Facing the aftermath of a McFarland car crash can be confusing and overwhelming. You may be facing daily pain, limited mobility, mental health struggles, and mounting medical bills. The good news is that you don’t have to face them alone.

The experienced McFarland auto accident lawyers at LawtonCates offer compassion, support, and skilled legal guidance as you seek justice for your injuries. Contact us today to learn more.

Immediate Steps to Take After a Car Accident in McFarland

The aftermath of a car crash can be frightening and disorienting, but prompt action can protect not only your health but also your legal rights. If you’re able, take these steps:

  • Seek Medical Attention – If you haven’t already, see a healthcare provider. Some injuries don’t present symptoms until long after they occur, and others worsen over time. Seeing a doctor will also create crucial documentation linking your injuries to the accident.
  • Report the Accident – Call 911 and report the accident. The responding officer will create a report containing key details about the accident, which can prove useful when pursuing a car accident claim.
  • Document the Accident Scene – Take photos and videos of vehicle damage, vehicle positions, accident debris, skid marks, traffic signs and signals, road and weather conditions, and any visible injuries.
  • Exchange Information – Get names, contact info, license and plate numbers, and insurance details of all involved parties. If there were any witnesses, collect their names and contact information, too.
  • Be Cautious When Speaking with the Insurance Adjuster – Insurance companies may reach out to offer quick settlements or request recorded statements. These are attempts to pay you less than your claim is worth. Never admit fault, never accept quick settlements, avoid recorded statements, and contact a lawyer before speaking with them.
  • Contact a Lawyer – A skilled car crash lawyer in McFarland can lead you through the legal process and protect your rights. Contact one as soon as possible.

How a McFarland Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You

It’s not uncommon for car accident victims to wonder whether they need a lawyer for their case. While working with a law firm isn’t a legal requirement, it offers a tremendous strategic advantage.

The team at LawtonCates can help you by:

  • Bringing Decades of Experience – We’ve proudly represented injured Wisconsinites since 1958. We understand Wisconsin car accident laws and what it takes to recover compensation through personal injury claims.
  • Investigating and Gathering Evidence – We’ll thoroughly investigate the accident to determine how it happened and who may have caused it, then build a compelling case for holding them accountable.
  • Lending Local Insight – With decades of experience serving South Central Wisconsin, our experienced attorneys have gained unique insights into local communities and courts, providing a distinct strategic advantage when building your case.
  • Providing Personalized Attention – We’re not a “churn-and-burn” operation that prioritizes quantity over quality. We give every case and every client the attention they deserve.
  • Negotiating and Litigating – We never say yes to the insurance company’s first offer, and we always fight for maximum compensation, whether in settlement negotiations or before a judge or jury in the courtroom.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Wisconsin

Crashes can happen for all kinds of reasons in McFarland, whether it’s a drunk driver on U.S. 51, someone speeding in the school zone near McFarland High, or a distracted driver on your own street. Here are some of the most common causes of accidents:

  • Distracted driving
  • Impaired driving
  • Fatigued driving
  • Speeding or reckless driving
  • Road conditions
  • Weather conditions
  • Mechanical failures

Establishing liability begins with determining the cause of the accident. Your McFarland auto accident lawyers may do this by working with experts to reconstruct the crash.

Recovering Full Compensation for Your Losses

The physical, emotional, and financial burdens car accident victims face can be immense. Compensation is designed to account for these burdens. Your McFarland auto accident lawyer will likely seek the following on your behalf:

  • Medical Expenses – Ambulance services, ER visits, surgeries, doctor’s appointments, medications, physical therapy, and future medical expenses.
  • Lost Wages – Hourly wages or salary, missed raises or promotions, commissions and tips, sick days, vacation time, medical benefits, and future lost wages.
  • Property Damage – The cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and other property damaged in the accident, as well as the diminished resale value of your car.
  • Pain and Suffering – Compensation for the physical pain and mental anguish caused by the accident and your injuries.
  • Emotional Distress – Compensation for emotional trauma and mental health struggles caused by the accident, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms.

Navigating Wisconsin’s Comparative Negligence Rule

Wisconsin follows a comparative negligence system in car accident cases. Under this system, you can recover compensation provided you’re no more than 50 percent responsible for the crash. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault.

For example, if you were awarded $100,000 in compensation, but the court found you were 20 percent responsible for the accident, your compensation would be reduced by that 20 percent, and you would recover $80,000.

Insurance companies often take advantage of this system by deflecting as much blame as possible. A skilled car crash lawyer in McFarland can push back when they attempt to minimize your payout.

Don’t Miss the Deadline: Wisconsin Statute of Limitations

Under Wisconsin personal injury law, you typically have three years from the date of the crash to file a car accident lawsuit. Missing this deadline likely means losing your right to recover compensation.

Acting swiftly is critical when pursuing a car accident claim. The legal process takes time, evidence can be lost or destroyed, witness memories can fade, and insurance companies frequently employ stalling tactics. Contacting a lawyer as soon as possible is crucial.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a McFarland Car Accident Lawyer

If you’ve suffered serious injuries in a car crash caused by someone else’s negligence, you need to seek legal counsel from a skilled car accident attorney in McFarland, WI, to protect your rights. The team at LawtonCates can fight for the accountability and compensation you deserve while you focus on recovery. Contact us today for your free consultation with a car accident lawyer in McFarland.