The Wisconsin Car Accident Attorneys at Nicolet Law are Ready to Help
If you were involved in a serious car accident, you most likely have a whole host of questions, frustrations, and challenges to navigate. Pursuing an insurance claim or lawsuit can be intimidating, and any mistakes can jeopardize your ability to recover the financial compensation you need after the crash.
At Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers, we help protect our clients’ rights under the law. Our team of attorneys and legal staff work hard to pursue the compensation our clients deserve for their injuries.
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Why Choose the Wisconsin Car Accident Lawyers at Nicolet Law?
Victims of a serious car accident are often unaware of how much their injuries will affect their lives going forward. We understand how a car crash can have a significant impact on your physical well-being, your ability to return to your normal activities, as well as your finances.
Our Wisconsin personal injury lawyers can work hard to recover the maximum possible compensation from the parties that are responsible for your injuries. If you choose to work with us, our attorneys will fight for the maximum compensation available under the law.
While we cannot predict the outcome of any future case, past case results for our clients have included:
- $1.2 million for a child who suffered serious burn injuries in a motor vehicle accident.
- $1.1 million for the victim of a Northern Wisconsin automobile accident.
- $850,000 for a family that suffered serious injuries in a car accident.
What are the Chances You'll Be In an Auto Accident in Wisconsin?
Each year, Wisconsin roadways see more than 500 fatal traffic accidents and more than 23,000 injury crashes. As a result, there is a good chance drivers will encounter at least one accident every day throughout the state. While car accidents may seem like somewhat routine events on Wisconsin interstates, highways, and neighborhood roads, they can change the lives of the victims when a negligent driver causes injuries.
Wisconsin is home to various metropolitan areas such as Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Kenosha. City roads are more congested, which raises the risk of motor vehicle accidents, especially during busy commuting times. Busier roadways, in combination with distracted and impatient drivers, can create dangerous circumstances that increase the likelihood of collisions and injuries.
Rural roads also present unique risks throughout Wisconsin. Dangerous weather, poor road conditions, or narrow lanes can create hazards, especially when drivers engage in reckless behaviors like excessive speeding or distracted driving.
The Most Common Injuries Our Wisconsin Car Accident Lawyers Handle
Car accident injuries can cause severe pain and may require long-term treatment. Some accident victims face mild to moderate injuries that disrupt their lives for days or weeks.
Often, they must miss work, seek emergency medical treatment, and may require physical therapy to recover and heal.
In auto accidents that cause serious or catastrophic injuries, a victim may never fully recover and can face a lifetime of complications and difficulties because of their injuries. Issues such as chronic pain, scarring, disfigurement, and mobility limitations often become part of a victim’s daily life.
The most common car accident injuries we see include:
- Concussions, head trauma, and other traumatic brain injuries.
- Whiplash and other types of neck or back injury, including spinal cord damage.
- Injuries to ligaments, tendons, or muscles.
- Burns, lacerations, cuts, and bruises.
- Broken bones.
- Loss of a limb or amputation.
- Internal damage and bleeding.
The Cause of Most Wisconsin Car Accidents: Negligence
After the initial shock of a car accident wears off, accident victims are often left wondering who or what really caused the accident. Sometimes the reason is obvious after an accident, either because of clear evidence or the other driver’s admission of guilt.
In other accidents, it may be necessary to dig deeper into the events that led up to the accident. There may be many factors that contribute to an accident. However, the negligent actions of one or more parties are to blame in the majority of car accident cases.
Negligence on the road can take many forms. In many car accident cases, one of the drivers usually made a mistake or a series of mistakes that led to the accident.
Negligent car accident causes can include:
- Distracted driving.
- Drunk or drug-impaired driving.
- Fatigued driving.
- Reckless maneuvers.
- Excessive speed.
- Failure to obey traffic signals.
How Our Auto Accident Attorneys Prove Liability in a Wisconsin Crash
Ultimately, the insurance companies or a court will decide who is liable (legally and financially responsible) for the accident. Insurance companies are often the first to determine fault through their crash investigation. While this first determination of liability decides how the insurance company handles a claim for accident-related damage, it is not always the final determination of liability for a vehicle accident.
In instances where there is a dispute about who is at fault, the insurer may deny coverage or make a lowball offer to resolve the case. If settlement is not possible, the injured person may choose to file a lawsuit in civil court. If the case proceeds through trial without settling, a judge or jury determines fault and how much money the at-fault party owes the accident victim for their injuries and other losses.
