Fatal Head-On Collision Claims Two Lives on State Highway 32/57 in Charlestown, Wisconsin
Two dead, one critically injured in head-on crash in Calumet County
The driver of the pickup, a 73-year-old man, and his passenger, a 70-year-old woman—both from the New Holstein area—died from their injuries at a nearby hospital.
Two killed, one critically injured in head-on crash in Calumet County
Authorities believe a southbound pickup truck was struck head-on by a northbound SUV.
A devastating head-on collision Wednesday evening on State Highway 32/57 in Calumet County has resulted in two fatalities and left another person fighting for their life. The accident occurred shortly before 6:30 p.m. near Shady Lane Drive in the town of Charlestown, prompting an immediate response from the Calumet County Sheriff's Office. According to preliminary investigations, an SUV traveling northbound crossed into opposing traffic and struck a southbound pickup truck head-on. When emergency responders arrived at the scene, both vehicles were found in the southbound lanes. The pickup's occupants—a 73-year-old man who was driving and his 70-year-old female passenger, both residents of the New Holstein area—were transported to a nearby hospital where they later succumbed to their injuries. The SUV driver, identified as a 57-year-old woman from the Chilton area, remains hospitalized in critical condition. The Calumet County Sheriff's Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding this tragic collision.
Location and Infrastructure
State Highway 32/57 through Charlestown is a vital transportation corridor in Calumet County, connecting the communities of New Holstein and Chilton. The section near Shady Lane Drive features a two-lane highway with moderate traffic volume that increases during peak commuting hours. This rural stretch of roadway passes through predominantly agricultural areas with occasional residential developments and driveways. The posted speed limit in this section typically ranges from 55-65 mph, creating significant force in head-on collisions. The area has few street lights, which may have been a factor as the accident occurred during early evening hours when visibility can be challenging, especially during winter months in Wisconsin. The intersection with Shady Lane Drive represents one of several local access points where turning vehicles may slow suddenly, requiring vigilance from other motorists.
Legal Rights and Considerations
Under Wisconsin law, victims of motor vehicle accidents and their families have important legal rights to pursue compensation. Wisconsin follows a modified comparative negligence rule (Wis. Stat. § 895.045), which allows injured parties to recover damages as long as they are not more than 50% responsible for the accident. The state's mandatory auto insurance requirements include minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury. Families of the deceased may have grounds for wrongful death claims (Wis. Stat. § 895.03), which must be filed within three years of the date of death. Potential compensation may include medical expenses, funeral costs, lost wages, loss of companionship, and pain and suffering. The critically injured survivor may be entitled to coverage for ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation costs, and disability accommodations. All affected parties should consult with a personal injury attorney promptly to preserve their rights. An experienced Charlestown personal injury lawyer will handle all aspects of the legal claim.
Related Resources
- Emergency Services: Calumet County Sheriff's Office (920-849-2335), Calumet Medical Center Emergency Department (920-849-3800)
- Traffic Safety Resources: Wisconsin Department of Transportation Highway Safety Program (wisconsindot.gov/safety), Calumet County Highway Department (920-849-1434)
- Victim Support Services: Wisconsin Crime Victims Council (800-446-6564), Calumet County Victim/Witness Assistance Program (920-849-1438)
- Legal Information: Wisconsin State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service (800-362-9082), Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 346 (Rules of the Road) and Chapter 895 (Damages and Liability)
What you need to know after a serious Calumet County car accident
When someone has been seriously injured in a car crash in Calumet County, they must deal with medical bills and lost wages.
After a serious car collision, it is crucial to quickly get the information needed to make good decisions. Getting appropriate medical treatment is just one aspect of recovering. Getting help in handling the personal injury insurance claim that will begin financial recovery is another.
If the injuries are serious, it is best to contact an experienced Calumet County injury lawyer for a free, no-obligation consultation. Serious injury accident claims are hard to handle without the help of a good lawyer who understands the process. Learn more about how an experienced Calumet County car accident attorney can help.
Spinal cord injuries are not uncommon following many kinds of accidents. A person will usually require intense medical care to recover from them, and many can’t return to the work they did before the injury. When an accident causes this serious type of harm, the victim can bring a personal injury claim against any party responsible for it. A good Calumet County spinal cord injury attorney can help by handling the insurance claim after a serious car crash.