Milwaukee Car Accident Lawyer

A severe car accident can happen instantly and dramatically change the lives of those involved. In Wisconsin, auto accidents are a leading cause of death and severe injury. 
When a car crash occurs, it is crucial to get help immediately. Within the first hours following a collision, your adrenaline rages, and you could be masking severe injuries.
Any injured victim in a car or motorcycle accident could face years of medical treatment, ongoing hospital bills, and out-of-pocket expenses.
Were you involved in a Milwaukee vehicle accident? A Wisconsin car accident attorney at Injury Lawyer Team, sponsored by Rosenfeld Law Offices, can work on personal injury cases where auto accident victims suffered injuries, damage to property, or death.
Contact a Milwaukee, WI car accident attorney today to schedule a free consultation. All confidential or sensitive information shared with their legal team remains private through an attorney-client relationship.

Car Accident Statistics Nationwide

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is a government organization that collects data on car accidents in the United States. According to their website, there were over 5.6 million car accidents in the US in 2020. 
NHTSA also collects data on car accidents yearly due to distracted driving. 

• In 2020, 3,328 people were killed, and 421,000 were injured in distracted driving accidents.
• Every day in the United States, 28 people are killed in traffic accidents involving a car or trucks.
• In 2020, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that 32,719 people were killed in motor vehicle accidents in the United States. 
• Of those 32,719 fatalities, 10,076 were drivers or passengers of a car or light truck. 
• In 2020, there were 3,328 people killed as pedestrians in traffic accidents. 
• On average, 116 people die each day due to motor vehicle collisions. 
• In 2021, 9,262 people were injured in crashes involving cars or light trucks. 
• Car accidents are the leading cause of death for Americans aged 4 to 34.

Wisconsin Department of Transportation Car Accident Statistics

Wisconsin Department of Transportation  (WISDOT) publishes yearly reports on traffic collisions in the state. The latest report, from 2020, shows 99,098 traffic collisions in Wisconsin that year. 
Of those collisions, 91,668 were property damage only (PDO) collisions, 7,430 were injury collisions, and 810 were fatal collisions. Those three types of collisions resulted in 1,290 injuries and 147 deaths.
The statistical data report also includes data on vehicles involved in the collisions. Passenger cars were the most common type of vehicle involved in PDO and injury collisions, while pickup trucks were the most common type of vehicle involved in fatal crashes.

Why Are There So Many Car Accidents Every Year?

Every year, auto accidents injure and kill thousands of victims in the United States. These accidents can have devastating effects on the victims and their families. 
Car accidents can cause physical injuries, such as whiplash and spinal cord injuries, and can also lead to psychological injuries, such as post-traumatic stress disorder. These accidents can also lead to death. Car accidents are the leading cause of death for people aged 15 to 29 in the United States.

Reasons For Car Accidents

The most common reasons for car accidents are:

• Distracted driving: Operating a motor vehicle while distracted could lead to catastrophic accidents, including head-on collisions. Distractions could involve using a cellphone, texting, eating, or drinking.
• Speeding: Driving too fast for conditions or exceeding the speed limit can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles.
• Drunk driving: Driving while intoxicated can drastically impair a driver’s judgment and slow reaction time, leading to dangerous situations.
• Drowsy driving: Fatigue can have the same effect as drunk driving, leading to accidents caused by drivers falling asleep at the wheel.
• Reckless driving: Taking unnecessary risks while behind the wheel, like passing on the shoulder or weaving in and out of traffic, can lead to accidents.
• Inexperienced drivers: Teenagers and new drivers may not yet have the experience or knowledge to handle certain situations on the road safely.
• Adverse weather: Bad weather, including driving rain, snowstorms, and high winds, can make driving conditions more difficult and lead to accidents.
• Hazardous road conditions: Poorly maintained roads with potholes, debris, or other hazards can lead to accidents.
• Highway construction zones: Drivers who fail to slow down or pay attention in construction zones put themselves and others at risk of an accident.

Car accidents can cause severe injuries, significant damage to property, and fatalities. When two or more vehicles collide, the impact force can cause severe injuries to the occupants of the cars. The passengers may be thrown against the dashboard or the seat in front of them, resulting in head and neck injuries. 
The airbags may deploy with such force that they can cause additional injuries. The crash can also cause the car to catch fire, resulting in burn injuries.
In addition to the injuries suffered by the occupants of the cars, car accidents can also cause serious damage to the vehicles themselves. The force of the impact can cause the cars to be crushed or even flipped over. The collision can also cause objects inside the vehicle to fly around and hit passengers or drivers.

