Car Accidents Lawyers in Milwaukee, WI

Car accidents are a frequent occurrence on Milwaukee roads. From minor fender-benders to catastrophic collisions, thousands of car accidents are reported every year in Milwaukee. The unfortunate fact is that many of these accidents are caused directly as a result of driver negligence.

Despite stringent laws and regulations as well as countless safety awareness campaigns aimed at curbing reckless behavior behind the wheel, many drivers in Milwaukee continue to exhibit a flagrant disregard for the safety of themselves as well as other road users. From speeding to driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, distracted driving, and disregarding traffic signals, irresponsible driving habits are the primary reason why car accidents are so common in Milwaukee.

If you have been injured in a car accident in Milwaukee, you might be entitled to compensation from the at-fault party. At Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs, LLP, we have been fighting for the rights of car accident victims in Milwaukee for more than 35 years.

We have successfully represented numerous injury victims and helped them achieve maximum compensation for their injuries, pain and suffering, and financial losses. Our personal injury lawyers will find strong evidence, engage in aggressive negotiations with the defendants, and be prepared to go to trial if needed in these cases.

Call us today at 414-928-7756 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Milwaukee car accident lawyer.

Dangerous Intersections in Milwaukee, WI for Car Accidents

Intersections are points where multiple roads intersect and lead to a convergence of traffic from different directions. Drivers must navigate traffic signals, signs, crosswalks, turning lanes, and multiple lanes of traffic, which can increase the risk of errors, which in turn can increase the risk of car accidents.

Some of the dangerous intersections in Milwaukee with a higher risk of car accidents include:

• The intersection of West Fond du Lac Avenue and West Capitol Drive
• The intersection of North 51st Boulevard and West Fond du Lac Avenue
• The intersection of North 27th Street and West Fond du Lac Avenue
• The intersection of North 27th Street and West Center Street
• The intersection of North 35th Street and West Burleigh Street

Car Accident Laws in Milwaukee, WI

In Milwaukee, WI, various laws govern car accidents and the liability of the parties involved. Our car accident attorney will build a compelling case for damages, while remaining mindful of these laws:

Comparative Negligence: Wisconsin follows a modified comparative negligence rule, under which the injury victim’s recovery can be reduced if they are found to be partially at fault for the accident. If the victim is found to be 51% or more at fault, they are barred from recovering any damages from the other party.

Statute of Limitations: In Wisconsin, the statute of limitations for car accident claims (as well as other types of personal injury claims) is set at three years, starting from the date on which the accident occurred. Failure to file a lawsuit within this timeframe can result in the loss of the right to seek compensation from the at-fault party.

DUI Laws: Driving under the influence of alcohol, recreational drugs, and other controlled substances is a criminal offense in Wisconsin. The state has strict penalties for DUI offenses including fines, license suspension or revocation, and jail time. Apart from this, a DUI conviction can also significantly impact liability in a car accident case.

Cell Phone Use and Texting While Driving: Wisconsin prohibits texting while driving for all drivers and prohibits the use of cell phones for any purpose (except to report an emergency) for those with probationary license. Violating these laws can result in fines and penalties and can also contribute to liability in the event of an accident.

What Happens to Your Milwaukee Car Accident Claim if You Were Not Wearing a Seatbelt?

Wisconsin has mandatory seatbelt laws that require all occupants of a motor vehicle to wear seatbelts. Failure to comply with the law can impact liability in the event of a car accident. This is because not wearing a seatbelt can be classified as negligence on your part.

If it is determined that your failure to wear a seatbelt contributed to the severity of your injuries, the court might assign a percentage of fault to you, which can reduce the amount of compensation you can recover from the at-fault party.

At the same time, Wisconsin law prohibits juries from assigning more than 15% fault to a car accident victim for not wearing a seatbelt. This rule is outlined in Wisconsin Statute § 347.48(2m) – commonly known as the ‘seat belt defense’ statute. What it means is that even if your failure to wear a seatbelt contributed to your injuries, your compensation cannot be reduced by more than 15%.

