Can I sue for a car accident in Wisconsin?

Which law covers a car accident claim in Wisconsin?

governing statute

Wis. Stat. § 893.54(1m)(a)

source ↗Not yet checked against the statute.

Is Wisconsin a no-fault state?

who pays first

Wisconsin is an at-fault state, so there is no injury threshold to clear before you can sue: the claim is against the driver who caused the crash and their liability insurer, and the medical bills, the lost earnings and the pain and suffering all come from there. Liability cover is compulsory for every driver here. (Wis. Stat. § 344.62)

source ↗Not yet checked against the statute.

Across the country. 38 of the 51 states written up answer this the same way as Wisconsin. Compare every state →

What happens if you were partly at fault for the crash in Wisconsin?

your share of the fault

You recover unless your share of the fault is greater than everyone else's put together. Fifty percent still recovers, fifty-one recovers nothing, and below the bar the award is cut by your percentage. (Wis. Stat. § 895.045)

source ↗Not yet checked against the statute.

Across the country. 24 of the 51 states written up answer this the same way as Wisconsin. Compare every state →

How long do you have to sue after a car accident in Wisconsin?

limit

3 years

source ↗Not yet checked against the statute.

Across the country. 18 of the 51 states written up answer this the same way as Wisconsin. The shortest is 1 year, as in Tennessee; the longest is 6 years, as in Maine. Compare every state →

How much can you sue for in Wisconsin small claims court?

small claims limit

$10,000

source ↗Not yet checked against the statute.

exceptions: $5,000 for a claim in tort, which includes a personal injury. Eviction has no limit at all. The general limit rises to $15,000 on 1 January 2027.

source ↗Not yet checked against the statute.