Motor vehicle accident liability can be complex, and many factors determine how much compensation the at-fault party ultimately owes the victim. Under Wisconsin personal injury law, a victim must show that the at-fault party was negligent to recover compensation for their injuries.
To establish that the at-fault party was negligent, our injury lawyers must show:
- The other party owed the injured person a duty of care. In car accident cases, the duty is usually the responsibility of each driver to everyone else on the road to drive safely and follow all traffic laws and signals.
- The other party violated their duty of care either through their actions or failure to act.
- The victim suffered an injury.
- The injury was a direct result of the other party’s actions or failure to act.
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What Compensation Can an Auto Accident Lawyer Request From the At-Fault Party?
When someone suffers injuries and other losses in a car accident that someone else caused, the law allows the victim to seek monetary compensation for their damages. Damages in a car accident can include both economic and non-economic losses.
Insurance companies, the court, and/or your automobile accident attorney will calculate the economic and non-economic damages that may be available in your lawsuit or car accident insurance claim. In most cases, your attorney and the insurance company will negotiate and eventually settle your claim.
However, if they cannot settle or the injuries and damage you sustain add up to more than the policy limit, it may be necessary for your lawyer to file a lawsuit against the responsible parties on your behalf.
The damages that may be available in a car accident claim or lawsuit can include compensation for:
- Medical care costs.
- Loss of income.
- Estimated future medical care and lost income.
- Vehicle and personal property damage.
- Pain and suffering.
- Wrongful death.
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Wisconsin Car Accident FAQs
Our auto accident lawyers have seen firsthand how motor vehicle accidents can change a person’s life instantly. We understand how accident victims must face devastating injuries, excruciating pain, and extensive medical expenses that can impact not only the victim but their family’s financial stability for the rest of their lives.
If a Wisconsin car crash injured you and was caused by another person’s wrongful actions, you should not have to deal with these horrifying consequences on your own. Instead, you deserve answers and information regarding your legal options after this traumatizing incident.
That is why we have gathered some frequently asked questions we receive from victims after a Wisconsin car crash. With this information, we hope to provide an explanation of the legal remedies you can pursue and what you need to do to secure the financial recovery you deserve. For specific information about your unique circumstances, contact Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers today to discuss your legal options.
How Do You Know If You Have a Valid Legal Claim Following a Wisconsin Car Crash?
Following a car crash, it can be challenging to determine whether you can pursue legal action for the injuries you sustained. In truth, there are just too many factors and questions that can affect your ability to bring a legal claim, such as:
- Did the car accident harm you?
- What was the extent of your harm?
- Has time expired to bring a car crash injury claim?
- Is there insurance money available?
The best way to determine if you have a viable injury claim is to reach out to an experienced Wisconsin automobile accident attorney as soon as possible following your collision and let skilled lawyers figure out whether you have a valid case.
What Are Some of the More Common Causes of Motor Vehicle Collisions in Wisconsin?
Car crashes can occur for a variety of reasons and include everything from reckless driving to weather conditions. However, in Wisconsin, some collision causes are more common than others. For example:
Speeding. Speeding reduces the amount of time a motorist has to react to conditions on the road and often increases the force involved in an impact when a collision occurs. As a result, those who drive at excessive speeds can end up causing deadly accidents. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation reports that every year our state experiences over 15,000 speed-related crashes, over 150 speed-related deaths, and over 6,000 speed-related injuries.
Bad Weather. Wisconsin is known for its long and rough winters, which means that road conditions can often become hazardous due to snow and ice. Consequently, the winter months, which can occur from October through March, can significantly increase the number of car crashes and the severity of these accidents because of the dangerous road conditions.
Intoxicated Driving. Alcohol is a substance that impairs thinking and reduces the brain’s function, reasoning, and muscle coordination. Consequently, those who get behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol not only put their lives in danger but also endanger others on the road. In fact, every day, 28 people in the United States die because of drunk driving, which is about one person every 52 minutes.
Distracted Driving. Distracted driving refers to any activity that diverts attention away from driving, including eating and driving, talking to people in the car and driving, and texting on the phone while driving. As a result, distracted driving can lead to deadly and devastating accidents since these activities can cause motorists to take their eyes and hands off the steering wheel.
