Were you or a loved one hurt in a car accident in Waunakee? If so, the experienced team at LawtonCates can help. We’ve been fighting for the rights of Wisconsin residents since 1958, and we’re ready to fight for the compensation you deserve while you focus on healing. Call or contact us today for a free consultation with our Waunakee car accident lawyers.
Why Hiring a Lawyer Matters After a Car Accident in Waunakee
Car accidents happen all the time in Waunakee, and your choice of attorney can make all the difference when dealing with the other driver’s insurance company. When you Google “car crash lawyer near me,” you don’t just want to find someone local. You want a personal injury attorney with experience, a successful track record, and integrity. Look for someone you feel can:
Make an Impact on the Success of Your Case
Car accident cases can be complicated, and attempting to negotiate a settlement without legal help could hurt your case. A seasoned car accident attorney can investigate the accident scene, determine liability, and develop a strategy to pursue fair compensation.
Help You Avoid Critical Errors When Dealing with Insurance
Insurance companies are reluctant to make payouts, even on valid car accident claims. Adjusters are trained to minimize or deny compensation, sometimes by requesting unnecessary information they can twist in their favor or by asking misleading questions intended to get you to say something that jeopardizes your case. They may also pressure you to sign a release granting access to your complete medical history in an attempt to place blame for your injuries on other accidents or a pre-existing condition. A Waunakee auto accident attorney can protect you from bad-faith tactics and safeguard your rights as your claim progresses
Offer Compassionate Support
The right lawyer should do more than build a solid car accident claim. You should feel confident that they care about you and your well-being, not just closing your case. At LawtonCates, we take pride in providing tailored, client-first representation. Unlike legal mills that accept settlements quickly, we take an intentional and thoughtful approach, limiting our caseload to ensure each client receives our full attention.
Wisconsin Car Accident Laws
Understanding Wisconsin laws regarding car accidents is crucial when seeking compensation for auto accident injuries. These statutes include:
- Reporting requirements – Any accident resulting in the injury or death of a person, $1,000 or more of damage to another person’s vehicle or property, or $200 or more of damage to state or other government property other than a vehicle must be reported to the police. If you haven’t filed a report yet, do it right away.
- Comparative negligence – Wisconsin’s modified comparative negligence statute means you can still recover compensation for a crash if you are 50 percent or less responsible for it. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
- Statute of limitations – In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a car accident injury lawsuit in Wisconsin. If you’re filing a wrongful death lawsuit stemming from a motor vehicle accident, the deadline is shortened to two years.
Common Causes of Car Crashes
Our Waunakee auto accident attorneys handle cases involving all types of crashes. Some of the most common causes of car accidents in Wisconsin result from driver negligence, including:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Following too closely
- Failure to yield
- Running red lights and stop signs
- Fatigue
- Hazardous road conditions
- Bad weather
Determining what caused the crash that harmed you is crucial to proving the liable party is responsible for your injuries. A car accident attorney in Waunakee can investigate the crash, interview witnesses, and consult with experts to establish liability and seek maximum compensation.
What Happens if the Other Driver Has No Insurance?
Unfortunately, not every driver obeys Wisconsin laws requiring auto insurance. A driver without liability insurance likely has little means to compensate you for the injuries they caused. However, if you carry the mandatory uninsured motorist coverage (UM), you should have another source of compensation if a driver has no insurance or flees the accident scene.
What Types of Compensation Can Car Accident Victims Receive?
Compensation for car accident victims can cover both financial and personal losses. A personal injury lawyer in Waunakee can seek compensation for your:
- Medical bills – Ambulance rides, ER visits, doctor’s appointments, surgeries, medical devices, prescription medication, physical therapy or rehabilitation, and future medical expenses
- Lost wages – Any income lost due to missed work, including hourly wages or salary, commissions, tips, sick days and vacation time, missed raises or promotions, and future lost wages
- Pain and suffering – Physical pain, emotional distress, chronic pain, scarring, disfigurement, psychological trauma, etc.
What LawtonCates Can Do for You
Not all law firms provide the same level of service. When you choose LawtonCates for your Waunakee auto accident claim, you select a firm that will:
- Provide a free consultation – We’ll sit down for an initial consultation, listen to your story, ask questions, and then inform you of your legal options— all free of charge.
- Offer critical local knowledge – We have nearly 70 years of experience handling personal injury claims and serving the people of South Central Wisconsin. That Midwest insight will help us better understand the cause of the car accident and who might be liable.
- Gather evidence – Our legal team will obtain police reports, interview witnesses, gather medical and financial records, seek surveillance or dashcam footage, and reconstruct the collision to craft a persuasive case.
- Negotiate and litigate – Most auto accident cases settle out of court. At LawtonCates, our experienced personal injury lawyers prepare every case like it’s going to trial. If insurers don’t play fair, we won’t hesitate to go to court and seek a favorable verdict on your behalf.
Contact Our Waunakee Car Accident Attorneys Today for a Free Consultation
If you suffered injuries in a collision caused by someone else’s negligence, you deserve a car accident lawyer in Waunakee who will aggressively advocate for the financial compensation you need to move on with your life. Choose LawtonCates. We’ll be your fiercest allies in the fight for justice and compensation. Contact us today for your free consultation.