Chippewa Car Accident Lawyer
Why Choose Our Chippewa Auto Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Chippewa, it’s important to choose an experienced and reputable auto accident attorney to handle your personal injury claim. Our Chippewa car accident lawyer has years of experience in handling car accident cases and has a proven track record of success in obtaining fair compensation for our clients. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a car accident can take on an individual and their family, and we are committed to fighting for your rights and interests.
Our attorney has extensive knowledge of personal injury law and has handled a wide range of car accident cases, including those involving serious injuries, spinal cord injuries, and wrongful death. We have a deep understanding of the complexities of personal injury claims and know how to work through the legal system to get you the compensation you deserve. Our attorney is also skilled in negotiating with insurance companies and has a reputation for being a fierce advocate for our clients.
Top-Notch Chippewa Car accidents Lawyers
At Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC, our Chippewa car accident lawyer are committed advocates for victims and families. With years of experience, our team includes experienced personal injury attorneys who handle a wide range of accidents and injury claims. If you or a loved one has been injured due to negligence, our team is here to help. Schedule a free, confidential consultation today.
Hurt in a car accident? You need a Chippewa car accident lawyer with experience. Car accident claims differ greatly from other vehicle collisions, needing expert guidance from injury lawyers. Call Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC at for a free consultation. We serve clients in Chippewa and the rest of Wisconsin.
Why Choose Our Personal Injury Lawyers Serving Chippewa Falls
Our personal injury lawyers serving Chippewa Falls have recovered millions of dollars for clients throughout Wisconsin. We practice law with integrity and dedication, putting our clients’ needs first in every case. Our legal team includes attorneys who are recognized by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, demonstrating our commitment to excellence in trial advocacy.
Our law office has deep roots in the Eau Claire community and surrounding areas, including Chippewa Falls, WI. We understand the challenges that car accident victims face and work tirelessly to pursue compensation for their injuries. Our Wisconsin attorney team has handled everything from simple fender benders to complex motor vehicle accidents involving multiple parties.
When you choose our firm, you get more than just legal representation. You get a team that will gather evidence, interview witnesses, conduct a thorough investigation, and build the strongest possible case on your behalf. We represent clients throughout Chippewa County, Eau Claire County, and beyond, bringing decades of combined experience to every case.
Obtaining Compensation in the Aftermath of a Car Crash: Personal Injury Claims
In Chippewa, car accidents are common and can take place in numerous locations. Each personal injury case is unique and requires a thorough legal assessment to determine the validity of the claim and the potential compensation. Serious injuries can result from these accidents, significantly impacting victims’ lives and requiring legal representation and medical attention.
Rear-end collisions are one of the most frequent types, occurring when a car crashes into the back of another, often because of tailgating or at intersections. Head-on collisions, which are highly dangerous, happen when two vehicles collide head-on, often due to illegal passing or veering across the centerline. These collisions can lead to severe consequences, including spinal cord injuries, which may result in permanent paralysis and substantial medical expenses.
Side-impact crashes, known as T-bones, happen when one car crashes into the side of another, particularly at intersections. Sideswipes occur when two vehicles traveling in parallel come into contact, especially during highway merging with limited space. Rollovers can happen when a car flips over, caused by road hazards like gravel or potholes. Single-vehicle accidents, where a car flips or leaves the road without hitting another vehicle, are sometimes triggered by another driver fleeing the scene.
Causes of Car Accidents
Car accidents can occur due to a variety of factors, each presenting unique risks and challenges. Distracted driving is a leading cause, with activities like texting, talking on the phone, or eating diverting a driver’s attention from the road. Drunk driving is another significant factor, as alcohol or drugs impair a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and ability to operate a vehicle safely. Speeding is also a common cause, reducing a driver’s ability to stop or react to unexpected situations, thereby increasing the risk of an accident.
Reckless driving behaviors, such as tailgating or weaving in and out of lanes, further elevate the risk of collisions. Bad weather conditions, including rain, snow, or fog, can make roads slippery and visibility poor, leading to accidents. Lastly, vehicle maintenance plays a key role; failure to properly maintain a vehicle can result in mechanical failures like brake failure or tire blowouts, which can cause serious accidents. Understanding these causes can help in preventing car accidents and ensuring safer roads for everyone. Negligent drivers who violate traffic laws or drive recklessly should be held accountable for the harm they cause.
Types of Car Accidents We Handle
Our experienced car accident lawyers at Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC handle a wide range of car accident cases, ensuring that each client receives the specialized attention they need. We manage rear-end collisions, which often occur due to distracted driving or tailgating, and head-on collisions, typically resulting from reckless driving or failure to yield. Side-impact collisions, or T-bones, frequently happen when a driver runs a red light or fails to yield at an intersection.
We also handle rollover accidents, which can occur due to speeding or reckless driving, and multi-vehicle accidents, often resulting from chain reactions or pileups. Each personal injury case is handled with the utmost care to ensure the best possible outcome for our clients. Our injury lawyers also handle automobile accidents involving commercial vehicles, motor vehicle accidents on highways, and other complex collision cases.
