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A Milwaukee car accident lawyer helps injured people navigate the insurance and legal processes after a crash. An attorney can investigate the collision, gather evidence, determine who may be liable, calculate damages, negotiate with insurance companies, and, when necessary, file a personal injury lawsuit.
Car accident claims can become complicated when fault is disputed, injuries require ongoing treatment, or an insurer challenges the amount of compensation being sought. Understanding what a lawyer does can help you decide whether legal representation may benefit your claim.
One of a car accident lawyer’s first responsibilities is determining how the collision occurred.
This may require gathering and reviewing evidence such as:
Evidence can disappear or become more difficult to obtain over time. Preserving relevant information early can help establish how the crash occurred and who was responsible.
A lawyer can analyze the evidence and applicable Wisconsin law to determine who may be financially responsible. Depending on the circumstances, potentially liable parties could include another driver, an employer whose employee caused a collision while working, or another person or business whose negligence contributed to the crash.
Wisconsin follows a modified comparative negligence system, which means that an injured person’s negligence does not prevent recovery as long as it is not greater than the negligence of the person against whom recovery is sought. However, the injured person’s damages are reduced according to their percentage of negligence.
This rule makes it especially important to determine and defend against allegations of fault in Wisconsin car accident cases.
The financial impact of a serious collision can extend well beyond the initial medical bills. A car accident attorney can document the losses resulting from the crash and determine which damages may be recoverable.
Depending on the facts of the case, damages may include:
An attorney may review medical records, employment information, bills, and other documentation when assessing the value of a claim. In cases involving significant or permanent injuries, medical or financial experts may also be consulted.
Insurance adjusters may request statements, medical documentation, authorizations, or other information while evaluating a claim. A car accident lawyer can communicate with insurers on the injured person’s behalf and respond to disputes over liability, injuries, or damages.
An attorney can also evaluate settlement offers and negotiate for an amount that accounts for the losses supported by the evidence. If the parties cannot reach an acceptable settlement, the lawyer can discuss whether filing a lawsuit is appropriate.
Many car accident claims are resolved without a trial, but some disputes require litigation. A lawyer can prepare and file a lawsuit, conduct discovery, take depositions, work with experts, negotiate during litigation, and present the case in court when necessary.
Deadlines are an important consideration. Wisconsin generally imposes a three-year statute of limitations for actions seeking damages for injuries to a person, although different deadlines or rules can apply depending on the circumstances.
Waiting can also make it harder to preserve evidence, locate witnesses, and fully investigate what happened.
Legal representation may be particularly useful when a collision causes significant injuries, fault is disputed, multiple parties may share responsibility, an insurance company denies a claim, or the available insurance may not adequately cover the losses.
Speaking with an attorney can also help you understand how Wisconsin’s comparative negligence rules and filing deadlines may affect your particular situation.
PKSD has represented injured people throughout Wisconsin for decades. Our attorneys have more than 150 years of combined legal experience, and we have recovered more than $500 million for clients.
If you were injured in a collision, a Milwaukee car accident lawyer at our firm can review what happened and explain your legal options. Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation. The firm handles personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning attorney’s fees are not owed unless compensation is recovered.
PKSD Milwaukee
1110 N Doctor M.L.K. Jr Dr #320, Milwaukee, WI 53203
(414) 333-3333
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by attorney Jeffery A. Pitman, who has more than 28 years of legal experience and handled thousands of personal injury cases while obtaining millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements in Wisconsin.
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Milwaukee Office
Address
1110 N Doctor M.L.K. Jr Dr #320, Milwaukee, WI 53203 Get DirectionsPhone
414-333-3333About Us
PKSD is a Milwaukee personal injury law firm dedicated to helping injured individuals. We take a hands-on, client-focused approach and work closely with the people we represent from start to finish. We are committed to providing responsive service and strong legal advocacy when it matters most.
Areas We Serve
PKSD proudly serves clients throughout the state of Wisconsin. We represent individuals and families in Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Appleton, Eau Claire, Wausau, and surrounding areas. No matter where you are located, our team is ready to help.