Motor Vehicle Defects. Motor vehicle manufacturers are required by law to design vehicles that meet minimum safety standards. Yet, even though these manufacturers continuously improve the safety of their automobiles, problems with the design and the car’s functionality still happen, and these issues are often one of the leading causes of car accidents on the road.
Violating the Rules of the Road. Traffic signals and signs are used to keep order in traffic and reduce the severity and number of traffic accidents. When a motorist fails to obey these signals and signs, they endanger themselves and all others on the road, including motorists, bicyclists, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and passengers.
Deadly Roadways. Even though car collisions can happen on any road in Wisconsin, certain streets and intersections in the state are known to be more dangerous than others.
For instance:
- One of the most deadly intersections in Wisconsin includes Capitol Drive West and 35th Street North in Milwaukee. It is considered one of the most complex intersections in Milwaukee County because of its heavy traffic that spans multiple lanes and the intricate merging lanes from Roosevelt Drive onto Capital.
- Locals have dubbed Highway 49 from Verona to Belleville as the “bumpiest” freeway in the state. Although temporary fixes have been made, it is still one of the more dangerous roads in Wisconsin.
- Interstate 94 has received the title of one of the most deadly interstates in Wisconsin, with over 132 fatalities occurring on it every year.
How Long Do You Have to Pursue Legal Action After a Car Accident in Wisconsin?
Every state has set time limitations when it comes to filing a legal lawsuit after an alleged offense. These time limitations are known as the statute of limitations, and if an individual does not file their case within that time, they can't pursue compensation for their harm and losses.
In Wisconsin, the statute of limitations to file a personal injury claim after a car crash is three years. However, there may be exceptions to this rule that impact this filing period by shortening or lengthening the amount of time an individual has to file their civil case.
For these reasons, you should not wait long after a car crash to seek legal help. Instead, you need to reach out to an experienced attorney for auto accident advice as soon as possible. These attorneys can help you determine the maximum amount of time you have to file your case while also ensuring that your legal documents are prepared correctly and filed before time expires.
What Types of Compensation Can Your Wisconsin Car Accident Lawyer Pursue?
After a car crash, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses. Generally, in Wisconsin, this compensation falls into the following categories:
Economic Damages: These damages are the actual and verifiable losses that result from an accident.
They can include:
- Past, current, and future medical bills related to your medical expenses following a car accident, such as hospital bills, doctor visits, surgeries, prescription medications, emergency services, and assistive medical devices.
- Lost wages.
- Lost earning capacity.
- Personal property damages.
- The cost of replacement services such as a housekeeper or driver.
- Rehabilitative therapy, including physical and occupational therapy.
- At-home nursing care.
- Other out-of-pocket expenses.
Non-Economic Damages: These damages refer to the more subjective losses that follow an accident, which are not easily quantifiable.
They can include:
- Loss of enjoyment of life and quality of life.
- Loss of a limb.
- Pain and suffering.
- Emotional distress.
- Loss of companionship.
- Loss of consortium.
In addition, in exceptional cases, the victim may receive punitive damages. However, unlike the other damages, which compensate the victim for their losses, punitive damages punish the defendant for their egregious actions and are meant to deter others from committing similar acts.
For the court to award these damages, the victim’s lawyer needs to prove that the defendant intentionally disregarded their safety or rights.
How Much Is My Wisconsin Car Accident Case Worth?
Unfortunately, no attorney will be able to tell you exactly how much your case is worth immediately following a car accident. This is because there are just too many elements that can impact the value of your claim and, ultimately, how much money you can receive.
Take, for instance, the following factors that can affect the worth of your case after a car crash:
- What is the severity and the extent of your injuries?
- What type of medical treatments do you need right now?
- Will you need medical treatments in the future or any other ongoing care?
- Are your injuries permanent following the car crash, or did they result in a disability?
- Are you still able to take part in your everyday activities after the accident?
- How credible is the evidence presented?
- How certain is the defendant’s liability?
- What is the extent of your pain and suffering?
- Do you need in-home help or other services following your car crash?
Even though a lawyer cannot tell you precisely how much money you can receive after a car crash, when you work with our experienced Wisconsin auto accident attorneys, we can investigate your accident, figure out which of these factors influence your case, and prepare a strong case to maximize your recovery.
If the Insurance Company Contacts Me Following the Car Crash, Should I Give a Statement?
The insurance company is not your friend, nor are they there to help you. They are a business, and like other businesses, they want to make money.
