Experienced Attorney Helping Manitowoc Residents With Their Car Accident Personal Injury Claim
Car accidents are expensive. Repairing or replacing your vehicle is one thing, but dealing with the additional costs of medical expenses, missed work, and the pain you’re experiencing is an entirely different beast. That’s why West & Dunn helps Wisconsin clients with their personal injury claims. If you’re in need of a helping hand, call 608-490-9449 to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury attorney.
What Should You Do First After A Serious Car Accident?
Make Safety Your First Priority
Check yourself and passengers for visible injuries. If you can move safely, step away from traffic and turn off the ignition. Keep children and other vulnerable passengers away from oncoming vehicles. These early steps limit further harm and create a calmer space while you wait for help.
Call For Medical Help And Law Enforcement
Call 911 so emergency medical crews and police can respond. Describe what happened as clearly as you can. Tell responders about every symptom, even if it seems small. The medical records and police reports created in these initial moments often become crucial evidence in personal injury cases.
Document The Scene And Gather Information
If possible, take photographs of the vehicle positions, weather conditions, skid marks, and property damage. Ask witnesses for their names and phone numbers, and note the license plates of all vehicles involved, including any trucks or motorcycles. Afterward, keep medical bills, repair estimates, and records of lost wages together. This information helps anyone reviewing your claim understand how the collision disrupted your routine and what fair compensation should look like.
Be Careful With Early Conversations
In the hours after a crash, you may feel pressure to apologize or guess about fault. Keep your comments brief. Do not argue with the other driver. If someone contacts you seeking information about the crash, take their contact information and let them know you will follow up later.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel only shaken, see a doctor as soon as possible after the crash. Some injuries are hidden at first, including neck, back, or internal damage. Prompt treatment protects your health, fully documents your symptoms, and helps carefully connect medical findings to the collision, in case questions later arise.
What Types Of Compensation Are Available After A Car Crash?
Economic Damages
Economic damages refer to the financial costs incurred when a person is injured in a collision. They include hospital charges, follow-up visits, medication, and rehabilitation. A law firm may also track transportation costs and home modifications. Serious injuries can reduce a person’s ability to earn a living, affecting long-term financial stability and future opportunities. Property damage covers repairs or replacement of the vehicle and belongings. An experienced lawyer will review records and witness statements to obtain a clear understanding of the financial impact.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages focus on the human side of a case. They address physical pain, anxiety, and the strain that lingers long after vehicles are repaired. These losses can affect sleep, independence, and confidence behind the wheel. Representation considers how injuries disrupt family traditions, limit time with a loved one, and reshape recovery and justice.
What Evidence Can Strengthen Your Car Accident Case?
- Photos and video of the scene showing vehicles and weather conditions.
- Police reports that document drivers and early observations about who was hurt and where vehicles stopped.
- Witness statements from individuals with no apparent stake in the matter describe speed, distraction, and key details.
- Medical records that track symptoms over time and connect treatment to the collision for later court review.
- Records reflecting time away from work or reduced earning ability because of your injuries. .
- A journal of daily pain, sleep problems, and activity limits that shows the hidden toll of the serious crash.
How Can You Move Forward After A Car Accident?
The days following a collision can feel chaotic and overwhelming. You may be trying to rest, answer questions from insurers, and support your family, all while coping with pain that does not ease, even when your car is repaired, or you are forced to return to work. It is normal to wonder what is fair and what comes next. West & Dunn takes the time to listen, so your experience is more than just a file number or a few lines in a report. Our attorneys review the relevant facts, records, and losses to determine the best course of action. If you would like to speak with a lawyer about your options, you can call West & Dunn at 608-490-9449 to arrange a free consultation and discuss your case.