Should I accept the insurance company’s first settlement offer?

It is usually not advisable to accept the insurance company’s first settlement offer without carefully reviewing it. The initial offers are often lower than the actual value of the claim, as insurance companies may try to resolve cases quickly and reduce claim amounts. Before accepting any offer, it is important to ensure that the settlement fully covers medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and future costs related to the injury. Consulting with an experienced personal injury lawyer can help determine whether the offer is fair and whether negotiating for a higher settlement may be appropriate.

What happens if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured?

If the negligent driver who caused the accident does not have insurance or does not have enough coverage to pay for your damages, you can still recover compensation through uninsured motorist (UM) or underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage under your own auto insurance policy. These coverages can help pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages when the at-fault driver cannot fully cover the costs. In some cases, you may also have the option to file a personal lawsuit against the at-fault driver, although recovering compensation may depend on their financial ability to pay.

Can I claim compensation for emotional distress after a car accident?

Yes. Accident victims may seek compensation for emotional distress as part of a personal injury claim. Emotional distress is considered non-economic damage, including anxiety, stress, trauma and reduced quality of life due to the accident. To support this claim, evidence such as medical or psychological records, therapy documentation or other details from healthcare professionals may be used to show how the accident affected the victim’s mental and emotional well-being.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a car crash?

In Wisconsin, the Statute of Limitations for car accident injury claims is three years from the date of the accident. If the case involves a wrongful death, the deadline is typically two years from the date of death.

What if I discover injuries days after the accident?

Injuries like whiplash, soft-tissue injuries or internal trauma may not appear for hours or even days after a car accident. If you begin to experience symptoms later, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Prompt medical evaluation helps document the injury and establish a connection between the accident and your condition, which can be important when seeking compensation.

Will filing a claim increase my insurance premiums?

It depends on the circumstances of the accident. In Wisconsin, if you were not at fault, filing a claim against the other driver’s insurance typically does not directly increase your premiums. However, insurance companies consider many factors when adjusting rates, including your overall claims history. If you file a claim through your own insurance policy, such as for uninsured motorist coverage or collision coverage, there is a possibility that your insurer may review your policy and adjust premiums in the future. Each insurance company has its own policies regarding rate changes.

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Overview

Let us protect you. As successful transactional and trial attorneys, our firm’s lawyers can offer clients the guidance they need in a variety of legal areas. We offer candid and frank legal advice so clients can make informed and educated decisions about their case or planning needs, and we always discuss whether litigation is the best available option for protecting their rights. With our guidance and expertise, you can rest assured knowing you are in the right hands.

Car accidents are commonplace occurrences in the United States. While many of these accidents will leave their victims unscathed, millions of others are not often so lucky. The National Safety Council in a 2019 survey, estimated that 38,800 people died in car crashes in 2019 and about 4.4 million people sustained serious injuries.

Most car accidents are caused by the actions or inactions of drivers on the road. As a road user, you have a duty to drive on the road in a reasonably safe manner – as do other drivers. Unfortunately, not every driver takes this duty seriously. The unavoidable result of this is the occurrence of car accidents on the road.

Injuries sustained in car accidents can range from slight to severe, life-altering, or even death. If you or your loved one suffered injuries or wrongful death as a result of a car accident, you may be entitled to file a claim for compensation. A Hartford car accident attorney at MacGillis Wiemer, LLC can help you get the compensation you deserve. Reach out to us today and let’s get started on getting you the redress you deserve.

Our law firm is deeply invested in our clients and firmly believes that no one should have to make life-changing decisions alone. Families, workers, and those injured by careless acts of others: MacGillis Law Group, LLC takes pride in representing the people of Wisconsin when their backs are against the wall. Throughout the state of Wisconsin, people have relied on us to protect their rights, defend their families, and advocate for what they deserve.

Causes Of Car Accidents

Car accidents can be caused by any number of reasons. The major cause, however, is human error in the form of negligence and it is manifested in the following ways:
Driving while distracted: Driving while texting, talking on the phone, reading, or even eating.

while drunk or fatigued
Driving with excessive speed or recklessness
Running red lights and ignoring stop signs

Let Our Hartford Car Accident Attorney Help You

At MacGillis Wiemer, LLC, our attorneys are experienced in litigation and know how to win car accident cases. We can advise on the best options available to you for recovering compensation and how to proceed. Call us today.

Statute Of Limitations

The statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim in Hartford, Wisconsin is three years. You must file your claim within three years or risk having your claim dismissed. Seek the help of a Hartford car accident attorney as soon as you can and get started on getting redress for your injuries.

Comparative Negligence In Hartford Car Accidents

The Comparative negligence law states that when a car accident occurs, liability is determined by the degree of fault that each person bears. Consider the following scenario: Ben is driving down Independence Avenue to link the County Highway. Morgan is driving down the highway and moving at a high rate of speed. As Ben was approaching the highway, his phone rang and he took his eyes off the road to pick the call. Unknown to him, he had nosed his way onto the highway.

Morgan, coming at high speed, did not have enough time to hit the brakes. He hit Ben on the driver’s side and Ben suffered some serious injuries. Morgan, on the other hand, escaped without a scratch because the airbag deployed.

The Reality of a Car Accident

In the scenario painted above, both drivers were at fault – Ben, for driving while distracted, and, Morgan, for driving at excessive speeds. Under comparative negligence, the jury will calculate how much of the blame is Ben’s and how much is Morgan’s. If Ben is found to be more than 50% at fault, he will not be compensated for his personal injuries. If he is found to be less than 50% at fault, the percentage of fault that is Ben’s will be deducted from the compensation he will be awarded. Thus, if the jury awards Ben $100,000 in compensation and he is found to be 25% at fault, he will get $75,000.