Are you in pain or struggling with medical bills after a Deerfield car accident? If someone else caused the accident, they should have to pay you for the harm you’ve suffered. LawtonCates can guide you through the process and fight for the fair compensation you deserve. Our Deerfield personal injury lawyers handle all the legal work so you can concentrate on healing and rebuilding your life. Since we work on a contingency fee basis, we won’t charge you a fee unless we win your case. Contact us now for your free initial consultation.
Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Deerfield?
Our Deerfield car accident attorneys have fought for South Central Wisconsin residents and people throughout the Badger State for almost 70 years. We don’t take a “churn and burn” approach to the cases we take—our goal isn’t to settle your case as fast as possible and move on. Instead, we commit to helping you recover maximum compensation, no matter how long it takes. While we will work hard for a settlement that pays you fairly without the need for a trial, we prepare every case for trial, which shows the insurance companies we’re serious about asserting your rights. Contact us today, and let us get started on your car accident case right away.
Wisconsin Car Accident Laws
Many Wisconsin car accident laws could affect your personal injury claim as you seek compensation for your losses. Here are a few to be aware of:
- The party responsible for causing a crash is also financially responsible for the consequences the crash has on others. Responsibility is usually based on the legal concept of negligence, which describes a party’s failure to act with sufficient care given the circumstances (rolling through a stop sign without coming to a complete stop first, for example).
- Wisconsin uses a comparative negligence rule at trial. According to this rule, you can still recover compensation for an accident that is partially your fault, as long as the court finds that you are less than 51 percent at fault. If you share some blame, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
- You generally have three years from the crash date to file a personal injury lawsuit. If your case involves only property damage, such as repairs to your vehicle, you may have up to six years. Claims against a government employee or municipality have shorter deadlines and additional notice requirements.
- All drivers must carry liability insurance to cover injuries and property damage they cause in a crash. The minimum coverage amounts are $25,000 for one person’s injuries, $50,000 for multiple injuries in a single collision, and $10,000 for property damage. Wisconsin also requires uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage on all auto insurance policies issued in the state.
- Unlike in some other states, Wisconsin law holds that bars and restaurants generally cannot be held liable for serving alcohol to adults who cause accidents. However, they can be liable if they serve a minor who causes a crash.
What To Do After a Car Crash in Deerfield
Here are the steps that car accident victims should follow in the days and weeks after a car crash in Deerfield:
- Follow your doctor’s treatment plan and attend all follow-up appointments.
- Save your medical records, receipts, proof of lost income, and vehicle repair estimates so you have evidence of the accident’s cost.
- Write down what you remember from the collision as soon as possible.
- Do not discuss the collision, your injuries, or your recovery on social media.
- Do not give any recorded statements or sign any documents from insurance companies without talking to a lawyer first.
Finally, contact a Wisconsin car accident lawyer to help you navigate the personal injury claims process.
What Are the Potential Long-Term Consequences of a Car Accident?
Car accidents can leave lasting effects far beyond the day of the crash. Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, bone fractures, and other catastrophic injuries may require long-term medical treatment and rehabilitation. Moreover, many crash victims see disruptions to their daily routines and quality of life due to chronic pain, reduced mobility, and permanent disabilities.
There can also be long-term consequences from the emotional effects of a collision. Anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress can affect crash victims’ relationships and overall well-being. Even when injuries eventually heal, ongoing medical bills and reduced earning capacity can create substantial financial stress.
What Happens if More Than One Driver Is at Fault?
Generally speaking, each driver who’s involved in a collision in Wisconsin is responsible only for their respective percentage of fault. However, someone who is at least 51 percent at fault for an accident can be held liable. Under Wisconsin personal injury law, that person can then seek contributions from the other at-fault parties.
If you and another driver share responsibility for a crash, you can still recover compensation as long as your level of fault is 50 percent or less. However, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. So, if your losses total $50,000 and you’re 20 percent liable for the collision, you lose 20 percent of your compensation, or $10,000 in this example.
Types of Car Accident Damages in Wisconsin
“Damages” is the legal term for the compensation you receive in a car accident claim for the losses you’ve suffered. Your compensation can include money for your:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost income and reduced future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life
A Deerfield car accident lawyer can document all the collision’s effects and include them in your claim.
When Should I Call a Deerfield Car Accident Attorney?
It’s best to contact a car accident attorney as soon as possible after an accident. Evidence at the scene can fade quickly, making it harder to prove who caused the collision. The insurance companies are also likely to contact you within a few days of the crash, and your interactions with them can significantly affect your case. Calling a lawyer immediately means you have someone protecting your rights from the outset.
Contact Our Deerfield Car Accident Attorneys for Help
LawtonCates understands how difficult life can be after a serious car accident, and we want to help you recover fair compensation for what happened. Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation with our Deerfield car accident lawyers.