What to Do After Being Injured in a Car Accident in Wisconsin
What to Do After Being Injured in a Car Accident in Wisconsin
If you’ve been hurt in a car accident in Wisconsin, you’re not alone — thousands of crashes occur across the state every year, leaving victims struggling with pain, medical bills, and uncertainty about what to do next. Knowing the right steps to take after a car accident can protect your health, your finances, and your legal rights.
This step-by-step guide explains exactly what to do after being injured in a car accident in Wisconsin, and how an experienced Wisconsin car accident lawyer can help you recover full and fair compensation.
1. Call 911 and Report the Accident
Your first priority should always be safety. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. Emergency responders can provide medical treatment at the scene and transport victims to the hospital if necessary.
Wisconsin law requires you to report any crash that causes injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. Calling 911 ensures that law enforcement documents the scene and creates an official police report — a key piece of evidence for your insurance claim or injury lawsuit.
2. Move to a Safe Location
If possible, move your vehicle to the shoulder or a nearby safe area to prevent further accidents. Turn on your hazard lights and stay inside your vehicle if the surrounding area is unsafe. Never leave the scene of a serious crash until law enforcement arrives.
3. Gather Evidence at the Scene
Evidence disappears quickly after an accident, so gather as much information as you can before leaving.
Take photos or videos of:
Vehicle damage
Skid marks and debris
Traffic signals, road conditions, and weather
Visible injuries
Also, exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver, and ask witnesses for their names and phone numbers. If the police respond, request the officer’s name, badge number, and accident report number.
4. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if you think you’re “fine,” see a doctor as soon as possible after the crash. Many common car accident injuries — like whiplash, concussions, or internal bleeding — may not show symptoms right away.
Getting a prompt medical evaluation not only protects your health but also creates a medical record linking your injuries to the accident. Insurance companies often use delays in treatment as an excuse to deny or reduce your claim.
Keep all medical records, bills, and prescriptions, and follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
5. Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurance company promptly. Be honest about the basic facts, but avoid admitting fault or speculating about what happened.
Because Wisconsin is an at-fault state, the driver responsible for the accident (and their insurance company) must pay for your injuries and property damage. However, your own policy may include Medical Payments coverage (MedPay) that can help pay for immediate medical expenses regardless of fault.
If you’re unsure what to say to the insurance company, a Wisconsin personal injury attorney can communicate on your behalf and protect your rights.
6. Obtain the Wisconsin Accident Report
After the accident, you can request a copy of the official crash report from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) website. This report contains crucial details such as time, location, parties involved, and the investigating officer’s findings — all of which may help establish fault.
7. Document Everything
Successful injury claims rely on detailed documentation. Keep a dedicated file with:
Medical bills and receipts
Photos from the scene
Repair estimates
Insurance correspondence
A daily journal describing your pain, emotional distress, and how your injuries affect your daily activities
This evidence helps demonstrate the full impact of the crash on your life, supporting your demand for fair compensation.
8. Be Cautious With Insurance Adjusters
Soon after the crash, an insurance adjuster may contact you to ask questions or offer a quick settlement. Remember — their goal is to minimize payouts.
Avoid giving recorded statements or signing documents without reviewing them carefully. A Wisconsin car accident lawyer can evaluate your case value, negotiate with insurers, and ensure that any settlement covers medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs.
9. Understand Wisconsin’s Car Accident Laws
Wisconsin has specific laws that affect your claim:
Statute of Limitations: You generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Comparative Negligence Rule: You can still recover damages if you’re partly at fault — but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re 20% responsible, your award will be reduced by 20%. However, if you’re more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover damages.
Because these rules can be complex, working with an experienced attorney ensures you don’t miss deadlines or lose valuable compensation.
10. Contact a Wisconsin Car Accident Lawyer
After a serious injury, trying to manage medical treatment, insurance negotiations, and legal paperwork can be overwhelming. A Wisconsin personal injury lawyer can handle every aspect of your case, from investigating the crash to negotiating with insurance companies — and, if necessary, taking your case to court.
At DMR Law Offices we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay anything unless they win your case. Hiring a lawyer quickly also increases your chances of preserving critical evidence and building a strong claim.
Final Thoughts
Being injured in a car accident in Wisconsin can turn your life upside down — but taking the right steps immediately can make all the difference. Prioritize your health, document everything, and seek legal help as soon as possible.
If you or a loved one were hurt in a crash, contact an experienced DMR Law Offices today for a free consultation at 414-455-3629. They can help you understand your rights, guide you through the claims process, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
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