Milwaukee Car Accident Lawyer

It’s estimated there are over 50 traffic accident fatalities in Milwaukee each year. [1] While the majority of motor vehicle accidents in the city result in only property damages or minor injuries, the remainder can lead to life-altering outcomes.

If you or a family member have been hurt, or you have lost a loved one in a vehicle accident, hiring a Milwaukee car accident lawyer is crucial for pursuing the justice and compensation you deserve.

Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers to Handle Your Car Accident Case

Our law firm is dedicated to providing victims and families with personalized and effective representation to obtain maximum compensation. Here are some reasons to choose us for your car accident case:

• We have helped thousands of clients get justice and compensation
• Our personal injury lawyers have over 25 years of experience 
• We have recovered over $450 million in damages for victims
• We offer free consultations so you can make an informed decision
• You don’t pay attorney’s fees unless we win and recover compensation
• We are available 24/7

Financial Compensation We Can Secure for Milwaukee Car Accident Victims

Every auto accident case is unique, and compensation amounts depend on numerous factors, such as the extent of your injuries and financial damages. The willingness of an insurance company to settle can also play a vital role. Our law firm works tirelessly to maximize victims’ settlements and fight for favorable verdicts. 

Examples of settlements we have recovered for injured victims and families include:

• $2,500,000 for a car passenger who lost their vision and sustained facial injuries in a rollover crash.
• $1,000,000 for the family of a 23-year-old woman who died in a high-speed rear-end accident. 
• $7,000,000 for a pedestrian struck while crossing a busy road. Our attorneys successfully argued the driver’s employer was liable, as the at-fault driver was at work when the accident occurred. 

Filing a Wisconsin Car Accident Claim With Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers

This is our step-by-step car accident claim process to help you secure full and fair compensation:

• Free Consultation: The first step is to schedule a free consultation with our law firm    , where you can tell us about the accident and circumstances. A skilled car accident attorney will assess the strength of your case, clarify your legal options, and explain the next steps.
• Case Investigation: Once we take your case, we will begin to investigate the accident. This stage includes gathering evidence such as police reports, medical records, and witness statements. 
• Consulting Experts: In complex cases, we can hire professional accident investigators, accident reconstruction specialists, and other industry experts to analyze your crash. We may also consult with medical experts to strengthen your case.
• Negotiating With Insurance Companies: An insurance company may try to minimize or even deny you a full and fair settlement. Our attorneys can expertly communicate and negotiate to ensure you are treated fairly and have the best chance of recovering what you deserve. 
• Trial Preparation: If the at-fault party or insurance company refuses a settlement, our Milwaukee car accident lawyers can prepare your case for trial. Trial preparation includes organizing evidence, interviewing witnesses, and developing powerful arguments for presenting your case in court.

We understand the aftermath of an auto accident and the claims process can feel overwhelming. Working with a skilled personal injury attorney specializing in car accidents can take some of the burden off your shoulders and help you recover the compensation you deserve. 

Types of Cases Our Car Accident Attorneys Handle in Milwaukee

• T-Bone Accidents: Angle collisions typically happen at intersections when drivers ignore red lights or make improper turns. They are the most common accidents in Milwaukee, making up 31% of all crashes in the city. [1]

• Rear-End Collisions: Rear-end crashes are typically caused by distracted driving, following too closely, or sudden stops. They are responsible for 25% of car accidents in the city. [1]
• Head-On Collisions: Head-on crashes occur when two vehicles collide frontally. They comprise more than 4% of all car accidents in the city in recent years. [1] Such collisions can cause serious injuries, especially at high speeds. 
• Sideswipe Accidents: Sideswipe crashes make up about 14% of accidents in Milwaukee. [1] They occur when two vehicles travel parallel, and one swipes the other. 
• Hit-and-Run Auto Accidents: Even though it’s illegal to leave the scene of an accident in Wisconsin, Milwaukee averages over 6,000 hit-and-run incidents a year, adding up to 32% of all traffic accidents in the city. [1]

The Most Common Causes of Milwaukee Car Accidents

• Distracted Driving: Distracted driving includes texting, eating, drinking, or any other activity taking the driver’s attention away from the road.
• Drunk Driving: Alcohol-impaired driving is a common cause of auto accidents in Milwaukee, accounting for nearly 5% of crashes in the city. [1] 
• Reckless Driving: Reckless driving, such as speeding, tailgating, and weaving in and out of traffic, can cause severe crashes and injuries.
• Fatigued Driving: Fatigue or drowsy driving is a significant cause of car accidents in Milwaukee and nationwide. 
• Violating Traffic Laws: Breaking traffic laws, like running red lights and failing to yield, can result in serious collisions and severe injury in Milwaukee.
• Defective Vehicles: Faulty parts or vehicles can also lead to car accidents. Common issues include faulty brakes, worn tires, and defective mechanical components.

