Milwaukee Car Accident Lawyer: Comprehensive Legal Support

Understanding Car Accident Cases in Milwaukee

There are many causes and types of car accidents in Milwaukee, and understanding them is key to a successful case.

Common Types of Car Accidents in Milwaukee

Car accidents in Milwaukee happen in various forms, each with distinct challenges. Here are some of the most common types:

• Rear-End Collisions: Often occurring in high-traffic areas, these accidents can lead to severe injuries, particularly whiplash.
• T-Bone Accidents: Common at intersections, these crashes can cause significant vehicle damage and injuries.
• Crossover Collisions: Crossover accidents occur when a vehicle crosses over a center line or median, often leading to collisions that involve both sides of the road.
• Head-On Collisions: Among the most severe types of accidents, head-on collisions typically involve high speeds and result in life-threatening injuries.
• Sideswipes: Common in high-traffic or narrow lanes, sideswipes occur when two vehicles brush against each other, potentially leading to loss of control, vehicle damage, and injuries.
• Single Vehicle Accidents: These occur when a vehicle leaves the road, often due to adverse weather, obstacles, or sudden maneuvers.
• Multi-Vehicle Pile-Ups: These chain-reaction accidents typically happen on highways or in poor weather conditions.
• Rollovers:  Rollover accidents happen when a vehicle flips onto its side or roof, often due to sharp turns, high speeds, or collisions.

Common Causes and Injuries in Milwaukee Car Accidents

Milwaukee car accidents often result from factors like:

• Distracted Driving: This includes texting, talking on the phone, and other in-car distractions.
• Car Defects: Faulty brakes, airbags, and other defects can lead to serious accidents.
• Adverse Weather Conditions: Milwaukee’s icy roads and heavy snowfall create hazardous driving conditions.
• High-Traffic Areas: Certain intersections and highways are prone to high accident rates.
• Drunk Driving Accidents: Unfortunately, impaired driving remains a persistent issue in Milwaukee and causes severe accidents.
• Driving Too Fast for Conditions: Driving at speeds unsuitable for road or weather conditions, even if under the speed limit, can be dangerous.
• Failing to Yield or Stop Where Required: Failing to yield or stop at designated areas, such as stop signs, intersections, and pedestrian crossings, leads to preventable accidents that often involve severe injuries.
• Driving Without Adequate Sleep: Fatigued driving can impair reaction times and decision-making, similar to the effects of alcohol. Drivers without adequate sleep are at a higher risk of accidents due to reduced alertness.
• Failing to Maintain a Vehicle’s Tires, Brakes, and Lights: Regular maintenance of tires, brakes, and lights is critical for safe driving. Neglecting these can lead to tire blowouts, brake failure, or reduced visibility.

These incidents lead to a range of injuries, from minor scrapes to severe trauma, including broken bones and traumatic brain injuries.

Car Accident Statistics in Wisconsin

Car accident statistics in Milwaukee and Wisconsin highlight the critical need for vigilant driving and informed legal support. In 2021, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation recorded 128,296 traffic crashes, resulting in 595 fatalities. Notably, 49% of the 546 fatal crashes involved impaired or speeding drivers.

Milwaukee, in particular, has experienced a concerning rise in traffic fatalities. From 2010 to 2022, the three-year average of crash fatalities in Milwaukee County increased by 69.9%, while the rest of Wisconsin declined by 5.7%. This surge in car accident fatalities is mostly attributed to excessive speed.

Navigating the Legal Process in Milwaukee

Filing a car accident claim in Milwaukee involves several steps, from gathering evidence to proving liability. An experienced car accident attorney can guide you through each step.

Proving Liability and Fault in Milwaukee Car Accidents

Proving liability in a car accident case is one of the most critical steps to ensure a successful claim. In Milwaukee, this process involves meticulously gathering and analyzing evidence to establish who was at fault. Types of evidence that may be gathered include:

• Witness statements
• Traffic camera footage
• Accident reports filed by law enforcement, with associated Body Cam Video and photos.

In some cases, accident reconstruction experts may be called upon to assess the specifics of the crash, which can help reinforce your case by demonstrating how the accident unfolded. By carefully piecing together these elements, a lawyer can build a robust case that clarifies fault and supports your compensation claim.

Wisconsin’s Comparative Fault System

Wisconsin operates under a comparative fault system. Under this rule, if you are found partially responsible for the accident, your compensation can be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are deemed 20% at fault, your awarded damages will be reduced by 20%. However, if an individual’s responsibility is greater than any party, the injured party cannot recover from that party.

A skilled attorney can help demonstrate the extent to which the other party is at fault while minimizing your perceived responsibility, thus maximizing your potential compensation. This approach requires a strategic presentation of evidence, including witness testimony, accident reports, and sometimes expert opinions, to ensure your case is as strong as possible under Wisconsin’s comparative fault framework.

Types of Compensation Available to Milwaukee Car Accident Victims

Victims of car accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:

Medical Expenses and Future Care

Recovering from a car accident often requires ongoing medical treatment, which can be costly. A skilled Milwaukee car accident lawyer can advocate for compensation that covers both immediate and future care, including rehabilitation and therapy.

Lost Wages and Financial Impact

Injuries from a car accident can prevent victims from returning to work, impacting their income. Legal support can help you recover lost wages and compensation for reduced earning capacity due to your injuries.

Pain and Suffering, Emotional Distress, and More

Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, are equally important. Compensation may cover emotional trauma, loss of companionship, and other impacts on your quality of life.

Why Choose Murphy & Prachthauser?

Selecting the right Milwaukee car accident lawyer can make all the difference. Our team brings extensive experience and a deep commitment to helping accident victims get the justice they deserve and the compensation they’re entitled to.

 

Free Case Evaluations and Accessibility

Murphy & Prachthauser offers free consultations so you can seek legal guidance without financial pressure. Plus, we’re available 24/7 to answer your questions and provide support.

Contingency Fee Structure

At Murphy & Prachthauser, we’re confident in our abilities and expertise—that’s why clients only pay legal fees if they win their case. We believe you should be able to focus on recovery, not finances.

Proven Experience and Success in Milwaukee

With a proven track record of successful settlements and verdicts for local clients, Murphy & Prachthauser’s team of car accident lawyers has the knowledge and skills needed to secure favorable outcomes. We take the time to understand your case, explain your options, and help you make the best decisions for your situation.

The Importance of Timely Action After a Car Accident

The aftermath of an accident is often overwhelming, with medical appointments, vehicle repairs, and insurance discussions to manage. However, the sooner you seek legal assistance, the stronger your case will be. Immediate action allows your attorney to collect critical evidence while it’s still fresh. Delaying this process could jeopardize your ability to receive compensation for your injuries and damages.

Statute of Limitations for Milwaukee Car Accident Claims

The statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim in Milwaukee—and the rest of Wisconsin—is three years from the date of the accident, except if a vehicle accident causes death, then the statute of limitations is two years. If you miss this deadline, your ability to pursue compensation is greatly limited or may be entirely forfeited. The statute of limitations ensures that cases are handled while evidence is still available and memories are fresh. Consulting with a Milwaukee car accident attorney early in the process ensures you are informed of these deadlines and that your claim is filed within the allowed timeframe.

Special Conditions for Filing

Accidents involving government vehicles, commercial trucks, or public property have unique filing requirements and shorter deadlines for notifying relevant parties. An experienced Milwaukee auto accident attorney can ensure all necessary paperwork is completed accurately and submitted on time, prevent procedural errors, and address any complications unique to your case.