After some time on the roads, road traffic laws become second nature and aren’t often something we think about actively. But if you’re not familiar with state-specific laws and find yourself in an accident, you may be worried about your next steps.
If you’re new to Wisconsin or want to brush up on the laws and legislation governing our roads, read on for all the information you need to know and how a Wisconsin car accident lawyer may be able to help you should you experience a car accident.
Wisconsin law requires you to stop if you’re involved in an accident that you know or suspect has caused bodily injury, property damage, or death to another person. Upon stopping, you should do what you can to aid any injured parties, contact the appropriate emergency services, and exchange insurance details where necessary.
Failure to abide by this law can lead to criminal charges, as could deciding not to report the incident to the police. Regardless of fault, neglecting to follow the law following an accident is likely to harm any claim you make and may result in serious penalties.
If you’re unable to report the accident right away, you can do so via the Wisconsin Driver Report of Accident form found online. This will require you to enter the information you’d provide police, such as the names of both parties, vehicle information, and contact information. It’ll also require you to briefly explain the details of the accident and verify where your vehicle was damaged.
Wisconsin’s statute of limitations allows you three years from the date of your accident to file a claim. Making your filing as soon after the accident as you’re able puts you in the best position to receive the compensation you deserve. Evidence is most easily accessible soon after an event occurs.
But Wisconsin law also includes a modified comparative fault rule. This law allows financial recovery as long as the claimant’s level of responsibility is deemed lower than that of the opposing party. Otherwise known as comparative negligence, this law generally means the judge or jury will determine who’s at fault should your case reach court.
Because deciding fault isn’t an exact science, you’ll need to rely on your lawyer’s ability to present evidence that you aren’t liable for the accident. That makes deciding to hire an experienced car accident lawyer all the more essential if you wish to be successful in your claim.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident and would like to speak to a car accident lawyer, contact The Law Offices of Gary S. Greenberg. Our team can help you seek compensation when you’re hurt, starting with a free consultation. For your free consult, call 414-271-7007 or visit our website for more information.
Gary Greenberg has been practicing law in Wisconsin for well over two decades. As a Milwaukee car accident lawyer, he has dedicated his career to helping the victims of accidents and injuries recover compensation for the damages they’ve suffered. He takes every case as seriously as he would his own; when you work with the Law Offices of Gary S. Greenberg, you’ll benefit from the services of a dedicated, determined Milwaukee personal injury lawyer.... View full business profile here: Law Offices of Gary S. Greenberg
