Auto Accident Injury in Madison, WI

Have you suffered an injury due to a car accident in Madison? If so, your life may never be the same again. Injuries from a car accident can interfere with your ability both to work and to enjoy everyday activities. They can also be incredibly painful. As such, you need an auto accident attorney who understands the laws in and around Madison, WI that will fight for your legal rights and help you receive the financial compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Injury Statistics in Madison, Wisconsin

According to the National Safety Council, in 2019 about 4.4 million people suffered serious injuries in motor vehicle accidents and an estimated 38,000 were killed. Crash statistics collected by the Department of Transportation for 2019 found 145,288 accidents across the state. In response, the government offers traffic safety courses to drivers to reduce these numbers in cities like Madison. These classes give individuals with demerit points and a history of high risk a way to regain their driving privileges. Participation can also be mandatory for people convicted of Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated.

What to Do After an Auto Accident

It’s important to be prepared in the event you are a victim of a car accident. Below are the steps to remember immediately after your crash.

Receive Immediate Medical Attention

What is the most important step that you need to take after an auto accident? You need to receive immediate and proper medical treatment. You may believe that the injuries sustained after an auto accident are minor. Proper medical treatment helps ensure that you have not sustained any internal injuries that you may not be aware of.

File a Police Report

Even if no one sustained injuries, you still need to call 911 and request law enforcement assistance. When officers arrive, jot down each one’s name and badge number. Answer their questions honestly, but don’t volunteer any unasked for information, especially your thoughts on exactly what happened or who caused the car accident. Be sure to ask the officers for the number of their police report. Also ask when and where you can get a copy of it, including how much it will cost you.

The City of Madison provides a self-reporting system online for non-emergencies. If you’re in a life-threatening situation or emergency, dial 911 immediately. If you’re unsure if the accident happened within city limits, you’ll need to make this determination to submit a form to the proper authorities. For example, if you were actually in Fitchburg, you’ll need to contact their police department instead.

Gather the Appropriate Documentation

While waiting for officers to arrive after a car accident, collect information from all other drivers involved in the accident, including the following:

• Full name, address, phone number and email address
• Driver’s license state and number
• Auto insurance company name, policy number and phone number

Use your cell phone to take pictures of each driver’s license, auto insurance card, your vehicle and each additional vehicle involved in the car accident. Don’t rely on verbal communication. Having as much information as possible will only help you and your case later on. Try to keep this exchange as civil and friendly as possible. However, do not apologize for causing the accident or indicate in any way that you think you may have caused it. 

Recovering Damages After an Auto Accident Injury

After surviving a car accident, the emotional and economic toll it takes can be staggering. You are not only dealing with the mental anguish that comes with being involved in a crash, but you may also be experiencing severe physical harm as well.

Common injuries associated with motor vehicle accidents include:

• Burn injuries
• Back and neck injuries, such as whiplash
• Brain and head injuries
• Broken bones
• Spinal injuries
• Soft tissue injuries

From 2014 to 2018, the State of Wisconsin saw an average of 30,507 injury crashes each year. Comparing this statistic against the total average of 130,896 accidents gives a ratio of 23% of incidents resulting in physical harm. To compare costs, the National Safety Council finds that crashes with injuries cost an average of $28,500 nationwide. After multiplying this number against 5,204 collisions in the City of Madison, these incidents all together may cost roughly $148 million.

Hiring a car accident lawyer ensures you have the financial ability to cover any losses that have occurred as a result of a crash. An auto accident attorney will also help you handle the paperwork that you will have to complete from insurance companies. This boosts your odds of receiving the insurance compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Laws in Wisconsin

Liability Laws for Madison

When car accidents happen, it is essential to determine who bears responsibility for the resulting damage and medical bills. Determining fault impacts everything from your insurance claim and level of liability to the amount of confusion you may endure during the claims process. 

While some states have adopted “no-fault” legislation for auto accidents, Wisconsin allows fault-based litigation. As a consequence, the negligent or reckless party and their insurance carrier must pay for damages. However, the plaintiff cannot collect awards if they are more than 50% responsible.

Statute of Limitations in Madison

Each state has its own tort laws that determine the statute of limitations on a claim. In some states, this gives you just one year to file a claim in court, while some others may give you up to six years. If you live in the Madison area, you have up to 3 years to file a lawsuit after a motor vehicle collision. If the incident involves the government, the statute of limitations lowers to only 120 days.

This is why it is important to consult with an attorney immediately after your car crash. Don’t wait and risk losing out on any compensation they can recover.

Work With an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer Near Madison, WI

After a car accident, you have enough to worry about. We can help you find an auto accident attorney for your unique case. Get the financial restitution that you deserve if you’re the victim of someone else’s conduct. We can even help you connect with legal help across Wisconsin state lines.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an attorney in your area!