A car accident can change your life in an instant. One moment everything feels normal, and the next you’re overwhelmed with medical bills, out-of-pocket expenses, and the physical and emotional toll of the crash. If someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation under Wisconsin law.

At LawtonCates, our Cross Plains car accident attorneys are committed to helping you pursue meaningful compensation and holding the responsible parties accountable. It can feel like the odds are stacked against you when you file a claim with an insurance company, but with our law firm on your side, you don’t have to face it alone. Our team develops comprehensive, strategic legal solutions designed to pursue the maximum compensation you deserve — not just the lowball settlement offer insurers hope you’ll accept.

Contact us today for a free consultation with a car accident lawyer in Cross Plains, WI.

Why You Need a Local Cross Plains Car Accident Lawyer

After a car crash, some people think they can manage their insurance claim independently, only to discover how quickly the process can become frustrating. Insurance adjusters understand the vulnerable position many Cross Plains car accident victims are in after a collision. They may strategize ways to minimize payouts by shifting blame, delaying claims, or denying valid compensation altogether.

Having a Cross Plains car accident attorney on your side is crucial. A local lawyer understands insurance companies’ tactics and has in-depth knowledge of Wisconsin personal injury laws, the local court system, and connections with Cross Plains experts and resources who can help victims during this traumatic time. With this insight, your attorney can level the playing field and put you in a strong position to pursue fair compensation.

Our case results reflect our commitment and proficiency in obtaining just compensation for injury victims. Reach out today to learn your legal options.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident

The at-fault party’s actions are not the only thing an insurance company considers when evaluating a car accident claim. The steps you take after a collision and in the following days and weeks may significantly affect the outcome of your case.

Here’s what to do after a car accident in Cross Plains:

  • Contact law enforcement.
  • Seek immediate medical attention for your injuries.
  • Exchange insurance information with all involved drivers.
  • Document the accident scene with photos and videos.
  • Ask witnesses for their contact information.
  • Contact an experienced Cross Plains car accident attorney.
  • Keep detailed records of all bills and medical expenses related to the auto accident.
  • Organize documentation of missed work and lost income, such as pay stubs and communication with your employer.
  • Never post about the wreck or your injuries on social media.

Working with a knowledgeable lawyer can help you keep your car accident case on track and help you avoid common pitfalls that may jeopardize your claim.

Types of Compensation You Could Recover for Car Accident Injuries

Insurance companies know that Cross Plains car accident victims may face financial instability after an accident. Faced with mounting expenses, it can be tempting to accept a quick settlement just for the assurance of receiving something, even if it falls far short of what you truly need. That can turn out to be a devastating mistake, especially if you suffered severe injuries and have no guarantee of a full recovery.

That’s where a car accident lawyer in Cross Plains can step in. An attorney from LawtonCates can conduct a comprehensive investigation into the crash before calculating a fair value for your claim. With this information, we fight for what’s fair, not what’s easy.

The value of every Cross Plains auto accident claim varies depending on the specifics of the situation. In most cases, accident victims can pursue compensation for losses like:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of earning capacity
  • Property damage
  • Pain and suffering

Do not accept a settlement from anyone until you consult with an experienced attorney about the fairness of the offer.

Determining Fault for Car Crashes in Cross Plains

Determining fault in a Cross Plains car accident is a crucial step in holding the right party accountable and pursuing the full compensation you may be entitled to. Wisconsin is a fault state, meaning the party responsible for the crash is liable for the damages they cause. Proving the other driver caused the collision validates your claim and leaves an insurer with less wiggle room to try to blame the accident on others.

Proving fault comes down to evidence. A skilled personal injury attorney can conduct a complete investigation into the cause of the crash and collect and preserve vital evidence before it gets lost or destroyed. Gathering evidence can be a labor-intensive task that injured victims may be unable to accomplish solo.

Examples of evidence that may help determine fault in a car accident case include:

  • Medical records
  • Police report
  • Cell phone records
  • Surveillance or dash camera videos
  • Witness statements
  • Expert witness testimony

An attorney can also help determine if multiple parties, such as an employer, parts or car manufacturer, or government agency, may share responsibility for an accident.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Cross Plains

Driver error is the leading cause of most car accidents on U.S. roads today. Some of the most common causes of car crashes in the local area include:

  • Distracted driving 
  • Impaired driving
  • Speeding
  • Tailgating
  • Aggressive driving
  • Unsafe lane changes
  • Failure to yield
  • Failure to follow traffic laws

Wisconsin Department of Transportation statistics show that 8,805 crashes occurred in Dane County in a recent year. Of those crashes, 585 involved impaired drivers, 1,170 were speed-related, and at least 846 involved distracted drivers. Manufacturing defects, poor road conditions, and other issues can also contribute to local car accidents.

How Our Cross Plains Car Crash Lawyers Can Help You

Since 1958, the car accident attorneys at LawtonCates have helped accident victims demand justice and fair compensation for their losses. We don’t rush our investigations or look for a quick payday. Our team digs deep to gather compelling evidence, communicate with insurers, and build a strong car accident claim that aims for the best possible outcome.

Our full-service law firm can handle all aspects of your case from start to finish. And because we know finances can be tight, we take all personal injury cases on a contingency-fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you. Other court costs and filing fees may apply.

Contact Our Cross Plains Legal Team Today

With nearly seven decades of service to Wisconsin’s injured, LawtonCates is standing by to answer your questions, provide support, and demand justice for what you’ve endured. Contact us today for a free consultation.