If you sustained injuries in a Wisconsin auto accident, the Village of Dane car accident lawyers at LawtonCates can help you seek fair compensation for your losses. We understand that serious injuries can have a profound impact on your life, often leaving you with costly medical bills, lost wages, and other financial burdens. Having an experienced lawyer in your corner can be a valuable asset in the pursuit of maximum compensation.
Call or contact LawtonCates today for an initial case review. We can provide personalized guidance in a free consultation.
Why Choose the Village of Dane Car Accident Attorneys at LawtonCates?
LawtonCates has been providing robust legal representation to South Central Wisconsin residents since 1958. During this time, our legal team has successfully recovered millions for injured people, including those hurt in car crashes.
Our top-rated attorneys provide a comprehensive approach to every case. Our goal is to handle your car accident claim efficiently without ever sacrificing the careful attention it deserves. Insurance companies strive to make their payouts as low as possible. We’re here to hold them accountable and advocate for maximum compensation in your case.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident
After a car accident in Village of Dane, take the following steps to strengthen your auto insurance claim:
- Seek medical treatment – Follow your treatment regimen until your doctor discharges you. Following their orders shows the insurance company that you took your car accident injuries seriously.
- Keep all accident-related bills – Keep track of all costs related to the crash, including records of medical expenses, co-pays, proof of lost income, and vehicle repair estimates.
- Document your injuries – Keep track of how your injuries impact your daily life and take photographs of your visible injuries over time.
- Avoid social media – Do not post about the wreck or your injuries on social media, and lock down your privacy settings. The insurance company could monitor your accounts to find something it can use against you.
- Consult a car accident lawyer – A Dane County car accident attorney can protect your rights, gather evidence to build a robust injury case, and work to maximize your compensation.
Should I Talk to the Insurance Company After a Car Crash?
No. Check your insurance policy to learn the deadline for reporting a crash. You may only have a few days. If you must report it before speaking to an attorney, stick to the basic facts. Do not make guesses about fault or discuss your injuries. It’s fine to tell them that you plan to consult a car accident lawyer first. Even if the insurance adjuster claims they want to help you move on quickly, they’re not on your side. If they keep calling, politely direct them to your attorney.
Key Evidence for a Strong Car Accident Case
The evidence necessary to prove your case will depend on the circumstances of the car accident. Common examples include:
- Photographs of the accident scene, including road conditions, relevant signs and signals, and damage to the vehicles
- Traffic or dashboard camera footage showing how the accident occurred
- Eyewitness statements from bystanders and other motorists who can provide additional details or support your claims
- Expert witness testimony, including input from crash reconstruction specialists
- Data from onboard vehicle computers, such as speed and braking information, is available when the vehicles involved are newer models
- Medical records documenting the extent and severity of your injuries, along with your doctor’s recommended treatments
Types of Compensation Possible for Wisconsin Car Accident Victims
The compensation you could recover through your Wisconsin car accident claim covers various kinds of losses, including:
- Medical costs – Past and future medical treatment, physical therapy, and prescription medications for your injuries sustained in the crash
- Accident-related expenses – Transportation to and from medical appointments, medical equipment, and other out-of-pocket costs
- Lost income – Wages you lost or will lose because of disabilities that impact your ability to work
- Pain and suffering – Physical pain experienced due to your injuries and how that pain affects your daily life
- Emotional distress – Anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other adverse psychological effects that your injuries or the crash had on you
Can I Recover Compensation if I Am Partly at Fault?
If you are partly at fault for the car accident that caused your injuries, you can still recover compensation as long as you are not more than 50 percent at fault. Wisconsin’s modified comparative negligence rule reduces your recovery proportionally and prevents you from recovering any damages if you are the primary cause of the crash.
Even if you aren’t the primary cause of the accident, your compensation will be reduced if you are partly to blame. Under Wisconsin law, damages awarded at trial are reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20 percent at fault, you would recover 80 percent of your awarded compensation.
While this law applies explicitly to compensation recovered through a trial award, auto insurance companies also use it when determining how much to offer during settlement negotiations. For this reason, it’s essential that you work with a highly qualified lawyer who will work to protect you from being blamed unfairly.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin’s personal injury statute of limitations gives you three years to file a lawsuit against the party(s) responsible for the auto accident that injured you. However, if your loved one passed away due to injuries sustained in a car accident, you only have two years to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the at-fault party.
These deadlines for filing lawsuits are strict, so working with an experienced car accident lawyer in the Village of Dane, WI, is crucial for preserving your right to seek the compensation you need.
Contact Our Village of Dane Car Accident Lawyers
If you need help learning your legal rights after a car accident, LawtonCates is standing by to answer your questions. Contact our law firm today for a free consultation with an auto accident attorney in Dane County.