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Car accidents can turn your world upside down in an instant, leaving you overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. However, taking the right steps can help you protect your health, defend your rights, and guard your financial stability.
In Wisconsin, navigating the aftermath of an accident comes with its own set of rules. From specific insurance company requirements to liability laws, understanding what to do after an auto accident in the state is not just helpful—it’s required.
At Mahony Law, we’re here to help you stay prepared, take control, and set yourself up for the best possible outcome. We’ve helped countless Wisconsin clients file claims for car accidents and will guide you through the complicated process.
But first: what do you do in those moments right after your crash? Here’s what to do after an auto accident, including consulting an experienced auto accident attorney in Wisconsin.
The first moments after a car crash are critical. Begin by making sure you’re safe, then check on your passengers and others involved. If your vehicle is operable and it’s safe to do so, move it to the side of the road to avoid further collisions.
If people appear to be hurt, call 911. Emergency responders will secure the scene, provide medical attention if necessary, and document the car crash details thoroughly.
Next, check yourself and any other car accident victims for injuries, even if they appear minor. Note that adrenaline can mask symptoms immediately following a car crash, but serious injuries such as concussions, internal bleeding, or whiplash may become apparent later.
If someone is injured, avoid moving them unless they are in immediate danger, as this could worsen their condition. Let paramedics handle the situation.
Remember, under Wisconsin’s Good Samaritan Law, you are protected from liability if you provide reasonable assistance to anyone injured in motor vehicle accidents.
Wisconsin law requires car accident victims to report accidents involving injuries, fatalities, or property damage exceeding $1,000. Even if you don’t think your accident meets this criteria, it’s a good idea to call 911 or the non-emergency police line, just in case.
At the scene, the police will file an official accident report, which is a vital document for insurance claims and legal cases. In Wisconsin, this report can include information about the drivers, witnesses, weather conditions, and law enforcement’s preliminary assessment of fault.
When speaking with the police, stick to the facts and avoid speculating about what caused the accident. Admissions of fault, even casually, could be used against you later.
Wisconsin law requires drivers involved in car accidents to exchange information. If you are able to do so, be sure to gather:
Additionally, make note of the other driver’s demeanor. If they seem impaired or behave suspiciously, inform the police at the scene of the car crash. You should also report if you believe distracted driving or other factors were at play.
Gathering evidence at the scene of an auto accident is a big part of building a strong case for future compensation. Use your phone to take photos or videos of:
If you can, draw a rough sketch of the accident scene, noting the positions of vehicles, road markings, and nearby landmarks. This visual evidence can provide invaluable support when working with a car accident lawyer in Wisconsin.
Witness statements can be a game-changer when determining fault. If there are bystanders or other drivers who saw the accident, politely ask for their names and contact information. Request a brief description of what they observed and note their perspective, as details from different angles can clarify what happened.
Witness testimony carries significant weight in a court of law or during settlement negotiations, especially if the other driver disputes your version of events.
Once you’ve left the scene and are in a safe location, contact your insurance company to report the accident. Provide them with the details of the crash, including the police report number if available.
Keep in mind that your statements may be recorded and reviewed. Stick to the facts and avoid speculating or admitting fault in any car accident case. In some cases, you may even want to speak to your car accident lawyer first, so you can avoid saying the wrong thing.
Under Wisconsin’s at-fault insurance system, the driver responsible for the accident is liable for damages. This means your insurance company will need accurate information to pursue compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance company.
Seek medical attention after an auto accident, even if you think you feel fine.
Some injuries, such as whiplash, traumatic brain injuries, or internal bleeding, may not present symptoms right away. A proper medical evaluation makes sure these serious injuries are diagnosed and treated promptly.
In addition, medical records serve as evidence that connects your injuries to the accident. This documentation is essential when working with an experienced car accident lawyer to pursue compensation for medical bills and pain and suffering.
Wisconsin applies a modified comparative negligence system known as the “51% Bar Rule.” Under this rule, you can recover damages in a car accident case as long as you are not more than 50% at fault for the crash. If you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you are barred from recovering any compensation.
For example, if you sue the other driver for $100,000 in damages after being rear-ended, they may argue that your brake lights weren’t working, contributing to the accident. If the court determines you were 20% at fault for driving with faulty brake lights, your compensation would be reduced by 20%, leaving you with $80,000.
An experienced auto accident attorney in Wisconsin can help you navigate these legal nuances, communicate with your insurance company, and make sure you pursue the full compensation available in your car accident injury claim.
The final and arguably most important step is consulting an attorney who specializes in supporting car accident victims.
A reputable car accident lawyer will guide you through the complexities of Wisconsin’s legal and insurance systems, making sure you meet all deadlines and requirements while maximizing your compensation.
Trained car accident attorneys will also…
Additionally, working with a car accident lawyer allows you to focus on your recovery while they handle the legal details of your auto accident claim. Car accidents take their toll on everyone, so be sure you’re taking care of yourself.
Time is your greatest asset in any car accident claim. Taking swift action helps you stay compliant with Wisconsin’s laws and protects your ability to secure fair compensation.
Every moment counts—waiting too long could mean missing critical deadlines, losing valuable evidence, or leaving your car accident claim vulnerable to denial.
In Wisconsin, the clock starts ticking immediately. The state gives you three years to file a car accident lawsuit, but waiting too long weakens your case. Witnesses may forget key details, evidence can be lost, and insurance companies may use delays to question the severity of your injuries or the validity of your car accident claim.
Don’t let time work against you. When you act quickly and consult with a car accident lawyer, you take control of the situation and set yourself up for the best possible outcome.
An auto accident can shake even the most stalwart driver, but certain steps are critical after the incident. Knowing what to do can significantly impact your physical, emotional, and financial recovery.
In summary, if you’ve been involved in a car accident:
At Mahony Law, our team is here to help guide you through the process and fight for the fair compensation you deserve. We’ve handled hundreds of car accidents, pursuing payments for medical bills, trauma, car damages, and more.
Let’s start with a free consultation. Contact our Wisconsin car accident attorneys today and let us be your advocate in the aftermath of an auto accident.
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.
