Teen Drivers, Uninsured Drivers, and Summer Traffic Increase Wisconsin Car Accident Risk

 Posted on August 21, 2025 in Personal Injury

As summer winds down in Wisconsin, traffic patterns shift. Families take one last road trip, college students return to campus, and Labor Day weekend fills highways across the state. Unfortunately, this season also brings an increase in car accidents. Teen drivers with limited experience, uninsured motorists trying to cut corners, and congested summer traffic create real risks for everyone on the road.

If you have been injured in a crash, it is important to understand how these factors contribute to collisions and what legal options are available. As of August 2025, Wisconsin law continues to set clear rules for liability and insurance coverage, but recovering compensation is rarely simple. At Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP, our Wisconsin personal injury attorneys work with complex, difficult cases all over the state and are ready to help your family. 

Why Are Teen Drivers at Higher Risk in the Summer?

Car accidents involving teenage drivers tend to rise during summer months. Without the structure of school, teens often spend more time on the road, driving to jobs, social events, or late-night gatherings. According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, drivers ages 16 to 19 remain one of the most at-risk groups for fatal crashes.

The causes come down to inexperience and distraction. Teen drivers may not yet have the judgment to anticipate hazards, and they are more likely to text, look at social media, or talk with passengers while driving. Summer also increases the temptation for reckless behavior, such as speeding or impaired driving after parties.

Parents should remember that Wisconsin law imposes restrictions on probationary driver’s licenses. These rules limit nighttime driving and the number of passengers, but teenagers are not exactly known for following the rules. When accidents happen, liability may extend not only to the teen but also to their parents under Wisconsin’s parental liability statute (895.035).

What Happens When You Get Into an Accident with an Uninsured Driver?

Even though Wisconsin requires drivers to carry car insurance, uninsured motorists remain a serious problem. As of 2025, the state minimum insurance requirements are $25,000 for injury or death of one person, $50,000 for two or more people, and $10,000 for property damage. However, some drivers totally ignore the law, while others carry only the bare minimum that does not fully cover damages.

Being hit by an uninsured driver can leave victims wondering how they will pay medical bills or the costs of fixing or replacing their cars. In these situations, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage often kicks in. This type of coverage is included in many Wisconsin policies, but insurance companies fight paying on these policies.

Large firms with resources to work with insurance experts, financial professionals, and crash reconstructionists can make a significant difference. A lawyer can evaluate whether your UM/UIM coverage applies, challenge denied claims, and pursue additional compensation when possible.

Why Does Wisconsin Summer Traffic Increase Crash Risks?

Summer travel leads to more cars on the road, more congestion, and more accidents. Wisconsin highways such as I-94, I-39, and I-43 see heavy traffic as people drive north to vacation areas or across the state for festivals.

Common accidents in late summer include:

• Rear-end collisions in stop-and-go traffic, often caused by distracted drivers

• Multi-car pileups during heavy rainstorms, which are more frequent in August

• Crashes involving motorcycles and bicycles, which are more prevalent during warm months

Holiday weekends like Labor Day bring additional dangers. Increased drinking and fatigue from long drives often contribute to serious crashes. Law enforcement steps up patrols during these times, but police presence does not prevent every accident.

What Legal Challenges Do Car Accident Victims Face?

Even when liability seems clear, recovering compensation after a car or truck crash is not easy. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts by blaming victims, denying the seriousness of injuries, or downplaying long-term medical costs. Plus, Wisconsin follows a comparative negligence system, meaning your recovery can be reduced if you are found partly at fault for the accident.

This is where experienced litigation attorneys come in. A strong case may involve testimony from medical professionals, crash reconstruction experts, and financial analysts who can project the long-term impact of injuries. A large law firm like Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP with access to these resources can push back against insurers and pursue fair compensation through settlement negotiations or, if necessary, at trial.

What Damages Are Available After a Wisconsin Car Accident?

Accident victims may be able to recover several types of damages under Wisconsin law. These include:

• Medical expenses, including future care needs

• Lost income or reduced earning capacity

• Pain and suffering

• Property damage

• Loss of consortium in cases involving severe injuries

• Funeral costs and loss of companionship in wrongful death cases

In rare cases involving reckless conduct, punitive damages may also be available. For example, if a drunk driver causes a serious crash, the court may award additional damages to punish and deter similar behavior.

How to Protect Yourself on Wisconsin Roads at the End of Summer

While no one can control the actions of others, certain precautions can reduce your risk of being involved in a serious accident. Drivers should avoid distractions, wear seat belts, and give extra space when driving near teenagers or motorcycles. Checking your own insurance policy to confirm UM/UIM coverage is also wise, especially before long summer trips.

Parents of teens can take extra steps by making and keeping firm rules about passengers, curfews, and cellphone use. Talking openly and often with your teen about the risks of impaired driving can help prevent tragedies before they occur.

Contact a Milwaukee, WI Car Crash Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash involving a teen driver, uninsured motorist, or heavy summer traffic, you do not have to face insurance companies alone. Contact a Madison, WI car accident attorney at Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP today by calling 414-271-1440 to schedule a free consultation. Our firm has the size, resources, and courtroom experience to investigate your case, work with expert witnesses, and stand up to insurers who try to avoid paying what you deserve.