Common Car Accident Injuries

If you are injured, seek medical attention right away. You may also want to contact an auto accident attorney to discuss your legal options.

Common Car Accident Injuries:

Victims of a car accident can suffer a wide range of physical and emotional injuries. Some common injuries include:

• Concussions: Traumatic brain injuries can cause dizziness, nausea, confusion, and memory loss.
• Back and Spine Injuries: Damage to the vertebrae and spinal cord can lead to chronic back pain, paralysis, and even death.
• Cuts and Lacerations: Sharp objects inside the car can cause scratches and lacerations during a crash.
• Whiplash: A sudden, violent forward or backward head motion can cause the neck muscles and ligaments to stretch and tear. Symptoms may include pain, stiffness, and restricted movement in the neck.
• Concussion: A brain injury caused by a blow to the head that disrupts normal brain function. Symptoms may include headache, confusion, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.
• Bones that are broken: Bones may break when the force of an accident is too great for them to withstand. Commonly broken bones include the femur (thighbone), tibia and fibula (lower leg bones), and clavicle (collarbone).
• Lacerations: Cuts or lacerations are often caused by flying debris or shattered glass in a car accident. They can range in size from a small scratch to a large gash that requires stitches.
• Burns can be caused by contact with hot surfaces such as the dashboard or steering wheel and spilled gasoline or engine fluids. They can range in severity from first-degree burns (mild) to third-degree burns (severe).
• Soft tissue injuries: Muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues can be injured in a car accident. These injuries can be quite painful and may take weeks or even months to heal.

You may be entitled to financial compensation if you are injured when a car accident happened. This money can help you pay for medical bills, lost income, and other costs related to the accident. Contact an auto accident attorney to learn more about your rights and how to file a claim.

Resolving Wisconsin Car Crashes Insurance Claim

What Is a Car Accident Claim?

An auto accident compensation claim can help you recover the costs of your injuries, including healthcare expenses and lost wages. When filing a successful claim, it is essential to understand the basics of car accident law.
To successfully resolve a car crash compensation claim, you must prove that the other driver was at fault. You can prove your case by showing that the other driver was speeding, failed to yield the right of way, was driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, Or other negligent action led to the accident. 
If you can prove that the other driver was at fault, you may be able to recover damages.
The compensation you can receive will depend on the severity of your injuries. If you have suffered severe injuries, you may be entitled to receive punitive damages. Punitive damages punish the negligent driver and deter others from engaging in similar behavior.

What To Do After Being Involved in An Accident? 

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, gathering as much information as possible about the crash is essential. This information can be used to prove your case and get the compensation you deserve. Necessary steps to remember after a car crash:

• Don’t leave the scene of the accident. The law requires anyone involved in an accident to remain at the scene, should the accident have caused property damage, injury, or death. When leaving an accident scene, you could be liable for hit and run charges, hindering your ability to receive any compensation for the accident. 
• Seek medical attention. The only valid reason for leaving the scene of an accident is when you have sustained critical injuries and require immediate medical attention. Otherwise, consult with emergency personnel on the scene or visit a doctor or hospital after the police have arrived. Your health must be a priority. Get a record of all your injuries to use in your lawsuit.
• Obtain a copy of the police report. Police reports contain essential details about the accident, who was at fault, and what caused the crash.
• Collect evidence from the scene of the accident. Take photos of the damage to both cars, and collect any other evidence that may be helpful, such as skid marks or broken glass. 
• Talk to eyewitnesses. If there were any witnesses to the accident, talk to them and get their contact information so they can provide testimony if needed later on. 
• Hire a Milwaukee car accident lawyer. The Injury Lawyer Team will oversee all the communication and investigation regarding the motor accident. 
• Don’t accept fault or blame. Often insurance adjusters will speak to you after the accident and try to get a statement that can be used against you. Whatever you say to the insurance adjuster could be used as evidence against you in your personal injury claim. Do not take responsibility and do not apologize, as it could be seen as an admission of fault, nullifying or minimizing your claim.
• Don’t accept any settlement offers. Insurance companies are often quick to offer a settlement. It is wise to discuss the proposal with your lawyer before taking the offer, 

Contact Milwaukee Car Accident Lawyers

Once you have gathered all the information you can about your Wisconsin car crash, it’s time to get in touch with a car accident lawyer. A lawyer will help you navigate the legal process and ensure that you get the compensation you deserve. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a lawyer:
Our law offices specialize in automobile accident cases: not all personal injury law offices have experience dealing with car accident claims, liability insurance, or understand comprehensive Wisconsin civil tort laws.
Speak to our car accident lawyers; we work on a contingency fee basis, where we only get paid if you win the case. 

