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.

05 Madison Practice Areas

Madison Car Accident Attorney

Name: MacGillis Law Group WI
Address: 12700 W Bluemound Rd, Elm Grove, WI, 53122, US
Telephone: (414) 727-5150
Price range: $$$

Car accidents can leave you facing painful injuries, costly repairs, and overwhelming stress—our Madison attorneys are here to help you seek the compensation you deserve.

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Overview

Car accidents may completely change your life. These events are an important cause of serious injuries and unintentional deaths throughout Madison. Even minor accidents can result in expensive vehicle repairs, hospitalization, and permanent injury. Automobile accidents can easily cause stress and financial consequences that quickly get out of control. Without adequate representation, you may find yourself in a difficult situation.

Contact our Madison car accident lawyer at MacGillis Law Group, LLC. If you or a loved one has been in a serious car accident, or if you simply want to know how the laws may affect your claim for property damage or personal injuries, and what you need to do, read on.

Understanding Madison Car Accident Laws

In Madison, recovering damages following a car accident is more difficult than in other jurisdictions. The first step is to demonstrate that the other motorist was “at fault” for the accident, implying that the injuries you got were your fault.

You have to prove that the other driver or person involved was entirely to blame. In Madison, the contributory negligence rule applies, which states that you can only claim damages if the court considers that you were not at fault for the accident in any way.

What needs to be done after a Car accident in Madison right away?

menu_bookWhat this covers

Seek medical assistance
If you or another person involved in the accident requires emergency medical treatment, seek it immediately. This includes actual or suspected brain injury, spine or back injuries, cracked bones, serious blood loss, major wounds, or internal injuries.
Calling the cops
Even when there are no serious injuries, calling the police is still a good idea. Having the police arrive on the scene is the best approach for the insurance company to get accident records.
Take photos
Now is the time to take as many pictures of the accident site and car accident as possible with your phone.
Information Exchange
All people involved in the collision, including the driver, witnesses, and passengers, should have their names, addresses, and phone numbers.
Consultation with an Attorney
This is still the most important stage. Car accidents can be tough to handle, and no one’s best interests are considered by any of the parties involved. Protecting your rights and talking with an expert in Madison is one of the most important things you will do after an accident.

How we approach this

What we actually do for you.

Am I entitled to get damages after a car accident in Madison?

Madison car accident lawyers seek claims against any parties who are at fault. In many car accidents, the driver is not the only one to blame. Other people and companies who may be held accountable for your damage include.

The car’s owners

If the owners are not the same as the driver, the owners may be held accountable for the negligence of anyone they let drive their automobile if the at-fault driver was unsuitable or risky.

Manufacturers of car parts

Manufacturers of cars and automobile parts owe it to the public to make their products safe.

Alcohol dealers

In certain cases, any business that serves alcohol to an intoxicated person may be held accountable if the drunk driver causes an accident.

Statute of Limitations in Madison

In most cases, the statute of limitations in Madison for a car accident is three years. That implies you have three years to file a complaint. If you do not do so, you may still file a complaint, but the defense may argue that you did so after the statute of limitations expired, in which case you may be denied damages. To avoid this, file a claim before the statute of limitations runs out.

Should I hire a Madison’s Car Accident Attorney?

If you’ve recently been in a car accident, you may be wondering whether you need to hire a car accident lawyer. You may be eligible to seek compensation for the injuries you suffered if you’re involved in a major accident. With the assistance of a qualified lawyer, you will receive the money that you deserve because he or she has expertise working with these types of cases and knows how to deal with insurance companies.

Contact our Madison Car accident attorneys at MacGillis Law Group, LLC to handle your car accident case. Our attorneys have the resources, authority, and knowledge to ensure that the client receives the most effective outcome in their case.