of knowing that their lives were about to be changed forever. (more…)

Levine Law’s collection of Distracted Driving news articles compiles stories that show how speeding, texting and driving, and other dangerous distractions can lead to motor vehicle accidents.

Driver Distraction Causes Many Wisconsin Motor Vehicle Accidents

While it’s true that drunk drivers are menaces to all who share their roadways in Wisconsin and all other states, alcohol is not always a causal factor of collision. Some motor vehicle accidents occur because of distracted driving, poor road conditions or any number of other issues. A recent crash that occurred on a Wednesday near Cottage Grove involved two cars, and resulted in injury and a fatality.

One of the vehicles was reportedly traveling in a westbound direction on Interstate 94 at the time. Authorities say it appears that the vehicle slowed down or stopped in the right lane of traffic. Moments later, another vehicle, also heading west, collided with the first car.

Two people suffered injuries in the crash. Sadly, the injuries suffered by a 61-year-old man proved fatal. The other injured party was a 34-year-old man. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment, and his injuries were not considered life-threatening. Investigators say they have ruled out alcohol as a possible factor in the incident.

All westward lanes were closed to traffic until approximately 1 a.m. the following day. Wisconsin motor vehicle accidents that result in death often lead to serious financial problems for families who are left to meet medical expenses for care provided at the scene, funeral expenses and other accident-related costs. When driver negligence is determined to have caused fatal injury, a spouse, parent or adult child of a deceased victim may pursue recovery for losses by filing a wrongful death claim in a civil court.

Speed Is Often a Factor in Wisconsin Motor Vehicle Accidents

Wisconsin roadways are often dangerous places, even at 1:30 a.m. and the wee hours that follow. While it is logical to assume that traffic would not be so heavy at such times, it does not mean that motorists are guaranteed to arrive safely to their destinations, especially if a driver is reckless. (more…)

Intoxication, either through drug use or alcohol consumption is a pervasive problem on Wisconsin roads. Levine Law has compiled news articles that outline DWIs and other driving accidents under the…

Police chases and traffic stops can sometimes escalate and contribute to motor vehicle accidents and injuries. Levine Law has compiled news articles outlining police involvement in motor vehicle accidents in Wisconsin.

Preventing Motor Vehicle Accidents by Stopping Aggressive Driving

It is especially tragic when a car accident occurs due to preventable factors, such as dangerous driving. Motor vehicle accidents that are caused by some form of aggressive driving often result in serious injuries or fatalities, which is why Wisconsin police are cracking down on these drivers. One of the ways that they intend to combat this is by writing more tickets for speeding.

Traffic experts say that aggressive drivers cause problems that are similar to those caused by drunk or distracted drivers. While speeding can be a form of aggressive driving, other types can include following too closely, failure to yield, merging too closely, changing lanes too close to other vehicles and more. These behaviors create unnecessary dangers and increase the chance of injury for others.

Wisconsin law enforcement is not only looking to target speeding drivers — they are specifically looking to target drivers who are dangerous speeders. Drivers who go five or 10 mph over the speed limit are considered reckless, but police are targeting those who are driving 15 mph or more over the limit. By penalizing these drivers, it is hoped that fewer people will suffer injuries in accidents.

Law enforcement cannot prevent all motor vehicle accidents, and those who have suffered due to the reckless actions of other drivers have the right to a full and fair recovery. When a speeding driver causes an accident that leaves a person injured, the driver may be financially liable for damages. Reckless driving is completely preventable and an inexcusable behavior, and drivers who endanger others in this manner can be held accountable.

Source: startribune.com, “Police officers in Wisconsin target aggressive drivers”, Feb. 12, 2017

Some Motor Vehicle Accidents Occur During Police Chases

A man in Wisconsin who was out of jail on bail regarding a third offense drunk driving issue recently exacerbated his situation by becoming involved in a police chase. He was involved in several motor vehicle accidents, one of which resulted in injury to another person. It is often quite difficult to overcome charges that are filed in such circumstances.

The police were made aware of a potential problem when someone called 911 to report a vehicle that was making erratic and unsafe moves on the highway. Several additional calls came into the emergency number shortly after the initial call. There were reports of the vehicle hitting a traffic pole.

Another motorist told police a pickup truck appeared to be trying to cause a collision with him. At some point, police located and began to pursue the vehicle in question. Officers say the driver would not stop even after they launched road sticks. The driver, instead, reportedly drove straight through the obstacles, careened into other lanes of traffic and hit another car, causing injury to the driver.

Motor vehicle accidents that result in drunk driving charges often do not play out in defendants’ favors when other people suffered injuries or death. In this case, the man who was driving the supposedly fleeing vehicle already has several drunk driving convictions on his record, and in this situation, his blood alcohol content level was said to be chemically tested at .22. Anyone in Wisconsin facing similar legal problems at this time would likely benefit from a consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney.

Source: jsonline.com, “Wisconsin motorist charged in wild chase that ended with crash, hair on fire“, Meg Jones, Nov. 21, 2017

When Criminal Law Intersects with Motor Vehicle Accidents

Wisconsin police officers often later claim they had reasonable cause to engage in a vehicle pursuit when one or more parties allegedly left the scene of crime or exhibited some other behavior while driving that caught their attention. The problem is that some police chases end in motor vehicle accidents, sometimes with fatal results. This is evident in a recent tragedy that took place when law enforcement officers tried to catch up with a car they claim was traveling more than 90 mph.

The incident occurred on a recent Saturday. A woman, age 35, was reportedly behind the wheel of the car that was being chased by police. A 36-year-old man was traveling as her passenger at the time.

Authorities say the woman’s vehicle was traveling at excessively high rates of speed in a 55 mph zone. Maintaining steering control at high speeds is difficult, especially if road terrain is unstable or includes sharp turns. The woman in this situation is said to have lost control of her vehicle at some point, causing it to roll over before it crashed to a halt.

Sadly, the impact of the crash was so severe that the woman did not survive her injuries. The passenger in the vehicle was transported to an area hospital for emergency treatment. His injuries are listed as life-threatening. Wisconsin motor vehicle accidents that result in serious injuries often lead to litigation if a recovering victim pursues recovery for his or her losses against a driver deemed negligent. In situations like this one, an injured passenger may have cause for action against the estate of the deceased driver.

Source: wbay.com, “One person dead, another injured after police pursuit ends in crash“, May 6, 2018

Man Shows Dangers of Not Following Move Over Law

When an officer or local sheriff spots some suspicious activity, they will pull over the suspect to the side of the road to discuss the matter. It could be a serious offense like driving while intoxicated or just to simply remind them to turn on their headlights. Regardless of the circumstances, the other drivers should give the two the space necessary to discuss the issue peacefully. (more…)