Best Car Accident Lawyers in Brookfield

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Brookfield, Wisconsin?

  The non-emergency contact number for the Brookfield Police Department is 262-787-3700.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Brookfield, Wisconsin?

  The police agency has accident reports available three to four days after the incident. You may call 262-787-3702 to request your report from the Records Department. It is available for pickup or mailed to you. There is a 15-cent charge for each page.

• Who is responsible for accidents involving self-driving cars in Brookfield?

  Partly autonomous cars are still subject to human control. It means that assigning blame depends on the cause of the collision and whether the driver or the vehicle was at fault. The manufacturer, the software supplier, the service center, and perhaps the property owner may all share responsibility for accidents involving fully autonomous vehicles. Failing to implement a software update from a manufacturer may be considered negligence and liability on the owner's part.

• What happens if you get involved in a car accident in Brookfield without insurance?

  If you are involved in a Brookfield car accident without insurance, your driver's license and vehicle license plates may be suspended. If you are at fault for an accident resulting in an injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation may contact you. Drivers in Wisconsin are required to have insurance. If you do not have insurance or do not have evidence of insurance with you, law enforcement may issue a ticket for violating these laws.

• Where in Brookfield do car accidents frequently occur?

  According to City-Data.com, the most recent fatal automobile and road traffic accidents in Brookfield have occurred on Brookfield Road, State Trunk Highway 190, Interstate 94, Imperial Drive and West Capitol Drive, and Capitol Drive and Springdale Road. Of 115,694 recorded auto accidents in Wisconsin, 540 were fatal, resulting in 593 casualties. The fatalities rate per reported accident is somewhat greater than the national average.

• What is the most common cause of car accidents in Brookfield?

  The top contributing factors to car accident fatalities in Brookfield are drunk driving, speeding, and distracted driving. Speeding kills more Wisconsinites than drunk driving each year. According to preliminary data, 18,171 accidents involving a speeding car in 2022 resulted in 157 deaths. Speeding accidents are also more common than drunk driving accidents, although drunk driving accidents are deadlier. Another cause of the accident is inattentive driving, which is difficult to quantify due to underreporting, but nationwide studies link smartphone use to an increased chance of an accident.

• How does Wisconsin law affect my Brookfield auto accident settlement?

  According to Wisconsin law, all insurance policies must provide harm liability coverage of at least $25,000 per person. If there are injuries to either party or property damage of $1,000 or more (200+ for government cars), report the collision to the proper authorities. A personal injury lawsuit must be filed in Wisconsin within three years of the injury's discovery.

• How do I choose a car accident lawyer?

  To select a car accident lawyer, consider the lawyer's experience, focus, and reputation. While nearly any attorney can negotiate with insurers for a settlement, not all attorneys have amassed experience litigating a claim in a court of law. Choose an attorney with a background that includes car accident claimants; it's helpful if the attorney is focused on personal injury law. Lastly, read reviews from previous clients to get a feel for the attorney's helpfulness and responsiveness to clients. The best lawyer for your case is one that you feel comfortable and confident working with.

• What steps should I take after a car accident?

  Immediately following a car accident, get out of traffic as soon as possible and dial 9-1-1. Exchange car insurance information with any other involved drivers and get a police report as soon as possible. Be truthful about what happened, even if you are at fault, but stick to reporting the facts of the accident without offering an opinion on who is to blame. If possible, take photos of your car, other cars at the scene, and the scene itself.

• (When) Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?

  Start working with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible following your car accident (some attorneys even make hospital visits). By reaching out for legal help early on, you avoid some of the pitfalls of trying to handle your claim on your own. Your attorney can also get the ball rolling on reimbursement for your medical bills and lost wages while awaiting the outcome of your claim.

• How long after a car accident can you claim an injury?

  The length of time you can file a claim for an injury following a car accident is governed by the statute of limitations in your state. Although it varies, most states set the statute of limitations for injured parties to seek compensatory damages at three years following the accident or three years after you discover your injuries. In cases where children are injured, the statute of limitations may be longer.

• What do I do after a car accident that I'm not responsible for?

  After an accident that's not your fault, seek immediate medical help if you are injured. Once it's safe to do so, obtain the other driver's contact and insurance information, any statements from witnesses, and photos of the scene. Obtain a police report and contact your insurer and the at-fault party's insurer. If you are injured, schedule a consultation with a car accident attorney to discuss your legal options.

• What happens if someone sues you after a car accident?

  If you have car insurance in force at the time of the accident, your insurance is contractually bound to represent you on any claims that arise, indemnifying you against loss up to the limits of your policy. You can help your insurance company by cooperating fully. If the plaintiff in any lawsuit obtains a judgment above your policy limits, then you can be held personally responsible for any damages awarded.

• What/how much can I expect from a car accident settlement?

  According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average bodily injury claim in 2018 was $15,785. The amount of any particular car accident settlement hinges primarily on the severity of the injuries sustained as a result and whether or not any partial or total permanent disability was caused by the accident. Claims that involve broken bones or nerve damage likely settle for more than claims where soft tissue injuries are present.

• How do I arrange a rental car after an accident?

  To arrange a rental car after an accident, first consider whether your insurance or the other party's insurance will be paying for the rental. If another driver is found to be at-fault for the accident, that driver's insurance may pay the costs. If you are responsible, your insurance may pay if your policy covers such expenses. Speak with your insurance adjuster to determine if you have benefits available.

• How long does it take for car insurance to go back down after an accident?

  Post-accident rate spikes can last anywhere from three to five years, depending on your insurer. However, if damages incurred during the accident are less than $2,000, your rate may not go up at all. Three years is typical for collision and property damage claims. Five years is not uncommon in accidents involving bodily injury claims, DUI or DWI, reckless driving, or serious violations at the time of the accident.

• How to settle a car accident claim without a lawyer?

  To negotiate a car accident settlement without a lawyer, you'll have to prove that the other party was to blame for your damages. Gather evidence at the scene to support your claim, including witness statements and photos. Seek medical treatment for your injuries immediately. Notify the other driver's insurer of your intent to file a claim. If you reside in a no-fault state, you will need to use your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits first before filing a claim against the other party for medical expenses and bodily injury. Be prepared with medical records, police reports, receipts for out-of-pocket accident-related costs, and proof of lost income due to the accident before beginning negotiations.