From car and bicycle accidents to dog attacks and other incidents resulting in serious injuries, victims in Wisconsin can begin the personal injury case process for a wide range of reasons. If you have a personal injury case, it will be important for you to know what you can expect (and what you need to do) throughout the process.
So, what is the personal injury case process in Wisconsin? Here is an overview from the experienced personal injury lawyers at Boller & Vaughan in Madison, WI:
If you think you may have a personal injury claim, whether for a car accident or other injury-related incident, your first step is to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced personal injury lawyer will be able to provide a preliminary assessment of your legal rights and determine whether it makes sense to conduct an investigation. Learning about your legal rights costs nothing, and it is well worth taking the time to find out if further action is warranted.
If it appears that you may have a personal injury claim, then the next step in the process is to conduct an investigation. This investigation should take place as soon after your accident as possible—which is one reason why it is important to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer right away. When investigating your accident, your lawyer will be looking for any and all evidence that sheds light on why the accident happened and who (or what company) is responsible.
Along with investigating your accident, your personal injury lawyer will also carefully calculate the damages you are entitled to recover. Generally speaking, accident victims are entitled to compensation for their financial and non-financial losses under Wisconsin law. As a result, calculating your damages is not simply a matter of adding up your out-of-pocket costs, and you should not rely on the insurance companies to calculate your damages for you. Your lawyer will calculate your damages with your best interests in mind—working with your doctors and other experts as necessary to understand the long-term effects of your injuries.
Seeking a personal injury settlement involves dealing with the insurance companies in most cases. Once your lawyer gathers the evidence he or she needs to determine who (or what company) is responsible and how much you are entitled to recover, your lawyer will then file all appropriate insurance claims on your behalf. This can be one of the longer stages in the personal injury case process, so it is important to be patient and focus on your recovery while your lawyer focuses on recovering the financial compensation you deserve.
If the insurance companies accept financial responsibility for your accident, then the next stage will be to enter into settlement negotiations. Your lawyer will negotiate on your behalf, and will advise you of any settlement offers he or she receives. You are never required to settle your case; and, by working with an experienced personal injury lawyer, you can make sure that you do not unknowingly settle for less than you deserve.
Throughout the personal injury case process, it is important to stay focused on protecting your legal rights. When you have a personal injury claim, even small mistakes can prove very costly. Your lawyer will be able to explain what to do (and what not to do) while your case is pending—and, if you have any questions, you should seek advice from your lawyer promptly.
If you don’t receive a settlement offer you are willing to accept, the final stage in the personal injury case process will be taking your case to court. While most successful personal injury cases settle, it is important to be prepared to go to court if necessary. Not only does hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer minimize the likelihood that you will need to go to court, but it also ensures that you will be fully prepared to fight for your rights if a fair settlement isn’t on the table.
Do you have more questions about the personal injury case process in Wisconsin? If so, the experienced personal injury lawyers at Boller & Vaughan can explain your rights and legal options. In your initial FREE case evaluation, our attorneys will listen to your story, answer your questions, address your concerns, and advise you on your best next steps.
You only have a certain amount of time to take legal action after a serious injury. If you fail to act within the defined timeframe, you will lose your chance to recover compensation for your physical, financial, and emotional losses. To get started with a free, no-obligation case assessment, call 608-268-0268 or request an appointment online today. We serve clients throughout Wisconsin from our office in Madison.
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We live in Friendship, Wisconsin, and Boller & Vaughan came to our doorstep to discuss our mother’s wrongful death claim on a Saturday morning. Not only were we pleased with the large recovery, we were so thankful to have lawyers who were willing to explain to us every twist and turn along the way. It is great to know there is a law firm that will fight for the rights of elderly people all over Wisconsin.
Mr. Boller and Ms. Vaughan were incredible in working on my case and my daughter’s case. I was out of work and in the hospital with a new baby. Mr. Boller and Ms. Vaughan protected our rights and it was a pleasure to work with them. I hope never to be in another motor vehicle accident, however, if I am and I am injured, I will contact Boller & Vaughan immediately.
I was referred to Michelle through a friend. I have never had a better experience. It took a little over a year to get my settlement but the staff there stayed in constant contact and kept me in the loop. Oh, and Michelle actually got me MORE money than we discussed. I will refer anyone to this firm. Words cannot do justice the thanks that I have for Michelle and her staff (Mary especially) thank you guys so much!
After my husband died as a result of a motor vehicle accident, Boller & Vaughan spent countless hours talking with me, meeting with me in person, and making sure that I was okay. The drunk driver who hit us did not have any insurance, and we had to make a claim through our own insurance. Boller & Vaughan was fantastic at explaining the law to me and the handling of our claims.
After my son was injured in a daycare setting, Ms. Vaughan took the time to thoroughly investigate our case and my son’s injuries. Michele was approachable and had answers to our questions. Talking with her helped to relieve many of our anxieties.
