The legal process involved in pursuing fair compensation after Wisconsin car accidents is far more intricate than it may seem. Even if the fault is apparent and your injuries are a direct result of the crash, the process of proving it and recovering the compensation you deserve is not as simple as filling out a form. Insurance companies are adept at protecting their financial interests, often at the expense of your own, and they know how to distort facts and delay payouts.
That’s where Schwaba Law Firm comes in. Our Wisconsin car lawyers understand the rules, the strategies insurers use, and what it takes to build a strong case. Whether you’re dealing with a totaled vehicle, painful injuries, or time off work, we can help you fight for compensation for your losses.
Don’t let the system take advantage of you. Call now or complete our contact form to get started with a free case review.
What Does a Car Accident Lawyer Do?
The job of a Wisconsin car accident attorney is to protect your rights and fight on your behalf for maximum compensation. Some ways our motor vehicle accident attorneys do that include:
- Investigating the accident and gathering key evidence
- Reviewing police reports, medical records, and witness statements
- Identifying all potentially liable parties
- Handling communication with insurance companies
- Negotiating for fair compensation on your behalf
- Calculating the full value of your claim, including potential future losses
- Filing paperwork and meeting legal deadlines
- Representing car accident victims in court if the liable party doesn’t offer a fair settlement
- Protecting your rights from unfair insurance tactics
Wisconsin Car Accident Laws You Should Know
A number of laws and policies can affect the outcome of injury claims arising from Wisconsin car accidents, including:
- Fault-Based System – Wisconsin uses a fault-based system for car accidents, which means the person who caused the crash is financially responsible for the resulting losses. If you’re hurt in an accident, you can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company or pursue a personal injury lawsuit if necessary.
- Statute of Limitations – In most cases, you have three years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, the court will likely dismiss your case, and you won’t be able to recover any compensation.
- Minimum Insurance Requirements – Wisconsin law requires drivers to carry at least $25,000 in liability coverage for the injury or death of one person, $50,000 for the injuries or deaths of two or more people, and $10,000 for property damage.
Did you know? You must also carry uninsured motorist coverage with minimum limits of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury.
Click to learn what to expect after a car accident.
Common Types of Car Accidents in Wisconsin
With its mix of busy cities, small towns, and varying weather across the state, Wisconsin sees many kinds of crashes. The types of collisions also vary depending on the region – for example, rural crashes and highway pileups are most likely to occur in communities in northern and central Wisconsin. Some of the most common types of Wisconsin car accidents include:
- Rear-End Collisions – Rear-end accidents often happen in city traffic or at stoplights. They frequently result from drivers following too closely or being distracted.
- Intersection Accidents – Crashes in intersections are common in urban areas like Milwaukee and Madison. Drivers running red lights or failing to yield are typical causes of these crashes.
- Head-On Collisions – Head-on collisions are most likely to happen on rural roads and highways. Some common causes include drivers crossing the centerline or driving on the wrong side of the road.
- Sideswipe Collisions – Common on busy highways and multi-lane roads, sideswipe crashes frequently happen during lane changes or while drivers are merging.
- Single-Vehicle Crashes – Accidents involving single vehicles are most common in rural areas, especially during bad weather or when drivers swerve to avoid animals.
