Wisconsin Woman Facing Charges in Fatal Car Accident Caused by Texting and Driving

Jan. 24, 2013

Distracted driving is a major problem across the United States. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that, in 2010 alone, nearly 4,000 people were killed and more than a half million people were injured in crashes involving distracted driving. In fact, almost 20 percent of all crashes in 2010 involved some type of distraction.

These dangers were highlighted in a story from FOX 11 News that discussed how a 19-year-old woman from Little Chute, Wisconsin, is now facing homicide charges after causing a car accident while texting and driving.

The Appleton Car Accident happened during the early morning hours of July 28 along Kimberly Avenue in Outagamie County as the young woman was traveling eastbound. She was texting on her phone when she veered toward the shoulder and struck a 46-year-old victim who was riding a bike. Witnesses called paramedics to the scene and rushed the victim to a local hospital. Unfortunately, the man died as a result of his injuries several days later.

Following a complete investigation into the accident, it was announced yesterday that prosecutors would be charging the woman with negligent homicide as well as several other minor charges.

The Oshkosh car accident attorneys with Sigman Janssen Injury & Disability Lawyers encourage motorists to do their part to keep Wisconsin’s highways safe by never using an electronic handheld device while driving.

Reviewed By

James Pitz

Attorney · Sigman Janssen Injury & Disability Lawyers
Licensed Wisconsin Attorney

James Pitz has spent more than three decades practicing civil litigation and personal injury law in Wisconsin, building a career defined by results rather than routine. Since earning admission to the Wisconsin bar in 1993, he has represented over 1,500 clients facing injury, disability, and wrongful death claims, developing a reputation for tenacity against seasoned opposing counsel. He holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of Wisconsin Law School and carries admission to both the Eastern and Western District federal courts in Wisconsin, extending his practice beyond state court. James maintains active standing across the state's leading legal associations, reflecting a career built on sustained engagement with the profession rather than a single credential.

  • J.D., University of Wisconsin Law School
  • Licensed to practice law in Wisconsin since 1993
  • Admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin
  • Admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin
  • Member, State Bar of Wisconsin
  • Member, Outagamie County Bar Association
  • Member, American Bar Association
  • Member, Wisconsin Association for Justice