What To Do If You Get in a Car Accident in Wisconsin

In 2020, there were over 115,000 recorded vehicle crashes in Wisconsin, nearly 24,000 of which resulted in injuries, with almost 600 fatalities. These car accident stats in Wisconsin are especially alarming – considering the state has a population of under 6 million people.

If you get into a car accident, it can be difficult to dispel panic and fear and think clearly about what to do next. It’s overwhelming to even consider the hassle of getting your car repaired, dealing with insurance companies, and filing police reports.

Your first few actions after a car accident in Wisconsin will dictate the aftermath and ensure it won’t have any lasting effects on your life (or your wallet).

This piece covers the critical steps you need to take when you get in a Card Accident in Wisconsin:

1. Prioritize Safety
2. Document the Accident
3. Contact the Authorities
4. Get Examined by the Medical Staff
5. Exchange Contact Information
6. Watch Your Words
7. Contact a Wisconsin Car Accident Lawyer

Let’s get into it.

1. Prioritize Safety

Safety is paramount, no matter what. The first crucial step after an accident is to assess the situation. Turn on your hazard lights and move the car to the shoulder if you can, or if necessary. This makes it clear to other drivers that they should maneuver around you.

Do not drive away from the accident site, as your ability to make observations of the accident scene may prove important in a potential personal injury claim. Moreover, leaving the scene may even land you in legal trouble. 

Stay put and check yourself and your passengers for injuries immediately after the collision. If anyone is hurt, contact 911 immediately.

2. Document the Accident

Documentation is critical for the forthcoming investigation and insurance claim. You must record evidence of the accident immediately after it occurs. The more evidence you can present, the stronger your claim will be. Try to get as many details as possible. 

Take photos of the following if you get into a car accident in Wisconsin:

• Vehicle Damage

  Gather vehicle information and take closeup pictures from various angles of the damage for evidence.

• Road Conditions

  Photograph skid marks, puddles, or any other evidence that indicates the state of the road at the time of the accident.

• Signage

  This includes speed limits, stop signs, and yield signs — anything that could have contributed to the crash.

• License Plates

  Record all identifying details of the other vehicles involved in the accident, including license plates, stickers, or decals.

• Injuries

  Thoroughly document the extent of the injuries caused by the crash.

This information will be critical in a car accident injury case. The more details you can provide to your personal injury lawyer, the better.

3. Contact the Authorities

If you get into a car accident in Wisconsin, you must contact the police as soon as possible to create a report. This car accident report will be used as evidence for a personal injury claim and help establish fault for the accident.

The police will ask for your name, address, phone number, and the names and contact information of passengers and any witnesses. They will take statements from everyone at the scene and take their own photos for evidence. 

If they have reason to believe that anyone involved in the accident is under the influence, they will conduct field sobriety tests. Even if you believe the accident/injuries are minor, you need to get the authorities involved immediately.

4. Get Examined by the Medical Staff

When you call the authorities to the scene of a car accident, medical staff will be on the scene – in addition to the police. It is vital to get medical assistance if you are in a car accident in Wisconsin. Even if you don’t think you’re injured, it’s better to be safe than sorry and have a professional check you over.

Keep in mind, some symptoms take time to emerge. 

Medical professionals can spot early signs of a severe injury. For example, bleeding from your ears or nose after you hit your head may indicate a TBI (traumatic brain injury).

A thorough medical examination at the scene (or soon after the accident) will add to your growing pile of evidence for personal injury and car accident claims. After the accident, visit your doctor’s office. Having your doctor document your injuries and provide recommendations for future treatment is crucial if you want to seek compensation for injury from the at-fault party.

5. Exchange Contact Information

At the scene of the accident, you need to gather information from the at-fault party. This includes:

• Name
• Phone number
• Address
• Driver’s license number
• License plate number
• Insurance company name and policy number (if available)
• Location of accident (address or intersection)

In addition to the at-fault party, you’ll need to gather contact information from any witnesses at the scene. Insurance companies (and your personal injury lawyer) will ask them for statements in building evidence for your claim.

6. Watch Your Words

When you get into a car accident, you will be questioned by police and insurers. Be very careful with what you say. State only the facts of your experience. Do not apologize or admit any fault — insurers can (and will) use these statements against you later on.

Remember that insurers have one priority: maximizing their bottom line. They will likely ask strategic questions to try and put you at fault to minimize their exposure. These are common tactics used by insurance companies – even your own. For advice on how to speak to insurance companies, speak to an experienced car accident injury attorney.

7. Contact a Wisconsin Car Accident Lawyer

Getting into a car accident can be a scary and traumatic experience. Dealing with the aftermath — police investigations, insurance companies, and the other party’s lawyers is even more overwhelming.

If you file a lawsuit against the at-fault party, it will be up to the legal system to determine whether they are legally liable for damage arising from your injuries. Settling a car accident case can take a few months to several years, which is why you must contact an experienced Wisconsin car accident lawyer to help you every step of the way.

Working with a specialized car accident attorney will ensure your rights are protected, and you are not left to pay for expensive medical bills and other damages out of pocket. Negotiating with insurance companies and the at-fault party without a skilled lawyer will be nearly impossible. 

Furthermore, the chances of earning a fair settlement will be very low if you represent yourself.

The Next Step

There is a lot to consider when you get in a car accident in Wisconsin. Collecting evidence will go a long way in supporting your claim. Be diligent with recording the details of your accident and proving that you followed all Wisconsin car accident laws. 

Working with a personal injury lawyer in Wisconsin will ensure that you are properly cared for and that the claims process goes smoothly. Our team at Mahony Law is passionate about defending the rights of the injured and helping victims recover the compensation they deserve. Call (262) 331-3553 or fill out the form on our website for a free consultation today.