Help Jessica Kasten Repair Her Car After Accident

Jessica Kasten was involved in a car accident on Friday, September 13th around 7:15 AM. Jessica was driving on Highway 108 N going from West Salem to her job in Melrose-Mindoro. Out of nowhere, a red sedan entered her lane trying to pass a car going the opposite direction. The red sedan was heading directly towards Jessica at a high speed. They were about to have a head-on collision. To avoid the crash, Jessica slammed on her breaks and swerved to the side and lost control in the ditch while also striking a post. Her car was close to rolling over in the steep part of the ditch.

The driver who caused Jessica to crash fled the scene and did not stop. La Crosse County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the scene. Jessica only sustained a minor injury to her knee in the crash but is otherwise okay physically. She filled out a report with the Sheriff Deputy, and the driver of the car who was passed also filled out a witness statement. They were able to provide a description of the vehicle: (small red sedan with black trim heading south on Highway 108 towards West Salem at 7:15 AM). They were unable to read the license plate number.

Jessica’s car was towed to Brenengen Collision Repair in West Salem. The total cost of repairs was estimated to be a little over $4,000. Since the other driver fled the scene and has not been identified, Jessica is responsible for paying the damages herself. She currently only has liability coverage on the car because that is all she can afford, so she must pay the $4,000 completely out of pocket. She does not currently have the funds to repair the car.

Jessica is a first year teacher at Melrose-Mindoro Elementary School. This incident occurred during the third week of the school year. Jessica relies on her vehicle for her daily 20-minute work commute. She is not eligible for a loaner vehicle because of her insurance. Jessica’s dad is letting her borrow his car for the time being.

We greatly appreciate any donations that will be used toward the cost of repairs to the vehicle. If you have any information about the red sedan with black trim that was driving on 108 South towards West Salem on 9/13/24 around 7:15 AM, please private message Jessica Kasten on Facebook or call La Crosse County Sheriff’s Department.