Were you or a family member injured in a car accident in Milwaukee, WI? It can be tough to get the compensation you deserve if another driver caused the crash. An experienced Milwaukee car accident lawyer at Trial Lawyers of Wisconsin can help. We’ll fight to recover fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain, trauma, and more.

Since 1990, our lawyers have been dedicated to helping accident victims like you get back on their feet again. Over the years, we’ve recovered over $100,000,000 in settlements and verdicts.

Wisconsin is an at-fault state when it comes to car insurance. If someone else caused your accident, they likely owe you compensation. Contact our law offices in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, or call (414) 299 6378 to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can fight for a fair deal.

How Can Trial Lawyers of Wisconsin Help Me Recover Compensation After a Car Crash in Milwaukee, WI?

A serious car crash can take a significant toll. You may be struggling physically and mentally–all while watching the bills pile up.

Still, it’s important to take legal action soon after a car wreck. You only have a limited amount of time to build your case and file a claim for compensation. The insurance company isn’t on your side–so don’t rely on them for help.

Instead, count on our experienced Milwaukee personal injury lawyers to protect your best interests while you rest and recover. 

Over the years, members of our team at Trial Lawyers of Wisconsin have been listed as Super Lawyers and as members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. We’ve also been recognized as among the Top 25 Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyers in Wisconsin.

When you hire us, our award-winning trial lawyers will handle every aspect of your case by:

• Offering sound legal advice throughout the personal injury law process
• Conducting our own investigation and locating evidence to prove your case
• Handling all paperwork and insurance communications
• Working closely with your family to understand how the injury is changing your life
• Documenting your losses and assessing your case value
• Hiring expert witnesses when needed to strengthen your personal injury claim
• Filing an insurance claim and negotiating aggressively for a full settlement
• Filing a lawsuit if the insurance companies refuse to offer a fair settlement

Our Milwaukee personal injury attorneys will put you in the best possible position after a crash. To learn more about getting experienced legal representation, give us a call to schedule a free case review today.

Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

Dealing with insurance companies after a car accident is rarely pleasant. If you’re like most crash victims, you may be feeling stressed, overwhelmed, and frustrated. The insurance company may be badgering you for information. They might even be pressuring you to take a fast settlement.

First and foremost, your lawyer can handle all communications with the insurance company. That can give you time to rest and recover.

Most importantly, however, accident victims who hire experienced attorneys tend to receive higher settlements and verdicts.

That’s because: 

• Insurance companies have virtually unlimited resources to fight and delay your claim. A respected law firm can level the playing field and cut through the red tape.
• You’ll probably be blamed for your injuries even if there’s no basis for the allegations. Your attorney won’t let the insurance companies get away with it.
• Your attorney will have the resources to investigate and prove your case. They have the tools to locate evidence and hire experts as needed.

You don’t have to handle your car accident claim alone. Schedule a free case review with a trusted car accident attorney in Milwaukee to learn more about your legal options.

How Much Compensation Can I Recover By Filing a Car Accident Claim in Milwaukee?

Evaluating the facts is critical to understanding how much your personal injury case is worth. In serious injury cases, we may call in experts to testify about future losses and the value of non-financial damages.

While every personal injury claim is different, some of the most relevant factors include:

• The severity of your injuries
• The cost of your medical care
• Your anticipated need for future medical treatment and rehabilitation
• Whether you lose income during recovery
• Whether the injuries will impact your future earnings
• Your intangible losses, including damage to your quality of life, lifestyle changes, and mental trauma
• Available insurance coverage and policy limits
• Whether comparative fault is an issue

Understanding your case value is critical to making a full financial recovery. When you don’t understand how much you deserve, you risk taking a lowball insurance deal. Hiring an experienced lawyer is the best way to maximize your settlement or verdict. 

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit After a Car Accident in Wisconsin?

The statute of limitations in Wisconsin is three years in most cases. Starting from the date of your car accident, you have three years to file a lawsuit. After the three-year deadline passes, you cannot sue for damages.

Exceptions to the general statute of limitations do exist. It’s always a good idea to speak with an attorney as soon as you can. Your lawyer can make sure you meet the deadline and avoid missing out on valuable compensation.

What Types of Damages Can I Recover in a Car Accident Case in Milwaukee, Wisconsin?

Under Wisconsin personal injury laws, car accident victims can seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages. These compensatory damages are designed to cover the specific losses you have suffered.

In rare cases, punitive damages may be available.

What Are Some Examples of the Types of Economic Damages I May Recover in Wisconsin?

Economic damages compensate victims for the financial costs associated with a car accident, including:

• Current medical bills
• Lost wages during recovery
• Future medical expenses
• Lost future earning potential if you suffer a long-term or permanent disability
• Rehabilitation 
• Nursing care
• In-home help
• Vehicle repair costs
• Other out-of-pocket expenses

When all is said and done, the at-fault party should compensate you for all of the financial losses you have incurred.

What Are Some Examples of the Types of Non-Economic Damages I May Recover in Wisconsin?