This rule is in place to make sure that car accident victims are not unfairly penalized for their failure to wear a seatbelt. The intent is to balance the principles of personal responsibility and fairness in determining liability and damages in car accident cases.

Damages Our Milwaukee Car Accidents Lawyers Can Recover for You

Depending on the circumstances of the accident, the severity of your injuries, and a number of other factors, our auto accidents attorneys in Milwaukee can recover various types of economic and non-economic damages for you. These include:

Medical Expenses: This accounts for compensation for medical expenses incurred as a result of the accident, including emergency medical care, hospitalization costs, surgeries, physician’s charges, prescription medications, and ongoing medical care.

Physical Therapy and Rehab: You can be compensated for the cost of physical therapy and rehabilitation, vocational therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and other recovery treatments.

Lost Wages: You can also be compensated for income lost as a result of the accident, including wages, bonuses, commissions, and other forms of income you would have earned if not for your injuries. It can also include compensation for lost earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job and earning the same income in the future.

Pain and Suffering: We will fight for compensation for physical pain, discomfort, and emotional distress caused by the accident. This can include compensation for chronic pain, emotional trauma, anxiety, depression, and other physical and psychological effects of the accident.

Disability and Impairment: You may also be owed compensation for permanent disabilities or disfigurements resulting from the accident, including the loss of limb, paralysis, scarring, and other long-term physical limitations that can impact your quality of life.

Loss of Consortium: This includes compensation for the loss of companionship, affection, and support suffered by your spouse or family members as a result of your injuries.

Apart from this, if the at-fault party’s actions were egregious, malicious, or intentional, our Milwaukee car accident lawyers can also seek punitive damages for you, which are aimed to punish the at-fault party and deter similar conduct in the future.

How the Defendant’s Insurance Company Might Try to Take Advantage of You After a Car Accident in Milwaukee, WI

After a car accident, you might find yourself in a vulnerable position, facing not only physical and emotional problems, but also the daunting task of dealing with insurance companies. Unfortunately, insurance adjusters representing the at-fault party might employ various tactics to minimize your compensation and protect their company’s bottom line.

Here are the common ways they might try to take advantage of you.

Lowball Settlement Offers: The insurance adjuster might offer a quick settlement that might seem tempting at first glance, but fail to adequately cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses.

Denial of Liability: The adjuster might dispute liability or attempt to blame you for the accident in order to reduce the amount of compensation they are obligated to pay.

Delay Tactics: The insurance company might deliberately delay your claim in order to frustrate you and pressure you into accepting a less favorable settlement out of desperation.

Disputing Medical Treatment: The adjuster might question the necessity or extent of your medical treatment in order to undermine your claim for compensation related to injuries sustained in the accident.

Recorded Statements: The adjuster might ask you for a recorded statement in order to extract information that can be used to devalue or deny your claim altogether.

This is why, in the aftermath of a car accident in Milwaukee, it is best to avoid dealing with the at-fault party’s insurance company on your own and seek legal advice from our Milwaukee car accident attorney. Any mistake you make can prove to be costly and affect your chances of recovering the compensation you are entitled to.

The seasoned Milwaukee, WI car accident attorneys at Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs know what kind of tactics insurance companies use to reduce payouts in car accident claims and we strongly represent you in settlement negotiations to ensure you get paid what you are owed.

Why Early Legal Representation Matters in a Car Accident Claim in Milwaukee, WI

Earliest possible legal representation from our Milwaukee car accident lawyer at Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs is important for several reasons in personal injury cases.

Legal Guidance: Our experienced car accident lawyer in Milwaukee can provide invaluable guidance on what steps to take in the aftermath of the accident. This guidance can help prevent missteps that can compromise your ability to recover compensation later on.

Timely Investigation: Conducting a thorough investigation is vital to building a strong case. The sooner you contact us after a car crash, the faster we can get to work and conduct a detailed investigation to identify the liable parties, reach out to key witnesses, gather compelling evidence, and determine the damages you incurred.

