Wisconsin is a huge state, and it’s not very densely populated. This could lead some people to wonder whether accidents are less prevalent. Sadly, accidents can happen anywhere--topography doesn’t have as much of an impact as one would expect.
The best way to prevent accidents would be to know and adhere to Wisconsin’s driving laws. If people obey them, then the chances of getting into an accident are reduced.
And if people don’t obey them, then at least the victims who did will have some form of legal--and possibly monetary--recourse.
Specific Rules in Wisconsin
These are some of the specific driving laws in Wisconsin that you should know.
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Seat belts: All vehicle occupants have to wear seatbelts in the front seat, and drivers 18 and older can choose whether or not to wear one in the back seat. Kids from ages 8-17 have to wear seat belts in the back seat, and kids under 8 need to be in either a booster seat or child restraint system.
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Distracted driving: Any activity that takes a driver’s attention off the road can be counted as distracted driving, and this includes texting while driving. To deter people from engaging in texting while driving, Wisconsin has made it illegal. Additionally, novice drivers aren’t allowed to use handheld devices while driving, unless it’s an emergency.
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Drunk driving: In Wisconsin, drunk driving is defined as driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or more. Ignition interlock devices (IIDs) aren’t mandatory for first-time offenders, but they are mandatory if someone is a repeat offender or drives with a particularly high BAC (0.15 or above).
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Open container laws: Open containers of alcohol aren’t allowed in the passenger section of vehicles in Wisconsin. Closed containers can be transported in the passenger area, and open containers can still be stored in the trunk or a part of the car that isn’t normally occupied by passengers (if there is no trunk).
Distracted Driving and Your Wisconsin Auto Accident
Distracted driving can cause some serious issues. For example, someone could text while driving, not pay attention to the road, and hit your car.
You could suffer serious injuries that could possibly cause paralysis and leave you unable to work indefinitely.
You can still get some form of recourse. Wisconsin is a tort state, and this means that the liable driver is the one who has to pay for the resulting damages from the accident.
You’ll have to prove that the other driver’s negligence caused the accident though, and that could be difficult to do while you’re in the middle of your recovery.
Hiring a Personal injury Lawyer
Having a personal injury lawyer on your side will allow you to focus on your recovery rather than compiling case documents and evidence.
Your PI lawyer will work tirelessly on your behalf, and he or she will do it without even being paid upfront--PI attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. You have a lot to gain from a successful claim, so get a consultation right away.
