When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage plays a crucial role in helping victims manage medical expenses and lost wages following such accidents. Unlike some no-fault states, Wisconsin operates under a fault-based system, meaning pedestrians must typically seek compensation from the at-fault driver's insurance. However, many Wisconsin residents carry optional medical payments coverage (Med Pay) on their auto policies, which can provide benefits similar to PIP even when they're injured as pedestrians. Understanding how these coverage options interact with Wisconsin's comparative negligence laws is essential, as pedestrians found partially responsible may see reduced compensation. Additionally, pedestrians should be aware that their health insurance, disability coverage, and the at-fault driver's bodily injury liability coverage may all play roles in ensuring comprehensive financial protection following an accident in Green Bay's busy downtown areas or along major thoroughfares like Lombardi Avenue or Mason Street.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Wisconsin follows a modified comparative negligence rule (Wisconsin Statute § 895.045), which allows pedestrians to recover damages if they are found to be less than 51% responsible for the accident. Green Bay pedestrians should be aware that Wisconsin's minimum required auto insurance coverage is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury liability. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Wisconsin is three years from the date of the accident (Wisconsin Statute § 893.54). Potential compensation may include economic damages (medical expenses, lost wages) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering), though Wisconsin does not cap most personal injury damages. Pedestrians should also understand Wisconsin's "made whole" doctrine, which can affect how health insurance subrogation works after receiving a settlement. Insurance claims should be filed promptly, as delays may complicate the process or potentially violate policy terms. An experienced Green Bay pedestrian injury lawyer(link is external) will handle all aspects of the legal claim.

Personal injury protection coverage can be a factor in all kinds of injury accident claims. Click the links below to get information from an experienced attorney for accidents and injuries including:

• Green Bay car accident attorney(link is external);
• Green Bay motorcycle accident lawyer(link is external);
• Green Bay truck accident lawyer(link is external);
• Green Bay bicycle accident attorney(link is external);
• Green Bay brain injury lawyer(link is external);
• Green Bay spine injury attorney(link is external);

Related Resources

Local Courts:

• Brown County Circuit Court (100 S. Jefferson St., Green Bay, WI 54301)
• U.S. District Court - Eastern District of Wisconsin (125 S. Jefferson St., Green Bay, WI 54301)

Support Services:

• ADRC of Brown County (Aging & Disability Resource Center)
• Brain Injury Alliance of Wisconsin
• Wisconsin Department of Health Services - Injury and Violence Prevention Program

Relevant Legal References:

• Wisconsin Department of Transportation - Pedestrian Laws
• Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance - Consumer Guide to Auto Insurance
• Wisconsin State Legislature - Chapter 346 (Rules of the Road)

Return to the Green Bay pedestrian accident statistics information page