The hours and days after a car crash can seem like a blur, and it’s common to feel uncertain about what to expect after a car accident or what you should do next. The good news is that you don’t have to handle it all on your own. A car accident injury lawyer can explain your rights, gather useful evidence, and deal with the insurance company so you don’t feel pressured into accepting less than you deserve.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Car Accident to Protect Your Claim
In the immediate aftermath of a car accident, do your best to stay calm and focus on safety. If possible, move your vehicles out of traffic and turn on your hazard lights to prevent further accidents. Next, call the police right away. Wisconsin law requires drivers to call 911 after a collision if anyone gets injured or killed or if there appears to be more than $1,000 in property damage. Even if you don’t think the crash meets these criteria, reporting the accident ensures that police officers can secure the scene, document what happened, and file an official police report.
After calling 911, check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is hurt, do not move them unless they are in immediate danger. Once emergency responders have secured the scene and tended to the seriously injured, start gathering evidence. Take clear photos of vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Collect names, phone numbers, and insurance information from all drivers involved. Ask for contact information from any witnesses who saw the crash. Hang on to any physical evidence, such as broken car parts or torn clothing, that could help you show what happened.
Throughout this process, remain calm and avoid admitting fault. Even a simple statement like “I’m sorry!” or “I didn’t see you!” could be used against you later. Your goal at this point is to stay safe, comply with Wisconsin law, and protect any information that could support your claim.
Seeking Medical Care and Documenting Injuries for Legal Evidence
You should always see a doctor after a car accident, even if you feel fine. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal trauma, might not show symptoms right away. A medical evaluation can confirm whether you have hidden injuries and create a clear record of your condition from the very beginning. If you wait to get a check-up, the insurance company might question whether your injuries really came from the crash.
Prompt medical care is also key to protecting your health. A doctor can identify and treat any injuries you have before they worsen. Be sure to follow all of your doctor’s medical advice, attend follow-up visits, and keep copies of every record, bill, and report. These documents can help you show a direct link between the accident and your injuries, which can strengthen your compensation claim.
Detailed medical records carry significant weight in a legal case. They provide professional documentation of your pain, treatment, and recovery timeline. Even if your symptoms seem mild, it’s best to seek medical attention to protect your health and your legal rights. Consistent medical documentation can make the difference between a weak claim and a successful one.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Most auto insurance policies require you to report any accident within a reasonable time, usually a few days or weeks after the crash. Prompt reporting protects your right to coverage and allows your insurer to start processing your claim quickly.
When you contact your insurer, provide the basic facts: the date, time, and location of the crash, along with the other driver’s contact and insurance details. Stick to the facts and avoid guessing about fault or the extent of your injuries.
An insurance adjuster may contact you soon after you report the accident. Their goal is to limit the amount their company pays, not to protect your car insurance claim. They might ask you leading questions or push you to give a recorded statement. Keep in mind that you do not have to agree to provide a statement, and that anything you say could be used against you later.
Never sign any settlement paperwork or release forms without understanding exactly what they mean. Once you accept a settlement, you are likely forfeiting your right to seek more compensation later, even if you experience new symptoms connected to the same crash. Before you sign anything, consult a knowledgeable car accident lawyer. They can help you review settlement offers, communicate with insurance adjusters, and protect your right to fair compensation under Wisconsin law.
Understanding the Claims and Legal Process
The car accident claims process starts with determining who caused the crash. Insurance companies review accident reports, witness statements, and physical evidence to assign fault. Your lawyer will also investigate the crash. Once fault is established, settlement talks can begin with the insurer of the at-fault party.
The value of your claim can vary depending on factors like the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, time missed from work, and the long-term impact on your life. A fair settlement should cover both current and future losses related to the crash.
Wisconsin law gives you three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you could lose your right to sue and any leverage you might have had in insurance negotiations. If insurance companies know you cannot take them to court, they will have no reason to offer you any money for your claim. An attorney can help you identify all relevant deadlines for your claim to preserve your ability to pursue full compensation through a settlement or in court.
Get Legal Help After a Car Accident in Green Bay
At Schwaba Law Firm, we help people across Wisconsin pursue the compensation they need after car crashes and other serious injury accidents. We’ll investigate every detail, gather medical and financial evidence, and handle all communication with the insurance companies so you’re free to focus on recovery. If you were injured in a car accident, contact us now to schedule your free consultation.