Non-economic damages offer money to compensate for the non-financial losses caused by the injury, including:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Anxiety
• Depression 
• PTSD
• Diminished quality of life
• Decreased enjoyment of life
• Physical disfigurement and scarring
• Loss of consortium in wrongful death cases

Proving these damages can be more difficult. These are the types of damages that don’t have an obvious financial value. They’re also the types of losses that are likely to impact your life in the most dramatic ways. With a lawyer’s help, you’ll have the best chance of recovering a non-economic damages award that fully accounts for your suffering.

When Are Punitive Damages Available in Wisconsin?

Punitive damages are only available if there is convincing evidence to prove the defendant acted intentionally or with extreme disregard for human life. Punitive damages are uncommon because they don’t compensate a victim for their specific losses. Instead, judges award them solely to punish the defendant.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Milwaukee?

Most car accident attorneys in Milwaukee work on a contingency fee basis. Instead of charging set attorney’s fees, you pay a percentage of your settlement or verdict. Usually, the percentage is around 33%. 

At Trial Lawyers of Wisconsin, we know that you’re already dealing with injuries and expenses. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis. We’ll discuss our fees with you ahead of time, but the bottom line is that you only pay if we recover compensation in your case.

Call our lawyers in Milwaukee for more information about our contingency fee structure.

What Happens to My Right to Recover Compensation if I’m Partly Responsible for Causing a Car Accident in Wisconsin?

It is still possible for you to recover compensation if you share some fault for your accident in Wisconsin.

Under Wisconsin’s modified comparative negligence law, you can recover compensation if your share of fault is 50% or less. In these cases, however, your settlement or verdict is reduced in proportion to your share of blame. You will lose your right to recover compensation once your share of fault reaches 51%.

The at-fault driver and their insurance company will probably try to pin the blame on you. They don’t always have the evidence to prove it. Unfortunately, however, many car accident victims back down in the face of these allegations.

An experienced personal injury lawyer can defend against these types of accusations. Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation if you’re being blamed for your own injuries.

Will My Car Accident Case Go to Trial?

It’s always possible that your case will go to trial, but it’s unlikely. It really depends on the complexities presented by your case. Most car accident claims settle with the insurance company without the need for a trial.

Cases that go to trial tend to involve one or more of the following issues:

• Complex questions about who caused the accident
• The insurance company is refusing a fair settlement offer
• The victim is searching for a sense of justice

Generally, resolving cases via settlement negotiations is preferable to going to trial. Trials are expensive, stressful, and unpredictable. Months may pass before the court can hear your case. 

While going to court is considered a last resort, our lawyers are always prepared for trial. Getting the maximum compensation you deserve is our first priority–and the insurance company knows that we’re ready to argue before a judge and jury if necessary. In the end, that makes it much more likely that they’ll offer a full settlement.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Milwaukee?

The steps you take after a motor vehicle accident can impact both your health and your right to compensation.

After an accident, the following actions can protect you:

• Stay at the accident scene and try to remain calm.
• Call 911. In Wisconsin, you must report a crash that causes an injury or $1,000 in property damage. The police officer will also prepare an accident report that can be valuable evidence in your case.
• Exchange insurance information and contact details with the other driver.
• Collect basic evidence by taking photos and videos of the crash scene, vehicle damage, surroundings, skid marks, and any injuries.
• Avoid apologizing or making any statements about fault (for example, try to avoid saying things like “I was in a hurry” or “I didn’t see you,” as these statements can be used later to reduce your compensation award).
• Don’t sign any insurance documents or make a recorded statement without a lawyer’s advice.
• Seek immediate medical attention. The medical care you receive after an accident can be critical to your physical recovery. Receiving prompt medical care can also be crucial if you file a personal injury claim after the crash.

If you were injured, we always recommend speaking with an experienced attorney. Most attorneys offer free case reviews, so you can get legal advice without financial risk.

At Trial Lawyers of Wisconsin, we offer free and no-obligation consultations. If you were injured in an accident, call our personal injury law firm to learn more about how we can protect you after a crash.

We Handle All Types of Car Accident Claims in Milwaukee

Auto accidents happen in all different ways. Each type of car accident can present its own set of complications. 

At Trial Lawyers of Wisconsin, we have decades of experience handling all different types of car accident cases, including those involving:

Rear-End Collisions

Tailgating is common in Milwaukee. Drivers who fail to leave a safe amount of space between vehicles are much more likely to cause crashes. That’s one reason why rear-end crashes are so common.

While many rear-end collisions are mere fender-benders, they can also cause serious injuries. If you were hurt, call our team to explore your legal options today.

Head-on Collisions

A head-on crash can result in devastating injuries and extreme property damage. That’s true even when relatively low speeds are involved. Consult our attorneys in Milwaukee today if you were involved in a head-on collision. We’ll do everything possible to get the compensation you deserve.

Speeding Accidents

When excessive speeds are involved, the victim’s injuries tend to be much more serious. Unfortunately, in 2021 alone, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation reported that 6,537 people were injured in car accidents where speeding was a factor. Another 163 people were killed.

If you were involved in an accident and the other driver was speeding, call our Milwaukee car accident attorneys for immediate legal assistance.