File An Auto Accident Compensation Claim With The Insurance Company 

According to law, you’ll need to file your civil action as soon as possible due to the legal restrictions of the Wisconsin statute of limitations, which states that you have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim. 
As the first step, your lawyer will send a demand letter to the at-fault driver’s insurance company. This letter will outline your injuries and damages and state the amount of compensation you are seeking. 
Insurance adjusters will then investigate your claim and could offer you a settlement. 
If you are unhappy with the insurance company’s offer, you can negotiate for a higher amount or take your case to trial. However, if you do take your case to trial, there is always the risk that the jury may not rule in your favor.

Present Your Evidence at Trial

Going to trial can be risky, but it can be well worth it if you have the proper evidence. 
Insurance companies are notorious for offering low settlements to save money. However, by going to trial, you may get a much larger settlement that covers all of your damages, including medical costs and loss of wages. 
You must gather evidence and build a solid argument to present your case effectively at trial. This evidence should show that the other driver was at fault and that you deserve compensation for your injuries. 

Statute Of Limitations

Personal injury claims in Wisconsin have a three-year statute of limitations – Wisconsin Statutes Section 893.54, allowing you only three years from your accident to file a motor vehicle accident lawsuit. 
A statute of limitations is a binding period that gives the maximum time after an incident has passed wherein any legal proceedings may be started. Once the binding period has passed, you are prohibited from filing a compensation claim. 
Should you file a preventable death claim for a loved one who passed in a vehicle accident, the statute of limitations is only two years from the date of death to file a claim. 

Filing A Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Our legal team understands that many families are lost and alone after a fatal vehicle accident. A Milwaukee car accident attorney must file a lawsuit to recoup your financial damages. Although nothing can bring back your loved one, a successful preventable death action can help to ensure that your family is taken care of financially. 
If you have lost a loved one in an accident, our experienced Milwaukee car accident lawyers may be able to help you file an avoidable death lawsuit.

What Is a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

A personal injury lawsuit based on a preventable death is a legal action brought by the surviving family members of someone who died due to another person’s negligence or wrongful act. 
To successfully resolve the lawsuit, the plaintiff or their auto accident attorneys must prove that the death was caused by another person’s negligence or wrongful act and that the survivors suffer financial damages due to the death.
State law governs these types of lawsuits, so it is essential to consult with an experienced Milwaukee car accident lawyer to determine whether you have a valid claim. Generally, only certain family members are entitled to bring an auto accident death lawsuit, and there may be strict deadlines for filing a claim.

What Damages Can Be Recovered in A Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

If a preventable death lawsuit is successful, the surviving family members may be able to recover damages for:

• The loss of love, companionship, and emotional support that the deceased person provided
• The loss of financial aid that the deceased person would have contributed to the family
• The funeral and burial expenses incurred as a result of the death
• The medical costs that were incurred before the death
• Pain and suffering that the deceased person experienced before death

In most cases, the insurance company will offer a settlement designed to cover the victim’s medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. It is important to remember that you are not obligated to accept this offer, and you may be able to negotiate for a higher amount. 

Settlements In Milwaukee Car Accident Cases

While the specifics of each case vary, the insurance company will typically offer a settlement designed to cover the victim’s medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Auto accident victims are not required to accept the offer and can renegotiate or go to trial.
Some of our recent auto accident settlements settled by our Wisconsin personal injury lawyers include:

Madison, Wisconsin Auto Accident Fatalities: $4 Million Negotiate Settlement

June 2021: Two car accident victims died in a horrific crash after their Tesla collided with a semi-truck. The surviving family members’ hired our car accident attorneys to present evidence before a judge and jury.
Jurors awarded the families of the victims $2 million each to resolve their lawsuits.