The Most Common Car Accident Injuries

• Whiplash: Whiplash occurs when the head is suddenly and violently thrown forward and backward. This is a common rear-end crash injury and can cause chronic pain and other long-term complications. Seeking medical attention immediately after an accident can be critical, as whiplash claims may be challenging to prove. 
• Head and Back Injuries: These range from minor concussions or strains to severe injuries and permanent impairments, such as traumatic brain injury and spinal cord damage. If you suffered a disability after a car accident, such as paralysis, contact a Milwaukee car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Claims involving permanent impairment and high damages can be highly contested.
• Broken Bones: Fractures of the arms and legs can be common in car accidents. It is essential to seek medical attention immediately if you experience any arm or leg pain after an accident, as you may have a serious underlying injury. Seeing a doctor will also provide you with a medical report detailing your injuries, which are essential for a successful claim.
• Internal Injuries: Car accidents can lead to severe internal injuries, organ damage, and internal bleeding. Such injuries require emergency medical attention and potentially a lengthy recovery time. 

Factors Affecting Car Accident Settlement Amounts

No two car accident claims are the same, and there is no average insurance claim settlement amount. When determining the worth of your case, many factors come into play, including:

• The scope of your injuries
• The availability of evidence and witnesses
• The responsible party’s degree of fault 
• Available insurance coverage
• The involvement of uninsured and underinsured motorists

Contacting a skilled Wisconsin auto accident attorney is the first step to securing maximum compensation under your case’s unique circumstances.

The Fault-Based System Applicable to Car Crashes

Wisconsin is an “at fault” state, meaning the person or entity responsible for your accident in Milwaukee is generally liable for your damages, such as medical expenses and property damage. All drivers in the state must have a minimum amount of liability insurance coverage, which includes:

• $10,000 for property damage
• $25,000 for the injury or death of one person
• $50,000 for the injury or death of two or more persons
• Uninsured motorist coverage of $25,000 for one person and $50,000 for two or more people for bodily injury coverage

Comparative Negligence Under Wisconsin Law

Wisconsin uses the modified comparative negligence system, meaning those more than 50% at fault for a car accident do not qualify for damages. Moreover, compensation will be reduced by the victim’s degree of fault. 

For example, let’s say you have $100,000 in damages in a car accident and are found to be 20% at fault. Under Wisconsin law, you could only recover 80% of your damages, which would be $80,000. 

However, car accident claims are rarely clear-cut, and fault can be contested. Moreover, insurance companies may try to assign you a higher degree of fault, significantly impacting your compensation amount. 

Proving Fault in a Milwaukee Car Accident Case

If you want to obtain compensation after a car crash, proving the fault and liability of the other driver is critical. You and your car accident lawyer must establish the following elements of a personal injury claim: 

• Duty: The other driver had the duty of care to drive reasonably safely.
• Breach: They breached their duty by violating road laws or driving carelessly.
• Causation: The other driver’s breach of duty caused your accident and injuries.
• Damages: You suffered damages, such as injuries, medical bills, or others due to the accident.

Liable Parties in Car Accident Cases

Depending on your accident’s circumstances, there could be several liable parties, including but not limited to:  

• Another Driver: Negligent or reckless drivers are often the obvious liable party in accidents.
• A Business: A business or employer may be held accountable for a crash if the negligent driver was working or driving a company vehicle when the accident occurred.
• The Vehicle Owner: If the person causing the crash was driving someone else’s car, the vehicle’s owner could also be responsible for damages.
• A Car Manufacturer: A car maker could be liable when an accident occurs due to a faulty car or defective car part.
• A Government Entity: If a road defect, construction site, or poorly designed road leads to an accident, victims could hold the local government accountable.

This list is not exhaustive, and there can be other parties responsible for your accident. A car accident attorney at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can assess your incident and identify all responsible parties.

Damages Our Milwaukee Car Accident Lawyers Can Help You Recover

Suffering an injury and financial damages in a car accident or losing a loved one can be one of life’s most challenging times. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers are here to help you recover the maximum compensation you deserve. While accident claims differ from one another, you could be entitled to the following damages.

Economic

In personal injury cases, economic damages refer to losses of a monetary value, such as:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Property damage
• Lost wages and future loss of earnings
• Costs for ongoing care

Non-Economic

Unlike economic damages, non-economic losses are subjective and have no set dollar amount or receipts. They can include, among others:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma
• Disability
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Loss of a limb
• Reduced life quality

Non-economic damages are subjective and can differ even between individuals with similar injuries, which makes them challenging to quantify in monetary terms. Non-economic damages could make up much of your overall settlement if you work with an experienced Milwaukee car accident attorney after suffering significant injuries.

