Auto Accident Injury in Milwaukee, WI
You’re driving along familiar routes—perhaps navigating the intersections near downtown or cruising along I-94—when suddenly, the unexpected happens. A screech of tires, a jolt, and the unsettling crunch of metal disrupt your routine, reminding you how quickly normalcy can vanish on the road.
Being informed about the steps to take immediately after an accident and understanding the legal landscape can significantly impact your recovery process. From reporting the incident to seeking compensation, each decision plays a vital role in your journey back to normalcy.
You need an auto accident attorney who understands the laws in and around Milwaukee, WI that will fight for your legal rights and help you receive the financial compensation you deserve.
Auto Accident Injury Statistics in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
In 2022, Milwaukee County experienced 101 fatal crashes resulting in 111 deaths. This marked a significant increase in traffic fatalities over the past two decades, with a 113.5% rise from 2002 to 2022. Notably, pedestrian-involved crash fatalities reached a two-decade high of 32 in 2022.
What to Do After an Auto Accident
It’s crucial to know what to do if you’re ever involved in a car accident. The moments that follow can affect both your physical recovery and any legal claims you may need to make. Start with the most important step: protecting your health.
Receive Immediate Medical Attention
Your first move after a crash should be to seek medical care. Even if you feel okay or think the injuries are minor, don’t skip this step. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some serious conditions—like internal bleeding or soft tissue damage—don’t show symptoms right away. Seeing a medical professional ensures you get the care you need and creates documentation that may be critical if you later file a claim.
File a Police Report
Filing a police report provides an official record of the incident, which can be essential when filing insurance claims or pursuing legal action. In Milwaukee, you can obtain a copy of the police report through the Milwaukee Police Department’s online reporting system. This document includes details about the accident, statements from involved parties, and the officer’s observations, all of which can support your case.
Alternatively, crash reports can be purchased online through the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s website.
Gather the Appropriate Documentation
After the accident, collect all relevant documents, including medical records, repair estimates, and any correspondence with insurance companies. Keep a detailed record of expenses related to the accident, such as medical bills, transportation costs, and lost wages due to missed work.
While waiting for officers to arrive after a car accident, collect information from all other drivers involved in the accident, including the following:
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- Full name, address, phone number, and email address
- Driver’s license state and number
- Auto insurance company name, policy number, and phone number
Maintaining a personal journal detailing your recovery process, pain levels, and how the injuries affect your daily life can also be beneficial. This information can provide a comprehensive view of the accident’s impact, supporting your compensation claim.
Recovering Damages After an Auto Accident Injury
Common injuries associated with motor vehicle accidents include:
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- Burn injuries
- Back and neck injuries, such as whiplash
- Brain and head injuries
- Broken bones
- Spinal injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
Auto Accident Laws in Wisconsin
Liability Laws for Milwaukee
Wisconsin operates under a “modified comparative negligence” system. This means you can recover damages if you’re found to be less than 51% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you’re awarded $100,000 in damages but found to be 20% at fault, your compensation would be reduced to $80,000. Understanding how fault is determined and its impact on your claim is crucial when pursuing compensation.
Statute of Limitations in Milwaukee
In Wisconsin, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit resulting from a car accident is generally three years from the date of the accident. For wrongful death claims resulting from a car accident, the deadline is two years from the date of death.
There are very few exceptions to these time limits, such as if the injured party is a minor or if the at-fault driver left the state and could not be located. However, courts are generally strict about these deadlines. Waiting too long can weaken your case, even if you’re technically still within the time frame. Evidence may be lost, key witnesses might become harder to locate, and insurance companies are less likely to negotiate fairly when significant time has passed.
Work With an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer Near Milwaukee, 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.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in Wisconsin!
About the Author
Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.
With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations.
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