How do they do this? By offering you a lowball settlement or denying your claim altogether. For these reasons, when dealing with an insurance company, it is always best to err on the side of caution since insurance adjusters will often try anything they can to shift the fault for the crash to you.
For these reasons, before you make any statement to the insurance company, you should reach out to a skilled Wisconsin car accident lawyer. These attorneys can not only help prepare you for what you can expect, but they can also take over these discussions with the insurer on your behalf, ensuring you do not say anything that can impact the value of your claim.
Why Should You Reach Out to Our Experienced Wisconsin Car Accident Lawyers Following a Motor Vehicle Crash?
To bring a successful injury claim after a motor vehicle accident, you need to have a solid understanding of Wisconsin laws and be able to provide sound legal arguments and relevant, detailed evidence proving what happened and who was at fault. However, after a car crash, this is probably the last thing on your mind.
Fortunately, when you work with a skilled Wisconsin car crash attorney at Nicolet Law, you will not have to worry about tackling this legal battle on your own. We are ready to fight on your behalf and go after the damages you deserve.
Once you retain our Wisconsin car crash attorneys, we can:
- Go over the accident with you in detail, determine the viability of your legal claim, and figure out what legal options you should pursue.
- Answer all the questions and concerns you have regarding your case and the legal process involved.
- Thoroughly investigate the car accident and secure the evidence needed to show fault and damages.
- Bring in experts such as accident reconstructionists, doctors, and financial specialists to substantiate your claim.
- Handle all the negotiations with the other side, such as the insurance company, and fight for the compensation you need.
- Pursue trial if the other side is unwilling to settle and work relentlessly to achieve the successful case outcome you want.
If a car crash impacted your life, or the life of a family member, do not wait any longer to seek the legal help you need. Reach out to the knowledgeable Wisconsin car accident lawyers at Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers today for a free case evaluation, and let us show you how we can fight for your rights and the damages and justice you deserve.
How Our Team of Attorneys Can Help You After an Accident in Wisconsin
At Nicolet Law, we understand the challenges that residents of Wisconsin face after a motor vehicle accident. On top of dealing with the consequences of your injuries, you're facing financial stress and uncertainty of medical expenses and other losses. It can feel overwhelming.
The Wisconsin statute of limitations also adds a time constraint that requires you to initiate a lawsuit within a relatively short period of time. We can work alongside you to evaluate your case and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve from the at-fault parties.
Protect Your Interests
If you choose to hire a car accident attorney from our legal team, we will step in swiftly to alert all relevant parties that we will be representing your rights and interests. You will no longer have to communicate with anyone other than us concerning the accident. We will keep you up to date on all happenings in your case and guide you through each stage of the process to protect your legal rights.
Evaluate Your Impacts and Losses
After we gather the available evidence in your case, we will go over your losses to calculate the maximum compensation that could be available to you. Damages in a claim or lawsuit can vary, and our estimate of damages may not equal what you ultimately collect, but we will help give you insights into the viability of your case.
In addition, the calculation of damages will serve as a guide for you as we proceed through settlement negotiations. This number can help you better understand settlement offers and what is best for you as we move forward in the process.
Collect Available Evidence
Our office will assist you in collecting evidence and information that is relevant to your case. While you may already possess some vital information (such as your medical records), we can also help you acquire information that might be more difficult to attain or may be withheld by other parties without court intervention.
Negotiate for You
When an insurer makes a settlement offer in your case, we will communicate that offer to you and discuss the merits of the offer and the options that may still be on the table in your case. Our team will advise you about what we believe is the best course of action.
You will make the final decision about whether or not to accept a settlement; we serve only to provide you with the best available information and the likelihood of successfully negotiating for additional compensation.
Help You Reach a Positive Resolution
Ultimately, we hope to resolve every case in a settlement with the at-fault party’s insurer. In most cases, the parties settle outside of court.
However, there are some situations in which it might be necessary or in your best interests to pursue a lawsuit against the defendants in your case.
If a lawsuit should become necessary, our team will represent you throughout and until the conclusion of a trial.
We will work hard to reach the best possible outcome for you as quickly as possible based on the facts of your case.
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Contact Nicolet Law for a Free Consultation Today
If you suffered injuries in a car accident, you may be eligible for compensation for your losses.
Contact our team at Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers at (715) 226-6149 for your free case evaluation.