Preservation of Evidence: Evidence can deteriorate or disappear quickly after motor vehicle accidents. It is one of the most important reasons why you should contact our law firm as soon as you can after the accident. Once you do, our attorneys can take steps to collect and preserve accident scene photos and videos, witness statements, surveillance camera footage of the accident, and other such crucial evidence.

Protection from Pressure Tactics by Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often employ pressure tactics to intimidate you and get you to accept lowball settlement offers. By getting legal representation, you can send a signal to the insurance company that you are serious about pursuing fair compensation and will not be easily swayed by their tactics.

Access to Medical Treatment: If your injuries are serious, our Milwaukee car accident attorneys can arrange medical liens and make sure your medical needs are addressed and documented properly – even if you do not have sufficient health insurance.

Statute of Limitations: Wisconsin law requires you to file a car accident lawsuit within three years from the date of the accident. Missing the deadline can result in the loss of right to pursue a claim. We can make sure that all the necessary legal actions are taken within the prescribed time frame.

Why Choose Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs, LLP as Your Milwaukee Car Accident Lawyers

Legal Knowledge

Our Milwaukee car accident attorneys have a deep understanding of the laws, regulations, and legal precedents governing car accident cases in Wisconsin. We know how to hold the at-fault parties accountable for their negligence or recklessness, protect your rights, and recover the compensation you are entitled to.

Experience

We have more than three decades of experience in handling a wide range of auto accident claims – car accident claims in particular. Our case-specific knowledge allows us to assess the specific details of your case, identify potential challenges and take preemptive steps to deal with them, and develop a strategic plan to maximize your chances of success.

Negotiation Skills

When it comes to car accident claims, the outcome is often decided at the negotiation table. We have expert negotiators in our team who can effectively advocate for your rights and negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf. We know how to push back against the insurance company’s tactics, counter their arguments, and recover the maximum amount of compensation.

Trial Experience

While a vast majority of car accident claims in Milwaukee are settled out of court, litigation might be unavoidable in some cases. Our attorneys have unmatched trial experience and are as comfortable in the courtroom as they are at the negotiation table. If the insurance company refuses to pay you what you are owed, we are fully prepared and equipped to take your case to trial and fight for your interests in the courtroom.

Track Record of Success

We have a long history of achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients and have a track record of success that few other personal injury law firms in Wisconsin can boast of. We have recovered substantial damages for our clients over the years – including several multi-million dollar settlements and jury awards. We always fight to recover the maximum amount of damages possible and never settle for anything less.

Awards and Recognitions

Over the years, our Milwaukee car accident attorneys have received numerous awards and recognitions for their dedicated service and exemplary track record of success. These include the American Trial Lawyers Association’s Top 100 Trial Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in Wisconsin, Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell.

Personalized Attention

Every car accident case is unique with its own set of challenges and complexities. It is why our Milwaukee, WI car accident attorneys take the time to understand the unique circumstances and concerns of each and every one of our clients. Once we get a clear picture of your unique needs and concerns, we will tailor our approach accordingly in order to achieve the best possible outcome possible.

Open Communication and Accessibility

We believe that open and transparent communication is the foundation on which attorney-client relationships can be built. It is why we are responsive and proactive in keeping our clients informed about their case. We are available on a 24/7 basis to address your concerns and answer your questions.

Injured in a Car Accident? Choose the Trusted Auto Accident Lawyers in Milwaukee, WI to Maximize Your Compensation

In the aftermath of a car accident, getting the right legal representation can make all the difference in your fight for justice. If you have been injured by the negligence of another driver or any other third-party in Milwaukee, you do not have to navigate the complex legal landscape on your own. The experienced and resourceful Milwaukee car accident lawyers at Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs, LLP are prepared to tirelessly advocate for your rights and aggressively fight to recover the compensation you are legally entitled to.

When it comes to legal representation, you cannot afford to make mistakes or take chances. A wrong choice can severely impact the outcome of your case and affect your chances of getting the compensation you need to rebuild your life. Call us today at 414-928-7756 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with one of our highly-rated car accidents attorneys in Milwaukee, WI.