Waukesha, Wisconsin Hit and Run Accident: $1.5 Million Negotiated Settlement

April 2020: A woman was seriously injured when she was hit by a car crossing the street. The uninsured driver of the vehicle fled the scene but was later apprehended by police. 
Her Milwaukee car crash lawyers negotiated a $1.5 million settlement with her insurer based on her policy’s uninsured motorist liability coverage from her insurance company. 

Kenosha, Wisconsin Fatality In Car Accident: $1 Million Settlement

March 2020: A drunk driver hit another vehicle and killed a woman driver. The surviving family members hired personal injury attorneys to recover compensation, including her medical bills, funeral expenses, burial costs, and other damages.
The personal injury case was resolved when their Milwaukee car accident attorney negotiated a million-dollar settlement with the drunk driver and the insurance company.

Racine, Wisconsin Fatality In Car Crash: $3.5 Million Settlement

January 2020: A man was killed when his car collided with a semi-truck on Interstate 94 during a heavy snowstorm. His surviving family members hired our Milwaukee car accident lawyers to represent them in a avoidable death lawsuit. 
The truck/car accident case involved numerous defendants, including the truck driver, trucking company, and highway maintenance crews.
The Milwaukee car accident lawyer representing the injured party (plaintiff) negotiated a settlement of $3.5 million with the truck driver’s insurance company.
If you have been involved in a car accident, consulting with an experienced legal team is vital. We have been representing car accident victims for decades to ensure they receive fair compensation when resolving their personal injury claims.

What Is My Case Worth: Typical Settlement Amounts in Auto Accidents

Determining the actual value of the case is tricky. A personal injury attorney will use many factors and calculate the severity of injuries, the amount of property damage, or whether or not the accident resulted in a death.
Generally, some ballpark figures can give you an idea of what you might be able to expect. The calculation for what your case is worth usually takes into account three main factors: 

• Economic damages can involve known physical expenses, including:

• Future medical treatment, including medical bills
• Physical rehabilitation
• Mental or trauma counseling
• Cost of medication, chronic or otherwise
• Damages to property
• Ambulance fees
• Medical care consultations
• Damages to the vehicle, cost of repair
• Permanent disability
• Non-medical in-home services
• Loss of wages, salary, and related expenses
• Attorneys’ fees
• Travel costs to and from doctors

• Non-economic damages are usually intangible and more difficult to calculate, including:

• Physical pain
• Emotional anguish and suffering
• Grief
• Loss of consortium or companionship 
• Loss of emotional support
• Reduced quality of life
• Impairment of bodily functions

• The jury awards punitive damages when the defendant or defendants were grossly negligent, their actions were highly egregious, or they acted with malicious intent. 

All personal injury claims involving car crashes are unique, and the final value may vary; these are some general guidelines that can give you an idea of what to expect. Contact a Milwaukee car accident lawyer from the Injury Lawyer Team to discuss receiving maximum compensation for your personal injuries and damages.

Compensation Limits 

Wisconsin is different from other states in that it does not limit most damages in vehicle accident lawsuits, which means there is no limit to the compensation amount your lawyer could recover in your case. 
Punitive damages are capped at $200 000, or double the amount of your compensatory damages, depending on which amount is more.
If you are found at fault for the accident, your compensation award would be lessened due to the Wisconsin Statutes Section 895.045, which governs the state’s modified comparative fault system for personal injury cases. 
Under the comparative fault system, compensation can be recovered as long as the percentage of fault you have is not more than the defendant’s percentage of fault. Your damages award will be lessened by your percentage of fault in the accident. 

Hiring Milwaukee Car Accident Attorneys to Pursue Your Car Injury Case

Were you involved in an auto accident? Seek legal counsel immediately. Our Milwaukee, WI car accident attorneys can help you file a claim and negotiate with the insurance company. We can also help you seek financial compensation for your injuries.

Contingency Fee Basis

Our Milwaukee vehicle accident attorneys accept every personal injury case on a contingency fee basis. This arrangement ensures you will pay no upfront fees for legal representation until your auto accident lawyer resolves your claim through a negotiated settlement or jury award.
All confidential or sensitive information you share concerning your vehicle accident remains private through an attorney-client relationship. Contact a Milwaukee car accident lawyer today to schedule a free consultation.

Resources:

• Road  Accident Deaths Increased in 2021-NHTSA.
• Car Injury Data – NSC