Understanding Wisconsin’s At-Fault State Laws
Wisconsin is an at-fault state, which means the at-fault driver or the at-fault party is responsible for paying damages after a car crash. This system allows injured people to file insurance claims with the other driver’s insurance company or pursue a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages. Understanding how Wisconsin law applies to your case is important for getting the compensation you deserve.
Under Wisconsin’s comparative fault rule, you can still recover compensation even if you share some blame for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re found to be more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover anything. Our personal injury lawyer team knows how to prove fault and minimize any blame placed on you.
The at-fault party’s insurance company will investigate your claim and may try to reduce what they pay out. They might argue that your injuries aren’t as serious as you claim or that you were partially responsible for the crash. Our legal team handles all communication with insurance companies so they can’t take advantage of you during this difficult time.
Chippewa Accident Statistics
Chippewa County, Wisconsin, experiences a significant number of accidents each year, resulting in injuries and fatalities. According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, there were 245 crashes in Chippewa County in 2020, resulting in 134 injuries and 5 fatalities. The most common types of accidents in Chippewa County include car accidents, truck accidents, and motorcycle accidents. These accidents can result in serious injuries, including spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and broken bones. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident in Chippewa County, it is important to seek medical attention immediately and consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Chippewa
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Chippewa, it’s essential to take certain steps to protect your rights and interests. Here are some steps you should take:
- Seek medical attention immediately: If you or a passenger has been injured, seek medical attention right away. Even if you don’t think you’re injured, it’s still important to get checked out by a doctor.
- Call the police: Report the accident to the police and make sure they file a report. This will help establish a record of the accident and can be useful in supporting your personal injury claim.
- Gather information: Get the names, phone numbers, and insurance information of the other parties involved in the accident. Also, take photos of the accident scene and any damage to your vehicle.
- Contact your insurance company: Notify your insurance company of the accident and provide them with any information they request.
- Contact a personal injury attorney: If you’ve been injured in the accident, it’s important to contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Our Chippewa auto accident attorney can help you work through the legal system and fight for your rights.
Remember, the insurance company’s goal is to minimize their payout, so it’s important to have an experienced personal injury attorney on your side to advocate for your interests. Our attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Compensable Damages in a Car Accident
In a personal injury case, you may be entitled to compensation for a variety of damages. If you have been injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for a variety of damages. Medical expenses, including past and future medical bills, hospital stays, surgeries, and rehabilitation, are often significant. Lost wages due to time missed from work, as well as future lost earning capacity, can also be claimed.
Additionally, compensation for pain and suffering, which covers physical and emotional distress such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD, is important. Property damage, including damage to your vehicle and other personal property, is another compensable area. In cases of severe injury or wrongful death, loss of consortium, which compensates for the loss of companionship and support of a loved one, may also be pursued.
In some cases involving extreme negligence or reckless behavior, punitive damages may be available. Punitive damages are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future. Understanding these compensable damages, including the grounds for a wrongful death claim, is important for ensuring you receive the full compensation you deserve after a car accident.
Personal Injury Claims Process
Working through a personal injury case after a car accident can be complex, but understanding the steps involved can help. First, seek medical attention immediately to address your injuries. Medical records documenting your treatment will be important for your claim. Next, gather evidence from the accident scene, including photos, witness statements, and police reports.
Notify the at-fault driver’s insurance company of the accident and your intention to file a claim. Submit a claim to the insurance company, including documentation of your injuries and damages. Work with the insurance company to negotiate a fair settlement. The claims process can take time, and insurance companies often try to delay or deny valid claims.
If a settlement cannot be reached, filing a lawsuit may be necessary to seek compensation through the courts. Throughout this entire process, working with an experienced personal injury lawyer is important to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages. Our team at Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC is here to guide you through each step, providing the expertise and support you need. We handle the entire process from start to finish so you can focus on healing.
Additional Legal Services We Provide
Beyond car accident cases, our law office provides comprehensive legal services for various types of personal injury matters throughout Chippewa Falls and the surrounding areas. We handle workers’ compensation claims for injured workers who have been hurt on the job. Workers comp claims can be complicated, and having experienced legal representation helps ensure you receive all the benefits you’re entitled to under workers compensation law.
Our personal injury lawyers also handle premises liability cases involving property owners who fail to maintain safe conditions. We represent clients in nursing home abuse cases where elderly residents have suffered injuries or neglect. Dog bite cases involving animal owners whose pets have attacked and injured others are another area where we provide strong representation.
We handle slip and fall accidents, wrongful death cases, and other serious injury claims throughout the region. Our Eau Claire office serves clients from Eau Claire, WI, Chippewa Falls, and the broader Eau Claire community. No matter what type of personal injury case you’re facing, our legal team has the knowledge and experience to help.
How Much Does a Chippewa Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?
