9.00AM- 5.00PM
(262) 331-3553
There are many things you can DIY, like painting your living room or knitting a sweater, but some things are always better left to professionals.
Auto accident claims are one of them. While you might feel on top of things in the initial days after your accident, a simple claim can quickly spiral into something overwhelming and complicated.
Considering that the average cost of a car accident ranges from around $5,000 to $60,000 (National Safety Council), this is a big deal, and you need to put your best foot forward during the claims process.
Auto accident attorneys offer more than legal expertise. When you hire a law firm, you gain a partner who will help you navigate complexities, negotiate with insurers, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Believe us: going it alone could cost you more than you think — both financially and emotionally.
Let’s break down why hiring legal help for an auto accident is a smart move and how doing so can protect your future.
Before getting into the legal elements, let’s take a broader look at car accidents and their impact. These events can have life-altering consequences — not only for those involved but also for their families. When pursuing a claim, identifying the cause of the accident helps establish liability so those responsible are held accountable.
Understanding how an accident occurs helps pinpoint negligence, which is often the foundation for filing a claim. Here are some of the most common causes and responsibilities that drivers may have failed to meet:
Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries — from minor bruises and cuts to life-altering or even fatal wounds. They often carry a massive financial and emotional toll, as well.
On average, the cost of a minor accident can range from $4,000 to $10,000, covering vehicle repairs and minimal medical expenses. However, accidents involving more significant injuries often start at $40,000 and can climb beyond $150,000 or more for severe cases. In catastrophic instances involving disabilities or fatalities, costs can soar into the millions.
Knowing common types of injuries helps determine the value of a claim. Some of the most common types of car accident injuries include:
These types of injuries often require extensive medical care and long-term recovery, which can significantly impact victims’ lives and finances. When filing a claim, understanding the full scope of these damages helps you recover the compensation you deserve.
Put your health first, even if you don’t feel like you need help. Prompting medical attention after a car accident is important for several reasons.
Most importantly, some injuries, like internal bleeding or spinal cord damage, may not be immediately apparent but can worsen if left untreated. Proper treatment promotes healing and reduces the risk of long-term complications, such as chronic pain or disability.
Additionally, these medical records provide essential documentation for a car accident claim to support your case.
Navigating an auto accident claim on your own gambles your financial future. The truth is insurance companies are not on your side. Their adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, which leaves you with a fraction of what you truly deserve.
Without an experienced attorney, you’re stepping onto a playing field where the odds are stacked against you.
A skilled car accident attorney knows the games insurance companies play. They’ll help you get maximum compensation and protect you from costly mistakes. From complex legal procedures to going head-to-head with insurers, these situations are ripe with opportunities in which you may get taken advantage of.
Here’s a closer look at the most common challenges:
Auto accident laws vary by state, and each case may involve specific legal nuances that are difficult to interpret without expertise. Filing deadlines, liability rules, and evidentiary standards are just some of the legal hurdles claimants often face in a motor vehicle accident.
Missing just one key requirement can cause delays — or even the outright denial of your claim.
In Wisconsin, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is generally three years from the accident date. This timeframe can vary in certain situations, depending on certain variables. Missing these deadlines means forfeiting your right to seek compensation.
Wisconsin also follows a comparative negligence rule, which allows you to recover damages even if you are partially at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For instance, if you are found 20% at fault, your total damages will be reduced by 20%. Proving fault under this system can be challenging, requiring careful evidence collection and presentation.
If you’re asking, should I get a lawyer after an auto accident? The complexity of these laws alone is a strong reason to consider it. An experienced lawyer can handle these legal intricacies — whether you’re involved in a hit and run or damage a government vehicle.
Adjusters may downplay the value of your car accident claims, use your statements against you, or pressure you into accepting a low settlement. Without legal representation, it’s easy to feel outmatched and agree to terms that don’t reflect the true extent of your damages.
A lawyer will counter these tactics by negotiating directly with insurers. They leverage legal knowledge to secure a settlement that covers your needs.
Handling an accident claim involves tight deadlines, endless paperwork, and strict procedural requirements. Car accident cases require filing a claim within the statute of limitations. Before that time, you must collect and organize evidence.
Managing these tasks alone can be a full-time job — especially if you’re also recovering from injuries. Working with a lawyer alleviates these pressures so you can focus on your recovery while they handle the legwork.
Many claimants underestimate the true value of their claims and accept settlements that fall far short of what they’re entitled to. This often happens because they lack the experience to assess damages fully — such as future medical costs, lost wages, or non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
Without guidance from an auto accident lawyer, a car accident victim can easily make avoidable mistakes due to a lack of expertise or understanding. Assessors look for opportunities of ignorance in every corner to limit their company’s payouts.
The emotional toll is just as significant. Dealing with aggressive insurance adjusters, complex paperwork, and tight deadlines while recovering from an accident can lead to unnecessary stress. Missed deadlines or incomplete documentation can even result in a denied claim, leaving you with no compensation at all.
An experienced car accident attorney understands how to calculate the full extent of your damages, including medical bills, lost income, and non-economic losses like pain and suffering. They also have experience handling insurance adjusters who often try to undervalue claims.
Here’s the reality: there are over 5.2 million auto accident injuries in the United States every year. With numbers like that, the odds of being involved in an accident are higher than you might think.
That’s why the law provides ways to protect yourself and your finances when the unexpected happens. A skilled attorney pushes back against lowball offers and fights for the compensation you deserve.
You deserve what you’re entitled to, plain and simple. An attorney makes sure that happens.
While not every accident requires legal help, we highly recommend consulting a car accident lawyer in these key situations:
If the accident caused severe injuries or long-term medical needs, contacting a lawyer should be your first move. They will help calculate future medical expenses, confirm all documentation is collected, and prevent insurers from undervaluing your car accident injury claim.
When the other driver denies fault or the insurance company tries to shift the blame, it’s time to consult car accident attorneys. Establishing liability often requires a legal expert who can gather evidence, such as witness statements or accident reconstruction reports, to support your case.
Insurance companies sometimes deny claims outright or drag their feet during negotiations. Car accident lawyers can push back against these tactics so your claim gets the attention it deserves.
If the insurance company’s offer doesn’t cover your expenses — medical bills, lost wages, and other damages — you should speak to an attorney. They’ll know how to navigate the complexities of auto accidents, including negotiating for a fair settlement or taking the case to court if necessary.
Every state has a statute of limitations for filing accident claims. Waiting too long could bar you from receiving any compensation for your car accident case. A lawyer will make sure your case moves forward in a timely manner.
Handling an auto accident claim without legal help might save you attorney fees upfront, but the hidden costs — financial, emotional, and procedural — can be far greater.
From undervalued settlements to missed deadlines, the risks of going solo outweigh the rewards. Hiring an experienced car accident lawyer can alleviate these concerns, as they work on a contingency fee basis and have a successful track record in handling serious injuries or wrongful death claims.
Knowing when to get a lawyer after an auto accident is the first step toward protecting your rights and maximizing your compensation.
At Mahony Law, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. With a team dedicated to fighting for fair outcomes, we handle the complexities so you can focus on recovery.
Don’t let the stress and uncertainty of a claim overwhelm you. Reach out today for a free consultation and take the first step toward a brighter resolution.
Contact us now!
Abby is the founder of Mahony Law and devotes her time to representing people who have been seriously hurt due to the negligence of others. Abby has handled injury cases of all types, including birth injury, wrongful death, automobile accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, and truck accidents.
