Accidents & Injuries in Wisconsin
Key Wisconsin Law
Wisconsin Statutes Section 893.54
Wisconsin imposes a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from accidents. An injured party must generally file their lawsuit within three years of the date of the accident.
View official statuteProcedural Details in Wisconsin
Wisconsin Agencies & Resources
Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance
Regulates insurance companies in Wisconsin and handles consumer complaints about auto accident insurance coverage.
Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles
Manages Wisconsin driver licensing, vehicle registration, and accident report records.
State Bar of Wisconsin — Lawyer Referral Service
Provides referrals to Wisconsin-licensed personal injury attorneys.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file an accident lawsuit in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin Statutes Section 893.54 provides a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Government entity claims under the Wisconsin Tort Claims Act (Wis. Stat. 893.80) require a notice of claim within 120 days of the injury. Missing this 120-day government notice window can permanently bar your claim against government entities.
What is Wisconsin's 51% modified comparative fault rule?
Under Wisconsin Statutes Section 895.045, if you are 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages reduced proportionally. If you are found 51% or more at fault, you are completely barred from recovering any compensation from the other party. Wisconsin apportions fault among all parties to the claim.
Is Wisconsin a no-fault auto insurance state?
No. Wisconsin is a traditional tort (fault-based) state. The at-fault driver's liability insurance compensates injured parties. Wisconsin does not require mandatory personal injury protection (PIP) coverage.
Are there damage caps in Wisconsin accident cases?
Wisconsin does not impose a general cap on compensatory damages in most personal injury accident cases. Non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases are capped under Wisconsin Statutes Section 893.55(4d). Government entity claims under the Wisconsin Tort Claims Act may be subject to recovery limitations. Punitive damages in Wisconsin are capped at twice the compensatory damages under Wis. Stat. 895.043.
Related Accidents & Injuries Scenarios
Can I sue for a rear-end car crash?
Understanding your options after being rear-ended in a car accident.
Can I sue for a slip and fall in a store?
Understanding premises liability when injured in a slip and fall accident at a business.
Can I sue for injuries from a motorcycle accident?
Legal options for motorcyclists injured in accidents caused by other drivers or road conditions.
Can I sue for injuries from a bicycle-vehicle collision?
Legal options for cyclists injured in collisions with motor vehicles or due to dangerous road conditions.
Have a Specific Situation in Wisconsin?
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