Tragic Head-On Collision on Highway 45 Claims Life, Severely Injures Teen in Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin

A devastating head-on collision on Highway 45 near County Highway Y in the town of Auburn, Fond du Lac County, resulted in the death of a 26-year-old West Bend man and left a 16-year-old Campbellsport girl with serious injuries on Friday, December 13, 2024. The incident occurred just after 9:45 p.m. when a pickup truck traveling southbound crossed the centerline and collided with an oncoming SUV. The Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office reported that both speed and alcohol were contributing factors in the crash. Emergency responders from Campbellsport and Kewaskum arrived promptly at the scene, where they found the teenage driver trapped in her vehicle. After successful extrication, Flight for Life transported her to Children's Wisconsin in Milwaukee. The male driver, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was pronounced dead at the scene despite emergency responders' life-saving efforts. The highway remained closed for five hours during the investigation.

Location and Infrastructure - The collision occurred on a critical stretch of Highway 45, a major north-south arterial route connecting numerous communities in Fond du Lac County. The intersection with County Highway Y in Auburn serves as an important junction for local traffic and represents a transition zone between rural and more developed areas. This section of Highway 45 typically experiences moderate to heavy traffic volumes, particularly during evening hours when commuters and local residents are traveling between neighboring communities like West Bend, Campbellsport, and Kewaskum. The highway is primarily a two-lane road with marked centerlines and shoulder areas, requiring careful attention from drivers, especially during nighttime travel.

Legal Rights and Considerations - Under Wisconsin law, accidents involving alcohol and speed may result in significant legal implications for responsible parties and their estates. Wisconsin follows a modified comparative negligence system, allowing injured parties to seek compensation if they are found to be less than 51% at fault. The state's statute of limitations generally allows three years from the date of the accident to file personal injury claims. Potential compensation may include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Insurance considerations typically involve multiple policies, including personal injury protection, liability coverage, and potentially uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Serious accidents involving minors may have special legal considerations regarding the timing of claims and settlement approvals. An experienced Auburn personal injury lawyer will handle all aspects of the legal claim.

Related Resources:

• Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office: Emergency Response and Investigation
• Flight for Life Wisconsin: Emergency Medical Transport
• Wisconsin Department of Transportation: Traffic Safety Resources
• Children's Wisconsin Trauma Center
• Wisconsin State Patrol: Accident Investigation Unit
• MADD Wisconsin Chapter: Alcohol-Related Accident Support
• Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles: Accident Reporting
• Wisconsin State Legislature: Traffic Safety Laws and Regulations