On Wednesday evening, just after 9 p.m., a severe single-vehicle accident occurred on Pufahl Road, north of Zabel Road in the town of Weyauwega, Waupaca County. According to reports from local authorities, the crash resulted in multiple injuries of varying severity. The driver of the vehicle suffered life-threatening injuries and required immediate airlift to a hospital for emergency medical treatment. One passenger also sustained serious injuries, though not deemed life-threatening, and was similarly transported by medical helicopter. A third occupant was taken to the hospital via ambulance with moderate injuries, while a fourth passenger was evaluated at the scene and subsequently released without requiring hospitalization. Waupaca County Sheriff's deputies responded promptly to the incident after receiving emergency notification. The cause of the crash has not been officially determined, and local authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this serious accident.

Location and Infrastructure

Pufahl Road is a rural thoroughfare in the town of Weyauwega, a small community located in Waupaca County, Wisconsin. The accident site, situated north of the intersection with Zabel Road, is characterized by minimal traffic infrastructure typical of country roads in the area. This section of roadway lacks significant lighting and has limited shoulder space, creating potentially hazardous conditions, particularly during evening hours. The area is predominantly agricultural, with scattered residential properties and woodland areas bordering the roadway. Located approximately three miles from downtown Weyauwega, this stretch of road serves primarily local residents and farm traffic. The rural nature of this road means reduced traffic volume but also presents challenges including wildlife crossings, agricultural equipment movements, and limited emergency service access compared to more populated areas.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Wisconsin state law, victims of motor vehicle accidents have several important legal rights. Wisconsin follows a modified comparative negligence system, meaning injured parties may seek compensation even if partially at fault, as long as their responsibility doesn't exceed 51%. State statute §893.54 establishes a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, giving victims a finite window to pursue legal action. Insurance considerations include Wisconsin's minimum liability coverage requirements of $25,000 for bodily injury per person and $50,000 per accident. Injured parties may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and rehabilitation costs. In cases involving severe injuries, damages for long-term disability and diminished quality of life might also be recoverable. Additionally, passengers typically have stronger claims as they rarely bear responsibility for the accident's cause. Anyone involved should consider consulting with a personal injury attorney familiar with Wisconsin traffic law. An experienced Wisconsin personal injury lawyer will handle all aspects of the legal claim.

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

• Waupaca County Sheriff's Office: (715) 258-4466
• Weyauwega Fire Department: (920) 867-2400
• ThedaCare Medical Center - Waupaca: (715) 258-1000

Traffic Safety Resources:

• Wisconsin Department of Transportation - Northeast Region: (920) 492-5643
• Waupaca County Highway Department: (715) 258-7152
• Wisconsin State Patrol - North Central Region: (715) 845-1143

Victim Support Services:

• Wisconsin Victim Resource Center: (800) 446-6564
• Brain Injury Alliance of Wisconsin: (262) 790-9660
• ADRC of Waupaca County (Aging & Disability Resource Center): (715) 258-6400

Legal and Regulatory Information:

• Wisconsin Department of Transportation - Crash Reports: www.wisconsindot.gov/Pages/online-srvcs/other-servs/crash-reports.aspx
• Wisconsin State Legislature - Chapter 346 (Rules of the Road): docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/346
• Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance: oci.wi.gov/Pages/Consumers/Automobile.aspx