Prairie Du Chien, WI (June 26, 2023) – On Sunday evening, June 25, a DUI accident took the life of a victim and injured others in Prairie Du Chien.
According to Grant County officials, the accident happened in the eastbound lanes of Highway 18 near the area of Hicklin Hollow Road. Police confirmed that 57-year-old Benjamin Steiger was traveling east in his Dodge 1500 pickup truck when he suddenly crossed over into the other lane of traffic, striking a Toyota RAV4. The vehicles were extensively damaged due to the collision.
Several responders, including paramedics and fire crews, were dispatched to the scene to help those in need. The passenger in the RAV4, identified as 73-year-old Cheryl Mader, was tragically pronounced dead at the scene due to traumatic injuries. Her husband, Dale Klemme, sustained critical injuries. Her grandchildren, identified as a 5-year-old and a 7-year-old, were also critically injured and hospitalized. Steiger sustained minor injuries but was not hospitalized.
The roadway was blocked in several lanes of traffic following the accident. Police confirmed that Steiger was booked in jail on charges of homicide by intoxication, causing injury while operating under the influence, possession of paraphernalia, and more.
No further details have been released, but the investigation continues. Police will update with new information as it becomes available.
We offer our warmest condolences to the family and friends of the victim whose life was lost in this accident. We also hope that the injured parties receive a speedy recovery from their injuries.
Fatal DUI Accidents in Wisconsin
Drunk driving accidents are becoming more of a reality in the state of Wisconsin. These accidents take the lives of many victims each year, as well as cause them serious injuries. In 2019, it was reported that 159 people were killed in fatal drunk driving accidents in Wisconsin. Losing a loved one in a fatal drunk-driving accident is never easy to face. If you have sustained these enormous losses, speaking with an attorney is in your best interests.
The aftermath of a fatal accident can be a challenging and tragic thing to face. Many families wonder how they will get back on their feet during these devastating times. As you grieve the loss of a loved one, you may wonder how you are ever going to afford to pay the many bills that pile up against you. You may also have a wide array of questions that you cannot answer on your own at this time. Speaking with a Prairie Du Chien wrongful death attorney can help you get back on your feet when you need it the most.
At Zerbst & Kluck, S.C., our attorneys are here for you after you have lost somebody you love in an accident. We are committed to your claim from start to finish after an accident. You may find that you are eligible for a wide array of financial damages at this time. These include some of the following:
- Medical bills
- Lost income and future lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Therapy costs
- Loss of consortium
Please do not hesitate to contact a wrongful death attorney in Prairie Du Chien at (608) 471-5365 to find out what options are available for you.
Note: When writing this accident news article, our writers utilized secondary sources, including local news sources, local and state police incident reports, social media platforms, and, occasionally, eyewitness reports. Our firm has not independently verified any of the facts pertaining to this accident. If you locate any information in this post that is inaccurate, please contact Zerbst & Kluck, S.C., right away. The article will be updated with the correct information immediately. If requested, we will take down this post.
Disclaimer: This post is intended to be informational. None of the information provided within this post is meant to be legal or medical advice. The picture used in this blog was not taken at this accident scene. This is not a business solicitation.