Hit-and-Run Accidents

Hit-and-run crashes can be extremely frustrating. Even if you know the accident wasn’t your fault, it can be tough to locate the at-fault driver. Unfortunately, hit-and-runs aren’t uncommon. 21,377 hit-and-run crashes were reported in Wisconsin in 2021.

If you were injured in a hit-and-run accident, you can count on our lawyers to conduct a full investigation to determine who is liable for your injuries

Other Types of Motor Vehicle Accident Injury Cases We Handle

Our attorneys also handle car accident claims involving:

• Rollovers
• Sideswipe accidents
• T-bone accidents
• Multiple vehicle crashes and pile-ups
• Single-vehicle accidents
• Highway accidents 
• Drunk driving accidents
• Distracted driving accidents
• Intersection accidents
• Rideshare accidents
• Accidents involving uninsured/underinsured motorists
• Accidents involving pedestrians and bicyclists 
• Motorcycle accidents
• Trucking accidents

Regardless of the circumstances, contact a Milwaukee car accident lawyer for help today. We’re always available to discuss your case and identify all avenues for recovering fair compensation.

Who Could Be Liable for My Car Accident Injuries?

You can recover compensation from anyone who played a role in causing your car accident. 

In the most typical case, you’ll file a claim for compensation with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. However, there are situations where someone else may be legally responsible for your damages.

Examples of possible responsible parties include:

• Employers of negligent drivers who were on the clock when the accident occurred
• Manufacturers of defective vehicles or safety equipment
• Trucking companies
• Government agencies
• Negligent passengers
• Pedestrians or bicyclists 

The identity of the liable party will depend on the circumstances of your accident. Our experienced lawyers will work to pursue fair compensation from all responsible parties in your case.

We’ll investigate and locate any evidence that can prove your right to compensation, including:

• Copies of the police report
• Statements from witnesses
• Video footage from traffic lights, dash cams, businesses, etc.
• Data from the crash scene
• Cell phone records
• Medical records
• Results of drug and alcohol tests
• Traffic citations issued in connection with the crash
• Employment records
• Statements from accident reconstruction experts and specialists

Generally, you will be required to prove negligence to recover compensation for your injuries. 

You’ll have to offer proof about four distinct issues: 

• The defendant’s duty of care
• A breach of duty
• Causation 
• The damages you have suffered

You must prove each of these elements by a “preponderance of the evidence.” In plain English, you must produce evidence to show that it is “more likely than not true” that the defendant caused the crash.

Common Types of Car Accident Injuries

While safety standards are constantly improving, even the safest vehicle can’t protect you from all injuries in a crash. After a car accident, you deserve compensation for all of the injuries you’ve suffered.

At Trial Lawyers of Wisconsin, we represent injured clients who have suffered:

• Facial injuries
• Burns 
• Broken bones and fractures
• Whiplash 
• Concussions 
• Soft tissue damage
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Head and neck injuries
• Back injuries
• Leg injuries
• Nerve damage
• Internal injuries and organ damage
• Crushing injuries
• Amputations
• Paralysis
• Catastrophic injuries
• Wrongful death of a loved one

Our lawyers are here to help from the start. Even if you haven’t fully recovered from your injuries, don’t hesitate to reach out for legal advice. The sooner our team gets involved, the better the chances that we’ll locate the strongest evidence possible to prove your case.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in Milwaukee?

Car accidents in Milwaukee happen for many different reasons. Some are more common than others. 

Most car accidents involve negligent driving behaviors. In other words, they happen because someone failed to exercise a reasonable amount of caution under the circumstances.

Some of the most common causes of car accidents include:

• Distracted driving
• Texting while driving
• Failure to yield the right-of-way 
• Speeding 
• Tailgating 
• Road rage
• Aggressive driving
• Running a red light or stop sign
• Drunk driving
• Driving under the influence of drugs
• Driving when overtired
• Illegal turns
• Road hazards 
• Snow, ice, and other bad weather conditions
• Poor visibility and lighting
• Malfunctioning vehicle equipment

More than one factor can play a role in any given car crash. In these cases, multiple parties may be responsible for paying your damages. You can trust that our lawyers will work tirelessly to identify each and every person who could be liable for your damages.

Once we know why the crash happened, we can find out who owes you compensation. 

Statistics on Car Accidents in Milwaukee

Across the state of Wisconsin, 128,296 traffic accidents were reported to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation in 2021. 35,676 people were injured, and another 595 people were killed in car accidents that year.

27,430 car accidents were reported in Milwaukee County alone in 2021. 82 of those crashes were fatal. Another 6,459 accidents caused at least one injury. In other words, about 18 car accidents were serious enough to cause an injury or fatality every single day in 2021.

Contact an Experienced Milwaukee Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Initial Consultation 

If you were injured in an auto accident, you can count on our team at Trial Lawyers of Wisconsin to handle the legal and insurance issues. When you hire us, an experienced Milwaukee car accident lawyer will be there to advocate on your behalf at every turn. We offer free initial consultations, so call our law offices to arrange yours today.