Punitive

Punitive damages are awarded to punish defendants and act as a deterrent. While rarely awarded in personal injury claims, punitive damages can come into play when the defendant acted with gross negligence or caused an accident maliciously. 

For example, if a driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol is responsible for your crash, they may be liable for punitive damages.

Wrongful Death

If your loved one died in a car accident in Milwaukee, you may qualify for wrongful death damages, generally awarded to the close family of the deceased and can include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Lost wages and services from the decedent
• Loss of inheritance
• Loss of companionship

Note that Wisconsin caps the compensation amounts recoverable in wrongful death claims. Awards for loss of companionship are capped at $350,000 for a deceased adult and $500,000 for a deceased minor.

You Have a Limited Time to File a Car Accident Claim in Milwaukee, WI

Knowing the Wisconsin Statute of Limitations is crucial when you suffer an injury in a car collision or your loved one dies in a crash. You could lose the right to recover compensation if you miss these vital deadlines.

• Personal Injury: The deadline for filing is generally three years. However, since certain factors could lengthen or shorten the time available to file suit, consult a Milwaukee car accident lawyer to ensure you adhere to all crucial filing deadlines.
• Product Liability: If you suffered an injury due to a car part, such as a malfunctioning airbag, defective brakes, and others, you could have a product liability claim, for which you generally have three years to initiate legal proceedings. 
• Wrongful Death: Should be filed within two years. 

Since there are some exceptions to the Wisconsin Statutes of Limitations, consider consulting a Milwaukee car accident attorney to clarify your rights and obligations. 

What to Do After a Motor Vehicle Accident

• Seek Medical Help: If you declined emergency medical assistance at the accident scene, visit a doctor as soon as possible. Accident injuries may remain undetected and only show symptoms weeks or months after the crash. Seeking prompt medical advice protects your health and legal rights.
• Gather Evidence: Start collecting evidence at the crash site if possible. Take photos and videos of the accident scene and the damaged vehicles. 
• Collect Contact Details: Obtain contact and insurance information from the involved parties. Don’t forget to note eyewitnesses’ contact details, as their statements may be essential for winning your legal case. 
• Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer: If you have significant injuries and damages, and someone else caused your accident, our attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can help.   

How to Deal With an Insurance Company Following an Auto Accident

Do:

• Consult an attorney before communicating with an insurance company
• Keep detailed records of all communication with insurance adjusters
• Be polite and professional during all communication with insurance companies
• Speak to your attorney before accepting an insurance claim settlement
• Keep copies of all documents related to the accident and your injuries and damages (police report, medical bills, receipts, etc.)

Don’t:

• Provide the insurance adjuster with unnecessary information
• Admit fault or say anything that could be misconstrued as an admission of guilt
• Provide a recorded statement before consulting your attorney

Unfortunately, insurance companies are not on your side. They might try to minimize or deny your claim. Whatever you say to an adjuster could potentially be used against you. 

In addition to following these tips, consider hiring an attorney to handle the insurance company. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can protect you from an insurer’s manipulative tactics and fight for a full and fair settlement on your behalf.

The Time It Takes to Settle a Car Crash Personal Injury Lawsuit

There is no average time to settle a lawsuit, and your case could take a few short weeks to a year or longer to resolve. However, some factors help determine an approximate time frame, including:

• Damages: Cases with severe or permanent injuries and high financial losses may take longer to settle. 
• Complexity of Claim: Your case may take longer to settle if it involves numerous defendants or you are the at-fault driver to any extent.
• Fault Is Disputed: If the cause of the accident is in dispute, industry experts may need to conduct an investigation, prolonging the legal process.
• Insurance Company Collaboration: How responsive the insurance company is and their willingness to cooperate can also affect how long your car accident personal injury case will take.
• Quality of Legal Representation: An experienced attorney can ensure no time is wasted during the legal process.
• The Case Goes to Trial: If the parties cannot agree on a settlement and a case goes to trial, it could be a year or more before a verdict is reached.

Hiring experienced Wisconsin personal injury lawyers can help resolve your case as quickly as possible while giving you the best chance of recovering fair compensation. The sooner you get in touch with Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, the sooner we can work on your case and fight for the compensation you need to get your life back on track.

The Cost of Hiring a Milwaukee Car Accident Attorney

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay the attorney if and when they win your case. If we lose, you don’t pay any attorney’s fees. The attorney’s contingency fee is typically a percentage of the recovered compensation amount. 

Contact an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer Today!

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a car accident in Milwaukee, don’t risk recovering less than you deserve. Our experienced Milwaukee car accident attorneys have helped countless victims and recovered over $450 million on their behalf. 

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you need to put your life back together. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you will only pay us if you win. 

The time to file an auto accident injury claim is limited, so contact us now for a free, no-obligation consultation. We are here for you 24/7 at (888) 424-5757. 

Resources: [1] Milwaukee.gov