If you have been injured in an accident in Chippewa County, you may be wondering how much it will cost to hire a personal injury lawyer. The cost of hiring a personal injury lawyer can vary depending on the complexity of the case, the experience of the lawyer, and the amount of time required to resolve the case. At our law firm, we offer free consultations to discuss your personal injury claim and provide guidance on the costs associated with hiring a personal injury lawyer.
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you will not have to pay any upfront fees or costs unless we recover compensation for your injuries. Our experienced personal injury lawyers will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you with your personal injury claim.
FAQs by Chippewa Clients
Q. How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Wisconsin?
A. In Wisconsin, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This time frame, known as the “statute of limitations,” is strict, so it’s important to consult with a Wisconsin car accident lawyer as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss your window to file. Some exceptions may apply, such as when an injured person is a minor or when injuries aren’t discovered right away. Contact our personal injury lawyer team for a free case review to discuss the specific deadlines in your case. Missing the statute of limitations deadline means you lose your right to pursue compensation through the courts, so don’t delay in seeking legal guidance.
Q. What role does a police report play in my car accident claim in Wisconsin?
A. A police report provides an official record of the accident, including details and possibly fault determinations, which can support your claim. While not always necessary to prove your case, a Wisconsin car accident lawyer will often use the report as valuable evidence when negotiating with insurers or preparing for court. The police report typically includes information about the accident scene, statements from drivers and witnesses, any citations issued, and the officer’s assessment of what happened. Insurance companies rely heavily on police reports when evaluating claims, making them an important piece of evidence. If the report contains errors or inaccuracies, our legal team can work to correct them or provide additional evidence to support your version of events.
Q. How is pain and suffering calculated in Wisconsin car accident cases?
A. In Wisconsin, pain and suffering are typically calculated based on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your daily life, and other subjective factors. A Wisconsin car accident attorney can help estimate a fair value for pain and suffering to ensure you pursue full compensation. Factors considered include the type and extent of injuries, whether they’re permanent, how much physical therapy or ongoing medical care you need, and how the injuries affect your ability to work and enjoy life. Insurance companies often try to minimize pain and suffering damages, but our injury lawyers know how to document and demonstrate the full impact of your injuries. We work with medical experts and use your medical records to build a strong case for maximum compensation.
Q. What if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance or enough coverage?
A. If the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough coverage to pay for your damages, you may still have options for recovering compensation. Your own auto insurance policy may include uninsured motorist coverage or underinsured motorist coverage that can help cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Our personal injury lawyers will review your policy to determine what coverage is available. We’ll file claims with all applicable insurance companies to maximize your recovery. In some cases, we may also be able to pursue compensation directly from the at-fault driver through a personal injury lawsuit, though collecting on a judgment can be difficult if they lack assets. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your options when dealing with an uninsured or underinsured driver.
Q. How much is my car accident case worth?
A. The value of your car accident case depends on many factors, including the severity of your injuries, your medical expenses and medical bills, the amount of lost wages and future earning capacity affected, the degree of emotional distress and pain you’ve experienced, and whether you have permanent disabilities. Economic damages like medical bills and property damage are easier to calculate because they have specific dollar amounts. Non-economic damages covering physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life are more subjective but equally real. Our car accident lawyers carefully evaluate every aspect of your case to determine its full value. We consider both current costs and future expenses, including ongoing medical care, physical therapy, and any accommodations you’ll need. Schedule a free consultation with our personal injury lawyer team to get an honest assessment of what your case may be worth. We’ve recovered millions for our clients and will fight to get you every dollar you deserve.
Get in Touch with Our Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer in Chippewa Now
The car accident attorneys at Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC in Chippewa are dedicated, experienced advocates committed to supporting injured victims and their families. Our firm specializes in personal injury law, ensuring expert legal representation for those affected by negligence or intentional actions. If you or someone you care about has been hurt in a car crash, our team is ready to assist with your personal injury claim.
We have extensive experience in handling personal injury cases, including personal injury lawsuits and wrongful death claims. Contact us online for a free consultation without any obligation. With locations in Onalaska, La Crosse, and Eau Claire, we’re prepared to manage severe accident cases across Wisconsin, including Chippewa and its surrounding areas.
Our personal injury lawyers serving Chippewa Falls understand the challenges that car accident victims face. We know that dealing with injuries, medical bills, and insurance claims can be overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to recover from a serious accident. That’s why we handle every aspect of the legal process for you, from investigating the crash and gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and representing you in court if necessary.
Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you during this difficult time. Our legal team has the knowledge and experience to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. Whether you’ve suffered injuries in an automobile accident, a car crash, or any other type of motor vehicle accident, we’re here to help. Family members of those who have been killed in accidents can also turn to us for help with wrongful death claims.
Call us today to schedule your free case review with our experienced car accident lawyers. We’ll listen to your story, explain your rights, and outline how we can help you recover damages for your injuries. Remember, we work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay anything unless we win your case. Let our personal injury lawyer team put our decades of experience and commitment to trial advocacy to work for you.